The Assembling of the Saints, Whereby Jesus Is the Head - Part 1361

In I Corinthians 14:26, apostle Paul outlines a pattern for orderly conduct that would serve as a guide for believers when they congregate together. Therein, everyone is an equal -- having been chosen and ordained of God. Moreover, as an assembling of the saints, there should be a recognition by one and all that the presiding officer is Almighty God. The same God who is the Father in creation, the Son in redemption and now the indwelling Spirit. 

What does I Corinthians 14:26 say?

"How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying."

Therefore, when God’s redeemed children gather together, these should be in one accord. As one in unity of faith and spirit, purposely expressing with singleness of heart an offering of sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to their Lord God and Saviour. In other words, thanking God personally for loving them enough to become their Saviour and Redeemer. God being none other than the Lord Jesus the Christ.

In many ways, our faith journey should remember our starting point, when we were akin to our first love. As this chorus states ... "Take me back, Lord. Take me back, dear Lord to the place where I first received you. Take me back, oh Lord, to the place where I first believed!"

At Corinth then, the believers were going to let the world know that what they experienced was the real thing. It did not come from the dregs of the genie in the bottle. Neither did it come from substances or turning oneself into a pin cushion. Rather, this high on life is something that the world could never give, and even better is the news that the world cannot take it away either.

Why? Because with Jesus, we are sitting in heavenly. In a place where our hearts are filled to overflowing, and then running over with joy unspeakable.  This is why many of us are glad for the Holy Ghost gift of tongues. Because with tongues, our spirit can give thanks to God Almighty in a way that language and words cannot effectively express. Yes, even with groaning that just could not be uttered. But I digress.

At this point, making fixed rules as or a schedule for worship is difficult. For example, if one were to stringently impose a form, then at which point would stringent order surmount spiritually desired worship. This is a question that I'm sure the apostles asked as well. So, what recourse is necessary for believers to follow? 

Well, first of all, Acts 20:28 shows Paul addressing the elders. He says, "take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has made you (the elders) as overseers -- to feed the church of God, the same church or body of Christ that He purchased with His own blood."

How does that look in practice? With elders acting as overseers -- appointed by the Holy Ghost -- they must instruct Christian believers that God is not the author of confusion. Rather, God is the author of peace. The Holy Ghost being the Author that defined the conduct for all the assemblies of Jesus people. 

How do we know this? In Acts 1:2, Jesus through the Holy Ghost commands the apostles whom He had chosen.

Therein, we also see that the gifts of the Holy Ghost and appointed gift administrations, operations and ministries are recognized as being the desired effectual worship. Within this gathering, each believer adorns themselves with the garment of praise, being clothed in His righteousness. Note here that the assembling together of the saints is not about seeking preeminence in the congregation but rather, that each member of the body of Christ can seek the edification of all members by allowing the prompting of the Holy Ghost to lead.

For it is written in the scriptures that Spirit of Jesus the Christ (the man) in the midst of His own Body (church) sings praises to the Spirit of God. It is the indwelling of His holy Spirit, which is the well of living water within us that enables and causes the believers to worship and adore Jesus.

It is Jesus who the scriptures state must have the preeminence in all things. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)

Hopefully; now we are ready to lift our voice with one accord, saying, "Lord you are God alone, the God which has made the heavens and the earth, and all that is contained within. We praise you Lord for your goodness and grace."

And then, stand in the offering plate while the Lord make each and every one of us into a new creation. Be blessed!

That The Communication of Thy Faith May Become Effectual - Part 1360

Of the times and the seasons, ye have no need that I write unto you, for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. "For when they shall say, "Peace and safety" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. But ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overcome you as a thief." (I Thessalonians 5:1-4)

Why? Because as believers in Jesus by faith, and baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are all the children of light and the children of the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness.

"Therefore, let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober, for they that sleep sleep in the night, and they that be drunken are drunken in the night, but let us, who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ -- who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Wherefore, comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (I Thessalonians 5:6-13)

How do we do this?

Warn them that are unruly. Comfort the feeble minded. Support the weak. Be patient toward all. See that none render evil for evil unto any. Ever follow that which is good -- both among yourselves, and to all. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not the prophesyings. Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And let the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 5:14-23)

And throughout, be sure that others hear of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of EVERY GOOD THING which is in you in Christ Jesus. (Philemon 1:6)

Stand in the offering plate.

But After That, The Kindness and Love of God our Saviour Toward Man Appear - Part 1359

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:11-15)

As believers in Jesus by faith, who have been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus, received the gift of the Holy Ghost, as did the first 3,000 believers on the day of Pentecost, we should not give heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men that turn from the truth. Rather, we need to be thankful that the Lord of glory loved us enough to take on a sin-prone flesh so that we could be saved through the blood He shed on the cross for you and I.

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgression [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives ..." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

But Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands [which are] the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us, nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world ... but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, and as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:24-28)

Let those who have ears to hear, hear.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "Ought Not Christ To Have Suffered These Things, And To Enter Into His Glory?" - Part 1358

Jesus said, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove [convict] the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement. Of sin because they believe not on Me. Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more. Of judgement because the prince of this world is judged." (John 16:7-12)

Jesus repeatedly told His disciples (and by extension you and I) what would happen after He was crucified. And that after He was taken up, He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost would give commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) But note, after Jesus died on the cross and His lifeless body placed in the tomb for three days and three nights, Jesus rose again. And between rising from the dead and His ascension, it is important to know that Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples multiple times. (Acts 1:2; I Corinthians 15:1-8)

Moreover, during this time, Jesus appeared to different groups of people including Mary Magdalene and other women at the tomb, Peter in Jerusalem, His disciples behind closed doors, the two travelers on the road, Jesus' brother James, the disciples with Thomas, and seven disciples while fishing, eleven disciples on the mountain, a crowd of five hundred, and then -- last of all, apostle Paul. Yes, Paul was the last to see Jesus.

"And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that man not meet to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (I Corinthians 15:8-10)

Indeed, Paul declared unto us the gospel, which also ye have received and wherein ye stand, "by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures." (I Corinthians 15:1-4)

But Paul was not the only one to see Jesus for the last time. (I Corinthians 9:1; I Corinthians 15:8)

"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome" had come to the sepulcher where Jesus was buried. It was early on the first [day] of the week, and indeed, yet dark. By this time, the earthquake had caused the stone to roll away. Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, "out of whom He had cast seven devils." And she went and told them that had been with Him as they mourned and wept. (Mark 16:1-11; John 20:11-18)

"But Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down and looked into the sepulcher. And sees two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, "Woman, why weep thou?" She saith unto them, "Because they have taken away my Lord and I know not where they have laid Him." And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus said unto her, "Woman, why weep thou? Whom seek thou?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, "Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him and I will take Him away." Jesus said unto her, "Mary." She turned herself, and saith unto Him, "Rabboni" which is to say, "Master."

Jesus said unto her, "Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father, and to My God, and your God." (John 20:1-18)

In Matthew's account, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the sepulchre, and the angel of the Lord said unto the women, "Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and, behold, He goes before you into Galilee. There shall ye see Him. Lo, I have told you." (Matthew 28:1-8) But as they departed quickly, Jesus met them saying, "All hail." And they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, "Be not afraid. Go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee and there they shall see Me." (Matthew 28:9-10)

Luke includes Joanna, and other women with them which told these things unto the apostles. (Luke 24:10)

Peter was one of those apostles told, and although the women's words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not, Peter still ran unto the sepulcher. And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem. While they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. And He said unto them, "What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?"

And the one of them (whose name was Cleopas) answering said unto Him, "Art Thou a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?" And He said unto them, "What things?" And they said unto Him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him. But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel; and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done." (Luke 24:20)

"After that He [Jesus] appeared in another form unto TWO of them, as they walked, and went into the country, and they went and told unto the residue; neither believed they them. Afterward He appeared unto the ELEVEN as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen." (Mark 16:12-14)

"And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself spake and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you." But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit, and He said unto them, "Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see Me have. And when He had thus spoken, He showed them [His} hands and [His] feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, "Have ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. And He took and did eat before them ..." (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-25)

The Lord is risen indeed and hath appeared to SIMON. (Luke 24:34)

"And after eight days again, His disciples were within, and Thomas with them, [then] came Jesus the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be unto you." Then saith He to Thomas" who had not been with the disciples earlier, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into My side, and be not faithless, but believing." And Thomas answered and said unto Him, "My Lord and my God." Jesus saith unto Him, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me thou hast believed. Blessed they that have not seen and [yet] have believed." (John 20:26-29)

Seven disciples were fishing -- Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of His disciples. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. This is where Jesus tells them to cast the net on the right side of the ship and they shall find. (John 21:1-14)

Eleven disciples were on the mountain, where Jesus had appointed them, "and when they saw Him they worshiped Him. Note that some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth ..." (Matthew 28:16-20)

A crowd of 500 and James the brother of Jesus (I Corinthians 15:6-7)

Those who watched Jesus ascend to heaven in Acts 1:2-8) "And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James," where these all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brethren." (Acts 1:1-14)

And to summarize, Paul clarifies who was last to see Jesus again in I Corinthians 15:1-8:

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles, and last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:1-8)

Let him who has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

According As He Hath Chosen Us In Him Before the Foundation of the World, That We Should Be Holy And Without Blame Before Him In Love -- Part 1357

Getting to know your Bible is critical to understanding who Jesus is. Certainly, when Jesus said that the 66 books that make up the Bible point to Him, we should pay attention. I say this because in today's world, there is a move to offer a different understanding of the scriptures than the gospel preached by the Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples. This is being accomplished in several ways. One is to offer rewrites of the Bible under the guise that the English contained in the new version is easier to read. (Actually, it is to earn money from copyrights, etc., but the authors fail to tell us this). The second is to quote only parts of a scripture so that the truth is hidden and/or surrounded by fine sounding words of men. Today, I would like to focus on the latter.

We know the Lord Himself encourages us to study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)

And by increasing our knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, His divine power provides unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, glory and virtue. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of ourselves -- it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Further, "grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that be these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity; for if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:2-8)

But if we only get part of the scripture or context, how can we know the truth? It would be like baking a cake with only half the ingredients. Sure, we can possibly substitute some of the items but the final outcome would not be the same. This is what is happening in many of the churches today, and, sadly, as a consequence, we take the partial teaching that we hear and assume that it must be true.

Let's look at some examples from the scriptures, and see how the partial and revised versions have changed the meaning.

Matthew 7:7 -- Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened."

But the rewritten version states -- "The famous teacher Jesus Christ said; "Keep on asking and it will be given to you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and it will be opened to you."

First, Jesus is not just a famous teacher -- He is the Lord of glory, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords. "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11; Revelation 1:8, 11)

Second, Jesus told us to ask and it shall be given. He did not say to keep on asking, or to keep on seeking, or to keep on knocking as if we were little children without a purpose.

Does God have a name? Beyond the titles of God and Lord. Of course He does. Right from the beginning of this current dispensation of grace -- known in the scriptures as the New Testament, wherein God declares "peace and good will to all" the angel of the Lord declares, "And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call His name JESUS; for He shall save His people from their sins." Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son and they shall call His name Emmanuel which being interpreted is -- God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35; Luke 2:21; John 1:29; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6)

But instead of recognizing and understanding the difference between the two covenants -- the old and the new -- these prefer to mix the old and new to justify bringing forward the name Jehovah from the old testament. As we see from the scripture above, God has given us a new name in this dispensation -- "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none under name given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

This is why Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost said, "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made this same JESUS whom ye have crucified BOTH Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) The stone which was set at nought of you builders which is become the Head of the corner. (Acts 4:11; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; I Peter 2:4-8)

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

But as part of the denial of who Jesus really is, we see cited scriptures falling short of the original text. For example, Isaiah 9:6 -- "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." This corresponds with Isaiah 7:14 -- "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign -- Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His name Immanuel." Or, Isaiah 42:13 whereby the Lord speaking through the prophet said, "The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man ..."

And missing in the explanation is Jesus telling those who sought to kill Him -- "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30) But instead, what we are given is half-truths. For example, one organization states Isaiah 9:6 as saying this -- "Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called ... Prince of Peace."

What????? Just because these do not want to admit that Jesus is Almighty God in the flesh does not mean it isn't so. Indeed, the omissions here alone begs the question -- what other truths are being hidden?

This is why EVERY KNEE will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Romans 14:11) He is God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

John 17:3 -- Jesus said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."

John 14:6 -- Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him."

Colossians 1:12-20 -- "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] He might have the preeminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fullness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him ..."

To believe otherwise would require believing that Jesus was a created being and as it currently stands, there is no scripture to validate this false teaching. In fact, John wrote: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us ..." (John 1:14)

"And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called the Word of God." (Revelation 19:13)

"But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son MADE of a woman, MADE under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons .." (Galatians 4-5)

"But we see Jesus, who was MADE a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man -- for it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren ..." (Hebrews 2:9-11)

The Word that was with God and was God -- when the fullness of time was come, was MADE flesh. (John 1:1-18)

Jesus told Philip, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then]. Shew us the Father?" (John 14:8-31)

This is why Jesus said to those Jews which believed on Him -- "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)

Our salvation depends on what we do with Jesus, because it is in Jesus whereby God Himself offered the perfect sacrifice so that we might know Him in this current dispensation of grace.  "According as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself -- according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure -- which HE PURPOSED IN HIMSELF THAT IN THE DISPENSATION OF THE FULLNESS OF TIMES, HE MIGHT GATHER TOGETHER IN ONE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST -- IN WHOM ALSO WE HAVE OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE, BEING PREDESTINATED ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE OF HIM WHO WORKS ALL THINGS AFTER THE COUNSEL OF HIS OWN WILL." (Ephesians 1:4-14)

This is the fullness of time. We no longer live under the old covenant. In this dispensation of grace, God has given us a new name -- the only name whereby we must be saved. His name is JESUS.

May the eyes of your understanding be enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ. (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Stand in the offering plate.

Note: In Hebrew, the name Jehovah was spelled YHWH without vowels. Man has added the vowels to make YHWH pronouncable.

Jesus Said, "Suffer the Little Children And Forbid Them Not To Come Unto Me" - Part 1356

Jesus had just left Galilee, venturing unto the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan. As was the norm, great multitudes followed Him everywhere. In the midst were the Pharisees, asking Jesus questions intended to tempt Him. For example, "Is it lawful for ...?" or, conversely, "Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?" (Matthew 19:1-9)

Like the Jews in John 5, the Pharisees remained stuck in the old covenant law, blinded to the new that stood in front of them. The vail still on their hearts, and so much so "that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished." (II Corinthians 3:13-17)

We see the consequence of a similar mindset when the little children were brought to Jesus that He should put His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the children. But what did Jesus say? "Suffer little children to come unto Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 19:14) And He laid His hands on them before departing thence.

But this is not the only scripture whereby Jesus references children. Remember the disciples' question to Jesus earlier? That is, "who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set the child in the midst of them, and said, "Verily, I say unto you. Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble Himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receives Me." (Matthew 18:1-5)

We also know that the apostles warned believers about those who would come and preach another Jesus whom the disciples did not preach. (II Corinthians 11:4) Apostle Paul went so far as to write, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-8)

Thus, herein the question. If the very reading of the old testament brings back the vail that prevents people from receiving God's free gift of salvation and grace, why are we so willing to teach our children about Moses and the law? And similarly the ten commandments, a if they were life giving and could fill us with hope? Yes, I understand that the ten commandments are a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, but would it not be better to encourage our children to come directly to Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength -- as Jesus Himself said, "Suffer little children to come unto Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 19:14)

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law ..." (Hebrews 9:15-19; Romans 6:10; Isaiah 53:10-12; I Peter 2:24; Matthew 26:28; Titus 2:13)

Why? Because God deemed it necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these "but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these -- for Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us, nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others. For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:20-28)

This being the good news gospel message of Jesus Christ which applies specifically to this current dispensation of grace in which we live. That is, "to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19; John 1:1-18)

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (I Peter 2:24-25)

It is for this reason that the life giving message of our Lord Jesus Christ needs to be extended to our children so that they too can be set free from the enslaving bondage of this world. And thus grounded in the precepts and doctrines that apply to the very time in which we live, and to let them come to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- who willingly shed His precious blood on the cross.

For God so loved the world!

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness and shew unto you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested unto us) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, and these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (I John 1:1-4)

And the children's joy as well! Stand in the offering plate.

For I Am God, And There Is None Else, I Am God And There Is None Like Me - Part 1355

Jesus asked, "How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek no the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is [one] that accuses you -- Moses -- in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" (John 5:44-47)

At the time, the Jews were seeking to kill Jesus, because He had not only broken the sabbath by healing one with an infirmity, but for all making Himself equal with God. Note Jesus response to these Jews. First, Jesus clarifies who He is.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you. the Son can do nothing of Himself but what He sees the Father do: for what things soever He does, these also does the Son likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that Himself doth, and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises up the dead, and quickens, even so the Son quicken whom He will. For the Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. That all [men] should honour the Father. He that honours not the Son honours not the Father which hath sent Him." (John 5:19-23)

The reader can assume that the Jews had not changed their stance, because Jesus not only tries a second time to explain who He is, but begins to tell them of God's plan of salvation -- the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning.

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears My Word and believes on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

And then again, a third "verily, verily" so that the attending Jews might know to take note.

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself. And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also because He is the Son of man." (John 5:25-27)

This reminds me of Matthew 28:18 when Jesus said, "ALL POWER is given unto Me in heaven and in earth."

The Lord of glory -- God Himself manifest in the flesh -- is herein telling the Jews that He is the promised Messiah -- the Christ of which the prophets of old declared. And, as such, He has the authority to execute judgment because He -- Jesus is also the Son of man. All judgment being given to the Son so that all should honour the Father.

But Jesus did not stop there. He tells them not to marvel at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth -- they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation [condemnation]. I can of Mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just [righteous]; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me. If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another that bears witness of Me, and I know the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. Ye sent unto John and he bare witness unto the truth, but I receive not testimony from man; but these things I say that ye might be saved.

[That is], he was a burning and a shining light and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light, but I have greater witness that that of John; for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me. And the Father Himself which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me." (John 5:28-37)

Note what is happening here. For a time the Jews were willing to rejoice in John the baptist, even though John the baptist did not point to himself but to the One who came after -- of which he was not worthy to tie his shoes. John the baptist pointed repeatedly to Jesus, saying, "Behold, the Lamb of God."

But the Jews did not want to behold Jesus. They did not want to admit that Jesus wasn't just equal to God but was God Himself clothed in a sin-prone flesh, and yet without sin.

"And she shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and they shall call His name Emmanuel" which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:31; Luke 2:21; John 1:29; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6)

Instead, they sought to kill Jesus in their hearts. So what did Jesus then say?

"Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And ye have not His Word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not. If another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that comes from God only. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one that accuses you -- Moses -- in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me; for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" (John 5:37-47)

Sadly, we see the same thing happening within the modern day religious culture today, except that today, the man-made churches desire to be like the harlot church, spoken of in the book of Revelation. Like the Jews in this example, these did not want to accept Jesus as God manifest in the flesh, or God with us, or that Jesus is the only name in this current dispensation of grace whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12; Acts2:37-39)

Why? Because Jesus (who is the Word -- the Word of God dwelling among us and after the cross, living within us) was /is not in them. Instead, these desire in their hearts to seek praise and honour from men, and not from God only. These want us to remain under the law of the old covenant -- Moses -- mixing the old wine with the new, rather than believing on Jesus who was a far greater witness than John the baptist (or Moses) could ever be -- because in Jesus was life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shines in the darkness but the darkness comprehended it not.

This is why the prophets of old told of the coming Messiah -- the Lord God Almighty coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

Ironically, the Jews were willing for a season to rejoice in the message of John the baptist even though (as Jesus points out) he was not the Light that brings life to those who believe.

"There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came for a witness to bear witness of the Light that all [men] through Him might believe. He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light." (John 1:6-7)

Who was the Light of the world? Jesus!

He is "the true Light which lights every man that comes into the world. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not ... but as many as received Him, gave He power to become the sons of God -- to them that believe on His name." (John 1:8-12)

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father;) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

But like the Jews herein,  many in the religious community today willingly receive those who come in their own name over Jesus who came in His Father's name, so that we might have eternal life. The precious name of Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.

"Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

"And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see together, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken." (Isaiah 40:3)

"I am the Lord and there is none else. There is no God beside Me. I have girded thee, though thou hast not know Me: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:5-6)

Let him with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Until Christ Be Formed In You With His Righteousness And Praise Springing Forth From You- Part 1354

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to EVERY man to profit withal ..." (I Corinthians 12:7)

"For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty ..." (Galatians 5:13)

How many times have we heard a parent say, "If I have to tell you this again ...!"

Well, as we read in the scriptures, apostle Paul was similarly reduced to the same commentary when he wrote to the church in Corinth, stating this is the "third" time I am coming to you. Not the first, or second time, but the third time, so that they (and by extension we as well!) could truly comprehend how to "examine ourselves whether we be in the faith."  (II Corinthians 13:5)

And consequently, if we are in the faith, proving our own selves by trusting with all our heart, soul, mind and strength in His Word -- the Word that was with God and was God, made flesh and dwelling among us so that we could know the abundance of His mighty love -- Jesus the Christ. The promised Messiah. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. Almighty God in the flesh, inviting each and every one of us to come boldly to the throne of grace. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6)

Paul had so much to share with those who believe on Jesus by faith, a remnant according to the election of grace, and "if by grace, then [is it] no more of works; otherwise, grace is no more grace." (Romans 11:5-6)

However, Paul knew that our love relationship with Jesus should not be stagnant either. As such, our heart desire should be to study His Word, to pray without ceasing, and to rejoice evermore, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service -- being not conformed to this world, but rather "transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye many prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)

Loving our Lord God and Saviour with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, knowing that the Lord thy God is one Lord. (Mark 12:28; Deuteronomy 6:4)

For this reason, Paul was determined not to leave us ignorant. As did Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost, when he declared this same Jesus whom they crucified as both Lord and Christ, we are to be water baptized in the precious name of our Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-47)

"Moreover brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. And did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4; Acts 2:36-47)

"Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong; and this also we wish -- [even] your perfection." (II Corinthians 13:5-9)

Perfect not in and of ourselves, but because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross. He paid the price once and for all. The perfect sacrifice. He who knew no sin becoming sin (without ever having sinned) so that we might inherit eternal life.

Thus, when we yearn to know Jesus Christ personally -- according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began, and now made manifest to us so that we can know Him too as both Lord and Christ, our hearts are renewed in His mercy. Only then can we understand why God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen. (I Corinthians 1:27-28)

As it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

Be washed, be sanctified, be justified in the name of the Lord Jesus -- until Christ be formed in you!  (I Corinthians 6:11; Galatians 4:19)

Stand in the offering plate.

Beloved, Think It Not Strange Concerning the Fiery Trial Which Is To Try You But Rejoice!- Part 1353

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." (I Peter 4:12-14)

"Moreover, brethren, we do (make known to you) to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia, how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality, for to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power  [they] were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift [and take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering of the saints." (II Corinthians 8:1-4)

In the gospels, we see Jesus speaking to the chief priests and the scribes and the elders in parables, as they sought to lay hold on Him. Note however that inasmuch as these desired to rid their society of Jesus, they also feared the people for they knew that He had spoken this specific parable against them. So, instead, they sent unto Jesus certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to catch Him in His words. (Mark 12:13)

"And they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way. And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words.

And when they were come, they say unto Him, "Master, we know that Thou art true, and cares for no man: for thou regard not the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, "Why tempt ye Me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it." (Mark 12:12-15)

And they brought it. And He saith unto them, "Whose is this image and superscription?" And they said unto Him, "Caesar's." And Jesus answering said unto them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him.

Note then that the Sadducees came which say there is no resurrection. Next, a scribe to whom Jesus observed, saying, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." (Mark 12:28-34)  And while Jesus taught in the temple, the common people heard Him gladly. (Mark 12:37)

But to the scribes, Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing and love salutations in the marketplaces and the chief seats in the synagogues and the uppermost rooms at feasts, which devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayers; these shall receive greater damnation." (Mark 12:38-40)

Did you catch that? Jesus warned us of the scribes, who love salutations and recognition in the synagogues, and always want the best seats at feasts. Why? Because these devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. But Jesus did not stop there. Over in the treasury, Jesus beheld how the people cast money into the treasury and how many that were rich cast in much. 

"And there came a certain poor widow and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them. "Verily I say unto you. That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury ... for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had -- even all her living." (Mark 12:41-44)

The little widow woman gave all she had, not of her abundance but from her heart. She honoured the Lord God with everything she had -- her mind, her soul, her heart and her strength. The first commandment in both the old covenant and the new testament. (Mark 12:28; Deuteronomy 6:4)

"And herein, I give my advice for this is expedient for you who have begun before -- not only to do but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it, that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have, for if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not ...

For I mean not that other men be eased and ye be burdened but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want that their abundance also may be a supply for your want -- that there may be an equality." (II Corinthians 8:10-14)

In other words, as it is written, "He that had gathered much had nothing over, and he that had gathered little had no lack." (II Corinthians 8:15)

As a community of believers wherein every single believer is equal within the body of Christ, and Jesus is the Head.

This is why we should "rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying(s). Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that called you, who also will do it ... The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (I Thessalonians 5:16-28)

Stand in the offering plate.

For Ye Know the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, That Though He Was Rich, For Our Sakes He Became Poor - Part 1352

"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us; we pray you in Christ's stead; be ye reconciled to God --for He hath made Him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:17-21)

Think about this for a moment. When we believe on Jesus by faith, repenting of our sin, and are then water baptized in the name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, we become a new creature. The heart desires that we once had are passed away, and all things have become anew. And this gift of salvation -- not of ourselves but because God reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and having done so, has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

In other words, He gave us the Word of reconciliation so that we could become ambassadors for Christ. Not only so that we can be reconciled to God but those around us too -- for He who knew no sin has made Him sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

For those who don't know Jesus personally, note that today is the day of salvation. Behold, now is the accepted time to ask Jesus to become Lord and Saviour in your life. (Isaiah 49:8) And thus, your purpose and heart desires renewed as a consequence of His goodness and grace. But don't stop with a change of heart. Acknowledge that this is a new turning point in your life. The new paradigm in which each and every one of us can receive peace and joy until even our cups runneth over. Now that is blessing.

But some within the religious community have translated the word 'blessed' to mean 'prosperous' in the worldly sense. To many in their congregations, this means financially set for the remainder of our time left on earth. However, as believers in Jesus the Christ by faith, we are instructed not to be deceived by the whims of man-made religion and the traditions of men.  Indeed, apostle Paul clarifies our new relationship in Jesus, saying:

"We then as workers together with Jesus beseech also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain -- giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be blamed; but in all approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. By honour and dishonour, by evil report and by good report, as deceivers, and yet true, as unknown, and yet well known, as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:1-10)

Thus, we are labourers together with God -- ambassadors for Christ. Ye are God's husbandry, God's building according to the grace of God -- for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 3:9-11; II Corinthians 5:20)

The God of hope fills you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13) Thus, let a man so account of us, writes Paul, as of the ministers [servants] and stewards of the mysteries of God, and that ye be found faithful. (I Corinthians 4:1-2)

Running the race and enduring to the very end, regardless of the hurdles life driven by a worthless enemy throws repeatedly at believers. This is why Paul writes -- ministers of God in much patience, and in much afflictions, and in much necessities, and in distresses, and in stripes, and in imprisonments, and in tumults, and in labours, and in watchings and in fastings.

As Paul himself has experienced, "in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes, save one. Thrice I was beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren, in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which comes upon me daily -- the care of all the churches." (II Corinthians 11:23-28)

Even so, there is a hope in Jesus that surpasses all human understanding. "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God ... because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 2-5)

By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. (II Corinthians 6:4-7)

This is why we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? Rather, we are the temple of the living God: as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," saith the Lord, "and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters," saith the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:14-18; Isaiah 52:11)

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons [and daughters] of God." (Romans 8:14)

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (I Corinthians 3:16)

Therefore, don't let the trials and tribulations of this world get you down. Instead, seek His love unfeigned both through and by the Word of truth, by the power of God. Stand by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and the left by the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter which will lead and guide you into all truth. Most of all, don't be misled by those who only want to take and take again from you because that spirit is the spirit of this world and not the Spirit of the Lord.

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to EVERY man to profit withal ..." (I Corinthians 12:7)

Stand in the offering plate.

For God is Not the Author of Confusion, But of Peace - Part 1351

"But this spake Jesus of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." (John 7:39)

Herein, the question often asked in the book of Acts. Have you received His Holy Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- since you believed? This question was originally asked by Paul when he met certain believers. Their reply? "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." Apostle Paul then asks, "Unto what then were you baptized?" And they replied that they were baptized in the fashion practiced by John the baptist.

As the scriptures relate, Paul then sets out to explain that John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. Preparing the heart and minds for the soon appearing of the Lamb of God whom later would be crucified. Jesus. John said he was the 'early news edition' forecasting the imminent appearing of Jesus. 

"After me comes a man which is preferred before me -- for He was before me, and I knew Him not, but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." (John 1:29-31)

But He that comes after me, declared John, this same Jesus whom was crucified will baptize you with His Holy Spirit. As we read in the scriptures, these believers gladly received Paul’s words and were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:1-6; Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:34-48) When Paul laid his hands upon them in Jesus name, the promise of God descended upon the twelve disciples and they began to speak in other tongues. The tongues were accompanied with prophesy.

In other words, as the scriptures states, there is only One Lord, One faith, One baptism. For by One Spirit have we all been baptized into one body.  (Romans 6:3-4) We are buried with Him by baptism into His death and we rise up out of the water clothed in His justification. Moreover, we are sealed with His promised Spirit. Many will speak in tongues. The language of our heavenly Father adopting us and making us His redeemed children. The Holy Ghost confirming that we are now His children.

Remember, after Jesus was taken up, He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles. (Acts 1:2) The last to see Jesus was Paul -- "as one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:1-8) But I digress.

In this current dispensation of grace, He God manifest in the flesh has seeded us in His death. And now, He that has the Son has life. We are not endeavouring to introduce an alternative gospel here. Rather, we are confronting those who have been side swiped by so called men of God. Individuals appointed and titled by organized religion that haven't adhered to the Word of God. Like the false apostles that Paul exposed, Paul submitted that they were messengers of satan transforming and presenting themselves as messengers of light.

If indeed they were messengers of light, then they would preach the Word of God, as His Word is written in the scriptures. And, as we were commanded. The scriptures tell us not to preach any other doctrine, other than the doctrinal truths which were delivered to us. 

Therefore, it's time to stop hiding in the bushes. Like Adam in the garden. Only in these latter days, many hide behind the Bible in order to make merchandise of you. We have just read that Paul and company baptized 12 persons into the name of Jesus. These 12 were not baptized into the descriptive titles. (The titles -- "in the name of the father, son and spirit" was adopted by the so called church fathers around 300 AD. They, having laid aside the scriptures, altered the word from the original which was baptism into the name of Jesus). His  name is Jesus!

Still, these so-called teachers of His Word march on in clear defiance of the truth. But Jesus told us, that those who are of God will hear the Word of God, receiving God’s engrafted Word with meekness. It is they who will abide in God’s Word with thanksgiving. As concerning the receiving of God’s Spirit, they did speak in tongues as the Spirit of God gave them utterance. Today does not differ from the experiences shared in Acts chapters 2 and 10. Some advocate that this experience has ceased, now that we have entered into the 21st century but His Word states differently.

God is still pouring out His Spirit upon all believers today. His spirit which He has housed in fleshly bodies and His promise which extends to all generations does not change because time has passed. Indeed, God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. God manifest in the flesh. 

Therefore, run and run fast from those who oppose God’s Word. Why? Because God is no respecter of persons. When the scriptures state that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, rest assured that is exactly what occurred. Similarly, when you are filled with the Comforter which is His Spirit within, you will experience the same outpouring of the Holy Ghost as the first 3,000 on the day of Pentecost. 

Only after you are grounded in the book of Acts, move on into the epistles. In the meantime, tarry before God allowing Jesus to breathe His breath on You.

May His Word also find in your heart good soil, causing you to grow in grace and the knowledge of our great God and only Saviour the Lord Jesus (the Christ). Peace to all who are in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

Are Ye Also Deceived? If Any Man Do His Will He Shall Know of The Doctrine, Whether It Be of God - Part 1350

"Have any of the rulers, or of the Pharisees -- believed on Him?" (John 7:49)

This is an interesting question given that Jesus declared, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)

At the time, the Jews sought to kill Jesus. Earlier, the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand, and Jesus would not walk in Jewry [Judea] because of the situation. Jesus told them it was because "My time is not yet come, but your time is alway ready. The world cannot hate you, but Me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil" (John 7:1-8)

Jesus told His brethren to go up unto this feast, but Jesus abode still in Galilee. When His brethren were gone up, Jesus also went up unto the feast but not openly. As we know, the Jews asked, "Where is He?" causing much murmuring among the people concerning Him. (John 7:9-13)

Later, about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught, and the Jews marveled, saying, "How knows this man letters, having never learned?" Jesus answered them, and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, He shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or I speak of Myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory; but He that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keep the law? Why go ye about to kill Me?" (John 7:14-19)

You see, the rulers, along with the Pharisees were supposed to be 'learned' men, and also familiar with the historical record contained within the old testament. As we read however, we see that they all marveled, even though Jesus had only done one work. (John 7:20-21)

Jesus went on to boldly proclaim -- "Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at Me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgement." (John 7:22-24)

At this point, something dramatic begins to happen among those listening to Jesus' teachings. Some of them of Jerusalem started to ask if Jesus is the very Christ. "Howbeit we know this man whence He is, but when Christ comes, no man knows whence He is." (John 7:25-27) And many of the people believed on Him. Some considered Jesus to be a prophet, while others the Christ. Some even referred to the prophecy of old that stated, "That Christ comes of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was." (John 7:42; Micah 5:2)

Sound familiar? Do you remember when Jesus stood up in the synagogue and said, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." And all bare Him witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" (Luke 4:22-23; John 6:42; Acts 13:29)

Needless to say, there was a division among the people because of Jesus. This became too much for the chief priests and Pharisees who proceeded to send officers to capture Jesus. And some of them would have taken Him, according to scripture, but "no man laid hands on Him." (John 7:44)

Why? Because the appointed time was not yet.

Note also that the Holy Ghost was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:39) This scripture is one of many that refutes the modern day religious dogma that suggests the Holy Ghost is co-eternal and co-existent as a part of a tri-une God. But I digress.

When the officers came, the chief priests and Pharisees asked, "Why have ye not brought Him?" The officers answered, "Never man spake like this man." Then answered them the Pharisees, "Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him? But this people -- [this crowd] --who knows not the law are cursed?" (John 7:44-49)

But as we learn, the 'unlearned' crowd were not the only ones to marvel. Nicodemus (who had come to Jesus by night and who brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes about an hundred to clothe Jesus body with spices) also asked, "Doth our law judge man, before it hears him, and know what he does?" They answered and said unto Nicodemus, "Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look; for out of Galilee arises no prophet." (John 7:50-53; John 3:1-21; John 19:39; Deuteronomy 1:16; Deuteronomy 17:20)

But the learned of that day should have realized that one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinned; but rather, at the mouth of three witnesses shall the matter be established. (Deuteronomy 19:15)

At the end of the day, Nicodemus actions answered the Pharisees' question.

"Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him?" (John 7:48)

And there is Nicodemus, along with the crowds not only believing on Jesus, but following Him too. Why? Because they knew that if any man or woman do His will, that person shall know the doctrine -- whether it be good or bad. And you will too, if you seek Him through His Word.

Stand in the offering plate.

For If The Inheritance Be Of The Law, It Is No More of Promise - Part 1349

"And that I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, [it is] no more of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one but God is One." (Galatians 3:17-20)

When Peter (standing with the eleven apostles) stood and told the multitude of people that this Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ, what happened? The people were pricked in their heart, and as a consequence, led to ask what they must do to obtain salvation. Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

We often focus on repentance and water baptism in the name of Jesus in this blog, because it shows how the scriptures so clearly differ from the religious traditions and institutionalized doctrines of men. And, in essence, shows how far the religious culture has swayed from the truth. Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17)

The Word that was made flesh. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18)

He -- God in Christ -- Jesus the Christ is the "promise" that is "unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:39)

The promise of God in Christ which cannot be disannulled by man or added to. Till the seed should come to whom the promise was made. The seed which is Christ.

The promised Messiah is Christ.

Zacharias (the father of John the baptist, called the prophet of the Highest who went before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways) prophesying said it this way.

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed His people. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; as he spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; the oath which He sware to our father Abraham -- that He would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear. In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life."

In this case, Zacharias was prophesying about the day that the Lord God of Israel would visit and redeem His people. Today, we have seen the promise. Our eyes have seen and witnessed Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people. (Luke 2:25-32)

Jesus -- the Bread of life.

Jesus -- the living water from whence we will never thirst again.

Jesus -- the Light of the world.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

God with us -- who is both Lord and Christ. (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6; Acts 2:36; I Timothy 3:16)

The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the King of kings and Lord of lords -- the One and Only.

And if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise. But we have the promise that was prophesied from the beginning -- that the same Lord God who created the world in the beginning, would bring us His gift of salvation.

Thus, we are saved "by grace through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The greatest love story ever told. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I Am Come In My Father's Name, And Ye Received Me Not - Part 1348

Jesus said, "And the Father Himself which hath sent Me hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And ye have not His Word abiding in you; for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not." (John 5:37-38)

Herein, Jesus is speaking to the Jews who persecuted Him, seeking to slay Him. The Jews were mad because Jesus had done a miracle on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, "My Father works hitherto, and I work." (John 5:16-17) Then the Jews sought the more to kill Jesus, because He had not only broken the sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God." (John 5:16-18)

What did Jesus say?

Then answered Jesus and said unto them. "Verily, verily, I say unto you. The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father doing, for what things soever He doeth, these things also the Son likewise ... that all should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father." (John 5:19-47)

Jesus finished this teachings to the Jews, saying, "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me, for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?"

Still, as we know from the scriptures, our Lord God is so good. Even before the foundations of the world were formed, God had a plan. The following scriptures taken from I Corinthians 1:20-31 elaborates on the wisdom of God and how God chose the foolish things -- like the preaching of the cross -- to confound the wise. The scriptures state:

Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards. Not many were powerful. Not many were of noble birth but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

But of Him are you in Christ Jesus who of God is made into us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that according as it is written, "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

Stand in the offering plate.

The Law Was Added Because of Transgressions Till the Seed Should Come To Whom The Promise Was Made - Part 1347

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to sees, as of many; but as of one, "And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise, but God gave to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:16-18)

"For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect. Because the law works wrath, for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Therefore, it is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickens the dead and calls those things which be not as though they were -- who against hope believed in hope that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be."

"And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:18)

"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thine name great, and thou shalt be a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curses thee, and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed ... And the Lord appeared to Abram [Abraham] and said, "Unto thy seed will I give this land, and there builded he an alter unto the Lord, who appeared unto him." (Genesis 12:2-3,7)

"For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth; so that if a man can umber the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee ..." (Genesis 13:15-17)

"And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform.

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him, but to us also, to whom ist shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ -- by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 4:13 - Romans 5:2)

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many are one body, so also is Christ. For by One Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member but many ... But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased Him ..." (I Corinthians 12:12-18)

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [Him]; that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God." (Romans 8:17-19)

In other words, we are a privileged people, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood -- because by the reason of Him who shed His precious blood on the cross, we who believe in Jesus by faith have been delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

As a consequence, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that love us. (Romans 8:35-39)

Stand in the offering plate.

Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord, And He Shall Sustain Thee - Part 1346

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me."

But instead of getting to know Jesus personally as the ONLY mediator between God and man -- the perfect sacrifice whereby He willingly shed His blood on the cross so that we might have eternal life, we allow a religious culture to intervene, teaching us doctrines that cannot be substantiated within His Word.

Apostle Paul said, "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you? that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If yet in vain?

He therefore that ministered to you in the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye not that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], "In thee shall all nations be blessed with faithful Abraham." (Galatians 3:1-9)

But sadly, too many have not run well, to which Paul asks, "Who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of Him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, sedition's, heresies, envying's, murders, drunkenness, revelling's, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:7-26)

Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

Stand in the offering plate.

May the God of Hope Fill You With All Joy and Peace in Believing, That Ye May Abound in Hope Through the Power of the Holy Ghost - Part 1345

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, we were never intended to chore away in the drudgery of this world. Rather, Jesus invites us to enter into His rest, standing fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. To that end, Jesus spent over three years enlightening His disciples in the day to day. But even Jesus (at times) sighed deeply at how little His disciples had learned within that space of time.

I am thinking specifically of the time that Jesus warned His disciples about the Sadduccees and Pharisees, and similarly, to beware of the leaven. The disciples mistakenly took this to mean that Jesus was mad at them for forgetting the bread, even though these same disciples had already witnessed Jesus feeding the five thousand from five loaves and two fishes. In that situation, there was even baskets of food left over. But I digress.

In warning His disciples, Jesus was referring to the slippery slope principle -- meaning that if a compromise is made for one teaching (or doctrine), it won't be long before the original teachings of Jesus are no longer recognizable. We see this within the modern day religious culture. The saddest part of it all is that the Word that Jesus personally delivered is being compromised and diluted as well. And in this case, Jesus was telling His disciples to beware of the leaven.

A little leaven can spoil the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9)

But we are privileged, in that we in this current dispensation of grace can freely access His Word. And having received the Holy Ghost (after repenting and being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus) we no longer have need of a teacher, if we study His Word for our edification and learning.

Therefore, "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage ... for we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love." (Galatians 5:1-6)

Trust in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ today. Stand fast in the offering plate.

Hear O Israel The Lord God Is One Lord And There Is No Other Beside Him - Part 1344

"Then drew near unto Jesus all the publicans and sinners to hear Him, and the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners, and eats with them." (Luke 15:1-2)

This is the starting point of Jesus parable. It is important to note that the teaching He gives in Luke chapter 15 continues to the beginning of chapter 17. I believe Jesus' parable should be a must read for all believers seeking Jesus, in order that these come to know half-heartedness in our faith, and how being neither hot nor cold grieves our Lord and Saviour.

Jesus' audience here includes the disciples, publicans and sinners, as well as Pharisees and scribes. Essentially, the parable in Luke 16 points to a dishonest steward who — in managing an estate — was accused of wasting and squandering the lord’s goods. By definition, steward means “one who manages another’s property, finances or other affairs,” or “one who is in charge of household affairs.”

Jesus said unto His disciples, “There was a certain rich man which had a steward, and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.” (Luke 16:1-2)

In today’s terms, this situation would be akin to a manager calling into question an employee’s conduct, before firing this same employee. The steward here is now concerned because he is going to be — if we use the analogy above — out of a job. Clearly, the steward has a problem. To redeem himself, the steward counsels within himself, saying, “What shall I do? For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig [and] to beg I am ashamed.” (Luke 1:3)

In other words, the steward stands condemned if he cannot find a way to manage his responsibilities again. So the steward begins to seek options using his worldly wisdom. But the steward must act quickly because if he doesn’t, his plight will be found out within the community, and most particularly among the lord’s friends. So the steward cleverly devises a plan that will keep him gainfully employed. The steward states, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

Thinking quickly, the steward hurriedly turns the rich man’s debtors into his friends. In his haste to remain employed, he calls every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, asking, “How much owest thou unto my lord?” The first said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And the steward said, “Take thy bill and sit down quickly and write fifty.” Then the steward said to another, “And how much owest thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And the steward said unto him, “Take thy bill and write fourscore.” (Luke 16:5-7)

What the steward is doing here is changing the terms of the relationship between the debtor and the lord. On the surface, the steward who in his job was previously responsible for collecting all outstanding debts is now turning the rich man's debtors into his friends by forgiving some of the debt.

Jesus cites two examples in the parable. In one, the account holder's debt was forgiven by half. But the steward's negotiating did not just stop at two debtors. In fact, according to the scriptures, the steward called “every single one” of the lord’s debtors. Not one person was missed in the steward’s determination to negotiate a new debt with one and all. As a consequence, the total cost — if we were only looking at monetary terms — would be significant. But obviously, we are not only looking at monetary matters here.

When the lord discovered what the steward was doing, he commended the unjust steward for using worldly ways to justify his continued existence. It is here that the real message of the parable begins to unfold. No longer is the parable focused solely on the steward wasting the lord’s estate — for which the steward was essentially fired.

“The lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:8-9)

Herein, the lord is commenting on how the unjust steward found a way — albeit using evil cunning and deviousness — to increase his reputation among the fold. From the unjust steward’s perspective, he was able to retain some form of credence within the community as a whole by arranging a better deal for the debtors. Can you hear them saying, “Well, he can’t be all bad.”

From the debtor’s perspective, they would be most grateful for a portion of their debts being forgiven. Normally, for a debt to be forgiven (if you use the agricultural example that would have been prominent in Biblical times) there would have to be extenuating circumstances in the farming sector that precipitated making a special request. But note here that forgiveness of the debt came about without any solicitation by the debtors to the lord. The debts were seemingly freely given — without a list of conditions — from the debtor’s point of view. (More on this point later)

But the key to remember here is that salvation was already bought and paid for -- IN FULL -- ONCE AND FOR ALL -- when Jesus shed His precious holy blood on the cross. He paid the full price of our salvation. He offered the perfect sacrifice, extending His gift of redemption and eternal life to every person that so desires His blessings.

However, it is also critical to notice that in acknowledging the steward’s deal to the debtors, the lord was not commending the steward’s dishonesty or behaviour. What the unjust steward did to further his own self-preservation was still wrong on every level.

However, the unjust steward knew enough about the lord to recognize that the l/Lord would not go back and collect the difference in the debts owing from the debtors – regardless of the amount. Why? Because the steward knew the Lord was gracious. The steward also knew that the Lord had already forgiven the debt in full. He had come to fulfill the law, thereby bringing the law to fruition. It was this acknowledgement — the ability of even the steward to recognize the ultimate generosity of the Lord that the Lord commended.

So what does all this mean? First, the key to understanding this parable is recognizing the true identity of the characters. The rich man is our Lord God and Saviour, satan is the steward/manager and the accuser of the brethren, and the debtors represent all of humanity — you and I.

Second, as we know from Genesis, satan gained authority and rule over the earth when Adam and Eve fell in the garden. There and then, satan became the prince of this world working through mankind — evil in every aspect. His objective was to seek and devour everyone that he could, always luring people to do his bidding. In essence, satan was always seeking ways to repress God’s people -- and if he couldn't accomplish this objective satisfactorily, at least he could get them to settle into the established traditions of men.

Sadly, in this situation, he turned those whom Jesus had set totally free -- to stand fast in His liberty according to Galatians 5:1 into debtors. Debtors again to the Law and the old covenant that was so prevalent in the old testament. The same Law that our Lord God fully satisfied and brought to an end when He died on the cross.

As Jesus said, "It is finished."

But what satan did not count on was this. The generosity of our Lord extended from His abundant love for His creation. So when our Lord God — who created man and woman in the beginning — willingly became our Saviour, satan lost his stronghold. Indeed, when Jesus’ precious holy blood was shed on the cross for you and I, the prince of this world stood condemned. (John 16:11)

Fired. Why? Because when Jesus blood was shed, the Law was satisfied once and for all. When Jesus died and rose again, we were forgiven of our sins when we chose to believe in Him by faith ... and seek His righteousness. This meant that satan could no longer misuse the Law in order to repress God’s chosen people.

Neither could the prince of this world accuse those who seek Jesus and all His righteousness because in salvation -- which God gave us as a gift -- we are totally forgiven by His grace and mercy. 100% forgiven of our past, present and future sins -- covered by the precious blood of Jesus -- so although our sins were crimson, they are now white as snow.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves — it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As a consequence, satan — like the unjust steward in the parable — recognized that in order to retain his worldly status, he would have to act quickly. Call in IOU’s — even if one has to make them up, and thus, lure us through deceitful negotiation into making a deal. A different deal for every person. A varying discount depending on the spiritual situation. Nevertheless, the ultimate objective being to make one and all debtors.

This is why he said, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

The intent then was for satan to ensure that we remain as debtors — with at least one foot in the world. Half-hearted in our love for Jesus. Giving only a little bit of our life to being free in Jesus — with one foot in the Law, citing the ten commandments as critical in our daily living, while only half-heartedly acknowledging God's grace and mercy that set us free -- standing in His liberty. Sprinkling the gospel in our life while immersing ourselves in the labour of this world.

Going to church just enough to show the Lord that we are willing to participate — at least to some extent but never really experiencing His awesome freedom and grace. Conforming to the traditions of men, rather than worshiping our Lord.

As a consequence, we end up serving two masters rather than wholeheartedly seeking the absolute — the one and only — Jesus the Christ — the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

The same Jesus who said that we “are bought with a price” and therefore the reason why we should “glorify God in our body, and in our spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:20)

Contemplate on this part of the revelation because this is only the beginning. Indeed, there’s much more to come in the posts ahead. In the interim, put "yourself" in His offering plate.