Ever Learning And Never Able to Come to the Knowledge of the Lord - Part 1386

Jesus answered and said unto them, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29)

Sadly, as a consequence of believers in Jesus by faith not taking the time to study and search the scriptures, we have become ignorant of the principles of the oracles of God. It is within this context that the Word of the Lord states that "ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the Word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:12-14)

Thankfully, there are those believers who wholly understand that the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Indeed, as the scriptures inform -- "without faith [it] is impossible to please [Him]: for he that comes to God must [first] believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 6:11) 

Therefore, the starting point for salvation must first include repentance from dead works, whereby we recognize that only the Lord Jesus and His gift of grace can save us from sin. That only His precious blood shed on the cross can redeem and sanctify and make us whole.  (Matthew 1:21-23) .

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)

His Word further states -- "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31)

But there is more to being a follower and disciple of Jesus than just believing that Jesus is, and it is critical that we as believers understand this point. In Hebrews, we learn that there are in fact "six principles" of the doctrine of Christ that must be understood, before we can go on unto perfection. Why? Because these collectively make up the foundation -- the one and only apostolic doctrine established in the scriptures for the new testament church -- Jesus being the Head of the body of Christ Church. (Acts 2:36-47) Let me explain.

The sixth chapter of Hebrews begins: "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:1-2)

As stated earlier, the first step is repentance from dead works. The second is having faith toward God. Note that in the scriptures, the word belief is used interchangeably with faith. But the scriptures also tell us that faith is substance. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the confidence that the Lord said what He meant and meant what He said. His promises to us are true.

"The Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 6:11) 

But "without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) 

This is why we "therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" knowing that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Almighty God manifest in the flesh. (Hebrews 4:16; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13)

Then there are the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:2) Note that the word "baptisms" is plural here, signifying more than one.

We know from the scripture that John baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, and there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4-5) In other words, those who were baptized by immersion in the river Jordan admitted that they were sinners.

As we also know, John baptized everyone who came to him because at that time, he did not know who the promised Messiah was. He just knew to tell the Pharisees and Sadducees that the Messiah [Christ] was not him, as he told them to bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.. (Matthew 3:5-10) 

The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and saith, "Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, "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)

Later, Jesus told the chief priests and the elders of the people, "For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not, but the publicans and the harlots believed him; and ye, when ye had seen [them], repented not afterward that ye might believe Him." (Matthew 21:32)

And when John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15) 

As we can see, the promised Christ came in due time. In preaching the gospel, Jesus told them to repent and believe the gospel. That is, as John the baptist said -- to believe on Him [Jesus] who would come after John. 

"Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

The Seed -- the promised Messiah, of whom John said "is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchets, I am not worthy to unloose." (John 1:27) The time is now fulfilled. In due time, Christ came.

John water baptized so that those baptized would be cleansed on the outside, as was the custom of the day. Still, John repeatedly pointed to Jesus, preaching and saying, "There comes One mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." (Mark 1:7-8)

What did Jesus tell us to do, just prior to being taken up? "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ... he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16)

But the church folks say that water baptism isn't necessary? Sigh! 

What did Jesus say? " ... he that believes AND is baptized shall be saved!"

And how were new believers baptized in the new testament? On the day of Pentecost, the first 3,000 souls asked Peter (standing with the eleven) what they had to do to be saved. Peter answered and said,  "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:44-48)

And, as we see, the record of every single person water baptized in the new testament -- after the required purchase was made -- the perfect offering -- Jesus giving His life for us and shedding His blood for our transgressions, was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:15-18) The Word that was with God and was God made flesh. (John 1:1-18; Isaiah 42:13)

Why is baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus critical? When we are buried with Christ in baptism, we are resurrected with Him in His resurrection. (Romans 6:3-4) We are clothed in His righteousness -- His garment -- His name -- the precious name of Jesus. 

"Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized; and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common." (Acts 2:36-45)

And they, continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. (Acts 2:46; Acts 1:14; Luke 24:53; Acts 20:7; Acts 5:14) 

Jesus said, " If ye love me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; [even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." (John 14:15-21)

Thus, when we follow His commandments and abide in Him, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38; John 15:7; )  Why? 

So "that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:12)

His Name be praised for evermore. Stand in the offering plate.

(More to follow on this topic in the days ahead)

And Such Were Some of You But Ye Are Washed, But Ye Are Sanctified, But Ye Are Justified In the Name of the Lord Jesus, And By the Spirit of Our God - Part 1385

The scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem had been asking Jesus why His disciples transgressed the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands when they ate bread. Jesus answered and said unto them, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, "Honour thy father and mother" and, "he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death." But ye say, "Whosoever shall say to [his] father, or [his] mother, "[It is] a gift, by whatsoever thou might be profited by me, and honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be made free]." Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition." (Matthew 15:1-9) 

What was happening here is the Pharisees and certain of the scribes found fault with the disciples when they saw some eat bread with defiled -- that is to say  with unwashen hands. (Mark 7:1-2) At the time, the Pharisees and all the Jews except they wash [their] hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when these come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, and brasen vessels, and of tables. (Mark 7:1-4)

We know that apostle Paul had admitted to profiting in the Jews religion, "how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and wasted it. And profited in the Jews religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by His grace, to reveal His Son in me that I might preach among the heathen, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood." (Galatians 1:14-15) But I digress. 

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus, "Why walk not Thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?" (Mark 7:5)

Jesus answered, saying, "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, "This people draws nigh unto Me, and honours Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:8-9; Psalm 78:36; Isaiah 29:13; Colossians 2:18-22) 

Indeed, Jesus told them -- "For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do." (Mark 7:8) And thus, Jesus said unto them, "Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition ... but ye say, "If a man shall say to his father or mother, "It is Corban," that is to say, a gift, "by whatsoever thou might be profited by me, [he shall be free]. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or mother; making the Word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered; and many such like things do ye." (Mark 7:6-13)

But note that Jesus did not leave His listeners hanging. Rather, when Jesus had called all the people unto Him, He said unto them, "Hearken unto Me every one of you, and understand. There is nothing from without a man, that enters into him can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." (Mark 7:14-16)

Matthew writes Jesus' response this way: "Hear and understand; not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." (Matthew 15:10-11) We know this to be true because in Peter's vision, the voice that Peter heard and spake to him a second time, and then a third time, said, "What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common." (Acts 10:15)

Mark records Jesus response to the people this way: Jesus called all the people unto Him and said, "Hearken unto Me every one of you, and understand. There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him, but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." (Mark 7:14-15) 

Nevertheless, in observing the situation, the disciples came unto Jesus when they entered into the house from the people, and said, "Know not that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?" In other words, His disciples wanted to understand the parable also. And then asked Peter, "Declare unto us this parable." 

Jesus said unto them, "Every plant which My heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone; they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." 

"Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand that whatsoever enters in at the mouth goes into the belly and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they can defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, false witnesses, blasphemies, pride, foolishness. These are [the things] which defile a man [because evil things comes from within]; but to eat with unwashened hands defiles not a man." (Matthew 15:12-20; Mark 7:17-23)

What does this all mean?

I believe I Corinthians 6 elaborates on the point Jesus was making. Apostle Paul writes, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:9-11)

But then Paul writes, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (I Corinthians 6:12; 10:23) 

"Meats for the belly, and belly for meats: but God shall both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body, and God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make [them] the members of an harlot? God forbid. 

What? Know ye not that He which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith He, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." (I Corinthians 6:12-17)

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils. Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (I Corinthians 10:21) Indeed, ye cannot serve two masters. Thus, if you be entangled again with the yoke of bondage -- circumcised -- ye become a debtor to do the whole law and Christ is become of no effect unto you "whosoever of you are justified by the law ... ye are fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:1-4)

"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, for in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcisions: but faith which works by love."(Galatians 5:6)

This is why Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandmen. Every branch in Me that bears not fruit He takes away and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it that it might bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine. Ye are the branches -- he that abides in Me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:1-5)

And if Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending -- if He calls you to abide in Him, ye are washed, sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that is a reality that even the scribes and Pharisees (as sad as that is) cannot see. 

Stand in the offering plate.

Christ Jesus Came Into the World To Save Sinners- Part 1384

It appears that the anti Christ(s) are everywhere. And, as satan’s employees, they are extremely subtle. After all, the spirit of the devil is described as being the father of lies. Right from the garden of Eden, the devil opposed the Word of God. While in the temptation which transpired when the devil tempted the Lord, the devil  always presented a twisted warped presentation of the written Word. Recall throughout that the Lord constantly reminded the devil of the truths of God which were written. The Word of God being not only accurate but unchangeable.

Down through the generations believers have endeavoured to express faith in the finished plan of God at Calvary. “It is finished was His cry.” This is why salvation is not a salvation of works. This salvation is the redemptive work of God Himself toward all sinners. For the Lord said that He came to seek and to save that which was lost.

For example, I was lost but I did not know that I was lost. I had followed the crowd on the broad way to destruction. Talk about deception! The devil spun the web and I was trapped. That is, until someone spoke the Word of God to me. It was then that the light switch was turned on. The light of the glorious gospel of God revealed in the face of Jesus. Like a day star -- the dawning of a better day -- light arising and the darkness gradually being dispelled.

It is for this reason that the Word of God is all powerful. The stony heart of unbelief being circumcised with the truths delivered by the Lord to the Apostles. These were truths that He had Himself chosen and their word (which of course did not deviate from) His Word. He confirmed the Word and by so doing established a Rock on which believers could take to the bank of heaven.

So, at what point does one no longer have a God approved right to authentically be called Christian?  I would venture to suggest never. Certainly, if Christ is the Head of the Church which is His body, and Christ the Word is spoken by the Spirit through the mouth of the Head Jesus, then only those who are redeemed as a result of hearing His Word and continuing steadfastly therein ought to have the right to be described as Christian. All others who present a message that does not conform to the scriptures must be classified as anti Christ.

So, when one hears another say that there is such a place called purgatory - a place where one receives essentially a second chance to redeem him or herself -- then this is utter foolishness. It certainly is misrepresenting what the scriptures state in the written Word. Therefore, this type of latter message could only be presented by 1) someone who is an enemy of the gospel, or 2) by individuals who have never read the written Word, or 3) one who has been programmed in erroneous teachings.

Recall that when Peter opposed what Jesus said, Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get you behind me satan, for you savour not the things that be of God but the things that be of man."

It is ultimately your decision but taken together, purgatory is not a reality of God, but one created in the imaginations and minds of man. Indeed, the Lord Himself made no reference to such a place. Further, to even entertain that such a place did exist where we could redeem ourselves would be suggesting that what was accomplished on the cross by Jesus at Calvary was inadequate.

That the Blood of the Holy Ghost that flowed in the veins of the Lord Jesus, which flowed from the side of His marred body for man’s redemption was insufficient. But to those who accept Jesus, we understand the price that was paid on the cross. Jesus died in order that we might receive the gift of salvation.

"For by grace are ye saved 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)

Accept Jesus as Lord God and Saviour in your life today. Repent and be baptized in His name -- the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Stand firm in His teachings. Stand in the offering plate.

According to His Abundant Mercy, He Hath Begotten Us Again Unto A Lively Hope - Part 1383

In writing to the strangers [exiles of the dispersion in] and scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ had no qualms in outlining the benefits of serving a Saviour who loved Him enough to die for him. Indeed, as we read in the first epistle of Peter, there are a number of reasons for asking Jesus to become Lord in your life, and to be water baptized in His name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)

First, as believers in Jesus by faith, we receive sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:2)

Second we are blessed, He has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, according to His abundant mercy. (I Peter 1:3)

Third, we become partakers in an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and life eternal that does not fade away but rather reserved in heaven for you. (I Peter 1:4)

Fourth, we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time -- this current dispensation of grace. (I Peter 1:5)

Fifth, we can greatly rejoice even when we are in heaviness through manifold temptations that trial our faith, being more precious than of gold that perishes -- even when tried with fire. (I Peter 1:6-7)

And because of His joy and peace, we can be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, "whom having not seen, ye love; in whom now ye see [Him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with you unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of your souls." (I Peter 1:8-9)

This salvation and time of grace the prophets of old have enquired and searched diligently for but it was intended for us -- "who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you, searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." (I Peter 1:9-10)

These prophets ministered the things which are now reported unto you and I by them that preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven -- which things the angels could only desire to look into.  (I Peter 1:12)

Therefore, be thankful that we were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you -- who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God!

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which lives and abides forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass, the grass withers and the flower thereof falls away, but the Word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (I Peter 1:22-25)

The Word -- God with us, made flesh. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13; Matthew 1:21-23)

Stand in the offering plate.

Art Thou The Christ, Tell Us These Asked - Part 1382

Repeatedly, and throughout the scriptures, Jesus revealed His true identity. So it should not come as a surprise that those who accused Jesus were still asking the same question after arresting Jesus. Herein, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led Jesus into their council. These asked, "Art thou the Christ? tell us." 

And Jesus said unto them, "If I tell you, ye will not believe. And if I also ask [you], ye will not answer Me, nor let [Me] go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." Then said they all, "Art Thou then the Son of God?" And He said unto them, "Ye say that I Am." And they said, "What need we any further witness? For we ourselves have heard of His own mouth." (Luke 22:67-71)

But apparently these did need further witness, or at least more effective counsel, because at the end of the day, Jesus was still crucified. On the cross, Jesus was identified as "Jesus of Nazareth The King of the Jews" in three different languages. (John 19:19) "This title then read many of the Jews for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin." (John 19:20; Isaiah 53:12)

Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, "Write not The king of the Jews"but that He said, "I Am King of the Jews." But Pilate answered, and said, "What I have written, I have written." (John 19:21-22) As you can see, there was no room for compromise. 

And that boldness to proclaim Jesus for He is remained even after Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross. John the baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God. Mary, the mother of Jesus referred to Him as her God and Saviour. Simeon, a just and devout man in Jerusalem said (upon seeing Jesus as a babe) "For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people." (Luke 2:30-31) 

By Peter, Jesus was called the Holy One and the Just, the Prince of life whom God hath raised from the dead, "whereof we are witnesses." (Acts 3:14-15) John referred to Jesus as the Word -- the Word that was with God and was God, who was later 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)

Thomas called Jesus when He revealed Himself in that room, "My Lord and my God" after thrusting his hand into the pierced side of Jesus. 

In Hebrews, Jesus is called the visible image of the invisible God. In Romans, the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39) Even Saul (later to be renamed Paul) who was blinded by a light on the road to Damascus asked, "Who art Thou, Lord" (Acts 9:5)

Titus clearly stated the answer. 

"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)

Jesus preached the good news gospel to one and all, and performed miracles, and signs and wonders in His name. Until the day in which He was taken up, after that Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments to His apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) 

In My Name, Jesus said. The testimony and witness of Jesus from the very beginning. 

"And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16)

This is why there is no other name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Because His Name is JESUS, for He -- the King of kings and Lord of lords offered the perfect sacrifice. On that cross so long ago, we were purchased with His precious blood, a gift that only Jesus alone could give. Because Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 

God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Said, "And Whither I Go Ye Know, And the Way Ye Know" - Part 1381

Jesus said, "No man can come to Me except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:44)

Jesus also said, "And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40) 

Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33)

Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30)

Yes, "God came forth as a mighty man" (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) 

"Hear, O Israel, the Lord thy God is one Lord ..." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:28-30) 

"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) 

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

God with us (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Peter declared this same Jesus whom ye have crucified BOTH Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36-38) 

Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending (Revelation 1:8,11) 

God our Saviour (Titus 3:4-7)

God Himself made flesh (John 1:1-18) 

"For by Him were all things created ... and He is before all things and by Him all things consist ... and He is the Head of the body, the church, for "in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!" (Colossians 1 and 2) 

"Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12) 

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ..." (Acts 4:10) 

Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11) 

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all ..." (Ephesians 4:5-6)

His name is JESUS. The only name whereby we must be saved. The only name whereby we must be water baptized, as did every person baptized in the new testament was -- in the precious name of Jesus. (Acts 2:37-38)

"That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:12)

And if these scriptures are still not enough to understand how much love it took for our Lord God Almighty to shed His precious blood on the cross, so that you and I might have salvation, and thus, be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, keep on reading from John 14:

Jesus saith unto him, "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." Philip saith unto Him, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us." Jesus saith unto him, "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 say thou then, "Shew us the Father?" Believe thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwells in Me, He does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, "He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever .... even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him."

Judas saith unto Him, (not Iscariot), "Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loves Me not keep not My sayings: and the Word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence." (John 14:1-31)

There will only be ONE bridegroom at the wedding feast, and at that time we will be given a new name. But until then, as Jesus said, "I have manifested THY name unto the men which Thou gave Me out of the world." (John 17:6) 

And the body of Christ church? Whereby Jesus is the Head? The stone the builders rejected? Jesus said when speaking to the churches in Revelation -- "I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast NOT DENIED MY NAME. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie,; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet and to know that I have loved them." (Revelation 3:8-9)

No greater love ...

"And for this cause, He is the Mediator of the new testament ...." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

"For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:3) 

Stand in the offering plate.

In Whom We Have Redemption Through His Blood, The Forgiveness Of Sins, According to the Riches Of His Grace; - Part 1380

"So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He that said unto Him, "Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten Thee." As He saith also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 4:5-6)

Because of the scriptures -- His Word -- the Word that is Jesus, we can know that in JESUS, all individuals have redemption available to them, obtainable only through the shed blood of Jesus the Christ. Indeed, we crucified the Lord of glory. Jesus who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

As we also know from the scriptures, Jesus was veiled in flesh as a man. He appeared in human fashion visually -- similar to His surrogate mother’s descendants. In the womb of Mary the fetus of the Holy Ghost was found to be. Life now appearing in Mary’s womb automatically triggered a response. That response was to nourish the fetus with that which a fetus requires for growth. The fetus was clothed physically utilizing nourishment from Mary’s prone to sin body. Mary’s participation was that of a willing surrogate.

The blood in Jesus' veins was the life giving blood of the Holy Ghost which was carried through Abraham. The Holy Ghost overshadowing Mary, so that she could bring forth a son. And she shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin ... God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23)

God purposefully planned a way of redemption in order that fallen man could be given an opportunity to be reconciled to God! This was nothing short of immeasurable love -- that God would humiliate Himself, stooping into this sin engulfed world -- thereby enabling man to return to fellowship with Himself as Adam was -- prior to satan’s deception!

What a contradiction He must have endured from the beginning of the world, knowing that He being without sin, would eventually have to shed His holy blood on a cross. "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)

The Word made flesh. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

You see, redemption was not accomplished by monies being exchanged. Sin lies in the blood. Yes, your blood and my blood, totally contaminated because of the first Adam's transgression. One man the father of all the human race chose to do his own thing which, at the end of the day, he did. The fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden can be likened to one man bringing the roof down on all humankind. One man catapulted mankind into a sinful world formerly unbeknownst to Adam. No longer would Adam walk in the cool of the day with the Lord God Almighty.

As we read in Genesis, God asked Adam, "What have you done? Have you eaten of the tree of life which I forbade of you to eat?" Well Adam and Eve both knew that they were in trouble, because they were naked and tried to cover themselves in order to hide from God. Certainly, as each and every one of us knows we cannot hide from their conscience!

Still, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. JESUS  -- "begotten" - not begat. For God's plan of salvation to work, true redemption necessitated the shedding of the blood of JESUS! Only the blood could purchase redemption for Adams’s fallen race. And that plan of redemption had to come from the Lord Himself. No one else could do it.

Thus, God Himself came forth as a mighty man (Isaiah 42:13) He became the perfect sacrifice so that we could be saved as a consequence of His love for His creation.

Though our sins be as scarlet, they will be as white as snow.

Just like the woman at the well discovered when she met Jesus. She said unto this man who spoke openly to her, "I know that Messiah comes, which is called Christ: when He is come, He will tell us all things." How did Jesus respond? He said unto her, "I that speak unto thee am He." (John 4:25-26)

Yes, He personally delivered our redemption. The promise of salvation for those who accept Jesus as Lord in their life, and follow on to be water baptized in the precious name of Jesus. (Acts 2:36-47) This is why Jesus told us, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Because Jesus is the ONLY name under heaven whereby we can be saved in this current dispensation of grace. (Acts 4:12)

Make the right decision for Jesus today. Get to know His goodness and grace which surpasses all understanding. Stand in the offering plate.

To What Purpose Is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices Unto Me? Saith the Lord - Part 1378

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." (II Chronicles 16:9)

The old testament -- the first covenant was full of ordinances and laws [commandments] intended to show people the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. (Exodus 18:20)

"That they may walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be My people, and I will be their God." (Ezekiel 11:20)
But a time came when the hearts of the people instead walked after the heart of their detestable things, and their abominations and the Lord said, "I will recompense their way upon their own heads," saith the Lord God."(Ezekiel 11:20-21)

 And when that time came, the Lord had His fill of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and He delighted not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. To the point wherein He asked, "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me?" saith the Lord. (Isaiah 1:11)

Moreover, the Lord told them to "bring no more vain oblations." Why?

Because "incense is an abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates. They are a trouble unto Me; I am weary to bear [them]. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood." (Isaiah 1:13-15)

Still, in the midst of seeming chaos, the Lord had a plan for those who love Him. That is, His eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth to help those whose heart is perfect toward Him." (II Chronicles 16:9) Those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength (and understanding).

Indeed, the Lord says, "Come now, and let us reason together ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat of the good of the land." (Isaiah 1:18-19)

And as we see in the new testament, after Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I, His invitation still stands. He is still inviting us to come to the most elaborate wedding feast of all time.

This is why Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to 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." (John 14:6-7)

In the old covenant, the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing -- which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience.

But He said, "A new covenant, He hath made the first old." (Hebrews 8:3)

And when the first decays and waxed old, ready to vanish away, Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands (that is to say, not of this building), neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:11-12)

"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." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

This is why it was 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 ... so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear a second time -- but this time without sin unto salvation.

Yes, the second time He will appear in full glory as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.  As Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost so clearly proclaimed, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36-38)

Stand in the offering plate.

And If By Grace, Then Is It No More Of Works; Otherwise, Grace Is No More Grace - Part 1377

"But to him that works not but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5)

In other words, "by grace are ye saved 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)

"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes ..." (Romans 10:4)

Don't believe me? Read what the scripture saith, and understand that there remains a remnant in this current time frame according to the election of grace. Know too that the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, [was] preached before the gospel unto Abraham -- "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:7-8)

"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)

"So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham, for as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse, for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "The just shall live by faith." And the law is not of faith; but, "The man that does them shall live in them." (Galatians 3:9-14)

Let me say that again -- "But that NO man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "The just shall live by faith." And the law is NOT of faith; but, "the man that does them shall live in them." (Galatians 3:11-12; Habakkuk 2:4)

But for those who believe on the name of Jesus by faith, and accept Him in their heart as Lord and Saviour, we can know that "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." (Galatians 3:13)

For it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree." That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14)

Thus, we receive the gift of salvation, not as a consequence of the good works that we do, but because the Lord Himself has chosen and ordained us to be His people -- even before the world was formed. While we were yet His enemies, the Lord was already establishing a plan of salvation to bring us back to Him. To redeem a people that were not originally His people, and still afar off.

Why? So that we could be justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)

"Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

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 ..." (Hebrews 9:11-18)

But God's plan of salvation was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle -- the first covenant with its ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary was yet standing.

"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." (Hebrews 9:8)

Oh, how He must 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." (Hebrews 10:26)

He who knew no sin became sin for us. He paid the price with His precious blood on the cross, so that we could be set free. And He did so, all because of the sin of the first Adam in the garden.

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. (For until the law, sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude [likeness] of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him that was to come.

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift; for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one -- Jesus Christ). Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." (Romans 5:12-19)

"Moreover, the law entered that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound ... that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21)

"And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus ..." (I Timothy 1:14)

But what about Abraham? 

"What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory [boast] but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Romans 4:1-3)

"By faith, Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." Still, by faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise, for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:9-10)

So once again, from whence comes our salvation?

"Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of [or according to] grace, but of debt. But to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also described the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness without works, saying, "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (Romans 4:4-8)

"And if by grace, then is it no more of works; otherwise, grace is no more grace." (Romans 11:6-14)

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

Jesus Said, "I Am the Way, The Truth, and the Life. No Man Comes To the Father But By Me." - Part 1376

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. He became the perfect sacrifice on the cross. He purchased us with His humanity so that we might be redeemed. At what cost it must have been, for the Lord God Almighty to humble Himself so that we might have life. What a contradiction that He who knew no sin took on a sin-prone fleshly robe (and yet without sin) so that our sins could be forgiven.

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and that world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

The Word made flesh. (John 1:14)

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

Without the shedding of blood, there was to be no remission of sin. The only remedial atoning blood was that Holy undefiled blood of the Holy Ghost that was sacrificed freely, and yet, with agonizing torture, administered by the hands of fallen, unbelieving and religious fanatics. In their ignorance, and intent on crucifying the Lord of glory, the judicial system, at the conclusion of their proceeding had issued a verdict that stated, "I find no fault in Him."

The judge then proceeds to wash his hands as if soap and water were capable of removing him from any awareness of conscious guilt. Passing his authoritative power into the hands of a premeditative murderous multitude, who were more than willing to rid the earth of an alternative way of life, and, exposing their yokes of bondage. Being imposed by religious leaders upon men, the so-called shepherds feeding themselves, not caring for the sheep.

Today, self proclaiming shepherds, responsible for administering the gospel of Jesus Christ are fleecing the flock. Unfortunately, the sheep seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are being milked into poverty. That is the reason the Lord Himself carries us into His sheepfold. We were totally lost, and how! He found us and gave to us the gift of eternal life. It is up to us to accept the gift that God has so graciously provided.

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

This salvation, being purchased not with silver or gold, but rather by One who is called the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood poured forth from the veins of the Holy Ghost on earth. In this case, the earth being the womb of mankind. This redemptive blood is the remedy for all sin, offered freely to everyone, including those sinning willfully in ignorance.

It is for this reason that whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The "whosoever" can receive redemption for their sins now. Even though our sins are as crimson, He will make them white as snow.

Yes, whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The name of JESUS. You will recall that the angel declared that the child’s name was to be JESUS.

"For He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) The Name of JESUS is above every other name in heaven and on earth. (Philippians 2:9)

Many descriptive title names have been advanced by the religious culture -- as if they were actual names. Such is not the case, because the are not names but rather descriptive titles. In this context, it does not matter how beautifully rendered they may be, or how eloquent they sound when stated. These are still not names.

Jacob of old wrestled all night with an angel. In so doing, Jacob was determined to obtain the angel's name. He stated, "I will not let you go until you bless me. Tell me your name." If one is desirous to be blessed from the top of your head to the soles of your feet, I urge you to embrace the name of Jesus. Your heart will burn within you as He talks to you and guides you into the path of righteousness.

The Lord of Glory's name is Jesus! (Acts 2:36) Peter (standing with the eleven) declared this same Jesus whom ye have crucified to be both Lord and Christ. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11)

He introduced Himself as being Jesus. The early believers went everywhere preaching Jesus. Unlike today. where YHWH with its inserted vowels are advanced as being God’s so called name, whereas in fact it is nothing other than the incommunicable name of a Hebrew God. If it be incommunicable, then why are so many running everywhere endeavouring to communicate that which is inconceivable. Good question!

Peace be in Jesus name! Stand in the offering plate.

The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up. Who Is This Son of Man? - Part 1375

Jesus is saying to His disciples, "The hour is come that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am there shall also My servant be. If any man serve Me, him will My Father honour." Now is My soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour, but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify Thy name." (John 12:20-28)

Then came a voice from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified [it] and will glorify [it] again." 

Some of those who stood by and heard the voice, claimed the words were like thunder. Others instead said an angel spoke to Jesus.

What did Jesus say?

Jesus said, "This voice came not because of Me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I will draw all [men] unto Me." (John 12:28-32)

And this He said signifying what death He should die. But the people answered Him saying, "We have heard out of the law that Christ abides for ever; and how say Thou, "The Son of man must be lifted up. Who is this Son of man?" (John 12:34)

Then Jesus said unto them, "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walks in darkness knows not whither he goes. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light." (John 12:35-36)

Throughout His time on earth, Jesus told His disciples what was going to happen, but His words just didn't sink in. That is, until the cross, when Jesus became the perfect sacrifice, shedding His precious blood so that each and every one of us could be redeemed. His precious blood paying the price for us in full -- paying for our transgressions once and for all. But like the disciples, we didn't grasp the breadth and depth of the Saviour's love.

Or, that God Himself who made the world would take on sin-prone flesh (yet remained without sin) and dwelt among us in the form of a Son. The visible image of an unseen God. "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)

Yes, He died for us while we were still His enemies. And, on the cross?

Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour is come. Glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee. As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee -- the only true God and Jesus Christ -- whom Thou hast sent." (John 17:1-3)

 Right from the beginning, the Lord knew that He would have to come forth as a mighty man -- to save those who are lost. (Isaiah 42:13)

"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)

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name ..." (Philippians 2:9)  

Praise Jesus for His goodness, and mercy, and love. Let our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ fill your heart with His joy and peace. Make Jesus Lord in your life today, as Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost did -- when Peter declared this same Jesus whom ye have crucified to be both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)

No longer do you have to pray to an unknown God. His name is JESUS! As Jesus said so clearly, "I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gave Me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gave them Me; and they have kept Thy Word." (John 17:6)

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "ALL power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth ..." (Matthew 28:18)

Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- behold, the Lamb of God! Stand in the offering plate.                                                

Yet I Am The LORD thy God ... And thou Shalt Know No god But Me For There Is No Saviour Beside Me. - Part 1374

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith breaks down all barriers. Why? Because as the Bible states, faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he or she that comes to God, must first believe that He is. And, we must believe that God is the rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him!

If we use Abraham in the Old Testament as an example, we know that Abraham was known as the father of the faithful. It was stated that Abraham believed God, and that His belief was counted to him as righteousness. Indeed, faith itself is a gift from God. It is in this context that God has given to every one a measure of faith.

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17)

"For by grace are ye saved 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)
Faith is not something that one can conjure up. If faith were, then faith would be of works. However, God has repeatedly stated that faith is not of works. God gives faith as a gift. So if faith arises within us as a result of hearing the written Word of God , then why pray tell, are our churches empty? Could it perhaps be a consequence of churches ceasing to preach the Word? The law of faith?

And, sadly, perhaps, adopting instead reason as an adequate substitute for the gospel of Jesus? Conversely, could the lack of Christians be the result of the seed of God’s Word falling on deaf ears or on stony hearted ground? Certainly, we have a  dilemma emerging in our world whereby scores of people have not had the opportunity to hear about Jesus.

Unaware that the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ brings life.

So what are we to do? Well, we can discard immediately that dumb matter created intelligent life. The fool has said in his heart that there is no God. Look around - touch and see that God's handiwork is everywhere. Look at the flowers in the fields, the fruits on the trees or the harvest in the fields. Listen to the voices of nature that emerge and flourish in spring.

Even look at yourself and how wonderfully we are made. Reacquaint and refresh ourselves in the gospel of Jesus. Speak to others about the goodness of a God who loved us so much that He would die on Calvary.

Indeed, Jesus' words and deeds cry out for us to believe. Only believe. Have faith in our Saviour. Follow Jesus -- as did the disciples -- so that He can similarly make you fishers of men. And let Him who paid the price on the cross for our transgressions arise in your heart!

Then you will hear Jesus whisper. "Look to me all you people for I AM the Lord your God and beside Me there is no Saviour."

Stand in the offering plate. 

In the Majesty of the Name of the Lord - Part 1373

Interestingly, Pilate and Herod were made friends together (even when before they were at enmity between themselves) on the day that Jesus was brought to trial. But these two were not the only ones found to have a commonality. 

Certainly, His accusers who cried out all at once, saying, "Away with this [man] and release unto us Barabbas (who for a certain sedition [insurrection] made in the city, and for murder was cast into prison). (Luke 23:18-19) 

And, also, those who smote Him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him did as well. In this latter group, the mocking went so far as to bow their knees to worship Him. 

"And they smote Him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him, and bowing [their] knees worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple from Him, and put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him." (Mark 15:19-20)

"And the men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him." (Luke 22:63)

"And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head." (Matthew 27:30) 

"And Herod with his men of war set Him at nought, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate." (Luke 23:11)

As we know, these soldiers were not really worshiping Jesus in their hearts, but rather, mocking His Kingship -- the superscription that was written over Him in letters of Greek and Latin and Hebrew, "This is the King of the Jews." (Luke 23:38)

While Christ took on the vilest of deaths, taking upon Himself our sin -- the sins of men -- He submitted himself to a cursed death. Cursed because even Jewish law dictates that a "body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God gives thee for an inheritance." (Deuteronomy 21:23)

In shedding His blood on the cross, Jesus took on the shame and contempt that belonged to us. He bore our sorrows, our iniquities, our transgressions. When they placed on His head a crown of thorns, they derided Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God." (Luke 23:35)

You see, the Jews were already expecting the prophesied Christ. These already knew from the prophets and old covenant writings afore that the King of the Jews would come. Indeed, old testament scripture tells us that the Lord would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) 

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15)

"Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek." (Micah 5:1)

"He gives His cheek to him that smites Him: he is filled full with reproach." (Lamentations 3:30) 

"I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting." (Isaiah 50:6)

"As many were astonished at Thee; His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men ..." (Isaiah 52:14)

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

All of these scriptures confirmed again in the new testament, because as we know, God is not the Author of confusion. 

"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) 

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

You see, what His very own chosen people did not expect is the King of glory becoming as one of them, taking on a sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) -- made flesh and dwelling among us -- the fullness of the Godhead bodily coming personally to redeem us from our sin. Instead, they expected the King of kings to come in glory, filling the heavens and earth with His presence. (And He will -- this is known as the second coming of the Lord, and then comes the judgment, but I digress.)

What caught my attention today is that even the mockers were able to bow their knees to worship Jesus. Of course, we know that these were not worshiping Jesus (as those would who love Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength [and understanding]). (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:28) But it reminds me of those who say that Jesus speaks to them and yet they have not kept His commandments, and neither have they taken on His name. (Acts 2:36-38; Romans 6:1-4)

Rather, their hearts recoiled at Jesus. These wanted Him dead. Perhaps, this explains why Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, "Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains. "Fall on us; and to the hills, cover us." For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" (Luke 23:28-31; Hosea 10:8; Revelation 6:16-17; Revelation 9:6; Jeremiah 25:29; Matthew 24:19)

Yes, there will come a day when every knee shall bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:10-11) 

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)

And, in that day, there will be no mocking. 

Why? Because we will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is indeed the King of kings and Lord of lords. That He paid the ultimate price of death on a cross so that we who believe in Him by faith, and are water baptized in His precious name -- the name of Jesus -- could wear a crown of glory. His garment of righteousness. 

Yes, He purchased our sins with His own blood on the cross. He paid the ultimate price. His name is Jesus and He alone shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

God manifest in the flesh.

Stand in the offering plate.

Earnestly Contending for the Faith That Was Once Delivered to the Saints - Part 1372

According to the scriptures, the gospel of the Kingdom of God must first be preached in all the world before the end would come. But of course this criteria is referring to the world as a whole. There is another future that is somewhat closer to home. This is the end for individuals - the inevitable moment of death and the hopelessness that one feels if they do not know Jesus as their personal Saviour.

Indeed, no man knows the day nor the hour in which the Lord may come. However, because of the scriptures -- His Word -- the times and the seasons we are not ignorant of. We know when the seasons are changing. The same is for the prophecies that foretell of events occurring in the world that would indicate that the end is near. The scriptures put it this way. For when you see these things come to pass, then you will know that summer (or the day of the Lord) is at hand. And, as Matthew chapter 24 reiterates, these prophesies shall surely come to pass.

So what are these signs that we should be aware of. One - the scriptures state that in the end times, many shall come in my name saying, "Here is the Christ or there is the Christ." The scriptures warn us not to believe these false prophets and false teachers because their purpose in the world is to deceive many. In fact, they will compass land and sea endeavouring to recruit multitudes of converts if they could. The problem is that even believers, who have not taken the time to search the scriptures - the unadulterated Word of God - many are led into the captivity of religion.

The modern day religious culture that follows the traditions of men more than the Word of God.

Still, God has a glorious gospel and that gospel message was delivered to mankind in the face of Jesus the Christ. There is in God’s eyes only One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-6)

Unfortunately, even though God delivered His Word at no charge to man, the price that was demanded of Jesus for the redemption of man was horrific. He purchased equal accessibility to salvation for all men (and women) so that they could partake of the tree of Life - which He Himself was and is - the tree of life.

But along comes institutionalized religion and turns life into a systematizing of error. Instead of preaching the good news gospel of Jesus Christ as instructed in the scriptures, there are those that have laid aside the Word. In short, they whitewashed themselves transforming themselves as messengers of light. This is why the scriptures state that they went out from among us. Why? Because they were not of us for if they were of us, then no doubt they would have continued with us. But they did not. Instead, they left so that it may be made manifest that they were not of us.

The scriptures state to save yourself from this perverse generation. The wolves are amongst the sheep, and they keep on preaching church - institutionalized religion - over the gospel as revealed in the scriptures. But a church or religion cannot save, deliver or heal you. What do the scriptures state? Well, first and foremost, there is no other name under heaven given of God to man whereby we can be saved other than the name of Jesus the Christ. He alone is the Good Shepherd that laid down His sinless life for our Redemption.

He has declared, "Look to Me all people and be saved for I AM God and beside me there is no Saviour." Yes, Jesus is the door that every man and woman must pass through if he /she feels the calling. Light of the Spirit of God drawing them to Himself. Come -- just as you are -- burdened down and heavy laden -- and tell it to JESUS, the God who cares for YOU!

In this place, wherever you might be, you are not coming to a wooden altar or a idol. You are not being asked to join anything. Rather, you are coming to the same God who created man and woman in the beginning. He is touched with the feelings of all our infirmities. Give your life to Jesus for He alone is able to completely save!

Stand in the offering plate.

Written by William (Bill) McKendrick

Lo, This Is Our God. We Have Waited For Him And He Will Save Us -- This Is The Lord! - Part 1371

"O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful [things]; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth ... For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall ... He will swallow up death in victory." (Isaiah 25:1-8)

In this current dispensation of grace, Jesus is the Lord's name. (Acts 2:36) Indeed, our God became our Saviour on that cross, shedding His precious blood for our transgressions. (Titus 3:4-7) He hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2) Jesus Christ -- the Word that was with God and was God -- made flesh. (John 1:1)

"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)

But to those who choose life in Jesus, and become followers of Him as dear children, we are renewed in the spirit of our minds. "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness, wherefore putting away lying, "Speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another." (Ephesians 4:23-25)

When we are water baptized in the precious name of Jesus, we put on His garment of righteousness. We receive the gift of the Holy Ghost who leads and guides us into all truth. He seals us unto the day of redemption so that we can walk in loves, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us.

"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." (I Thessalonians 5:9-11)

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 prophesyings.
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 calls you who also will do it." (I Thessalonians 5:24)

May the Lord "count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:11-12)

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him, for this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep ... for the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:14-17)

Exalt His precious name of Jesus today. That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him.

Stand in the offering plate.

But He that is Joined unto the Lord is One Spirit - Part 1370

The Lord is One Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is joy and liberty. (I Corinthians 6:17; Galatians 5:1)

Jesus confirmed the prophecy of old when He said in the synagogue on the sabbath day, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised ..." (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 49:8-9; Isaiah 61:1-2; Daniel 9:24)

And when Jesus finished reading, He closed the book and gave again to the minister and sat down. And the eyes of them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and He began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in you ears." (Luke 4:20-21) And all bare Him witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And these said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" And Jesus said unto them, "Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, "Physician heal Thyself." (Luke 4:22-23)

And the people marveled.

Later in His ministry, JESUS breathed upon His disciples saying unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22) The Holy Ghost was the life of the Spirit of God which indwelt His fleshly sin prone body. JESUS' blood was the blood of the Holy Ghost. In fact, JESUS was the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost!

We know this to be true because the scripture declares that JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. Note that Mary was not the mother of God. For it is written, that this "holy thing" that shall be born of you Mary shall be called the Son of God. The holy thing refers to the sin prone flesh in which the SEED of the Holy Ghost would be clothed in whilst in Mary womb. (Luke 1:30-35) Since Luke by profession was a physician, he recognized that the fetus within Mary was not a regular baby. Thus, the holy thing.

And the angel answered and said unto Mary, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20; Hebrews 1:2,8)

And Mary who said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" marveled. (Luke 1:46-54)

JESUS descriptive title name is Immanuel - which translated means `God with us.' (Matthew 1:21-23) Appearing in fashion as a son, God appeared in the same fashion as we. Therefore when we call upon His name - the name of JESUS - the name given to all men whereby we can be saved - we understand that it is JESUS who will save HIS people from their sin. (Matthew 1:18-23)

How do we know? In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. (John 1:1-3) "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 accepted Him not." (John 1:10-11)

And the Word was made flesh and we should marvel because of His love. (John 1:1-18)

Yes, JESUS was the Word of God, now appearing in flesh for the express purpose of bringing us salvation. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) He also had an underlying purpose and that was to destroy the work of the devil who has (and is) wreaking havoc on His people. And then also to expose the devil for what it is - the cause of sin, sickness, disease, suffering, and death.

None of these consequences were what God had intended for men and women when He created the world in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1) Although considerable blame is directed at God, it is yet just another lie put forward by the enemy.

This is why JESUS -- God Himself manifest in the flesh came into our world - not to condemn man but rather God took the form of man upon Himself purposely to suffer death on a cross at that place called Calvary!

Understand here that God took upon Himself the FULL penalty for all of our sin - the total abolition of our sin which formally required the death penalty. He took all this sin upon Himself - the reality of death on a cross carried out upon Him - a pure, holy, righteous man. All our sin -- past, present and future -- the perfect sacrifice.

Why would He do this? Because, there was not anyone who was a pure, holy, righteous on earth who could bring salvation to people in the eyes of God. Therefore, God who created humanity veiled Himself in the flesh of humanity! What condescension. The very God who made this world entered into the world that He had created to lay down His sinless life for you and me. (I Timothy 3:16) Now that is what God did, and as a consequence, the whole world revolves and rotates upon this historical fact.

Still, we have options. We can judge ourselves unworthy of the gift of eternal life OR we can yield ourselves to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Each one decides for him or herself. Just like we were created with a free will, we likewise have the responsibility of making the right decision. However, to all who receive JESUS, to them it is given of God that they be endued with power (GRACE) to become the sons and daughters of God.

The scriptures elaborate on salvation, sharing that salvation is the gift of God - a gift that is free to one and all. JESUS paid the PRICE in FULL for our redemption. JESUS is the door. There is a direct connect between Jesus and man. One mediator -- the man Christ Jesus. Not a man-made church or religion or for that matter whatever other institutional--ism man conjures up. Salvation is attainable to every person - free of charge. Just come to JESUS with sincerity and truth.

When they asked Peter (standing with the eleven other apostles) what must they do to be saved, Peter answered by saying, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42)

And then, stand fast in the liberty that is in Jesus. Read His Word. Step into the offering plate and offer yourself to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Bring yourself to His cross and cling to the God who not only made you but loved you enough to die for you too.

With arms wide open God will pardon you! Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "He That Believes On Me Hath Everlasting Life ... I Am That Bread of Life" - Part 1369

"Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11)

The one truth that we as believers in Jesus by faith recognize is that Jesus is the bread of life. And not just "the" bread of life but "THAT" bread of life.

"Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die." (John 6:46-50)

You see, the bread embraces the Life of JESUS the Christ who is in fact the Bread of Life. Labour not for the meat (bread) that perishes but rather labour for the meat (bread) that endures right throughout eternity. Whereas the cup presents the suffering, the whipping, the thorny crown, the mocking, the scourging, and the spitting upon, the crucifixion and His death, we know that the grave and then Jesus resurrection leads to life eternal for those who believe in Jesus by faith.

Those who will obey His commandments and be water baptized in His name -- the precious name of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. (Acts 2:36-47) Those who will love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love, love one another.

Lo, therein, the volume of the book, Jesus said, is written of Him. The Word made flesh. (John 1:14) The old testament prophets pointing to Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) Almighty God coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

"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)

In the new testament, every written word testifying of the goodness and grace and mercy of Jesus. 

"And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:17-19)

In other words, when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary, this marked the beginning of God's salvation plan for His chosen beloved. Indeed, the coming forth of the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning was predetermined to happen by the counsel of God (with Himself) -- and had to happen if sin was to be eradicated from sin prone cursed men and women. What a price to pay. Until this point, there was not to be found in heaven or earth anyone who could redeem man from his banishment from God Almighty. Death ruled and reigned. And until then, all hope was lost.

Until ...

Until a voice was heard saying, we have seen His star in the east. These  followed that star -- a morning Star promising the dawn of a new day when God Himself declared peace and good will to one and all. In this current dispensation of grace, the shepherds heard heaven singing. "For unto you is born this day a Saviour, who is none other than Christ the LORD!

That declared message sent the demonic world into a tail spin. The hunt was on. Where is He that is born to be a King? As the scriptures relate, massacres took place and innocent children were the recipients of satanic inspired rulers who enjoyed their power, and had no intention of sharing their authority with another. They enjoyed the lust life styles. In no way were they going to step aside without a fight.

But as we are so aware, God steps in with the Sword of His Spirit which is His Word! Talk about coming out of Egypt. That paled in comparison to the deliverance that God had in store for the human race. The Bread and the Cup of a promise of a New Creation -- all to be found in God's Ark of Covenant who is none other than God Himself out of Heaven as a lamb of sacrifice.

So when everything else fails, fear not for you are of more value than the sparrows. We know this to be true because God spared not His own Sonship sacrificing Himself to ransom us. He paid the price once and for all. So if your back is against the wall, call on Jesus the Christ who is the same God who laid down His life as a Son for you and I. He never fails. His love proclaimed for us while we were yet His enemies.

"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)

The King of kings and Lord of lords. Now that is love. So the next time the religious culture wants to mix the wine of God with water, remember that we are called to come out from among them, so that we do not experience their plagues. And instead, as Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."(Matthew 11:28-30)

STAND in the OFFERING Plate which means to OFFER YOURSELF! 

Come Ye, And Let Us Walk In the Light of the Lord - Part 1368

Interestingly, the Word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem was intended to and as the scripture states, "shall come to pass in the last days." (Isaiah 2:1-2) 

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, "Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:3-4)

Somewhere in the in between, "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem, and ye are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:47-48) And as a consequence, those who were once in darkness but now are ye light in the Lord walk as children of light, for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10)

This was the good news gospel message that the Lord God personally delivered to one and all, so that we could be filled with His joy and mercy and peace. Indeed, He willingly offered the perfect sacrifice, taking on the form of man and being born as a son to Mary so that we might have eternal life. He paid the price for our sin once and for all. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

But instead, we have allowed the enemy to deliver a compromised gospel -- one of religion and aligning with the traditions of men rather than our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- and thus allowed the soothsayers to carry us away, pleasing ourselves in the children of strangers.

"Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and [are] soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.
Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither [is there any] end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither [is there any] end of their chariots.

Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: And the mean man bows down, and the great man humbles himself: therefore forgive them not. Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty." (Isaiah 2:5-8)

Why? Because in that day, "the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, [that are] high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
and upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills [that are] lifted up, and upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. 

And the idols He shall utterly abolish. And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake terribly the earth. In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made [each one] for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats -- to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake terribly the earth." (Isaiah 2:11-22)

But as the scripture states, the gospel that the apostles preach came not unto you in Word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance: as we know what manner of men we were among you for your sake, and ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. (I Thessalonians 1:5-6) 

Therefore, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, know your election of God. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye, and above all these things, charity which is the bond of perfectness.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, signing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 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 3:12-17)

This includes repenting of your sin, and accepting Jesus as the Lord in your life, and then being water baptized -- buried with Him unto death in His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that ye too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47; Romans 6:1-4)

"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth, we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more -- death hath no more dominion over him." (Romans 6:1-9)

We have a choice. We can choose life. So rather than being punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, look up and welcome thy Lord Jesus into your heart because the day is coming when He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed in that day)." (II Thessalonians 1:9-10)

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