Create In Me a Clean Heart, O God; And Renew a Right Spirit Within Me. - Part 1405

“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:10)

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Two very different perspectives and yet inextricably intertwined in such a way that the same conclusion can be achieved. Herein, the Lord is saying, "Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts." (Proverbs 21:2) He is looking to see if the heart is deceitful above all, and thus, desperately wicked. Indeed, who can know it? He asks. (Jeremiah 17:9) 

His purpose is to give us that believe in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ by faith one heart, "and I will put a new spirit within you, and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:26)

It is for this reason that we repent, asking the Lord to create in us a clean heart, and for Him to renew our spirit to a right spirit. (Psalms 51:10) One that allows for a pure heart, whereby the Lord opens our heart so that we can see God for who He is. 

"Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)

It is this promise that we hold dear in our hearts. And this is why we keep our heart with all diligence, for out of it -- our heart -- are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23) It also explains why the first commandment is critical to our understanding of the principles of the doctrine of Christ -- whereas we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:28-31; Deuteronomy 6:4; Hebrews 6:4) 

He is the giver of wisdom and knowledge. He is the giver of life. Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life." The living water wherein one never thirsts again.

Jesus also said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Therefore, draw nigh to God, so that He can draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded." (James 4:8) And study His Word to show thyself approved. (II Timothy 2:15)

Why? Because the Word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

He discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart ... that is, until our heart turns to Jesus and we accept Jesus as our personal Saviour, and are water baptized in His precious name -- Jesus. (Acts 2:36-47) 

And, as a consequence of His love for you and I, to the point whereby He paid the price of salvation on the cross with His blood we need to be thankful always, crying continuously and rejoicing evermore, "Abba, Father."

Stand in the offering plate.

Commending You to God, and To the Word of His Grace Which Is Able to Build You Up - Part 1404

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord ..." (Acts 3:19)

Increasingly, it seems, those who profess to know Jesus and understanding of the gospel are returning to the old covenant law, declaring that only past and present sins are forgiven, and thus, binding people from the freedom and liberty that is inherent in trusting our Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:28-31; Deuteronomy 6:4; Galatians 5:1; Hebrews 9:15-18) These do not understand that the Lord God is One. Neither do they understand the principles of the doctrine of Christ, whereby God Himself was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:10-11; Revelation 1:8, 11)

As Jesus in His own words had said, He came "to open their eyes, and to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:15-18; Isaiah 35:5; Isaiah 42:7, 16; I Peter 2:9; Luke 1:77; Collosians 1:12; Acts 20:32)

The first message to the early church, on the day of Pentecost, delivered successfully to 3,000 souls by Peter standing with the eleven apostles says it all. "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said unto them, "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) 

Herein, these 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; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men] as every man had need, and continuing 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. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Not "some" of His Word but every word as it is written -- precept upon precept and line upon line. It is for this reason that I list scriptures below that speak to the importance of forgiveness of sins in the context of the message delivered. In several of the cited scriptures, the point is made clearly, while in others, it is critical to understand the message in the passage. Nevertheless, we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed -- rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15) 

In this sense, we should never forget that we have been purged from our old sins. (I Peter 1:10)

"And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him ... and whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." (I John 3:22) 

And what is the commandment referred to here? "And this is His commandment -- that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He gave us commandment, and he that keeps His commandments dwells in Him, and He in him. And hereby, we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." (I John 3:19-24) Stand in the offering plate. 

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases; who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfies thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagles” (Psalm 103:1-5)

The Lord – “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pities [His] children, so the Lord pities them that fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust … but the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him and His righteousness unto children’s children …” (Psalm 103:8-17)

“… for Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back. For the grave cannot praise Thee, death can not celebrate Thee …. The Lord [was ready] to save me; therefore, we will sing My songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the Lord.” (Isaiah 38:17)

“I, [even] I, [am] He that blots out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” (Isaiah 43:25)

“In those days, and in that time,” saith the Lord, “the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found, for I will pardon them whom I reserve.” (Jeremiah 50:20)

“Come now, and let us reason together,” saith the Lord, “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 the good of the land …” (Isaiah 1:18-19)

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord and thought upon His name, and they shall be Mine,” saith the Lord of hosts, “in that day when I make up My jewels, and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serves him …” (Malachi 3:16-17)

“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power; in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out he handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross …” (Colossians 2:9-14)

“According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love …. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace …” (Ephesians 1:4-7)

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by Him were all things created …” (Colossians 1:14-16)

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory …” (Ephesians 1:13-14)

“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)

Ephesians 2:1-22 “And you [hath He quickened] who were dead in trespasses and sins, wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience, among whom also we all had our conversation in times past … but God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace are ye saved;) and hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus – that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus … but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made night by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hat made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us] having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace, and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father … in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit”

·         

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy Him that had the power of death; that is, the devil, and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage, for verily He took not on [Him the nature of] angels, but He took on [Him] the seed of Abraham. Wherefore, in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto [His] brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people – for in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:14-18)

“Then said He, “Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second.” By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all]. And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever …” (Hebrews 10:9-12)

“But 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. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, 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. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.” Moreover, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others -- for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:12-22)

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore, the world knows us not because it knew Him not … and every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as He is pure. Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: FOR SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sin and in Him is no sin – WHOSOEVER ABIDES IN HIM SINS NOT; WHOSOEVER SINS HATH NOT SEEN HIM, NEITHER KNOWS HIM. Little children. Let no man deceive you. He that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous … whosoever is born of God doth NOT commit sin, for His Seed remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest …” (I John 3:1-10) 

 
“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 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)

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

“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, [he is] a new creature; old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation …. For He hath made Him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (II Corinthians 5:17-19)

“For He hath made Him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (II Corinthians 5:21)

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus – whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, [I say], at this time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus …. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law …” (Romans 3:23-31)

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28)

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said unto them, “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 2:36-38)

There Is A God Who Loves Us Beyond Measure, And Desires Our Hearts - Part 1403

"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-14)

He sacrificed Himself. And, as a consequence, there is no more offering for sin. God is Father Son and a holy Spirit but at the end of the day, there is only one Spirit. The Holy Ghost. Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Indeed, the Spirit and the Word agree. One cannot separate the Word from Spirit. Word is the expression of Spirit which reveals the Wisdom of God.

From the very beginning, there was the Word, and of course, the Word was with God. The Word is not a separate entity from His Spirit. God speaks, and lo and behold, whatever God speaks comes to pass. Similarly, God’s Word is altogether powerful. The Spirit whose Word it is stands over the Word spoken, to perform whatever is decreed.

The Holy Ghost who is God is the only God. There is no other. If there is another god that is unknown to the Spirit of God then man needs to recognize this so-called god as an imposter who is not of the truth. That spirit is gathering followers as envisioned by their own personal vain imaginations. Some even go so far as to carve images from wood or shaped images from stone as wonderful pieces of art. However, statues do not speak or move unless one moves them.

Similar to the scriptural example in Acts 19: "For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen ..."

Even when these statues are propped up, the unimaginable happens. Men, women, boys and girls pray before these statues, prostrating themselves before these idols, paying homage to them, as if the dumb matter made by earthly hands could see, hear and speak. If we use the analogy of someone high on drugs, liquor or other abusive substances, and onlookers saw the same picture (of people praying before idols) they might shake their heads in pity. Of course, we also recognize that if it were not for the scriptures, it could be you or I in this situation. As the expression says, "There go I except for the Grace of God."

The good news is that there is one God who does move Heaven and Earth for those who love Him. Why? Because we are the works of His hands. We are His beloved creation. Regardless of what others might profess, dumb matter does not, and never will create intelligence. Of course when one is deceived to believe that there is no God, then one might easily be entangled in the web spun by demonic influenced spirit, who are roaming around looking for a place to camp. As in a humanist perspective, who is willing to promote good works without actually recognizing the necessity of loving the Lord thy God first with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength.

But what they will not tell you is that every man, woman and child was given free will. Each has a choice to make -- the ultimate purpose for our journey on earth, and in that context, what we decide in our heart toward Jesus is what life is really about.

The scriptures inform us that God is not willing that anyone of us should perish. God made a way whereby the 'Adam' and 'Eve' prone to sin race could be saved. This is why God sacrificed His own body on the cross, allowing sinful God hating religious demon possessed individuals to crucify His body at Calvary. God was not playing games then and He is certainly not playing games today.

He took your place on the cross at Calvary. The wrath of God fell on His body, thereby providing us - the guilty ones - with a way to obtain mercy. To be redeemed, and justified, and sanctified through His truth. Thy Word is truth.

Indeed, He died - the One and Only Just - for us the unjust. God made it possible for man and women to partake of a God purchased free gift of redemption. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

Why can't we go directly to the Father? Because if we are not willing to accept how much the Lord of glory loved each and every one of us -- enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that you and I might have life, then our relationship with God is of no consequence, because we don't understand who He is. We have not understood that He Himself offered Himself as the "perfect" sacrifice.

Indeed, it would be similar to a friend taking a bullet for us on the street, and us in turn, desiring a relationship with yet another, without acknowledging the sacrifice that was made on our behalf. But what is happening, sadly, is that man is choosing to rebel against the truthful Word of God, setting himself on a collision course to hell. Still, the course of events as we experience them in this modern day culture does not dictate or supersede the Word of God.

Let God be true and every man a liar, and in this sense, the Word and the Spirit must agree.

Still, even though we cannot see the Spirit of God, He sees you and He cares. YOUR salvation is complete. There is nothing that you and I can do to add to the message that He Himself delivered so that we might have salvation. Jesus said, "It is Finished." Jesus, after sacrificing His own body ascended into Heaven and sat down. The act of sitting down expresses completely that salvation is not of works. Salvation is the Gift of God to the Whosoever. Come to Jesus today leaving the isms and schisms once and for all.

Stand in the offering plate.

Who His Own Self Bare Our Sins In His Own Body On the Tree- Part 1402

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

On the day of Pentecost, Peter (standing with the eleven) is speaking, and he states, "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ." Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said unto them, "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 2:36-38)

You see, our salvation is dependent upon how we respond to Jesus in our heart. "For even hereunto were we called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps." (I Peter 2:21)

Herein, Jesus -- who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth, who, when He was reviled, reviled not again. When He suffered, He threatened not; but committed [Himself] to Him that judges righteously, who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Indeed, when the accusers came against Jesus with claims that had no substance, He did not retaliate against them. Even though He was whipped, and endured a crown of thorns on His head, He made no threats. While the nails were perfectly placed, He Himself bore our sins in His body on that cross, so that we might die to sin and live unto the righteousness, wherein we were called.

This same Lord placed His purpose in our heart while we were in our mother's womb, and this same Lord is calling us today to come and enjoy His goodness. And in good faith (if that should even be necessary) He paid the ultimate price shedding His precious blood on the cross so that we could be forgiven and washed clean. Justified and sanctified because of His abundant love for us -- His beloved creation.

"Surely, He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. 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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him -- [Jesus] -- the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth. He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opens not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgement: and who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of My people was He stricken.

And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in His mouth. Yet, it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put [Him] to grief. When Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see [His] Seed. He shall prolong [His] days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.

He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied. By His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore, will I divide Him [a portion] with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He hath poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:4-12)

To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? (Isaiah 53:1; John 12:38; Romans 10:16) God coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

But they have not all believed the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, "that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted [that] I should heal them." (John 12:37-41)  But Esaias [Isaiah] -- when he saw His glory and spake of Him -- the arm of the Lord being revealed, he knew that the Word of the Lord speaking through him would come to fruition. (Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 6:9-10; John 12:38-41)

When the apostles were accused and commanded straitly not to teach in the name of Jesus, having just filled Jerusalem "with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us," what did Peter and the other apostles say?

"We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins, and we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him." (Acts 5:27-33)

"For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

And thus, when we ask Jesus into our heart, and let Him be both Lord and Christ within, and are water baptized in His precious Name, we become complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power -- in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ -- buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead, and you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross: and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:10-15)

As far as the east is from the west, so did He remove our transgressions, blotting out once and for all the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, and nailed it to His cross. Now that is love -- the kind of love that only God Himself who knew no sin could offer when He became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." (I Peter 2:24-25)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above. Stand in the offering plate.

And Killed the Prince of Life, Whom God Hath Raised From the Dead; Whereof We Are Witnesses. - Part 1401

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel, which I preached unto you, which also ye have received and wherein ye stand, by which also ye are saved if ye keep in memory what I have preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." (I Corinthians 15:1)

Too many in the world today are teaching ideology and traditions of men that have no scriptural basis, and this erring of the scriptures is causing spiritual havoc within the body of believers who profess to believe. What should be happening is a reconciling of the scriptures so that the Word and the Spirit agree -- so that we as Christians are in one accord as these were on the day of Pentecost, but sadly, instead, many trust in what they are being told, without the evidence of two or three witnesses to confirm the teaching as truth.

Still, we are instructed to remain steadfast in the apostles' doctrine so that we do not become like the foolish Galatians who apostle Paul said were bewitched by yet "another" gospel, which was/is contrary to the good news gospel of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47; Galatians 3:1; Galatians 1:9-16) It is for this reason that we need to understand the principles of the doctrine of Christ and of the resurrection of the dead so that we can go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.

"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)

To that end, it is the resurrection of the dead that I would like to address here today. I Corinthians 15 speaks to this subject -- "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable .... BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD AND BECOME THE FIRST FRUITS FOR THEM THAT SLEPT, FOR SINCE BY MAN [CAME] DEATH, BY MAN CAME ALSO THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD." (I Corinthians 15:19-20)

Apostle Paul here is declaring the gospel which he preached unto us, and have now received, "wherein ye stand. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." (I Corinthians 15:1-2) This gospel wherein we stand -- the Word of God -- which after Jesus was taken up, He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen." (Acts 1:2-3)

So, Paul is writing, "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures, and that He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James, then of all the apostles, and last of all He was seen of me also, as one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:1-8)

Paul explains here why he was one born out of due time -- "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God ... but by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all -- yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether [it were] I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed." (Acts 15:9-12; Philippians 2:13; Acts 8:3)

"Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power -- unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all [men] see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ ... according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:7-11)

So Paul begins by asking: "Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen; and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain." (I Corinthians 15:12-14)

Moreover, Paul is saying that if the resurrection of the dead is not true, then, "Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not ..... for if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised, and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." (I Corinthians 15:15-19)

These are good questions. If there be no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And therefore, if Christ is not risen, our faith is in vain and we are yet in our sins. But did Paul stop there, as do some of the teachers who err today? No, apostle Paul continued to explain in detail from whence comes our hope and our salvation -- so that we are anything but "men most miserable." (I Corinthians 15:19)

Indeed, Paul states: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the first fruits of them that slept [have died], for since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. For in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order -- Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming, then [comes] the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet -- the last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.

For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under [Him], it is manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under Him, and when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him -- that God may be all in all." (I Corinthians 15:20-28)

"Else, what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage it me, if the dead rise not? "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die." Be not deceived: evil communications [company] corrupt good manners [habits]. Awake to righteousness and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God -- I speak [this] to your shame. But some [man] will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?"

[Thou] fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened [made alive], except it die; and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare [mere] grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other [grain -- perhaps, wheat], but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body.

All flesh is not the same flesh, but [there is] one [kind of] flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, [and] another of birds. [There are] also celestial [heavenly] bodies, and bodies terrestrial [earthly]; but the glory of the celestial [is] one, and the [glory] of the terrestrial [is] another. [There is] one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars, for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory. So also [is] the resurrection of the dead.

It is sown in corruption [a perishable state]. It is raised in incorruption [as imperishable].

It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.

There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

And so it is written: "The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening Spirit."

Howbeit, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward, that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy. The second man IS THE LORD FROM HEAVEN. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy, and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." (I Corinthians 15:29-50)

But now Paul is about to shew to us a mystery, revealing to us the truth about the resurrection of the dead, so that we are not misled and tossed to and fro with every doctrinal whim that passes by.

Indeed, as Paul writes, "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O, death, where is thy sting? O, grave, where is thy victory?"

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. (I Corinthians 15:56; Hosea 13:14; Isaiah 25:8; Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15; Romans 7:8)

But thanks be to God which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain [futile] in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:51-58; Romans 7:25; I John 5:4; II Peter 3:14; I Corinthians 3:8)

This is why Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live ..." (John 11:25)

Other scriptures to read and contemplate:

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." (I Thessalonians 4:14)

Jesus 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)

"And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power." (I Corinthians 6:14)

Jesus said regarding the parable of those bid to the wedding feast, "And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:14) This is why he that heard them sat at meat and heard these things said unto Jesus, "Blessed [is] he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." (Luke 14:15) But I digress.

"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

"But if 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 dwells in you." (Romans 8:11)

Jesus said, "Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also." (John 14:19)

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 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. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words." (I Thessalonians 4:16)

"Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, wherein ye greatly rejoice ..." (I Peter 1:3-25)

"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2)

"And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." (Acts 24:15)

Most of all, like Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James and Salome, and the other disciples which later came to the tomb, we know that Jesus was risen early the first of the week because as we also know in our hearts death could not hold the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Mark 16:1-9) He was no longer numbered with the transgressors but took upon Himself the sins of His people. (Mark 15:28; Matthew 1:21-23)

Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24)

Stand in the offering plate.

As Far As The East Is From The West, So Far Hath He Removed Our Transgressions From Us.- Part 1400

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:10)

There are those who would that we believe that Jesus did not pay the hefty price for our sins once and for all. These instead want to keep us in a state of repentance -- not examining oneself as the scriptures declare -- and moving forward in our faith journey, as the Lord Jesus has willed for our life. To understand this, let's begin by reading Hebrews 9 and 10, that not only offers clarity between the old covenant ordinances and the new testament promise, but also speaks about both in the context of remission of sin.

Then verily the first [covenant] had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. (Hebrews 9:1-5) "Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people; 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 -- 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, [which stood] only in meats and drinks and diverse washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation." (Hebrews 9:6-10)

[I digress here but for those with eyes to see and ears to hear, note that the scripture states -- "until the time of reformation."]

BUT CHRIST being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect taberna le, 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.

By a greater and more perfect tabernacle, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with His own blood entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth 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?" (Hebrews 9:13-14)

And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament [covenant] that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken ever precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and all the people saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you." Moreover, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry, and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without the shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:15-22)

This is why it was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these -- FOR CHRIST IS NOT ENTERED INTO THE HOLY PLACES MADE WITH HANDS [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; nor yet that He should offer Himself often -- as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Thus, if the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was not sufficient in and of itself, must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world. But His sacrifice of blood was wholly sufficient when He Himself who knew no sin -- now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9:23-26)

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28)

Why? For the Law having a shadow of good things to come [and] not the very image of the things can NEVER with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Only the precious blood of Jesus can make the comers thereunto perfect, for then would they not have ceased to be offered -- the annual sacrifices that were under the Law. In other words, as clearly stated above, if the sacrifices of the priests were sufficient then Christ would not have been needed  "because that the worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins -- but in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year -- for it is NOT possible that the blood of goats should take away sins." (Hebrews 10:1-4)

But 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. The promise of salvation -- God our Saviour -- had not as yet been revealed. Until the time of reformation -- wherefore, when He comes into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O God." (Psalm 40:6-8; Micah 6:6-7; Hebrews 10:1-7)

The Lord decided that He Himself should go forward as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:10-11; Matthew 1:21-23; I Timothy 3:16) And, in so doing, the worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins -- not because of what they are doing, but because of the perfect sacrifice on the cross, whereby His blood was shed for our sin once and for all.

Above when He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the Law; then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first that He may establish the second." (Hebrews 10:9-10)

Not another as the world would have us believe, but God Himself clothing Himself in human flesh -- the Word made flesh -- so that we -- His beloved creation could be redeemed. "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:10)

Let's read that last verse again.

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:10)

And the consequence of God's plan of salvation does not stop there. Indeed, continuing in Hebrews 10, let's understand the new and living way -- which He hath consecrated through the veil -- that is to say His flesh -- once and for all. His love reaching out to you and I, paid for once and for all so that we can draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith -- having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

The priests standing daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sins -- as was the case in the old testament was not enough for us to find redemption. 

"But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sat down on the right hand of God, from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool, for He -- BY ONE OFFERING HE HATH PERFECTED FOR EVER THEM THAT ARE SANCTIFIED." (Hebrews 10:12-14)

Through His precious blood sacrificed on the cross, He has perfected forever them that are sanctified. And in the presence of two or three witnesses (as the scripture often alludes), the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us; for after that He had said before -- "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," thus saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:16-17)

Thus, now, where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. "Having therefore brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and [having] an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised); and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]; and so much the more as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:19-25) 

This is why we strive not to sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth because in that, there remains no more sacrifice for sins for we now considering ourselves to be worthy, hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith He was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace, (Hebrews 10:26-31)

But we know in ourselves that we have in heaven a better and and enduring substance [possession] so "cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompence of reward, for ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."  Because the just shall live by faith, and as such, we have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (II Peter 2:20) We are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:39; Acts 16:31) 

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And the apostles said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." And they spake unto him the Word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes: and was baptized, he and all his, straightway, and when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced believing in God with all his house." (Acts 16:31-34)

The same message on the day of Pentecost, when the first 3,000 souls believed Jesus to be both Lord and Christ. When these asked, "What must we do to be saved?" Peter, standing with the eleven 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, for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:36-47)

And when we receive His call, and continue daily in His Word, not forgetting His Name, we can know most assuredly that because of His precious blood on the cross, He has removed our transgressions from us.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, and He shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you" ... "to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." (Acts 3:12-26)

"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee." (Isaiah 44:22)

And in so doing, because He paid the price for our sin once and for all, we can know that "as far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)

Stand in the offering plate.

And In Thy Seed Shall All the Kindreds of The Earth Be Blessed. - Part 1399

“But now we are delivered from the Law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” (Romans 7:6)

In that He saith, “A new covenant, He hath made the first old, Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.“

There is so much more than a blank page between the old and new testament in the Bible. Indeed, God gave two covenants -- the old testament to His chosen people, which is of the Law and required priests to offer up sacrifices (first for his own sins and then for the people), and second, the new testament whereby Jesus was made a surety of a better testament. (Hebrews 7:22-28)

“For the Law make men high priests which have infirmity but the Word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son who is consecrated for evermore.“ (Hebrews 7:28)

Why? Because the law made nothing perfect. This is why the law is only a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.

"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:22-29)

But, sadly, there are those who want to keep us under the Law -- all 612 commandments -- without ever telling us that we have been saved by grace, and that not of ourselves, but rather is a gift of God. And we are offered His gift of salvation, because He Himself who knew no sin became sin for us. God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) Now that is love, that the same God who created man and woman in the beginning would robe Himself in human flesh so that we might have eternal life.

It was the same in Paul's day, trying to keep the faithful in bondage rather than standing fast therefore in the liberty wherein is Christ. (Galatians 5:1) How did the apostle address this? He wrote the following in Galatians 3 for your edification, and so that you who believe in Jesus by faith, and are water baptized in His precious name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus -- will not be misled.

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

He therefore that ministering to you the Spirit, and works miracles among you, doeth He it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." 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 doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hang on a tree ..." -- that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that WE -- YOU AND I -- might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannul, or add thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ." And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

For if the inheritance be of the Law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serve the Law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is One. Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law." (Galatians 3:1-22) 

In other words, if the Law was sufficient for us to have salvation, then there would have been no need for Jesus to shed His precious blood on the cross. If the Law was enough, then it would make the promise of Jesus of none effect. But the Law wasn't enough, and thus, as Zacharias, filled with the Holy Ghost prophesied, said, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for He hath visited and redeemed His people ... 

To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; the oath which He sware to our father Abraham that He would grant upon us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life.“ (Luke 1:67-75)

Yes, the Lord God of Israel hath visited and redeemed His people. 

"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)  

Stand in the offering plate. 

Mary, the mother of Jesus said -- "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” - Part 1398

At the end of the day, it is important to note that the Christian New Testament teachings- the scriptures - unclothe the hypocrisy that is often found within institutionalized, man-made religion. Indeed, the self asserted church by their sorcery and traditions have in their teachings endeavoured to supplant the authority of the written Word of God even though the Word - God Himself - delivered the scriptures to be an inward light and door of enlightenment so that fallen man can obtain free redemption.

We learn more when we read about the wedding feast that JESUS attended. We do know that Mary was in attendance. The wine was flowing. In fact, as recorded in the scriptures, there was a thirst for more - the original estimated consumption of wine being inadequate. Indeed, it is stated that the wine ran out. Mary jumps in to solve the problem. She approaches JESUS relaying the message that there is no more wine. JESUS says to Mary, "Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come."

This is an important scripture because within this statement, we find that Jesus did not exalt His mother Mary to the same status as institutionalized religion does today. Historically, for those who might not be aware, institutionalized religion (around 300-400 AD) exalted the importance and status of Mary to that of a distinguished mediator. In so doing, Mary has been given an elevated status that pre-empts all others who approach JESUS on behalf of others. Simply put, this is ludicrous satanic thinking. For one, Jesus Himself did not exalt His earthly mother to this church initiated status. Two, as said previously, Mary herself proclaimed in the scriptures that “Her spirit rejoiced in God [her] Saviour!"

Let me at this point state that the Scriptures declared, "For this cause are many weak and sickly among us ... and many sleep" for a reason. (Note that in this context sleep refers to the sleep of death) For if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged. But when God judges us, we are chastened of God that we might not be condemned with the wicked. This is important to understanding how we fit within the body of Christ. Why? Because as a believer, you are the body of the Christ. Therefore, also, we need to believe in His Word!

Further, the Word of God is Spirit and life. The Word of God simply because it is the Word of God will quicken, or make alive your mortal body. Conversely, the rejection of the Word of God is likened to drinking poison. Rather than pursuing the latter - a dead end street - receive the engrafted Word of God which is sent to heal you. There is a reason that the scriptures state that “MY WORD IS SPIRIT AND TRUTH. " There is also a reason why we, as believers are encouraged to eat from the tree of Life. This is because JESUS is the very Word of God!

Mary and company wanted to converse with JESUS, but they were unable to do so. Why? Because there were many people blocking their way. As we read in the scriptures, one cried out to JESUS saying, "Your mother and your brethren are without trying to speak to you." Do you remember the responses? JESUS answered by saying, "Who is my mother and my brethren?" Jesus then added that those people who HEAR the Word of God and DO it, these are my mother and my brethren. In other words, Mary (apart from her believing) still was a part of Adam’s fallen prone to sin race.

In the same example, another shouts to JESUS saying, "Blessed is/was the womb that bore you and the breasts that you did suck." Again JESUS responded saying. “More blessed are they that hear the WORD of GOD and do it." Once again, Mary is not elevated to a superior status above Jesus but rather as part of the rank and file - that is, apart from her faith. So, believe upon the Word of God and you will be more blessed than Mary's womb and Mary’s breast were.

There is more on this topic to follow. In the interim, be redeemed and be born of God through obedience to the Holy Ghost's instructions. Therefore, repent (if you have not already done so) and be baptized into the Name of the Lord JESUS. Receive the promise of the Holy Ghost as your Comforter, who will lead and guide you into all truth. As a consequence, the Word of the Spirit of God - JESUS will quicken and make alive your body.

Go direct to the throne of grace and there you will find much more than you could ever ask or think of. Peace be in JESUS!

Be Of Good Cheer Paul For As Thou Hast Testified of Me in Jerusalem, So Must Thou Bear Witness Also At Rome -- For the Name of the Lord Jesus - Part 1397

"And thou shall take no gift: for the gift blinds the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous." (Exodus 23:8)

Money and corruption have always played a linked role within the world, as evidenced from the law given to the Israelites by the Lord in the old testament. This has not changed over time. When apostle Paul was bound, Felix also hoped that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him. (Acts 24:26) Note that Felix had often sent for Paul so that he could commune with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

The example of Paul here is worth noting. Up until this point, Paul was traveling the countryside preaching and sharing the gospel with everyone he met. And while Paul and his company tarried, there came down a certain prophet named Agabus who took Paul's girdle [belt] and bound his own hands and feet and said, "Thus saith the Holy Ghost, "So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle, and shall deliver [him] in the hands of the Gentiles." (Acts 21:10-11)

And when they heard these things, they of that place besought Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus." And when Paul could not be persuaded, "we ceased, saying, the will of the Lord be done." (Acts 21:12-14)

So in carriages, Paul and certain disciples of Caesarea, including Mnason of Cyprus, were come to Jerusalem, where the brethren received them gladly. "And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry," (Acts 21:15-19) And when they heard, they glorified the Lord.

And then they said unto him, "Thou seest brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the Law. And they are informed of thee, that thou teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying they ought not to circumcise [their] children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come together; for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee -- we have four men which have a vow on them; them take and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave [their] heads; and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee are nothing but [that] thou thyself also walk orderly, and keep the Law."

Interestingly, Paul was teaching the Jews among the Gentiles to forsake Moses and the Law, saying they ought not to circumcise children, neither to walk after the customs. So these brethren were left asking, "What is it therefore?  The multitude must needs to come together for they will hear that thou art come." (Acts 21:22) In other words, what teachings should believers in Jesus by faith endorse in terms of the old covenant Law? All 612 commandments. Given that many modern day churches teach those in their congregations that we are under the Law, this discussion could not be more timely.

So how does apostle Paul respond? Does he change his stance, and do what these are asking?

No. Instead, Paul states, "As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from [things] offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication." (Acts 21:20-25)

Maybe we need to read this again.

"As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from [things] offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication." (Acts 21:20-25)

Note a split here. The Law of the old covenant was given only to the Israelites. The Gentiles at that time were not God's chosen people. Similarly note that God gave over 600 commandments to His people and not just the ten commandments that we often hear about. Having said that, herein Paul separates the instruction to the Gentiles. He says, as concerning the "Gentiles which believe" -- "we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from [things] offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication." (Acts 21:25)

This teaching was not just for this group of Jews whom had gladly believed. A similar message was preached by Paul and Barnabas who shared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His Name. "And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written, "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down, and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up; that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My Name is called," saith the Lord, "who doeth all these things."

Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God, but that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollution of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. (Acts 15:5-29)

As an aside and just in case, some take this instruction to differ from Peter's message on the day of Pentecost, remember what Paul said to the keeper of the prison when he asked Paul, "What must I do to be saved?" The prison guard was told to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." And they spake unto him the Word of the Lord and to all that were in his house, and he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes: and was baptized, he and all his, straightway." (Acts 16:25-32)

This same message on the day of Pentecost, when the first 3,000 souls were brought into the new testament church, after being pricked in their heart when they heard Peter (standing with the eleven) say, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36-47)

But this message to the Gentiles (and much like those who hang onto the Law for the Gentiles today) it brings contention. We see this when Paul and Silas were similarly brought before the magistrates. Why? As their accusers stated, for teaching customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe. (Acts 16:20-21) These men that have hazarded their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ were now being accused of teaching new doctrines that would mislead Jews from the lawful customs that had been passed down from generation to generation. (Acts 15:26; Acts 17:19)

So what happened? The Lord Himself had a plan that not only included salvation for the keeper of the prison and his household (which should in and of itself serve as a witness and testimony to us that even in times of trouble the Lord Jesus is still in control) but also to reveal the heart desire of the magistrates for them to depart from the city. But I digress.

Getting back to Acts 21, Paul is now in Jerusalem which he had been warned not to go. When the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, crying out, "Men of Israel, help. This is the man that teaches all [men] everywhere against the people, and the Law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place." (Acts 21:27-29)

And all the city was moved and the people ran together to take Paul out of the temple. "And as they went about to kill him, tidings [news] came unto the chief captain of the band that all Jerusalem was in an uproar, "who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains, and demanded who he was and what he had done. And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people [mob]." (Acts 21:31-35)

Like the desire of the Magistrates above, it was clear that the people wanted Paul gone. But again the Lord had a better plan for the day.

Paul beseeched the authorities an opportunity to speak to the people -- "I am a man which man a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city, and I beseech thee suffer me to speak unto the people." And when the chief captain had given him license to speak Paul stood on the stairs and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there came a great silence, Paul began speaking to them in the their own Hebrew tongue. What did Paul say? He gave them his testimony -- that the God of our fathers hath chosen him that thou should know His will and see that Just One and should hear the voice of His mouth, "For thou shalt be His witnesses of what thou hast seen and heard." (Acts 22:1-16)

"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the Name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16; Acts 2:36-38)

The same good news gospel message of the Kingdom of God repeatedly to one and all. But as we read further, the chief captain asks Paul, "Tell me, art thou a Roman?" for this changed the circumstance. So, on the morrow, Paul was loosed from his bands, and brought down and set before the chief priests and all their council. (Acts 22:24-30)

But Paul was not finished speaking yet.

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, "God shall smite thee, [thou] whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the Law, and command me to be smitten contrary to the Law?"

And they that stood by said, "Revile thou God's high priest?"

Then said Paul, "I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, "Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question."

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, "We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God." And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

By now, I am sure many of us would have wondered about our safety, knowing that the crowd would have pulled us in pieces because of what we had said. However, not Paul. And the night following the Lord stood by Paul, and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul for as thou hast testified of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." Still, when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

However, as Paul already knew (and by extension, us too) greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

So, these came to the chief priests and elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him." 

And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, "Bring this young man unto the chief captain for he hath a certain thing to tell him." So he took him, and brought [him] to the chief captain, and said, "Paul the prisoner called me unto [him], and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee." Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went [with him] aside privately, and asked [him], "What is that thou hast to tell me?"

And Paul's sister's son said, "The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou would bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly. But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee."

So the chief captain [then] let the young man depart, and charged [him], "See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me." And he called unto [him] two centurions, saying, "Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spear men two hundred, at the third hour of the night; and provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring [him] safe unto Felix the governor.

The chief captain was making a way for Paul to escape, and by the looks of things, with a mighty army as well. He wrote a letter to Felix after this manner:

"Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix [sendeth] greeting. This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them. Then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their Law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what [they had] against him. Farewell."

Up until now, what we are seeing is Paul being accused of false teaching and profanation of the temple by the Asiatic Jews. He is rescued with difficulty by Claudius Lysias the chief captain, who, upon discovering that Paul was a Roman citizen, is concerned that the untimely death of Paul (by a murderous mob) may result in serious consequences upon himself from the Romans. Since Paul was being accused of questions of their Law (and in Lysias' opinion not worthy of death or of bonds) rather than political grounds which would require some form of judgment, Lysias sends Paul to Felix at Caesarea for trial. 

Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them took Paul, and brought [him] by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. And when the governor had read [the letter], he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that [he was] of Cilicia; "I will hear thee," said he, "when thine accusers are also come." And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall." (Acts 23:1-35)

After five days, Ananias the high priest descended with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul, accusing him, while giving noble Felix the honour that should have been given to the Lord, saying, "Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness." (Acts 24:1-3)

The trial had begun. The accuser Tertullus cited the accusations against Paul. In his address, he stated that they have found this man Paul to be a "pestilent fellow" [like a plague] and a "mover of sedition" among all the Jews, and "a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" -- "who also hath gone about to profane the temple, whom we took and would have judged according to our Law." (Acts 24:6)

[Think here of the conversation between Paul and the chief captain, when Paul asked to speak and he asked, "Canst thou speak Greek?" But then the chief captain asked, "Art not thou that Egyptian which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?" (Acts 21:37-38; Acts 5:24-42] 

But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took Paul away commanding that his accusers come unto Felix and bring forth the justification of their accusations. (Felix was a Roman procurator of Judea, appointed in succession to Cumanus by the emporer Claudius). Note the Jews assented/agreed saying that these things were so. But Paul after he was beckoned by the governor to speak, offers a response.

"For as much as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself. Because that thou may understand that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship, and they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, nor in the city. Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee -- that after the Way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the prophets: and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men. 

Not after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.  Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult, who ought to have been here before thee and object, if they had ought against me. Or else, let these same here say, if thy have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council. Except ...[except] it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, "Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day." (Acts 24:1-21; Hebrews 6:1-2)

Paul's use of the word "except" is what caught the attention of Felix -- because he "having more perfect knowledge of that Way" or as we would say -- knowing Jesus -- who is the Way, the Truth and the Life! (Acts 24:22; Acts 9:2; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:9, 23; Acts 22:4; John 14:6)

Thus, Felix heard these things deferred them who would have Paul killed, saying, "When Lysias the chief captain came down, I will know the uttermost of your matter." (Acts 24:22) In other words, he used Lysias as an excuse for not following through on the whims and desires of the crowds who wanted Paul killed. Thus, he commanded a centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty and also, that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

"And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgement to come, Felix trembled, and answered, "Go thy way for this time, when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." (Acts 24:25)

A more convenient season. Even though the countryside must have been in a state of near anarchy -- given the number of troopers necessary to provide safe escort to Paul, Felix (even while trembling in his spirit) was not prepared to submit to Jesus as both Lord and Christ. Some suggest that it was his loyalty to his wife Drusilla that stood in the way. Regardless, Felix' disregard for Roman justice is evidenced here. 

But there was also another desire in his heart that is only revealed toward the end of Acts 24. First, Felix treats Paul with leniency, and he and his wife for a period of two years appear to take an interest in the teachings of Paul. That is, Felix had hoped that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him. (Acts 24:26) He had hoped that Paul would purchase his freedom using earthly currency. That Paul would consider freedom from his circumstance more favourable and thus succumb to worldly ambitions. 

But as we know, Paul did not offer Felix money. Why? Because Paul did not seek favour or special privilege from Felix and Drusilla. Rather, Paul preached the same message he had taught to one and all everywhere he went, after his own encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. That is, Paul preached righteousness, temperance and the judgment to come. (Acts 24:25-26)

But Paul was not only versed in the Law and understood the context of Exodus 23:8 -- "And thou shall take no gift: for the gift blinds the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous" but he also knew firsthand the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ which sets us free in our hearts, even when we are bound on earth.

And because of Paul's unwillingness to focus on his own needs, Felix, after two years and upon his retirement "willing to show the Jews a pleasure" left Paul bound. (Acts 24:27) What happens next to Paul continues in Acts 25, but for now, let this scripture suffice and encourage us in our own endeavours to pursue the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

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

Therefore, If Any Man Be In Christ, He Is A New Creature, Old Things Are Passed Away; Behold, All Things Are Become New - Part 1396

"Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)

Jesus said to the Apostles that they were to be His witnesses - here, there and everywhere - even to the uttermost parts of the earth. To this end, the early believers went everywhere preaching Jesus. They told people about Jesus. That Jesus is Lord of all. That His kingdom has no end. And that, at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus, the Christ is Lord. Indeed, let all the angels of God worship Him.

Unto the Son it is said, "Your throne of God is forever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom." This is why we are given the first commandment -- hear, O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE Lord. And you shall worship the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. Him only shall you serve.

Why? Because as the Lord Himself stated, "My glory, I will not give to you another." God has glorified His only begotten son Jesus. He is the brightness of God’s glory. He is also the express image of God as a person. God declaring that Jesus, who had been crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Jesus, the unseen God now seen. (Hebrews 1:3) He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10)

Jesus appointed His Apostles to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. Indeed, they were. In fact, they are still His witnesses. Although the apostles are surely dead physically, the words of the gospel that they penned continues to be the one seller. God's gospel of salvation. At the time of writing, they were, as the scriptures state, “unlearned and ignorant men." 

But because of the knowledge and wisdom bestowed upon them from the Lord, there came a point when even their opponents perceived that these men must have been with Jesus." These truths written with the pen of men but with the holy Spirit of Jesus being the phantom authoritative author. The Holy Ghost. Jesus leading and guiding man into truths hidden in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of time, now being passed down through the ages. God Himself setting in place the capping stone on the pyramid. The stone that the builders rejected has become the Head of the corner. 

The cross road of man is Jesus lifted up.

Jesus instructed His flock of believers that they should preach in His name. That is to preach repentance and remission of sin, and water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38; I Peter 3:21) This world mission commenced at Jerusalem on a day called Pentecost when the fire from heaven fell upon three thousand souls. "And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

The beginning of the new testament church has begun. The apostles' doctrine has been established. (Acts 2:36-47) And what we know is that the Word of God is not coming out from us. The Word is coming to us, and the Spirit and the Word must agree. Therefore, as apostle Paul said, if any man considers himself to be a prophet or a spiritual, let him acknowledge first that the things that I write unto you are the commands of the Lord. And yes, this saith Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. 

Let him or her with an ear to hear, hear. Stand in the Offering Plate.