And All Flesh Shall See the Salvation of God - Part 1560

"Blessed be the King that comes in the Name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest." (Luke 19:38)

"I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to [him that is] far off; and to [him that is] near," saith the Lord; "and I will heal him." (Isaiah 57:19)

There is an equalizing that took place when Jesus came into the world, whereby the Lord declared ALL have sinned in order that ALL who believe in Jesus the Christ could be saved. The confusion comes from not understanding that there are two very different dispensations in the Bible -- the first being the old and the second -- this current dispensation of grace wherein we live. For clarity, consider the old a covenant and the new a testament, whereby the Lord Himself became the perfect sacrifice on the cross.

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him and given Him a Name which is above every name; that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11) 

But I digress.  In the old, we see God's chosen people whom He continued to feed manna from heaven and loved as His beloved, even when they chose other gods to worship. In spite of His continued goodness to them, these chose not to worship the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) Instead, these turned to other gods for their sustenance. The Lord knew this would happen and had decided (even before the foundation of the world was formed) to personally deliver to us in this current dispensation of grace His free gift of salvation, wherein we can choose life in Him. 

But in order to do this -- because God is holy and incapable of breaking His own precepts -- He had to declare all people as sinners so that we being justified by faith can find peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. God had to declare that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God so that we could be justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:22-23)

"Whom God hath sent 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 [demonstrate], (I say), at this time His righteousness, that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believe in Jesus." (Romans 3:24-25)

In the old, there were ordinances kept as a sin offering which offered atonement to the priest entering in and for the people. We see this in Leviticus 16 wherein Moses is instructed to speak unto his brother Aaron to come into the holy place with a young bullock for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, and to put on the holy linen coat after washing his flesh in water.

"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 divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation." (Hebrews 9:8-10)

It is for this cause that 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. (Hebrews 9:15-18)

And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him ... in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight." (Colossians 1:20-22) 

This is why God winked at man's ignorance (having worshiped an unknown god) "but now commands all men every where to repent." (Acts 14:16; Acts 17:30; Acts 2:36-38)

While we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure for a good an some would even dare to die, but God commended His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. [*Atonement meaning reconciliation] 

"Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin [Adam], and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned  ..." (Romans 5:12)

Why is it this way? 

"For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:13-17) 

This free gift of salvation is not like the sin that came from the one who sinned, but rather the gift of righteousness.

Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover, the law entered that the offence might abound. [The law being the schoolmaster that was intended to draw us unto Christ]

The good news being -- where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:21) 

"By whom also we have great access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)

Why did it have to happen this way? We can take instruction from Jesus' teachings, wherein Jesus is saying to His disciples -- "If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father. But [this comes to pass] that the Word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, "They hated Me without a cause." (John 15:22-25)

This is the faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation -- that Christ Jesus came into all the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief, howbeit for this cause, I [we] obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting.

The One who knew no sin and yet humbled Himself to become as one of us so that we might have life abundantly in Him. The One who is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from Him. When He was despised, we esteemed Him not. 

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

"Surely, He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows, yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:1-5)

Yes, all we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, and 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 opened not His mouth ... for the transgression of My people was He stricken." (Isaiah 53:6-12)

This is why whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law. But we know as believers in Jesus Christ by faith, who have also willingly washed our flesh in water baptism in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are clothed in His righteousness. We are sealed, and in so doing, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38; Acts 10:40-44; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 19:1-7; I Peter 3:21-23)

He was manifested to take away our sins. And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins! (Matthew 1:21-23; I John 3:2-9)

After His kindness and love, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

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. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:1-2)

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14) 

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God be honour and glory forever and ever, Amen." (I Timothy 1:14-17) 

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I AM the Light of the World! -- Part 1559

The greatest love story ever told -- and yet in the revisionist telling, the modern day religious community has made a mockery of the truth of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, keeping the vail upon people's hearts so that they never come to the truth. Keeping them in darkness rather than point them to the light of the world that is Jesus the Christ. 

As Jesus asked, "If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:33)

But believers in Jesus by faith, who have been water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus know that there is a time coming when Revelation 3:8-9 will come to fruition. A time when those who have kept His Word and never forgotten His Name will raise up to proclaim the truth, and those in the synagogue who said they were Jews, and were not, but are rather of the synagogue of satan will be revealed for the lies that they have told.

Nevertheless, we need to understand the greatest love story from the scriptures so that we are not deceived. This is why we are instructed to study the Word  “to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)

What is truth? God Himself willingly became our Saviour. God in Christ!

Indeed, God was manifest in the flesh, came forth as a mighty man, was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not, all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him, God became our Saviour shedding His precious blood on the cross, and He did so because He loved His beloved creation (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:10-11; Colossians 2:9; Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 1:8,9) 

The doctrine of Christ found in Hebrews 6:1-2 is revealed throughout the old and the new -- particularly when Jesus said, "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me? 

John 3:16 -- For God so loved the world that He gave HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish! Who are we to believe in? The only begotten son coming forth from the bosom of the Father -- the mystery that was decided even before the foundation of this world was formed. 

The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. God sent forth His right arm of salvation (Exodus 15:6; Psalm 118:16) 

"Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen ..." (Acts 1:2) 

Jesus told His disciples that ye will see Me no more. Paul confirms this in I Corinthians 15:1-8. Why? Because as scripture points out, Jesus had to go before the Holy Ghost could come. Only then could the Spirit of Christ -- the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost come and dwell within us -- Jesus having said "I will never leave nor forsake you." 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who said, "I AND My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) 

Jesus told Philip, "If you have seen Me, ye have seen the Father." (John 14:6-12) 

The first commandment confirmed by Jesus in Mark 12:29-31 states: "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE Lord!" 

We need to stop trying to make a three Gods or God in three persons false trinity doctrine when Jesus clearly states who He was. 

Jesus is the Head of the body of Christ!

Jesus is the ONLY Name whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12) 

Jesus is the only be one bridegroom at the wedding feast -- and He is the all in all. 

Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11) 

In other words, there is no Daddy God as the modern day religious culture would have us believe -- only God the Father who loved us enough -- rather who loved us so much that He Himself would take on a sin prone flesh like as we -- but yet without sin so that He could become the perfect sacrifice on the cross for you and I.

He paid the ultimate price for our transgressions when He Himself who knew no sin became the perfect sacrifice.

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

God in Christ ... our Lord God and Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

Stand in the offering plate.

Believe Jesus Is Who He Said He Was For He Must Reign Till He Hath Put All Enemies Under His Feet - Part 1558

"But God be thanked, that ye WERE the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18)

We are to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. We are to hold fast the form of sound words -- in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  "That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us. (II Timothy 1:13-14) We are to seek understanding from the Lord so that we can therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 2:1-3)

Why? Because as Jesus so clearly stated, "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

Jesus also said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments ... He that hath My commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves Me; and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." (John 14:15-21)

Why do I say this? Because in this day and age, the devil is running to and fro trying to destroy and devour anyone he can. But let not your heart be troubled, as Jesus said,  for these times must come so that the prophecies which were foretold would be fulfilled. Still, we are not to sit idly by as it happens. 

Rather, we are instructed to hide the Word in our hearts so that "we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive ... but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:14-16)

What happens when we hide the Word in our hearts, and seek His wisdom and knowledge? We begin to understand that the teachings within the scriptures are the foundation. The Word is firmly established upon the new testament, with better promises forever more. (Hebrews 8:4)

Therefore, "be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." (Hebrews 13:9) "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth." (2 Peter 1:12)

 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood; and these three agree in one." (I John 5:8)

Jesus said to Nicodemus, "The wind blows where it lists, and thou hear the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it comes, and whither it goes, so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8)

Jesus (who had an unchangeable priesthood) made a surety of a better testament. (Hebrews 7:17-28)
This means that no one can expand on the teachings of Jesus Christ. No one can add to or take away from the scriptures wherein Jesus said, "Lo, the volume of the book is written of Me!" No one can move beyond the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic doctrine which was firmly established for one and all on the day of Pentecost.

As the scripture clearly states, "by this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus has come in the flesh is of God." Therefore, the Spirit agrees with the Word or the Spirit cannot be the Spirit of God. When the Holy Ghost dwells within, He leads and guides us into all truth. He gives us wisdom and knowledge. There is no new teaching, or secret encounter that can not be verified through His Word.

Either we abide in the doctrine of Christ (and when we do we have both the Father and the Son in the Holy Ghost, or we do not. This is why we can know -- as stated from I John 2:7  “Brethren, I write NO NEW COMMANDMENT UNTO YOU but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.

Regardless of the circumstances in the world, remain steadfast in what the Lord has taught you. And if you haven't studied His Word, do so with earnest so that you too can rightly divide the Word, as we have been instructed. And keep praising our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with thanksgiving and adoration because we can love Him because He first loved us.

Stand in the offering plate.

For We Preach Not Ourselves But Christ Jesus Our Lord - Part 1557

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ -- who is the image of God -- should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord ..." (II Corinthians 4:3-5)

If the good news gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ be hid or veiled, or quietened by those who do not want to hear His message of salvation wherein the Word was made flesh, who will rescue the perishing? How will they know that at one time, we also had the sentence of death in ourselves but the Lord -- in whom we trust with all our heart, soul, mind and strength has delivered us? Who will tell them that the same He who has delivered us from so great a death is also inviting them to come and dine at His wedding feast as well? Or that He which stablished us in Christ, and hath anointed us -- God -- who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts has a unique, one of a kind purpose for our life?

Apostle Paul instructs that "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God. It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. for the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified -- unto the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness -- but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God, because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (I Corinthians 1:18-31)

It is for this reason that we glory in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption; that according as it is written, "he that glories, let him glory in the Lord!" (I Corinthians 1:31) 

Jeremiah takes this thought one step further, writing:

Thus saith the Lord, "Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might; let not the rich [man] glory in his riches: but let him that glories glory in this -- that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these [things] I delight," saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Indeed, "we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ ..." (Savour meaning the fragrance of). Our love for Him, our praise and worship for Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords resonating upward from our very being. Preaching not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord to one and all!

Yes, as Paul indicates, "Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place." Why? Because "we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and [among] them that perish. To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many which corrupt the Word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God -- in the sight of God, we speak in Christ." (II Corinthians 2:15-17)

We speak and share and highlight Jesus the Christ who paid the ultimate price for our salvation. It is He -- Jesus -- who is calling each and every one of us to step into the purpose that He has given specifically to us, all the while remembering too, that we have so very much to be thankful for. During a time when so many don't even want to hear the words spoken by Jesus, or similarly, that Jesus is the ONLY Way, the Truth and the Life, we have a hope within that surpasses all human understanding.

And by the grace of God we are what we are, knowing that when His grace -- the grace and kindness and love of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ was bestowed upon us, it was not in vain. His grace not without purpose. (Titus 3:4-7)

"Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech. And NOT as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished, but their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."  (II Corinthians 3:10-18)

And when our hearts turn, we recognize that it was Jesus the Christ who paid the price for you and I and likewise He is today calling each and every one of us to step into the purpose that He has given specifically to us ... all the while remembering that we have so very much to be thankful for. During a time when so many don't even want to hear the words spoken by Jesus, or that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, we have a hope that surpasses all human understanding. 

His Name is Jesus ... from whence comes our salvation!

Stand in the offering plate.

For God Who Commanded the Light to Shine Out Of Darkness - Part 1556

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgression that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Where upon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:15-18) 

The Word made flesh. (John 1:1-18) The Lord coming forth as a mighty man (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11) God manifest in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16) God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

God who is now attired in a body of sin prone flesh went about delivering a message that the first Adam should have embraced. If Adam had embraced God’s words of instruction, then all of his descendants would have been spared tears, agonies, pains, sickness, and death. But man was in free fall. Not evolving. No sir. Man was descending into a pit. 

In the beginning, man was created by God for God. Man without friendly fellowship with God is empty, just like the earth before God took it upon Himself to furnish it. Prior to God stepping in to fill the earth with inhabitants, it is said that the earth was without form and void. In the beginning, Adam was alone in the garden. It was God who observed that Adam was lonely. It was also God who made a companion for Adam, a woman to dwell with him. While man was created in God's image, the woman was made of Adam's own flesh.

Just as in the early days of Adam and Eve, God knows what we have need of even before we ask. He knows our innermost heart desires. Why? Because God is a good God. And within His love and kindness for us, God had/has a plan for each and every one of us. As the scriptures state, eye has not seen, neither has ear heard of the things that God has in store for those who love Him. But within the framework that He Himself purposed from the beginning of the world, we also need to understand God's plan of salvation.

In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word WAS God. The *SAME was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1-4) [*Note that the same was in the beginning with God -- not another].

God (who is Spirit) descends into mans’ hopeless situation by preparing a natural body for Himself. This body was to be born of a young virgin girl named Mary. The life that was to indwell that body was not a seed from Adam’s fallen sinful race. The reason for this is that Adam sinned. From this point on, we inherited his fallen nature. "For all have sinned and fallen short of the grace of God."

But the life that was to indwell in Mary's body was to be a life conceived by the Holy Spirit of God. A spiritual life of God Himself clothed as a Son. Jesus - God with us, appearing as a man for indeed. (Matthew 1:21-23) He was a man in all respects. He was born as a man even though Luke (a medical doctor) referred to the fetus in the womb as a "holy thing." (Luke 1:35)

God was going to sacrifice His own sinless body, becoming the perfect sacrifice. By so doing, God is purchasing back to Himself His own creation as if they had never sinned. In other words, one man’s sin condemned us. One man’s righteousness redeems us.

It is in this context that Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself for us. There is no more sacrifice for sin. Our debt has been paid in full. The Gift of God is eternal life. Whosoever will call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved. Sin still lies at the door of your life, but because of Jesus blood shed on the cross, we have been given a second chance to choose life. In so doing, God will put your life back on track. 

God wants to make a new creation in you. God is going to walk up and down inside of you, in fellowship with you, making you a whole new person. You will be cleansed by the blood of God’s holy Spirit’s blood that flowed in Jesus' veins. His blood was shed for us. It is for this reason that we are free, and that we can stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. (Galatians 5:1) 

When one is filled with the Holy Ghost (as per Acts 2) you are now the Temple of God, in which He is pleased to dwell. Christ in You, the hope of glory. The great I AM. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. The King of kings and Lord of lords. The One and Only God who became our Saviour. It is no wonder that those who gladly received the Word on the day of Pentecost were also water baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, so that these too could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47) 

Choose life today. Repent, and be baptized into Jesus death -- buried with Him and resurrected into a new life with Him -- and be filled with His Spirit! Study His Word. Pray with thanksgiving -- without ceasing -- and rejoice evermore. 

And may the Lord God our Saviour bless you as you cut the cord once and for all with this fallen adamic sin cursed race, exchanging this world of nothings for His promises -- being then made free from sin, ye becoming the servants of righteousness. Stand in the offering plate.

Who Being the Brightness Of His Glory, and The Express Image of His Person, And Upholding All Things By the Word of His Power - Part 1555

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

God has declared that this same JESUS whom you crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)  

Crucified, though innocent yet bearing our guilt just the same. He Himself who knew no sin becoming the perfect sacrifice for you and I, so that we through His blood shed, might be redeemed. 

Raising Himself from death to life for our justification, this same Lord and Christ redeemed us to an abundant life. Peter, along with others was asked a question by Jesus. "Who do men say that I, the son of man is?" The responses differed. However, Peter got it right declaring, "you are the Christ the Son of the Living God."

Jesus replied, saying, "Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father which is in Heaven. He revealed this to you. Upon this Rock (this pronounced confession) I will build My church [assembly -congregation -temple] and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." As many as received Him, to them gave He the power (Spirit) enabling them to become the sons of God. Yes. He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, conceived of the Holy Ghost, condescending into His own created world, clothing Himself in flesh, fashioned like earth’s inhabitants.

He walked, so to speak in our shoes, as a man tempted and tried in all points like we are, yet He was without sin. For greater was He who dwelt within Jesus than he that is in the world (satan). This body of believers are the Jesus people. This is My Church. This Church has a corner stone like all other buildings under construction, but in this case the builder and maker is God. A temple not made with hands. Yes, He Himself is the corner stone. He also selected/elected the necessary required materials for the establishment of that which He envisioned.

As it is written, after the cross, I will return and build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down. However, this time He prepares for Himself a believing chosen body consisting of living, believing stones ordained of God, and grafted into the tree of life. Jesus, the Lord Himself furnishing this temple of believers to become His permanent body habitation. His bride, the embodiment of God Himself dwelling in His redeemed Son. The bride made up of believers in Jesus by faith who were once lost but now are found -- amazing grace! But I digress.

There is only one body and there is only one Spirit. You are now the natural body of Christ, and of His Spirit have you received His bones and His flesh. To Saul He said, "Saul,  Saul. Why are you persecuting me?" Who was Saul/Paul persecuting? His church. Of His Spirit have all believers received. Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." This explains why He inhabits us. And why He will never forsake us. 

He has given to us His Word. We are to go into all the world and preach His Word. The good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all the world, which is the greatest love story ever told. After His kindness ...

And in so doing, whosoever sins we remit, they are remitted. Whosoever sins we retain, they are retained.

How indebted we are to those who have never heard. We have retained their sins having never granted to them the opportunity to accept so great and so free - God's gift of salvation. It is within this context that we diligently deliver the wholesome words of life, thereby enabling faith to be expressed toward Jesus, and allowing others to receive remission of sin from Him who alone has suffered, bled and died.  He, granting freely the gift of eternal life.

For this gift is not obtained by works. It cannot be purchased. Delivered and administered to us by our great High Priest, whose ministry is intransmissible. He sacrificed Himself once and once for all on the cross for you and I. He shed His precious blood so that we might have life eternal in Him.

He was once offered with that one sacrifice and Heaven’s door flew open. With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you. That sacrificial life, in God’s eyes were as if it had occurred today. That is why the Scriptures state - He ever lives to make intercession for us. Recall that there is only one mediator between God and man. 

"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." (Hebrews 9:15)

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

Who Gave Himself For Us That He Might Redeem Us From All Iniquity, And Purify Unto Himself A Peculiar People, Zealous of Good Works - Part 1554

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)

In the last days, we were warned about the devil running to and fro, seeking to devour those who he could, before that fearful and dreadful day of the coming of the Lord. Indeed, we are seeing it all around us -- wherein our society like that of Paul and Silvanus and Timotheus is "forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved ..." (I Thessalonians 2:16)

This is why we need to study the scriptures, to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15) The word study oft likened to hasten or being diligent so that the foundation on which we stand -- the foundation of God standa sure, having this seal -- "The Lord knows them that are His." (II Timothy 2:19)

This is why the apostles beseech us by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him that we be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. In other words, let no man deceive you by any means [for that day shall not come] except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition -- who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself to all that would believe him that he may be God.

But he is not God. Even though the mystery of iniquity doth already work in the world, and we know the Wicked will be revealed (whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming) we can be confident because God hath from the very beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, where unto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 2:-8, 13-14)

Therefore, do not be tossed to and fro from every wind of doctrine that seeks to move you away from the Rock which was and is Christ. Rather, stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle, and allow our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God (even our Father) which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. (II Thessalonians 2:15-17)

And pray also (as did the apostles) that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.

Stand in the offering plate.

One Body Of Christ ... That There Should Be No Schism In the Body - Part 1553

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into ONE body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.

If the foot shall say, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?" And if the ear shall say, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?" If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him.

And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but ONE body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, "I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you." Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (I Corinthians 12:12-27)
According to the Biblical scriptures, the Church is His body. We are the body of Christ. We are His bones. We are His flesh. We are the temple in which He is pleased to dwell. We are the people called by His name (the Jesus people). The early believers continued steadfastly in the teachings of the Spirit of God, which they in turn delivered to us. As the scriptures state, "For another foundation can no man lay other than that which has been laid." This is the apostles' foundation with Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone.

Further, Jesus said this is My church and the gates (teachings of hell) shall not prevail against it. The holy Spirit of Jesus Himself will lead and guide believers into all truth. As it is written, believers will all be taught of God. Christ alone is the Head of His Church (body). In essence then, this church is not a two headed church. This foundation verifies yet again that there is only one mediator between God and man. That is, the man Jesus the Christ who is the only begotten Son of the Spirit of God. It is in this body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily. This makes God alone the Father and Mother of the man Jesus.

Was Mary the mother of God? Of course not. Mary was a surrogate mother of the Son of God. The prophesied Christ. Does Mary intercede on our behalf? Again, no.  Mary said that her spirit rejoiced in "God her Saviour." (Luke 1: 46-47) Can a believer be more blessed than Mary? Indeed, yes. As the scriptures state, more blessed are they that hear the Word of God and do it.  Blessed much more than the womb that bore me! Who is Jesus' mother and father then? They that hear the Word of God and do it. Is anyone infallible? No. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, No not one.

But the good news is that whosoever sins that you remit, they are remitted. Whosoever sins that you retain, they are retained. When Jesus bore our sins on a tree, He allowed the people -- sinners -- to call upon Jesus so that they would receive forgiveness and remission of sin. But the apostolic message did not end there. In this context, other questions are asked. Am I really baptized if I am baptized in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit?

As outlined in earlier posts, these are relationship titles with no applicable name attached. By being baptized in the titles and not the name of Jesus, one is substituting man’s rendition of Matthew chapter 28:19 without including the practical applicability. How did the apostles baptize? How were all new believers water baptized in the Bible? Note here that the apostles did follow Jesus' instructions when they baptized believers in His name -- in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- according to Acts 2:36-47!

It is the same when, during communion, countless congregations of people are told that the wafer or bread and the wine are miraculously transformed into the blood and body of Christ. Would I be committing an unforgivable sin if I participate? We would if we did not acknowledge that Jesus sacrificed Himself once and for all so that we could be saved.  As such, there is no longer a need for churches to offer a repeat performance. Jesus made the sacrifice. And it was Jesus Himself that said on the cross -- "It is finished."

The sacrificial death of Jesus is present tense.

Moreover, there is only ONE high priest. That is Jesus, who is a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Is the new testament a continuation of the old covenant? No. The new testament is a testament between one party. This one relationship is between God who is Spirit and between God Himself as a Son. Grace testament. Whereas the old covenant was between two parties -- a covenant of life and death -- the new testament is about grace! This is why the scriptures ask new believers to search the scriptures so that they will know and understand the plan of salvation.

What were the first believers told to do? The first 3000 people who believed in Jesus repented and were baptized into the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, and as a consequence, received the gift of the Holy Ghost. For further insight on the apostles' and the doctrine that Jesus taught, please read through Acts chapter two.

Note as well that those who heard Peter preaching the gospel (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost told those listening that this SAME Christ which ye have crucified is BOTH LORD AND CHRIST. It is no wonder that they were pricked in their heart. If you are pricked in your heart today, please ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to open your eyes for understanding.

Stand in the offering plate.

Sealed By His Spirit So That Ye Might Be Filled With the Knowledge Of His Will In All Wisdom And Spiritual Understanding -- Part 1552

"Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints ... for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the Word of the truth of the gospel, which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard [of it] and knew the grace of God in truth!" (Colossians 1:1-6)

Sadly, too many desire the "earthly food" that fills the belly over the spiritual manna that fills the soul. Remember, what happened after Jesus fed the five thousand with the young boy's five barley loaves and two small fishes? When the people were filled, Jesus said unto His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." This the disciples did filling twelve baskets with the fragments of loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

When they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, the men said, "This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world." (John 6:14) One would assume that their hearts would be filled with gladness.

However, when Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take Him by force  -- to make Jesus a King -- He departed again into a mountain Himself alone. The day following, those that had eaten went looking for Jesus, seeking Him. When they found Jesus, these men asked, "Rabbi, when camest Thou hither?" Remember, these were the very same men who had seen the miracle that Jesus did and said, "This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world." (John 6:1-25)

What did Jesus say to them? 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you -- ye seek Me not because ye see the miracles but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled." (John 6:26) In other words, these were amazed by the signs and wonders that Jesus did, but not quite enough to follow Jesus. These were content that their bellies were filled, but did not desire the same outcome for their soul.

So, Jesus knowing their hearts says unto them, "Labour not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:27; Matthew 6:19; Acts 2:22) 

The conversation continues, with these men then asking Jesus -- "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." This is when these asked Jesus for a sign. They said, "Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat." Then Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world." (John 6:32-33) 

Jesus goes on to tell them that He is the bread of life. That He is the bread that came from heaven to give life unto the world. That here He was, the Lord of glory standing in front of them but they believed not. Even though these had seen Jesus, heard His teachings, and witnessed His miracles, they were not convinced enough in their heart to believe. (John 6:36; John 6:26, 64) 

Indeed, these did not believe the works that Jesus did had been done "in My Father's Name" or that "they bear witness of Me." (John 10:26) 

We see quite the contrast when Jesus conveys the same gospel message to the woman from Samaria. She had come to collect water at the well that day, and there is Jesus. After some dialogue, Jesus says to the woman -- "Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give Him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14) 

Herein, the woman's heart desired to know more. She said, "I know that Messias comes, which is called Christ; when He is come, He will tell us all things." (John 4:25-26) When Jesus responded, saying, "I that speak unto thee am He," - the prophesied Christ, she willingly went to tell those in the city of Samaria of the man "which told me all the things ever I did." (John 4:15- 44)

Two very different responses when it came to Jesus. What was the difference?

On the one hand, there were those like the woman at the well who heard Jesus of Nazareth with their heart. Conversely, those who were miraculously fed rejected the One and Only Lord. As Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost proclaimed -- "a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God ... ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain; whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death; because it was not possible that it should be holden of it." (Acts 2:22-23)

Choose life. Choose death.

Choose Jesus who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Repent and be water baptized [buried] in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-47)

And when you do, "the eyes of your understanding" will be enlightened; "that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe according to the working of His mighty power -- which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set [Him] at His own right hand in the heavenly [places]." (Ephesians 1: 18-23)

Jesus -- the giver of life and salvation. Be filled/sealed by His Spirit. Stand in the offering plate.

Why Are Ye So Fearful ... Rather, Be of Good Cheer - Part 1551

"According to your faith be it unto you." (Matthew 9:29)

Everywhere we look these days, there is distress and chaos in the world. Even those who attempt to make the world a better place are seeing the emerging civil unrest all around. People downtrodden, even when they try to do what is right and just and true. And, as Jesus foretold, we see men's hearts failing them because of fear. But Jesus did not come to make us fearful, but rather, to fill us with His peace and joy - that surpasses all human understanding.

This is why we as believers in Jesus by faith can be different from the world, because we understand that what was prophesied from afore has to come to fruition before that day that our blessed Lord and Saviour appears. Therefore, as Jesus said to His disciples, "Be of good cheer!"

Jesus also said, "Verily I say unto you -- If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done." (Matthew 21:21)

Too often we miss what the Lord Jesus has appointed just for us -- because of the encroaching day to day. We drink the koolaid of this world without fully understanding that Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ, Almighty God manifest in the flesh -- has a unique purpose for each and every one of us. And His desire for us is to say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:21, 23, 45)

As such, we need to desire more of Jesus. And, as a consequence, we need to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

Therefore, instead of focusing on the tomorrows that have yet to come -- and lingering for far too long in the "O ye of little faith" mode -- we need to be like the man sick of palsy, lying on a bed, whose faith along with the faith of his friends knew that Jesus is the redeemer, the healer, the Comforter, the Bread of Life. That Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, beginning and the ending of all things. (Matthew 6:30; Revelation 1:8, 11)

"And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." (Matthew 9:2)

We need to press into the One and Only Lord Jesus who commanded the winds to stop, and the sea to settle. For He alone is our hope. From Him comes our salvation.

Thus, instead of hearing Jesus say, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" or "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" we need to rise to the occasion wherein we were called. (Mark 4:4; Matthew 14:31)

That is, the just shall live by faith, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed. (Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 10:28)

"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." (Galatians 3:11) For when we walk by faith and not by sight, we can be confident in His goodness and grace and mercy, that our life here on earth has purpose. And it begins with stepping out in faith and believing in Jesus the Christ, who willingly shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I.

To this end, I include an account of the old covenant faithful in Hebrews 11, who require us in this current dispensation of grace to stand in the offering plate for Jesus -- with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, so that these faithful with us who have received the promise should be made perfect. Hebrews 11 ....

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

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

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned ... But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and He that had received the promises offered up His only begotten son, of whom it was said, "That in Isaac shall Thy seed be called" accounting that God was able to raise Him up, even from the dead; from whence also He received Him in a figure.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest He that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth and these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise -- God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect ..."

All Scripture is Given by Inspiration of God, and is Profitable For Doctrine, For Reproof, For Correction, For Instruction in Righteousness - Part 1550

"Stand fast in the liberty wherein is Christ ..." (Galatians 5:1)

The law of the Spirit of Life has made me free from the law of sin and death. The law of the Spirit of Life is revealed in the New Testament whereas the law of sin and death is found in the Old Covenant. Moses presented the Old Covenant and similarly, Moses was faithful in his delivery. In this capacity, Moses was a servant of God fulfilling his appointed ministry.

The Law of the Spirit of Life was delivered by God Himself -- as a Son.

Yes, God Himself was manifest in the flesh as a Son. I Timothy 3:16 states: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

As also stated in the scriptures, in the Son did dwell ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) JESUS being the manifestation of God in the flesh. God being found in fashion as a Son. God being in Christ did not think it robbery to be equal with God who is Spirit. For they indeed are ONE and the same.

Not two persons as the modern day religious culture would have us believe. Indeed, God purposely veiled Himself in flesh in an endeavour to reveal Himself to mankind - to you and I that He is pure, holy, loving, long suffering, compassionate and merciful. That He Himself is the Author of love!

Indeed, JESUS was the life of God! No man has seen God at any time so God revealed Himself in the same fashion even as we are. JESUS saying to His disciples, that if you have seen Me then you have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) He that has the Son receives the Father also.

Surely natural life dictates that this is so. For if you naturally look at me - Bill - I am a son - I am also a father in a son's body and also the one who is speaking now Bill as the spirit, having my life in Bill the same son's body. I am not three distinct and separate persons. I am one person. And likewise, neither are you three persons.

Moreover, I am one, and I have only one given name. That name is not father nor son nor spirit but rather my name is Bill.

So from whence comes the problem? The difficulty is that the church fathers messed things up, and as a result of their ignorance (willingly or otherwise) they have led multitudes of people into error. They have left aside the Word of God and are entrenched in teaching error. Read the scriptures for yourself. JESUS said, "My Word is Spirit and it is Life!" The entrance of My Word brings forth life. Indeed, you shall know the truth, and upon knowing these truths, these truths shall set you free.

Spirit Life then is bounded by a law. That Law is that believers continue in the Word spoken and delivered to mankind by the Lord God Himself. After His kindness and love, God willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

Continue in HIS Word today! Remain steadfast in the apostle's doctrine (Acts 2:36-47) That way you will not be tossed to and fro because you will be standing on the Rock -- the Rock that is Jesus.

Stand in the offering plate!

(Written by William McKendrick)

Benefactors? Succourers? God's Ensamples to the Flock? - Part 1549

Are we not to be God's ensamples to the flock so that when the Chief Shepherd appears, we shall receive a crown of glory? (I Peter 5:2-5)

Interestingly, the word that Jesus uses in reference to the kings of the Gentiles -- the word benefactor -- gave me pause to think. As far as I can tell, in Jesus' day, a benefactor referred to the titles and honour given to those in positions of power. For example, the title of "Your Majesty" when addressing earthly royalty.

However, when I look up this same word benefactor in modern day dictionaries, the word benefactor has taken on a new connotation. In fact, being a benefactor today refers to "those who give" to a cause, whether it be monetary or in the form of a gift. [*A benefactor, according to the Mirriam-Webster dictionary is "one that confers a benefit; especially one that makes a gift or bequest."] 

Either way, and for purposes of clarity, I draw on Jesus' instructions in the scriptural example from Luke 22. 

Herein, the disciples are making ready for the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover. Jesus sitting with the twelve says unto them, "With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks and breaks, giving unto the disciples, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me." Likewise, also the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrays Me is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of man goes, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed!" (Luke 22:8-22)

This dialogue leads to the disciples asking one another  -- which of them should do this thing. As a consequence, note that the scriptures state there came about a strife [rivalry] among them, [as to] which of them should be accounted [considered] the greatest. (Luke 22:23-24) Given the circumstance, and the fact that Jesus knew what was yet come, this emerging dialogue from His disciples must have been draining. Nevertheless, Jesus continues His teaching, saying:

"The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. BUT YE SHALL NOT BE SO; but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sits at meat? but I am among you as He that serves. Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations. and I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My Father hath appointed unto Me; that ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Luke 22:23-32)

Jesus calls to them and saith, "Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them, but so shall it not be among you, but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister, and whosoever of you will be the chiefest shall be the servant of all. For ever the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life for many." (Mark 10:35-45)

Here was Jesus the Christ about to go to the cross for our transgressions listening to some level of discord among the disciples. Just before this, when the disciples had again disputed among themselves (as to who should be the greatest), Jesus told them, "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all." (Mark 9:30-35) And in another place, this is the very same message Jesus said to His disciples when He set a child by Him saying, "Whosoever shall receive this child in My Name receives Me; and whosoever shall receive Me receives Him that sent Me: for He that is least among you all, the same shall be great." (Luke 9:48)

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoso shall receive one such little child in My Name receives Me." (Matthew 18:4-5)

Beginning from the time when Jesus preached the "be-attitudes" there was an underlying theme that believers in Jesus by faith are not to be like the hypocrites in the synagogues or the streets who seek the glory of men. As Jesus said, "They have their reward. But when thou does alms, let not thy left hand know what thine right hand does, that thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father which sees in secret Himself shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:1-18) 

Therefore, as Jesus prayed specifically for Simon Peter, we also are to ensure that our faith fail not, that when we are converted, we can strengthen our brethren. (Luke 22:31-32) How? Certainly not by lording over them. Or expecting titles and recognition from men. Or, expecting benefactors to come to the rescue to support "our" earthly cause? 

But rather, being a benefactor or flow-through for the Lord so that others see Him in us. As apostle Paul writes when it comes to teaching and preaching the good news gospel of Jesus Christ, "Verily, that when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel." (I Corinthians 9:18) 

"If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless, we have not used this power; but suffer all things lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ ..." (I Corinthians 9:12)

"Not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they shall be saved." (I Corinthians 10:33)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ to the strangers scattered through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia writes to the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ -- that the elders which are among you ... feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock [that] when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away." (I Peter 5:1-4; I Timothy 3:1-13)

The true servant of the Lord not striving to be seen/perceived as one of the greatest, but rather being gentle unto all, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (II Timothy 2:24-26)

The apostles according to the scriptures should be our ensample (for many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame -- who mind earthly things). (Philippians 3:18-21) 

But our conversation as believers should be in heaven -- from whence also we look for the Saviour -- the Lord Jesus Christ. The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8. 11)

Still, if the examples within the modern day religious culture leads us to believe that this "servant" mode for our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ is not possible, please look at Paul's admiration of Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that ye receive her in the Lord, as becomes saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also." (Romans 16:1-2)

God's ensample to the flock - stepping up to the high calling that the Lord purposed in your heart whilst ye were still in your mother's womb -- both willingly and with a ready mind/heart. 

Like Priscilla and Aquilla (helpers in Christ Jesus), Mary (who bestowed much labour on us), Andronicus and Junia, kinsmen and fellow prisoners (who are of note among the apostles who also were in Christ before Paul), Ampilas, Urbane, Stachys, Apelles, Aristobulus' household, Herodion, the household of Narcissus, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Peris, Rufus and his mother, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, and the brethren with them, Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas and all the saints which are with them, Timotheus, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tertius, Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus who all knew in their hearts -- as did apostle Paul, and the other eleven too -- who decided because of their faith and testimony in the Lord Jesus to become succourers and God's ensamples to His flock so that others could also obtain like precious faith through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. (Romans 16:1-27; II Peter 1:1-2) 

"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of the faith; to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever, Amen!" (Romans 16:1-24)

Stand in the offering plate.

How Shall We Escape If We Neglect So Great Salvation- Part 1548

We ought to give more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip. "For if the Word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [Him]. God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?" (Hebrews 2:1-4)

Throughout the Bible, there is a steadfast witness from a host of prophets, the psalmist and Jesus' disciples and followers that lead seekers to the good news gospel knowledge of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Howbeit the most high dwells not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, "Heaven is My throne, and earth is my footstool; what house will ye build Me?" saith the Lord; "or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:48-50; Isaiah 66:1-2; Psalm 102:25)

In fact, many of the prophets of old were persecuted, having been slain -- them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One. (Acts 7:52-52; Acts 3:14; Acts 22:14) And now, as Peter with John proclaim -- these  have denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired instead that a murderer be granted full pardon. These [we] killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. The only charge against Jesus? He healed the sick and lame in His Name through faith in His Name made. (Acts 3:14)

Still, the numerous testimonies and witnesses of Jesus in the scriptures remains true. Ananias, a devout man according to the law said unto Saul/Paul, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou should know His will, and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard." (Acts 22:14-15)

But he was not alone.

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen!" (John 21:25)

"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through His Name." (John 20:30-31)

In order to maintain a credible record, Luke (a physician by profession) set forth a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us -- even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the Word. He wrote that it seemed good to him also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first which is why he is writing to the most excellent Theophilus -- "that thou might know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed." (Luke 1:1-4)

A similar former treatise is written to Theophilus in Acts 1:1-2, outlining all that Jesus began to do and teach.

When it came to replacing Judas (the disciple which had fallen by transgression and betrayed Jesus), lots were drawn between two men. But these two were not ordinary men but had to "have companied with us all the time that our Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, until that same day that He was taken from us ... ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:21-22)

These had to have experienced and seen with their own eyes the miracles of Jesus. These had to ave followed Jesus from the time of John's baptism of repentance to the cross. Paul also states that he delivered unto you/us all that which I/he also received -- how that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, and that Jesus was buried, and rose again on the third day (again, according to the scriptures). (I Corinthians 15:1-4)

But there were others like Cephas, and then the twelve, and also the five hundred brethren, and James and all of the apostles. (I Corinthians 15:5-8)

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us ..." )I John 5:13-14)

And I have not even begun to mention the eyewitness accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John or the unifying and consistent thread that runs through each of their respective gospels. Or the prophecies of the many prophets in the old covenant who foretold of our blessed Saviour so very long ago.

Nevertheless, there is no shortage of witnesses who would confirm the greatest love story ever told. That is,

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

Please don't neglect the Lord's love offering to you. He became the perfect sacrifice so that you might have life more abundantly in Him. After His kindness and love, God became our Saviour! Stand in the offering plate.

Let the Word of Christ Dwell In You Richly in All Wisdom - Part 1547

Christ is all in all. (Colossians 3:11)

He is our Lord God and Saviour, who after His kindness and love for His beloved creation endured the cross, that was such a contradiction. Here was He who knew no sin personally delivering to us His free gift of salvation so that we might experience life in Him. His peace. His joy. His love and mercy which surpasses all human understanding. (Titus 3:4-7)

"Which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:23)

"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." (Colossians 2:9-10)

"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)

Not another but the one and same God who created man and woman in the beginning, He was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, "This was He of whom I spake. He that comes after me is preferred before me for He was before me." (John 1:15)

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Lord coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

"... now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath 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 night. For through Him, we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:13-22)

It is in this context that apostle Paul continually warns us of those who would spoil us through philosophy and deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ. It is because of the importance of understanding that before the foundation of the world was even formed, God knew that He would have to become our Saviour. That His humanity would have to shed His precious holy blood on the cross if we were to be redeemed. That He Himself would have to usher in this dispensation of grace -- how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery .. the mystery of Christ -- "which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of His promise of Christ by the gospel ... 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." (Ephesians 3:1-10)

"According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord ..." (Ephesians 3:11)

In the old, we see that God prepared Himself a body so that He could become the perfect sacrifice. In the new, we are members of His body -- the body of Christ -- wherein Jesus is the Head. (Romans 12:4-18)

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews, or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit, for the body is not one member but many." (I Corinthians 12:12-14)

Paul continues this same message in Galatians:

"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." 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 fro the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree."

That the blessing might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we 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 disannuls or adds thereto," Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many; but as 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 the 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. 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 3:6-29)

This is why God had to conclude them/us all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory for ever, amen." (Romans 12:30-36)

Stand in the offering plate.