Every One That Is Called By My Name: For I Have Created Him For My Glory, I Have Formed Him; Yea, I Have Made Him! - Part 1588

" But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver; in whom we trust that He will yet deliver [us]; ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 

For our rejoicing is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge: even to the end  ... and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end." (II Corinthians 1:9-15)

As believers in Jesus by faith, we understand that JESUS is the Rock -- the One and Only foundation for our beliefs.

The Author and Finisher of our faith.
The first and the last.
The beginning and the ending.
Jesus -- the chief corner stone.
The Bread of life.
The Light of the world.

And, as we recognize from the day of Pentecost, wheewun Peter (standing with the eleven) established the apostolic doctrine, there is no other foundation than in the Name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38-47) Why? Because as the first 3,000 souls saved knew, Jesus is  BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

What do we learn from this understanding? That God's plan of salvation was not man-made. It was God-made and personally delivered by He who knew no sin. He became the perfect sacrifice for you and I. God became flesh and dwelt among us, so that we might receive His free gift of salvation (John 1:1-18)

This is why Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

He personally delivered to us our own get out of jail card, and paid the price with His precious blood on the cross at Calvary. This is why we glory in the Lord, for He alone is our hope -- every one that is called by "My Name" -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

His purpose?

"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: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God ...." (Ephesians 3:9-10)

"Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14)

"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:36)

Thus, we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God, which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (I Corinthians 2:12-13)

Therefore, abundant praise unto His precious Name! The Name of the Lord Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

For The Testimony Of Jesus Is The Spirit of Prophecy - Part 1587

God is not three distinct and separate persons as satan the great deceiver and prince of the system of error would imply. Indeed, God is one Spirit. God is a holy Spirit. It is God who is Spirit. It is God who no man had ever seen, who after counselling with Himself, decided that He was going to create a visible world. The written scriptural word presents this decision as in the “Day” (period of time). Note that creation as a whole was over days - six days or periods to be exact. God did rest the seventh day and when He did, God saw that it was good.

Visibly we now see the Almighty-ness and the wisdom of God displayed continually. We are able to constantly view at no cost God's creation. At the end of the day, this leaves man without excuse for his unbelief. Still, God knew that man would be deceived. This explains why the Written Word declares, "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth. For satan has come to earth to dethrone man from the prominent position delegated of God to man."

For example, God has set man over the works of His own hands. And thus, satan was enraged, for during a previous period, he was a prominent figure in the household of God. That is, until pride took hold of him. This resulted in a rebellion and next, following on the heels of rebellion war. The written Word declares to man that there was war in heaven leaving God’s created world -- as described -- without form and void. (e.g. the result of war and devastation).

The devil (satan) was then cast out of Heaven. So in his anger, satan now turns his attention upon man. As we know, satan easily deceives man through deception, saying to Eve, "Hath God said?" This is important because satan always contradicts God’s Word. In this case, recall God’s word to Adam. But satan first enticed Eve, and then Eve influenced Adam. Eve was deceived, whereas Adam plain and simply sinned against God. How? Well, God had directly instructed Adam concerning the matter beforehand.

Notice how satan wraps himself in words spoken by God (Truth) and then embodies a lie into the truth? It is like wrapping poison with sugar. The scripture declares that such a lie is not the truth. Man's only defense against satan is through adherence to the Word of God. That is why, Jesus, God Himself as a Son, when tempted of the devil said, "It is written."

Notice how the devil always wraps truth and error together, as if it were the Written Word of God. In so doing, satan deceives persons unacquainted with the scriptures (like Eve). But we have the revealed counsel of the Word of God. Whilst satan may try to lead us into his captivity, the written Word encourages us to put on ,the whole armour of God. This is to read the scriptures for ourselves - the written Word!

The Spirit of God (regardless of what religious demonically propelled individuals advance as truth) does not amount to three persons. The Written Word declares that there is only One Spirit and that one Spirit is a holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost is declared to be God, a descriptive title, ascribed to One who is the source of all Wisdom, Power and Majesty.

God has revealed that His One Spirit is the Father of all things. It is He who is the Same One holy Spirit who has revealed Himself as the One holy Spirit indwelling the man Jesus, who is God Himself, in visible form.

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

This is why God speaks to us in Spirit fellowship. God speaks to us as the Father of all spirits. God speaks to us as one Spirit indwelling as a Son in the man Christ Jesus. This same indwelling One Spirit made all things after the counsel of His own will. There is only ONE GOD and this one God was in the World.

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

"For the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy, and I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, He doth judge and make war. His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on His head [were] many crowns; and He had a Name written, that no man knew but He Himself, and He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His Name is called The Word of God." (Revelation 19:10-13; John 1:1-18; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 2:36-38; Hebrews 1:1-14; I John 5:7; Luke 24:47; Revelation 15:3-4; Isaiah 63:2-3)

"And on His vesture and on His thigh, a Name written: King of kings and Lord of lords." (Revelation 19:16)

Stand in the offering plate with Jesus today.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Displayed -- JESUS For He Shall Save His People From Their Sins -- Part 1586

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.

For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calls for justice, nor any pleads for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eats of their eggs dies, and that which is crushed breaks out into a viper. Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.

The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goes therein shall not know peace. Therefore, is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon day as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men. We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.

For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; in transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth fails; and he that departs from evil makes himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no judgment.

And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompence to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompence. So shall they fear the Name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.

"As for Me, this is My covenant with them," saith the Lord; "My spirit that is upon Thee, and My words which I have put in Thy mouth, shall not depart out of Thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of Thy seed, nor out of the mouth of Thy seed's seed," saith the Lord, "from henceforth and for ever." (Isaiah 59:1-21)

His Name is JESUS! For He is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with Him are called and chosen and faithful.

Stand in the offering plate.

For This Is My Covenant Unto Them, When I Shall Take Away Their Sins - Part 1585

"Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which we 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 1:4-6)

When God made promise to Abraham He sware by Himself because He could swear by no greater saying, "Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:13-15)

For those who do not know about Abraham, there was a time when God had tested Abraham's faith. For many religious today, this example is likened to God later sending a son to redeem the world. The difference however is that God did one better than Abraham. Rather than sacrificing a son, He Himself came into the world as a son, robed in human flesh and dwelling among us.

Many miss this point because of the modern day religious dogma that attempts to teach God as anything but the ONE LORD spoken of in the first commandment. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) Nevertheless, the scriptures are specific on this point. God was manifest in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16) God became our Saviour (Titus 3:4-7) God with us (Matthew 1:21-23) The Lord came forth as a mighty man (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)

"Behold, I will send My messenger and he shall prepare the way before Me, and the Lord, whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in, He shall come" saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:1)

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

Jesus said, "If ye had known Me ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth, ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:6-11)

Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30; John 17:11, 21)

In other words, Jesus of Nazareth was not just the King of the Jews (as the title written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin stated on the cross -- John 19:19-20) but similarly, 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; Revelation 20:16; Revelation 21:6)

By now you must be asking -- then what was the significance of Abraham? And the example wherein Abraham believed God sufficiently to offer his only son Isaac for a sacrifice, if this was God's will? These are good questions. Certainly, the fact that God paid attention to Abraham's heart and willingness to do God's will by faith -- even when the idea of sacrificing his son must have grieved Abraham beyond measure -- is instructive.

If we consider this example from God's perspective, and the fact that He Himself became the perfect sacrifice on the cross shows us that the Lord had never intended to offer another to redeem His people Thus, again, God is confirming to one and all that seek Him, that the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world was that He would take on sin (even when He was without sin) so that we might be saved. The greatest love story ever told.

"God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken to us by [His] Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high..." (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Why the right hand? Because as the Lord through the prophet Isaiah so aptly prophesied, the Lord God willingly gave His right arm.

"The LORD hath sworn by His right hand, and by the arm of His strength, "Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured ..." (Isaiah 62:8)

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear ... therefore, His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him," (Isaiah 59:1-16)

The Lord saw that there was no man who could become the intercessor for our sins, and thus, He Himself came to loose the bands of wickedness, and to undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free. Who shall go? He asked, for there is none righteous, no not one. 

"And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore, Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me ..." (Isaiah 63:5)

Is this new? NO, because in the days of old when the Lord brought Moses and His people out of the sea, we see that the Lord even then led them by the right hand of Moses with HIS GLORIOUS ARM, dividing the water before them, to make Himself an everlasting name ... so didst Thou lead Thy people, to make Thyself a glorious Name ... Thou, O Lord, [art] our Father, our Redeemer; Thy Name from everlasting!" (Isaiah 63:11-16)

Even then, following the Rock that was Christ through the Red Sea. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

This is why the Lord could say, "there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me. Look unto Me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else ..." (Isaiah 45:21-22)

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

"For I am God, and there is none else: I am God and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, "My counsel shall stand and I will do all My pleasure." (Isaiah 46:9-10)

And while modern day religion likens ONE GOD into many, and likewise, into a person, the Lord Himself declares -- "To whom will ye liken Me, and make Me equal, and compare Me that we may be like?" (Isaiah 46:5)

"I the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel." (Isaiah 45:3)

"And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak ... according to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompense. So shall they fear the Name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. 

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob," saith the Lord. "As for Me, this is My covenant with them," saith the Lord; "My Spirit that is upon Thee, and My words which I have put in Thy mouth, shall not depart out of Thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of Thy seed, nor out of the mouth of Thy seed's seed," saith the Lord, "from henceforth and for ever." (Isaiah 59:16-21)

"I have sworn by Myself, the Word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." (Isaiah 45:23)

This is why we can arise and shine for Thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon Thee. (Isaiah 60:1) 

There is many more insights to come regarding Abraham, but for now, let us meditate on these things, and, as the Lord instructs in the book of Revelation, "come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues ..." (Revelation 18:4-5) 

Step away from those who teach false doctrines -- another gospel -- rather than truth. Don't be fooled by the wolves in sheep's clothing who have created a religious culture based on a false premise that does not exist in the scriptures. Indeed, there is no trinity. There is no tri-une God anywhere in His Word. Even common sense suggests that ONE God cannot then equal three at the same time. As believers, we will not be sitting at the wedding feast with three bridegrooms. 

There is only one God, and in this current dispensation of grace, He has given to us His Name -- JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. 

"Hear, O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD." (Deuteronomy 6:4)

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism ..." (Ephesians 4:5-6)

Stand in the offering plate.

Now He Which Stablishes Us With You In Christ and Hath Anointed and Sealed Us and Given the Earnest of the Spirit In Our Hearts - Part 1584

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee form idolatry." (I Corinthians 10:1-14)

Indeed, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The scripture saith that the Ark is Jesus, and the door or entrance into the ark is accomplished when our being is buried or baptized into His death. When we are buried/baptized under the water, our old sinful past life is drowned. When we arise out of the water, we are resurrected to a new life.  For when we are resurrected with Him, not only are we resurrected, but we arise totally justified from all our sins.

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 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 6:1-4)

Further, water baptism is similar to the time when the children of Israel in the old covenant crossed the river and followed that spiritual Rock which was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4) It is said that in so doing, they were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. Reaching the other river bank in safety, while the Egyptians endeavouring to do the same all drowned in the water. It is evident that they were not in the ark of safety. 

Today, believers are baptized into the death of Jesus. He is the covenant of promise, the ark of safety where believers are saved by God. Not because they were deserving of salvation and neither was it because that they had cleaned up their fleshly conduct. Rather, it was because they reverently feared and believed that God had prepared an ark of safety for them. As believers then, their faith was expressed by their baptism into the death of Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost. Again, the ark of safety. These believers simply put their lives into the hands of a faithful, loving Saviour. They trusted in Him as young children believe and trust in their parents.

Additionally, when the believers were baptized, they knew in whom they had faith, and as a consequence, they were not baptized in any other name. They were not baptized into Peter, Paul or the name of another. Nor were these baptized into titles -- such as father, son, or spirit. Rather, their salvation was secure in the precious Name of Jesus. As such, they passed from the old covenant of death and entered into the grace of God - into abundant new life. 

You too can come and be baptized in the name of Jesus, as those who gladly received His Word did not the day of Pentecost.

"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 2:36-47)

He will wash away your sins. He will make you anew. He will sanctify you in His precious blood. His Word. Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17)

Thus, call on His name this day - the name of JESUS so that you also can become a recipient of God's grace and receive the gift of His holy Spirit. The Comforter who will lead us into all truth. Peace to all who are in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

In Whom Ye Also Trusted, After That Ye Heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of Your Salvation - Part 1583

"And Jesus answering said unto him, "Suffer [it to be] so now: for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15)

"For thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness." 

These are the words spoken by Jesus to John the baptist/baptizer when Jesus appeared before John to be water baptized. John did not understand why someone of such prevalence -- the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world -- would approach John to be baptized. (John 1:29) In fact, the idea was so unimaginable to John that he told Jesus that it should be the other way around. John not even worthy to untie the shoes worn by Jesus and yet, in this scriptural example, Jesus was asking to be baptized. 

And so John, as the scriptures point out, baptized Jesus. In so doing, John had seen the Spirit (like a dove from heaven) descend and rest on Jesus. 

"This is He of whom I said, After me comes a man which is preferred before me; for He was before me. And I knew Him not: but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him. And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost. And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God." (John 1:30-34) 

John was right. Jesus was altogether pure.

Note that there are some interesting parallels here. Fire did not descend upon Jesus as was the case in Acts chapter 2 where purification was required prior to the descent of the Spirit of Jesus into the assembled group of believers. Still, Jesus was the holy child of God. The Lord's Christ. Jesus -- the only begotten Son. He was conceived by the holy Spirit seed which is why John was so reluctant to baptize Jesus. It is also the reason Jesus spoke the foregoing words.

But when John obeyed and baptized Jesus, it was to fulfill ALL righteousness. In that moment, Jesus was revealing the righteousness of God. He who never had sinned took our sin upon Himself. He, the just one put Himself in our place. He was also revealing to future generations - us - the scope and scale of the love God had for His created people. His beloved!

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

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

"The Lord coming forth as a mighty man ..." (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)

Talk about mercy, love and grace when the same God who created man in the beginning would put Himself in our place. Oh, the love that went in to fulfilling the salvation plan -- the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. Oh, the grace that brought that same plan of salvation to man. Oh the mighty gulf that God did span when His humanity died for us at Calvary. He put Himself in our place so that we might be saved into a life more abundant. 

Equally important, because of God's love, we can now become clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.

This puts a totally different slant on righteousness. Herein is the righteousness of God revealed. Who is going to say that we are still dead in trespasses and sin when Christ has died, sacrificing His own life for us?  What condescension to bring to us redemption? Think about it! God took the form of man to bring to us salvation. Redemption because of His love for you and I.

He Himself bore our sin in His own body nailed to a tree. He did not turn back when He was tortured for He knew that as a consequence of those whipping stripes, we could be healed. This is truly redemption.

And the second parallel? God’s plan of salvation was hidden from previous generations. But His plan is now made known to us in this fullness of times. We have the benefit of knowing that the He as a Son became a curse in order to fulfill all righteousness. I stagger at the thought. Why me? I ask.

It is for this reason that I, having arrived at the place where I perceive that there is nothing that could ever possibly separate me from the love of the Spirit of God which was in the man Christ Jesus (God Himself as a son), could find the peace and love that was extended to us from any other place. Indeed, we have been reinstated from Adam's world of sin to glorious freedom. We've been purchased by His precious blood -- not with silver or gold. 

We have been redeemed and our debt paid in full by the love God had for us. 

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4)

In other words, what God has cleansed, do not even think of condemning. For there is no condemnation to anyone that is in Christ Jesus.

Further, the Bread of Life is spending time meditating upon the love of God our Saviour. 

Jesus said, "This is My body given for you. This is My blood shed for you."

Now, with the plan of salvation fulfilled, the purpose of God is proceeding. As the scriptures state, the next step, after asking Jesus into your heart is to be born again of the water and of the spirit. We need to enter into the new covenant receiving the promise of His Spirit so that we can be renewed in Him. If we follow the instructions of Jesus, and fulfill all righteousness by being baptized into the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive all the spiritual blessings intended from God.

"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 ..." (Ephesians 1:4)

Not because of who we are but because of who He is -- "in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, ad which are on earth, [even] in Him ... who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will." (Ephesians 1:1-23)

When we believe and are water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive His sealed covenant, the covenant of God in Christ.  Like the first 3,000 believers in Acts 2, we become filled with His Spirit, speaking in other tongues as His Spirit gives utterance. 

Peace to all who are partakers of this plan of redemption. Likewise, peace to all those who are children of the second Adam (which is the Lord Himself) born again just like Jesus said to Nicodemus -- of water and of His Spirit. And when we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, it is at this juncture that we can sing psalms and hymns in thanksgiving. We can pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore. And yes, we can reflect on the spiritual, that inherently makes a melody in our heart to the Lord. We have so very much to be thankful for!

Stand in the offering plate.

The Baptism of John: Was It From Heaven, Or Of Men? - Part 1582

"Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me; and the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come," saith the Lord of hosts, "but who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' sope [soap]; and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering of righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years." (Malachi 3:1-4; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:2; Luke 1:76; Luke 7:27; John 1:23; 2:14; Isaiah 40:31; Isaiah 63:9; Habakkuk 2:7)

The child that is to go before the Lord was to be called the prophet of the Highest, for as his father Zacharias, filled with the Holy Ghost prophesied about John the baptizer -- "thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins ... through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:67-80)

Similarly, as we know, John the baptist/baptizer always pointed to the One who would come after him -- Jesus the Christ. Indeed, John said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor and gather His wheat into the garner: but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16; Acts 2:3-4; Matthew 2:22)

Given the prophecies from afore, nothing that Jesus did (including clearing the temple from money changers) should have come as a surprise to the chief priests, scribes and elders. But apparently, His actions did, and not only that, but these questioned from whence came His authority. Again, one would think that those who professed to be learned in the old covenant scriptures, (and likewise, the prophecies which foretold of the coming of Jesus) would already have seen the scriptural markers pointing toward the time of the coming Messiah.

At the very least, these should have known that from the time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand," that He was the promised Messiah. The prophesied Christ. The Lord Himself coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

The one and same Jesus who opened the book of the prophet Esaias [Isaiah] in the synagogue on the Sabbath day and read at the start of His ministry, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor, He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year the Lord." (Luke 4:15-21)

On this day particularly, since Jesus also told those in the synagogue that "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:21; Acts 13:29)

Thankfully, neither then nor now -- not everyone reduces Jesus to being just "Joseph's son?" (Luke 4:22)

Nevertheless, as Jesus was walking in the temple, the chief priest and the scribes and the elders asked Him, "By what authority does Thou these things? And who gave Thee this authority to do these things?" (Mark 11:27-28)

Given the evidence up until this point, this is an interesting question -- particularly since we know from the scriptural account just prior, that "all the people were astonished at His doctrine." And too, before now, Jesus had already been in the temple, and cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers and the seats of them that sold doves. And in fact, would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel [wares] through the temple. (Mark 11:15-17)

As comparison, note that John offers the same example but through a different set of eyes. That is, when the Jews' Passover was at hand, Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting. And Jesus said unto them that sold doves, "Take these things hence; make not My Father's house an house of merchandise." At this point, even His disciples remembered that it was written, "The zeal of Thine house hath eaten Me up." (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17)

[Because as the Lord had proclaimed through the prophet Isaiah, "... for Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people ..." (Isaiah 56:7) But this is not what was happening here. Instead, as the Lord also asked earlier, "Is this house which is called by My Name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen [it]" saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 7:11)

Thus, herein, the Jews said unto Jesus, "What sign showest Thou unto us, seeing that Thou does these things?" And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." (John 2:13-16)

Of course, Jesus was referring to the "perfect sacrifice"on the cross wherein He who knew no sin would become sin so that we might have life more abundantly in Him. But the Jews were not willing to concede that this same Jesus was in fact God Himself robed in flesh, or that He, God would willingly become our Saviour.

These would reject the scriptures which state: "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)

So, this explains why these had to ask Jesus, "By what authority does Thou these things? And who gave Thee this authority to do these things?" (Mark 11:27-28)

Because in reality, these did not know who Jesus was. But Jesus, knowing their hearts answered back, saying unto them, "I will also ask of you one question, and answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was [it] from heaven, or of men? Answer Me."

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we shall say, from heaven; He will say, "Why then did ye not believe Him?" But if we shall say, "Of men: they feared the people: for all [men] counted John that he was a prophet indeed." (Mark 11:29-32; John 5:27; Matthew 3:5; Matthew 14:5)

In other words, the chief priests, scribes and elders were in a hard place. So like so many in a similar predicament, these told Jesus that "We cannot tell."

Note what Jesus then said unto them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things." (Mark 11:32-33)

Yes, Jesus answered their question with a question. But that is not all that is going on here. Most certainly, these should have already known who Jesus was by the extraordinary miracles He performed everywhere He went. Or, by the numerous healings that occurred in people's lives. The multitudes of sick and brokenhearted who gathered around Jesus wherever He went, seeking His wisdom and knowledge of the heavenly. Or, by the preaching of the good news gospel to those who marveled at His doctrine.

The fact that John the baptizer was full of the Holy Ghost by birth should have been sufficient to recognize that John's baptism was from heaven, or the fact that John was the forerunner to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Did the question eventually get answered? Not directly, and certainly not the way the scribes and Pharisees expected.

But, in retrospect, perhaps, this is one of these moments of enlightenment when a verbal answer is not really necessary. The lesson should be inherent in the example. And in that context, as we discover in Luke 7, there is a response worth noting that is not visible from the outside but shows the whims and desires of the heart. That is,

"And all the people that heard [John the baptist] and the publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:29-30)

Just like on the day of Pentecost. Those who "gladly" received the Word repented and were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins ... thus receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

So, long story short, we as believers in Jesus need to stop following the money changers within religious organizations and start seeking the Lord God Almighty who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross. In so doing, we too will know from whence comes our salvation. Our blessed assurance which is Jesus -- the only Name under heaven in these last days wherein we can be saved.

Stand in the offering plate.

But My Words Will Never Pass Away - Part 1581

"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved .... and for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." (II Thessalonians 2:10-11)

What we are seeing in the religious community today is a proliferation of dogma that does not align with the teachings outlined in the Bible, and as a consequence, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6) This is why Jesus instructs us to come out from among them in these last days.

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you ... And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters," saith the Lord Almighty." (II Corinthians 6:17-18; Revelation 18:4)

Indeed, what we are seeing emerge in many main line organizations is a contradiction of the truths contained in the written (and confirmed) Word of God. Moreover, these like to assert that they are the vine of the body of Christ church, whilst all others are branches springing out from them. Really? Such nonsense. It is no wonder that the scriptures declare that many shall follow their pernicious ways resulting in the way of truth being evilly spoken of.

But truth never bows its knee to error. God-fearing persons would never endeavour to willingly misrepresent the written Word of God because therein is life. Jesus (the Word made flesh) said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) In that same passage, Jesus goes on to tell Philip that if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father -- yet another truth hid from the hearts of many within congregations.

Still, as Jesus also proclaimed, "heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." (Luke 21:33)

However, there is one who, from the very get-go has challenged God’s Word even though he also is aware of what is written. Reviewing scripture from the New Testament, we know this because of the example of the temptation of JESUS in the wilderness, whereby satan’s presentation at the time was the opposite of what God actually said. Repeatedly, Jesus corrected satan’s misrepresentation of the written Word of God saying, "It is written ...”

This is why the Word stands as truth, as a light in a world full of darkness, because God’s Word is quick and powerful and much sharper than any two-edged sword.

Remember, JESUS on the cross said “It is finished” before ascending into Heaven. There, as recorded in the scriptures, He sat down. The illustration of sitting down indicates that the work of obtainable redemption was free to all. Why? Because JESUS sacrificed Himself. In the days and months that followed, the early apostles and believers went everywhere preaching the message of JESUS. This message? That no other foundation can any man lay. And that there is no other name under Heaven whereby anyone can be saved -- other than the Name of Jesus. (Acts 4:12)

This is why the scriptures state that if anyone should preach any other message to you other than what the holy Spirit of JESUS spoke through the mouths of His chosen and appointed witnesses (e.g. the apostles), let them be accursed. Repeated yet again so that we do not miss the truth herein -- if any delivers a contrary message to mankind other than what is written, whether he is angelic, or of Adam’s race, let them be accursed.

"For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him]." (II Corinthians 11:4)

So, the question is this. At which point in time did the head of these false and erroneous religious teachings begin to appear? Certainly, both Jesus and the apostles warned us of what was to come -- false teachers who would willingly lead men astray. From an historical perspective, we know that it took about 300 to 400 years for the current religious distortions to surface and the Word of God to be subsequently shelved.

Thus, once again, satan has asserted his own twisted message -- through this/these falsely named Christian church(es) -- to the point wherein congregations of people have (sadly!) attributed to religious leaders the ability to be the only ones capable of interpreting the scriptures. As we also recognize from the historical records, that at this point darkness once again began to cover the earth. Intense blindness in this period known as the dark ages began to cover the people.

Thankfully, we also recognize that at the time of the reformation the veil of darkness was partially removed. At the same time, some of those false and erroneous teachings that the so called church fathers had sought to establish were now being partially exposed to the glorious light of the New Testament. As a consequence, the Roman teachings were dealt a devastating blow. Indeed, such a blow that no one thought they would recover from it.

Unfortunately, the blow was not fatal. Going forward, these same religious institutions have revived somewhat and returned to their previous practice of advancing assertions that they are "the" Church, and as such, have an inside interpretation to the scriptures. And sadly, we are seeing a host of self proclaiming evangelists and religious organizations lining up with this one church as a new world order. But as we know from the scriptures, these do not know the truth, having denied the power of God.

"For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill His will and to agree and give their kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled. and the woman which thou saw is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:17-18)

But the Lord has a message for us who believe -- whose hearts yearn for the truth of His Word and the preaching of His Name.  The precious Name of JESUS - for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

According to the scriptures, the Church of God started on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem and at the time, Christian believers continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine. (Acts 2:1-47) This is important. It is also why I beseech you to save yourself from there false and erroneous teachings. In other words, let God be true and every man a liar.

Stand in the offering plate.

O Magnify the Lord With Me, And Let Us Exalt His Name Together - Part 1580

"Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard his words." (Jeremiah 36:24)

The underlying message in the psalms is an extension of the first commandment. That is, hear O Israel the Lord thy God is one Lord AND to love the Lord -- to trust in Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

Why? Because He is our refuge and strength. Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil for the Lord is with us. On the new testament side, after Jesus shed His holy blood on the cross for you and I so that we might have remission of sins, He now lives within. The Comforter who leads and guides us into all truth. (John 15:16-17)

His Name? Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

But as we also know, there is evil in the world, and all around us. Thus, in those moments when our hearts need refreshing, it should be our heart's desire to bless the Lord ... His praise continually in our mouth. "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together." (Psalm 34:1-3)

We need to become like the poor man who cried out, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. And when we seek the Lord and He hears us and delivers us from our fears, we need to understand that we have just tasted and seen that the Lord is good and that, as a consequence, we can be faithful in our communications.  (Psalm 34:4-6; Philemon 1:6)

"O fear the Lord, ye His saints, for there is no want to them that fear Him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Come, ye children, hearken unto Me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord ... the righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." (Psalm 34:9-17)

Because the Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. evil shall slay the wicked and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate. (Psalm 34:18-22)

We see this in the account of Jesus' birth, when the angel suddenly appeared praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest; and on earth, peace and good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)

"And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation.: (Psalm 35:9; L Thessalonians 5:3)

"Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:3-5)

And for magnifying the Lord, and exalting His Name together, what privilege we have knowing that He shall bring forth Thy righteousness as the light, and Thy judgement as the noon day. Rest in the Lord; and wait for Him; fret not Thyself because of hi who prospers in His way.

Stand in the offering plate with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, He is from whence comes our salvation. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. The One and Only. And when the time comes, every knee will bow and shall confess that the Lord Jesus is good to the glory of God the Father,

The Gift of Salvation Freely Given; Thus, Choose Life in Jesus This Day- Part 1579

"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ..." (Ephesians 1:7)

"In whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins ..." (Colossians 1:14)

"And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight ..." (Colossians 1:20-22)

If the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is hid, what next? Good question! Still, our hope is that the gospel will not be hidden from those who are lost. That there will be believers who will stand up for truth, pulling people from the fire because of the love of our Lord within. For as we well know, God is not willing that any one should perish, but that all men and women should come to the knowledge of the truth. 

The truth? There is only ONE God. There is only one mediator between God and man. That one mediator is none other than the Lord Jesus the Christ.

"Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren." (I John 3:16)
The scriptures do not state that the church is the mediator. Or man-made religion. Neither is the pope the mediator. Priests are not mediators. And no, Mary is not the mediator either. According to God’s Word, there is only one mediator. In this context the question needs to be asked -- Has someone beguiled you? Has the teachings which you have been fed, led you away from the scriptural teachings contained within the Word of God.

Salvation is a free gift from the Lord God Almighty to one and all but it includes our decision to choose life. Indeed, we need to accept Jesus into our heart as a new King -- Jesus who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Why? Because the price of your redemption has been paid in full. In fact, God loves sinners more than He loved His own life as a son. Herein, perceive we the love of God, in that He (as a son ) laid down His life for us. And He did so while we, as humans were still sinning. Whilst we were still His enemies, not knowing His truth.

Love personified. His action, a plan of salvation determined before the world was created, is much more comprehensive than any one individual's words. Love not in words only, but in deeds. Acts chapter 2, verse 4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues as the Holy Ghost gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-47)

There is only one baptism. But there are many fillings. This is the new wine from heaven being poured into new vessels. The vessels that have now been purified by fire. God was not going to pour new wine into old vessels. These vessels were new birthed vessels coming forth from the Saviour's side.

Adam's old race was cleansed because of what God had done by Himself at Calvary, when He alone bore our sin in His own body on a tree. Now, He has embraced believers as partakers of His Spirit, adopting us into His family. We, as believers, join the household of God. We receive our citizenship into the Kingdom of God. Joint heirs with Him. Here we partake of the glorious liberty of the sons and daughters of God which we now are.  Inasmuch as His natural body is sin laden from Mary’s generational inherited sin, He, now at Calvary receives sin willingly.  All the sins of the world pouring onto Him so that we might be saved by His grace and love.

While His body became accursed for you and I, we are now His body, His bones and His flesh. We owe our lives solely to Him. That is why salvation is not of works but by grace. His grace and mercy and kindness wherein God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) Our sins and iniquities are remembered no more. Who is going to be the debt collector if the debt is paid in full?

In Acts chapter 2, they were all filled. There were no partial fillings here. Indeed, there is in this covenant, neither male nor female, neither imprisoned or free, and neither Jew nor Gentile. Rather, we are all one in Jesus the Christ. We are a multi-cultural society because we have become a new creation. A new nation having our minds renewed, enabling us to walk faithfully in Him. To walk even as He walked that we might walk worthy of the vocation unto which we are called. One nation under God. Our constitution representing a world where the wheat and the tares grow together until the time of harvest. The angels at that time becoming fully employed, and separating the wheat from the tares. At that time, the tares will be thrown into the fire. They serve in the kingdom of God no useful purpose.

But for those of us who have received the gift of His holy Spirit, let us stop staring idly into the heavens. Instead, rise up and be about our Father's business. Seek to save those individuals which otherwise may be lost. To them the debt of love we owe. 

Have you received redemption and the gift of His holy Spirit in your heart? His love that surpasses all human understanding? 

"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." (Romans 3:24-26)

Therefore, today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to ask Jesus to be Lord and Saviour in your life. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

He Is Not Here, But Is Risen; Remember How He Spake Unto You When He Was Yet In Galilee? - Part 1578

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace ..." (Isaiah 9:6)

"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." (I Timothy 3:16)

Luke writes from the perspective of a medical doctor, and therefore, offers a different take from what is written in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and John. Specifically, after Jesus rose from the dead, Luke contrasts Jesus body in the womb (which he refers to as a holy thing) with the body of Jesus in the tomb as an "it." (Luke 1:35; Luke 23:53)

"And he took it down and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulcher that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with Him from Galilee followed after and beheld the sepulcher and how His body was laid. And they returned and prepared spices and ointments, and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Luke 23:53-56)

Now upon the first [day] of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. What we are witnessing here is the surprise of those who followed Jesus -- that His body was nowhere to be found. And thus, perplexed these were. But they should not have been, because Jesus had told His disciples earlier that the Son of man must suffer many things, "and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain and be raised up the third day." (Luke 9:22)

As we also see in a later scriptural passage, they understood none of these things which Jesus spoke.

"Then [Jesus] took unto Him the twelve and said unto them, "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles and shall be mocked and spitefully entreated and spitted on, And they shall scourge [Him] and put Him to death; and the third day He shall rise again." And they understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken." (Luke 18:31-34)

Continuing on in Luke 24:

"It came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, "The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."

[Then] they remembered His words, and returned from the sepulcher, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulcher; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass." (Luke 1:1-12; Mark 16:2; Matthew 28:1; John 29:1)

This is important for several reasons. First, it shows that the disciples were "surprised" ... "perplexed" that Jesus' body was not in the tomb. Second, it shows that the disciples who walked with Jesus for approximately three and a half years did not believe the women's witness, desiring proof of an empty tomb themselves. Third, the linen clothes were laid by themselves which has special significance. Fourth, there are a number of witnesses to the event -- disciples including both men and women, the promise of Jesus as noted above, and the two men [vision of angels] in shining garments. But let's also not forget Peter (who should have understood and believed Jesus when He spoke of the son of man rising again on the third day). Herein, he was left wondering inside himself at the things that had come to pass -- in much the same way, many of us (if we did not know better) would be similarly startled by an empty tomb..

But Luke does not stop there. He offers a recorded narrative of Jesus' visitation with the two men heading to Emmaus, and how "it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day." (Luke 24: 45-53; Acts 17:3) Continuing again in Luke 24:

"And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. And He said unto them, "What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?"

And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto Him, "Art t/Thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?" And He said unto them, "What things?" And they said unto Him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him. But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher; and when they found not His body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that He was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found [it] even so as the women had said: but Him they saw not.

Then He [Jesus] said unto them, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. (Luke 24:25-27; Acts 17:2-3; I Peter 1:10-12; Deuteronomy 18:5; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Mark 6:48)

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and He made as though He would have gone further. But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to tarry with them." (Luke 24:13- 29)

Note that this dialogue further confirms that the women (which included Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, in addition to others) were only looking to apply spices and ointments to Jesus' body when they ventured to the tomb early that morning. These women were not expecting a resurrected Christ. And, even though Luke simply states here that the stone was rolled away from the sepulcher, other gospels include a conversation between the women about how they were going to move the stone.

Nevertheless, as the scriptures also confirm, these served as witnesses of His resurrection, after being reminded that Jesus would rise the third day. And upon hearing and understanding, the women were committed to telling the other disciples of the empty tomb. Certainly, Peter was moved to check the tomb, even when other disciples believed them not.

Another point worth noting is that the two (whom Jesus walked with) had trusted that Jesus had been He which should have redeemed Israel. (Luke 24:21) To the point of suggesting that this day -- today -- was the third day since the chief priests and rulers had delivered Jesus to be condemned to death. (Luke 24:20) This may explain why Jesus expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself, beginning at Moses and all the prophets. (Luke 24:27)

Contrary to earthly explanations, we see here a number of disciples who did not understand or believe that Jesus was resurrected. These (like doubting Thomas) needed sufficient evidence to believe. In some ways, one might be tempted to suggest that these did not know the old covenant scriptures and/or did not listen to Jesus when He said, " ... while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Me." (Luke 24:44; Isaiah 52--53; Psalm 16:1-11; Deuteronomy 18:15, Psalm 2:7, Psalm 110:1, Psalm 118:1-29)

Jesus is explaining from scripture what had been prophesied from afore. The promised Messiah. The prophesied Christ which was to redeem His beloved from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) But at this point, the two still did not know who Jesus was.

"And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed [it], and brake, and gave to them. AND THEIR EYES WERE OPENED, AND THEY KNEW HIM; and He vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:30-32)

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon." And they told what things [were] done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread.

More witnesses to the resurrection event that Jesus was indeed alive. The Jesus whom the disciples had grown to love was no longer in the tomb. Indeed, He was the fulfillment of prophecy, and as a consequence, these disciples were about to become witnesses of these things. And, also that repentance and remission of sins should be preached IN HIS NAME among all nations beginning at Jerusalem." And that these would become witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:6-49)

"And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, "Peace [be] unto you." But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a s/Spirit. And He said unto them, "Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold, My hands and My feet, that it is I myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have.

And when He had thus spoken, He shewed them [His] hands and [His] feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, "Have ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took [it], and did eat before them.

And He said unto them, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning Me." Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:30-53)

So much more to share, but for now, let it suffice to know that this same Jesus, whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) He paid the ultimate price for our sins. After His kindness and love, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16) The King of kings and Lord of lords. And He -- Jesus -- never fails!

As Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" (John 14:6)

Stand in the offering plate.

Even Then, That Rock Was Christ! - Part 1577

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."(I Corinthians 10:1-4)
It is such a blessing being born again. Born not of corruptible seed as one might imagine, but of incorruptible seed, and by the Word of God. This is the Word of the Lord which by the gospel is delivered freely unto you. Indeed, it is this same gospel in which the Word of the Lord endures forever. 

In Noah's day, as you will recall from the scriptures, people watched, scoffed and mocked the ark that Noah was building. Still, Noah kept on working because he knew that God was in charge. Throughout the 100 years that the ark was under construction, Noah worked while God directed the project. Noah also worked as unto the Lord, preparing an ark of safety - a haven.

Meanwhile, the "then generation" carried on living as if the world they knew would last forever. They were completely oblivious to the fact that men and women are only one heart beat away from eternity. Considered a different way, we at least recognize that when we are going on a long journey, we will need to allow some time to pack a suitcase. It is the same scenario in our human life. At the end of our life road is God. And eternity is eternity. We are on a one way ticket and as such, only we can choose the direction we take.

Still, God remains on the long suffering sideline, being ignored as if this wonderful created intelligent world was created by dumb matter. Rather than understand God's purpose for our lives, they willingly put God on the back burner. In fact, let's party - eat, drink and be merry, leaving the natural use of a woman -- preferring instead to substitute their perverted orgies - all the time pretending to have a good time. As was society in Noah's time, so it is now. 

Noah heeding God’s warning was preparing an escape route. Preparing an ark according to the Lord's direction and guidance. Looking back historically, we know that the flood did happen even if people of that generation refused to recognize the writing on the wall. As instructed by the Lord, Noah loaded the ark with creatures of every size. He rounded up 7 pairs of domestic/clean animals, 1 pair of wild/unclean animals and he put them on board along with his family. His family consisted of eight persons. When everyone was on board, God closed the ark door. 

The rain started. And did it rain. It rained so much that all earth and the life therein was destroyed. Indeed, for forty days and forty nights it rained.

The point worth noting here is this. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The scripture saith that the ark is Jesus, and the door or entrance into the ark is accomplished when our being is buried or baptized into His death according to Acts 2:36-47 and Romans 6:3-4. When we are buried/baptized under the water, our old sinful past life is drowned. When we arise out of the water, we are resurrected to a new life.  For when we are resurrected with Him, not only are we resurrected, but we arise totally justified from all our sins. 

Further, water baptism is similar to the time when the children of Israel in the old covenant crossed the river. It is said that in so doing, they were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. Reaching the other river bank in safety, while the Egyptians endeavouring to do the same all drowned in the water. It is evident that they were not in the ark of safety. 

Today, believers are baptized into the death of Jesus. He is the covenant of promise, the ark of safety whereby believers are saved by our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Not because they were deserving of salvation and neither was it because that they had cleaned up their fleshly conduct. Rather, it was because they reverently feared and believed that God had prepared an ark of safety for them. 

As believers then, their/our faith needs to be expressed by their baptism into the death of Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost. Again, the ark of safety. These believers simply put their lives into the hands of a faithful, loving Saviour. They trusted in Him as young children believed and trust in their parents.

Additionally, when the believers were baptized, they knew in whom they had faith, and as a consequence, they were not baptized in any other name. They were not baptized into Peter, Paul or the name of another. Their salvation was secure in the Name of Jesus. As such, they passed from the old covenant of death and entered into the grace of God - and into an abundant life. You can come and be baptized in the name of Jesus too. 

He will wash away your sins. He will make you anew. He will sanctify you in His precious blood.His Word. Thy Word is truth.

Thus, call on His name - the name of JESUS so that you also can become a recipient of God's grace and  receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit. Peace to all who are in Jesus. Don't forget to stand in the offering plate.

Thou Madest Him A Little Lower Than the Angels, Thou Crownedst Him With Glory and Honour, And Didst Set Him Over the Works of Thy Hands - Part 1576

"For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.[Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness ..." (II Peter 3:5-11)
The scriptures tell us that the day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night. The scriptures tell us that while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. It is for this reason that the scriptures present signposts - that when one sees these things coming to pass in the world, then they/we should know that summer is nigh.

Jesus tells us that in the same way that one can discern the face of the sky, the Word states that we should similarly be able to discern the signs of the times. (Jesus speaks of these days in Matthew 24)

Therein, the Lord Jesus shares that in the same manner as He was taken up, He shall come in like manner to gather His people. The scriptural account of Jesus' resurrection refers to a cloud receiving Him out of the apostles' sight. In a similar context, it is said that the Lord comes with clouds, and every eye shall see Him and those also which pierced Him.

The difficulty we have as humans (with our limited understanding) is that with the Lord a thousand years is one day. Nevertheless, what we can understand is that the Lord Jesus has already come into the hearts of believers, and thus, they have already been resurrected as far as the inward man is concerned. While believers had (the key word being had) been alienated from God as a result of Adam’s original sin, now he or she has been reconciled.

Note that it was for this reason that God declared peace and good will to all, so that in this current dispensation of grace -- the new testament could be ushered in.

But within the transition of salvation, we see the outward man perish (we begin shedding the care of this world) so that the inward man can be renewed daily by and through the  power of the Spirit of God, residing within. This is where the expression "born again" comes from, because believers in Jesus by faith are made brand new, washed clean from the sins and transgressions that once separated them from eternal life.

But now, they have been born again or born from above or simply born anew of God. These believers are now a habitation of God in the Spirit -- the temple of the Spirit of God, in which God Himself is pleased to dwell.

Those believers who have experienced this new birth are awaiting with expectancy the appearing of their great God and Saviour the Lord Jesus the Christ. At which time the trumpet of the Lord will sound, and all those who have died in faith will rise to meet the Lord. Those believers who are alive at the time of the Lord’s appearance will also be changed in a moment -- in the twinkling of an eye.

And, within this going to meet their King -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, all those who believe will be clothed in a new garment fitted in a form which will never die -- for death will no longer hold any sting. In that moment, the grave will have lost its seeming victory, (the sting of death is sin and the strength of sin being the law)

This is the first resurrection from the domain of the grave.

This presentation hopefully permits a brief perusal of what will be forthcoming, and I sincerely hope that it is received as only a preliminary thrust, stirring faith to arise within our hearts. In the meantime, we are all only one heart beat from eternity. Each one of us has an appointment with death. Therefore, we ought to pack our suitcase, for in reality no man knows the day or the hour in which his or her soul will be required of God.

In the interim, make Jesus your personal Saviour today. Study His Word and get to know the Author and Finisher of your salvation. Rejoice evermore and pray for His wisdom and knowledge and strength. Let the peace of Jesus bubble up within you, and be glad for every day that the Lord hath made. And don't forget to get water baptized by immersion according to Acts 2:36-38.

In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Stand in the offering plate, offering yourself to Jesus -- knowing that He will never fail you -- and do everything that you do in word or deed, in the precious name of Jesus.

But Christ As A Son Over His Own House, Whose House Are We - Part 1575

In God we trust! All they that put their trust in JESUS, these people shall never be ashamed. The temple of the Lord’s House in which He is pleased to dwell began to be manifest on the day that is commonly known in the Bible as the day of Pentecost. That day was the first day that God poured forth from Himself the Spirit of His Son. As was promised earlier in the scriptures, JESUS the SEED of God which SEED was manifest in flesh, the Lord JESUS the Christ being the embodiment of God‘s own Word - this same JESUS sacrificed His pure body upon a cruel savage roman cross in order to provide a way for man’s redemption.

For it is written in Acts chapter 15 that ‘after those days (crucifixion) He will return again (in Spirit). As stated, "I will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down." JESUS Himself is the cornerstone of this temple (under construction) in which temple the Spirit of the Lord is pleased to dwell. This temple is not a brick and mortar building. Rather, this temple is a spiritual temple to be inhabited by God's Spirit.

The apostles chosen of God Himself are the foundation. The apostles being His commissioned witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth. This is why it is important that we know that the spiritual temple is constructed of God’s redeemed, born again, water baptized, Spirit filled believers. Each believer added by God Himself as living stones. These living stones, jointed and fitly framed together in believing faith forming God’s temple.

The one Head of this temple is the Lord JESUS. And no, this means that the head of this temple cannot be replaced by an imposter. Indeed, there is also only one sacrifice for sin. That is, JESUS the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost.

But in some religious institutions today, some want to re-offer JESUS as if JESUS' crucifixion being the once and for all sacrifice was not sufficient. Or that by re-offering JESUS, God Himself as a Son, suggests that the death and burial of JESUS was an inadequate offering that now has to be perpetuated. Fortunately, for those that study the scriptures, this type of teaching flies in the face of the written Word of God.

For the scriptures clearly state that JESUS ascended up to Heaven and sat down. Suggesting that the sacrifice of JESUS at Calvary was incomplete begs the question - why pray tell did JESUS say on the cross that "It is finished"? Remember that upon saying this, JESUS gave up His ghostly Spirit.

Indeed, JESUS said that as often as one eats this bread and drinks this wine, you do show forth the Lord's death till He returns. We as believers need to remember that this one sacrifice - a once and for all time sacrifice provided by Jesus - means that there is no other sacrifice that can be offered to pay for our sin. What do the scriptures state?

Look to Me (Jesus) all you people who are heavy laden and burdened. Look to Me all of you who are from all over the the earth and be saved. For I AM GOD and apart from ME there is no Saviour.

As well, if we look in the scripture, there in no doctrine pertaining to transubstantiation. The bread does not become flesh (e.g cannibalism) and the wine does not become blood (for it is written in Acts chapter 15, keep yourself from drinking blood).

So where are you in all of this? The apostles identified these deviations from the scriptures as "another" gospel. Historically, as well, we know that this other gospel emanated from Rome around 300/400 AD. And as foreign to that commissioned and confirmed gospel which the Lord delivered to the redeemed living members, the Lord daily still added to His family bearing His name. Therefore, it is through JESUS - the only Name whereby any person can receive the gift of eternal life - can we receive the promised gift.

Certainly, it is a gift that is worth pursuing. In this context, ask the Lord into your life so that you too can become a habitation of God’s Spirit. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, All Power Is Given Unto Me In Heaven And In Earth - Part 1574

Jesus said, "And the Father Himself, which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And ye have not His Word abiding in you; for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not. Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me, and ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life..." (John 5:37-40)

Far too many have been duped by the false man-made teaching of a trinity that reduces Almighty God to three parts. The fact that the scriptures clearly dictate God is Spirit is overlooked. We ignore scriptures that state ... "the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:2) We explain away "God manifest in the flesh." (I Timothy 3:16) And we refuse to accept that the Lord Himself came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

But regardless of false teachings and religious zealots that continue to change the gospel truth of the Lord Jesus Christ into a lie, the scriptures are clear. There is One God, and His precious Name in this dispensation of grace is JESUS. Yes, Jesus is God robed in human flesh. The Lord's Christ. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) The promised Messiah of old. The Lamb of God in the new.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus confirms this in John 10:30 when He said, "I and My Father are one!" All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)

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

The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. The same Word that was with God in the beginning was God. Not another but the One and Same God who created the world became the perfect sacrifice on the cross, so that you and I could be forgiven of our sins. (John 1:1-18l; Matthew 1:21-23) No other Saviour beside Him as we know from Philip's question to Jesus, "Shew us the Father, and it sufficeth." 

Jesus told Philip, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father." (John 14:6-12) The Way, the Truth, and the Life! And the salvation message delivered personally by the Lord God reiterated and confirmed in both the old and the new. As Jesus said, "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me." 

"I am the Lord, and there is none else; there is no God beside Me; I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me; that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord and there is none else. I form the light and create darkness ..." (Isaiah 45:5-7)

"The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:10)

This is why the very same Spirit which moved upon the waters was the same Holy Ghost which overshadowed Mary, so that she could bring forth a son.  After His kindness and His love, God willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

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

And Mary rejoiced in God her Saviour, saying, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour ... " (Luke 1:42-56)

His Name? JESUS ... the Emmanuel of the old, which being interpreted is God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23)

In other words, the name of the Holy Ghost is Jesus! The name of the Father is Jesus! And of course, everyone knows the Son's name is Jesus.  The ONLY Name that saves! (Acts 4:12) The ONLY Name whereby we can experience His salvation.

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me hath everlasting life." (John 6:57)

Jesus said, "He that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38) And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life: he that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

But the good news gospel message of God our Saviour does not end there. Peter, standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost declared, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

Therefore, Jesus is the visible image of the unseen God. (Hebrews 1:1-12; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13) The Word made flesh (John 1:14) The Son had a beginning -- when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. (Luke 1:35) Jesus refers to this again when praying just before going to the cross -- His humanity -- when He said, "I have glorified Thee on the earth; I have FINISHED the work which Thou gave Me to do." (John 17:4) 

Jesus has manifested to us the Name that God gave to us for redemption -- the Name of Jesus. 

"And ye shall call His Name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

And, as stated in Acts 1:2, "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 ..." 

The first commandment clearly stating in both the old and the new: "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is ONE Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

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

Jesus -- the Lord of glory. Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. 

Jesus -- God Himself loving His beloved creation -- you and I so much that He willingly robed Himself in flesh so that we might have eternal life. 

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. 

And should there still be any question as to who Jesus was --  Saul, when blinded by the light of the Lord on the road to Damascus said, "Who art thou Lord?" (Acts 9:5; Acts 26:15; Acts 22:8) What did the Lord say?

And Saul said, "Who art thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecute: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Paul again saying in Acts -- And I answered, "Who art thou, Lord?" And He said unto me, "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecute."

This same Jesus who told the apostles after He was rose from the dead to "Come and dine." Note what happened therein. None, as in not one of the disciples durst to ask Him, "Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord." (John 21:12)

The Lord told us through the prophet Isaiah that He -- the King of Israel and His redeemer the Lord of hosts; "I am the first, and I am the last, and beside Me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)

He asks again, "Is there a God beside Me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any!" (Isaiah 44:8)

So, if the Lord Himself knows of no other God, then who are we as man to change the Godhead to beings that cannot be found anywhere in the scriptures. We have One Shepherd, and we need to understand that "I am He; Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and beside Me there is no Saviour. I have declared and have saved and I have showed when there was no strange god among you ... therefore ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I AM GOD!" (Isaiah 43:10-15)

And it is this same God who blots out our transgressions "for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." (Isaiah 44:25)

Indeed, we serve an awesome God and we need to give ear to His gospel message. He is the source of our hope and joy. He inhabits eternity whose Name is Holy, Emmanuel, Jesus! The gross darkness that covers the earth and the gross darkness that exists in the people of God (who are wearing the garment of religion) must end. We must come out from among them. We must -- each and every one of us -- become literate in the Word again, and understand that Jesus is the Light of the world. He is the Great I AM. 

"For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by ear, neither hath the eye seen, "O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waits for Him ... but no O Lord thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand." (Isaiah 64:4-8)

Why? Because our God is an awesome God! The Heaven His throne and the earth His footstool. (Isaiah 66:1) "But Christ as a son over His own house, whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end .... Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear His voice, and harden not your hearts, as in the provocation ..." (Hebrews 3:1-15)

Jesus declared the Name of the Lord among the brethren -- for it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things. (Hebrews 2:6-10) This is why we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. He paid the price once and for all. 

"Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy Name? for Thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before Thee; for Thy judgments are made manifest ..." (Revelation 15:4)

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