In Him we have redemption through His Holy Ghost blood. We have found in Him our deliverance. In other words, we have been ransomed from captivity. He bought our freedom so that we might have life. Not just life on this earth but life eternal as well.
For those of you who are not familiar with the scriptures, the word "redemption" means the remission and forgiveness of our sins. Jesus, the incarnation of the unseen God. Jesus, the visible image of the invisible God. Yes, God manifest in the flesh. Indeed, He is the embodiment of the Spirit of God. God Himself is the second Adam, the firstborn and the Head of all creation.
He is the Word of God spoken through the mouth of God’s own body. And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin. (Matthew 1:21-23)
When Paul asked the question, "Who are you Lord?" the response is simple. "I am Jesus."
Jesus said to some unbelievers during His time on earth that if they were to die without exercising their faith, (as in if you do not believe that I AM), then they shall die in their sins. This outcome, even though God is not willing that any should perish.
When God became our Saviour on the cross, He was on a salvation mission. And two thousand years later, He is still on that same a salvation mission, long suffering so that one and all can come to His throne of grace. He is inviting us to the wedding feast. He asks us to come all of us who are heavy laden and He will give us rest.
Indeed, in all things He shall have the pre-eminence over all created things. All things were made by Him and for Him. It is by Him that all things exist. Without Him there is nothing made that was made for by Him the universe was created. All things He created whether those things are in Heaven or on Earth. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)
He created the visible and the invisible, the spiritual and the material. God even created the angels and archangels, including all the powers of Heaven. Even the spirit world with its kings and kingdoms and its rulers and authorities were all created by Almighty God.
All of these were created by Him and for Him. All was made by Jesus the Christ for His own use and glory.
Throughout it all, in every day that passes, Jesus takes precedence. Why? Because He is God alone and in Him and through Him the universe is sustained and embraced as one harmonious whole. Jesus is the Head of the body, the assembly, the church, and the congregation. He Himself is the firstborn from the dead. He is also the church’s source of life. Life. We may not be privy to all the details but we do know that our life began in Him and through Him. He occupies the foremost place. He is justly called Lord of All.
For He willed that in Himself all the fullness of His divine perfection chose to live. For in Him the complete being of God who by His own choice came to live. God wanted all of Himself to be manifest as a Son so that all the universe should dwell in Him. And now, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Himself as a Son, He came to reconcile us. He brought us a new testament, sealed with His very blood.
And, as a consequence, He won back everything to Himself. It was through Himself as a Son that God cleared a path for everything and everyone to come to Him.
For it pleased God that we who were at one time estranged and enemies of Him and in our minds at war with Him, living in evil wickedness, that we can now access the gift of salvation. Now He has bought us back as His friends. He has by Himself as a Son reconciled us to Him. By the means of the sacrifice of His own human flesh and blood body in death at Calvary, God Himself as a Son did all of this on our behalf. This, so He may present us before Himself as dedicated men and women without blemish and innocent in His sight.
The body of Christ. His bride.
Blameless and un-accusable before Him. For you shall have no other gods before Me. The scriptures state, "My glory, I will not give to another." God has glorified His Son Jesus. And what do the scriptures state? That every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus the Christ is indeed Lord. Herein is the Holy Ghost glorified for He who has the Son has the Father also.
These words are offered in order that you may know Him personally, who if you peruse the unveiling of Him according to the revealed Word is life eternal. It is then that we will and can worship Him alone. God Himself in the face of Jesus.
Again, the question is asked - who are you Lord? I AM JESUS. Stand in the offering plate with your blessed Saviour and be made whole. Your sins are forgiven you. Peace to all who are in Jesus the Christ.
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Suffer Little Children To Come Unto Me And Forbid Them Not; For Such Is The Kingdom of God - Part 1922
Jesus had a point to make about the certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, while despising others. Herein, Jesus is telling a parable about two men who ventured to the temple to pray. The one was a Pharisee and the second a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed and thus with himself said, "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." (Luke 18:9-11) Conversely, the publican, standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18:13)
Jesus said about the publican -- "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted." (Luke 18:14)
In another place, Jesus said, "For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:11)
And in yet another, Jesus said, "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)
While Jesus fully acknowledges the prayer of the publican, and his willingness to humble himself, it is important for us to understand that we also (at one point or another and before our faith journey) were like the Pharisee, judging others around us according to worldly standards. Thankfully, however, our hearts changed when Jesus invited us to "follow" Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, so that the the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in us, and us in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31; II Thessalonians 1:12)
This change evident because our hearts answered His invitation, knowing that "the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil, and [thus], we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And [that] the Lord direct[s] your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ ..." (II Thessalonians 3:1-6)
But as we also know, not every heart responds positively to the call of Jesus, and for some, receive strong delusion that they should believe a lie, having found pleasure in unrighteousness. Jesus says about as much in Matthew's account when He goes on to warn about those hearts who reject Him. Those who reject Jesus and then do everything they can to ensure that others remain in the same entanglements and bondage that they themselves are in.
The Lord Jesus continues, saying, "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widow's houses and for a pretense make long prayer; therefore, ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him two-fold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say ... " (Matthew 23:13-16)
To some extent, when the people brought unto Jesus infants and little children, so that He would touch them, putting His hands on them, and praying for them, and the disciples saw, the disciples rebuked them. But what did Jesus say? He called the disciples unto Him and said, "Suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto Me, for of such is the Kingdom of God." Similarly, "Verily, I say unto you -- whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." (Luke 18:15-17; Mark 10:13-15; Matthew 19:13-29)
The lesson here is that we need to humble ourselves and believe in Jesus as would a young child (or the publican) where our hearts recognize that we can do nothing in and of ourselves. In fact, everything we do is about our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- in both word and deed. His Name the only Name under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)
Moreover, "as newborn babes, [we are to] desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious ... " (I Peter 2:2-3)
This same Jesus who is both Lord and Christ -- to whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed, indeed of men but chosen of God and precious, ye also, as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (I Peter 2:4-5; Acts 2:36-41)
He is our all in all. And, as Jesus so aptly said, "Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world!" (Matthew 25:34)
And the King of kings and Lord of lords is still inviting us to come to Him this day. (Revelation 19:16) "Come, and let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)
Stand in the offering plate.
For God So Loved The World (You and I) That He Gave His Only Begotten So That Whosoever Believes In Him Should Not Perish But Have Everlasting Life - Part 1921
There is no other Name whereby men and women can be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)
There is a reason for this. God is One Spirit. He that descended is the same as He that ascended. For it was none other than God Himself who was veiled in sinful flesh whilst in the womb of His surrogate mother who herself was a descendant of Abraham's sin prone flesh. In other words, God did not send another to bring salvation to you and I. God came Himself.
Indeed, JESUS was the conceived SEED of the Holy Ghost. For as the scriptures state, in JESUS, it pleased God that all the fullness of His Godhead should dwell bodily. The SEED of Christ then is that spiritual which was manifest in the flesh (Christ). It is this same Seed in which all believing nations of the earth can be blessed.
As the scriptures declare JESUS is God with us. JESUS is also declared to be the Word of God, which was with God, but now is with us. JESUS then is the Word of God. This is why the people pressed toward JESUS. To hear the Word of God. Further, JESUS is the same Word that was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him. So if someone were to ask - who is the Word of God? The answer here is JESUS! Without JESUS who is the same Word that was with God in the beginning there is nothing made that was made. For the Word of God is the beginning of all things. The very worlds were framed by the Word of God. As we read in Genesis, God spoke and lo’ it came to pass.
Similarly, JESUS' Word was with power but JESUS is also the power and wisdom of God. Yes, all that God is was revealed in the face of JESUS. How do we know this? Never a man spoke like this man spoke. Why even the winds and the sea obeyed Him. He fed the multitude from five loaves and two small fish. He cast out evil demonic spirits with a Word. He healed all that would come to Him.
John declares that if all the things that JESUS began both to do and to say were to be written, the world and universe would not be able to contain all the books that would be necessary. But do note that sufficient scripture was written so that you and I might believe in our hearts that JESUS is the Christ the Son of the living God!
JESUS - the Name above every other name in Heaven and on earth. For God declared that salvation could not be found in any other name. God was manifest in the flesh to destroy the works of the devil who is the reason there is sin, sickness and disease in the world. These are not of God. For God is not willing that any should perish but rather that all men should be saved. For God so loves you that He willingly sacrificed His life as a Son in order that we might be saved.
The blood coming forth from JESUS' veins at Calvary was the life giving blood of the Holy Ghost, who Fathered the man JESUS. God laid down His life for us, uttering these words -- It is finished. The price of man's redemption has been paid in full. Once and for all. No other payment necessary but to believe in JESUS by faith and to be water baptized in His precious Name. (Acts 3:36-38) For clarity, the latter (water baptism) is in response to our heart desire to be clothed in His righteousness, and for a clear conscience. (I Peter 3:21-22)
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (I Peter 3:21-22)
As such, there is no more sacrifice for sin.
Thomas declared to JESUS these words, ‘my Lord and my God!’ JESUS is Lord over all. He is both Lord and Christ.
Come to the Lord today and thank Him for His sacrifice on your behalf! Peace to all. Stand in the offering plate.
There is a reason for this. God is One Spirit. He that descended is the same as He that ascended. For it was none other than God Himself who was veiled in sinful flesh whilst in the womb of His surrogate mother who herself was a descendant of Abraham's sin prone flesh. In other words, God did not send another to bring salvation to you and I. God came Himself.
Indeed, JESUS was the conceived SEED of the Holy Ghost. For as the scriptures state, in JESUS, it pleased God that all the fullness of His Godhead should dwell bodily. The SEED of Christ then is that spiritual which was manifest in the flesh (Christ). It is this same Seed in which all believing nations of the earth can be blessed.
As the scriptures declare JESUS is God with us. JESUS is also declared to be the Word of God, which was with God, but now is with us. JESUS then is the Word of God. This is why the people pressed toward JESUS. To hear the Word of God. Further, JESUS is the same Word that was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him. So if someone were to ask - who is the Word of God? The answer here is JESUS! Without JESUS who is the same Word that was with God in the beginning there is nothing made that was made. For the Word of God is the beginning of all things. The very worlds were framed by the Word of God. As we read in Genesis, God spoke and lo’ it came to pass.
Similarly, JESUS' Word was with power but JESUS is also the power and wisdom of God. Yes, all that God is was revealed in the face of JESUS. How do we know this? Never a man spoke like this man spoke. Why even the winds and the sea obeyed Him. He fed the multitude from five loaves and two small fish. He cast out evil demonic spirits with a Word. He healed all that would come to Him.
John declares that if all the things that JESUS began both to do and to say were to be written, the world and universe would not be able to contain all the books that would be necessary. But do note that sufficient scripture was written so that you and I might believe in our hearts that JESUS is the Christ the Son of the living God!
JESUS - the Name above every other name in Heaven and on earth. For God declared that salvation could not be found in any other name. God was manifest in the flesh to destroy the works of the devil who is the reason there is sin, sickness and disease in the world. These are not of God. For God is not willing that any should perish but rather that all men should be saved. For God so loves you that He willingly sacrificed His life as a Son in order that we might be saved.
The blood coming forth from JESUS' veins at Calvary was the life giving blood of the Holy Ghost, who Fathered the man JESUS. God laid down His life for us, uttering these words -- It is finished. The price of man's redemption has been paid in full. Once and for all. No other payment necessary but to believe in JESUS by faith and to be water baptized in His precious Name. (Acts 3:36-38) For clarity, the latter (water baptism) is in response to our heart desire to be clothed in His righteousness, and for a clear conscience. (I Peter 3:21-22)
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (I Peter 3:21-22)
As such, there is no more sacrifice for sin.
Thomas declared to JESUS these words, ‘my Lord and my God!’ JESUS is Lord over all. He is both Lord and Christ.
Come to the Lord today and thank Him for His sacrifice on your behalf! Peace to all. Stand in the offering plate.
To Whom Coming, As Unto A Living Stone, Disallowed Indeed Of Men, But Chosen Of God, And Precious - Part 1920
"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love." (Ephesians 3:16-17)
Who is the He spoken of here? God Almighty! The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. In this dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
This might be an ideal time to interject why we make reference to God as being male in gender. First and foremost, God is Spirit, filling the heavens and the earth. Even the scriptures state, "Why even the heavens cannot contain God!" How big is God? Well, in God, we live and we move and we have our being. Further, God created man in His own image. This might be where we begin to think of God as He.
The first woman was taken from man. The bone was of his bone and the flesh of his flesh making man incomplete without the woman. Eve then, is the mother of all living. God delivered Eve from Adam in the garden of Eden.
“And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man.” (Genesis 2:22)
When that initial creation intersects with salvation is in the second Adam, heavenly, or in Christ who brings those who believe in Him by faith as a new creation, it is here that our understanding of the good news gospel message is increased. And subsequently, that there is neither male nor female.
For further clarification, you might want to read I Corinthians11:1-16. Herein, you will begin to read how no man has seen God at any time. Only the begotten who is in the bosom of the Father has declared Him. The only begotten. Jesus spoke of Himself as the Only begotten. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18)
In comparison, we are spoken of as begat. The difference is that Jesus is God’s holy child being conceived of the Holy Ghost, is spoken of in the scriptures as One who is without father or mother. He has no beginning of days, nor end of life. Why? Because His beginning is after the order (the lead) of Melchisedec.
We cannot be talking of the flesh in which the Spirit of the Christ was embodied. for the flesh covering began in the womb of Mary when she served as a surrogate mother. The fetus being seeded of the Holy Ghost. What do the scriptures state? That which is conceived in you Mary is of the Holy Ghost ... and finished at Calvary. He was sown a natural body and yet raised a spiritual body. Jesus is introduced as being God with us -- as a Son. The Word was made or veiled and the flesh lived among us. God manifest in the flesh.
To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (I Corinthians 5:19)
Therefore, what we are witnessing here is that the Word was clothed in the flesh of fallen humanity. Having been clothed upon with flesh in Mary’s womb, the pure humanity is attributed to the Holy Ghost which was in the man Jesus the Christ. God was in Christ. God did not come to earth to acquire humanity. God is, and always will be the source of pure humanity. Before the fall, Adam was perfect in all his ways, an earthly expression of God.
Still, God was endeavouring thereby, to reveal His own spiritual humanity in a visible earthly-created form. A form created from the dust of the earth into which God breathed the breath of life. Fresh air. The same air which keeps us alive yet is incapable of providing us with spiritual humanity. In the Old Testament, we learn that Adam was a created son of God. One could say that if you had seen Adam, you had perhaps seen God, in a created form.
But in the New Testament, we read that the Word was veiled in flesh. The Word -- God Himself. The SAME Word (or counsel of God ) that had brought forth Adam. God Had promised that He would become our Saviour, and in keeping with His promised Word, He conceived Himself into Mary’s womb. Even though He had created all things, God still humbled Himself for you and I. God took upon Himself the form of a servant in a son form. In the scriptures, He is referred to as the second Adam -- the Lord Himself!
From the first chapter of Hebrews, we understand that God who at different times and in various manners spoke to us through the mouths of prophets has now spoken to us as/in His Son. God’s Spirit created all things and by Himself (as a Son) and for Himself, all things were made. Apart from Himself, there is nothing made that was made.
God said, "My glory, I will not give to another." It is said, "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Most certainly, the wise men worshipped Jesus. So did the disciples. And John the baptizer pointed to Jesus. Indeed, if we examine the scriptures from beginning to end, we learn that "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me -- Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Jesus the Christ is the same God, yesterday, today and forever. This is why Thomas declared to Jesus to be “... my Lord and my God!" So should we.
"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." (I Peter 2:6-8)
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-6)
Stand in the offering plate.
Who is the He spoken of here? God Almighty! The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. In this dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
This might be an ideal time to interject why we make reference to God as being male in gender. First and foremost, God is Spirit, filling the heavens and the earth. Even the scriptures state, "Why even the heavens cannot contain God!" How big is God? Well, in God, we live and we move and we have our being. Further, God created man in His own image. This might be where we begin to think of God as He.
The first woman was taken from man. The bone was of his bone and the flesh of his flesh making man incomplete without the woman. Eve then, is the mother of all living. God delivered Eve from Adam in the garden of Eden.
“And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man.” (Genesis 2:22)
When that initial creation intersects with salvation is in the second Adam, heavenly, or in Christ who brings those who believe in Him by faith as a new creation, it is here that our understanding of the good news gospel message is increased. And subsequently, that there is neither male nor female.
For further clarification, you might want to read I Corinthians11:1-16. Herein, you will begin to read how no man has seen God at any time. Only the begotten who is in the bosom of the Father has declared Him. The only begotten. Jesus spoke of Himself as the Only begotten. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18)
In comparison, we are spoken of as begat. The difference is that Jesus is God’s holy child being conceived of the Holy Ghost, is spoken of in the scriptures as One who is without father or mother. He has no beginning of days, nor end of life. Why? Because His beginning is after the order (the lead) of Melchisedec.
We cannot be talking of the flesh in which the Spirit of the Christ was embodied. for the flesh covering began in the womb of Mary when she served as a surrogate mother. The fetus being seeded of the Holy Ghost. What do the scriptures state? That which is conceived in you Mary is of the Holy Ghost ... and finished at Calvary. He was sown a natural body and yet raised a spiritual body. Jesus is introduced as being God with us -- as a Son. The Word was made or veiled and the flesh lived among us. God manifest in the flesh.
To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (I Corinthians 5:19)
Therefore, what we are witnessing here is that the Word was clothed in the flesh of fallen humanity. Having been clothed upon with flesh in Mary’s womb, the pure humanity is attributed to the Holy Ghost which was in the man Jesus the Christ. God was in Christ. God did not come to earth to acquire humanity. God is, and always will be the source of pure humanity. Before the fall, Adam was perfect in all his ways, an earthly expression of God.
Still, God was endeavouring thereby, to reveal His own spiritual humanity in a visible earthly-created form. A form created from the dust of the earth into which God breathed the breath of life. Fresh air. The same air which keeps us alive yet is incapable of providing us with spiritual humanity. In the Old Testament, we learn that Adam was a created son of God. One could say that if you had seen Adam, you had perhaps seen God, in a created form.
But in the New Testament, we read that the Word was veiled in flesh. The Word -- God Himself. The SAME Word (or counsel of God ) that had brought forth Adam. God Had promised that He would become our Saviour, and in keeping with His promised Word, He conceived Himself into Mary’s womb. Even though He had created all things, God still humbled Himself for you and I. God took upon Himself the form of a servant in a son form. In the scriptures, He is referred to as the second Adam -- the Lord Himself!
From the first chapter of Hebrews, we understand that God who at different times and in various manners spoke to us through the mouths of prophets has now spoken to us as/in His Son. God’s Spirit created all things and by Himself (as a Son) and for Himself, all things were made. Apart from Himself, there is nothing made that was made.
God said, "My glory, I will not give to another." It is said, "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Most certainly, the wise men worshipped Jesus. So did the disciples. And John the baptizer pointed to Jesus. Indeed, if we examine the scriptures from beginning to end, we learn that "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me -- Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Jesus the Christ is the same God, yesterday, today and forever. This is why Thomas declared to Jesus to be “... my Lord and my God!" So should we.
"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." (I Peter 2:6-8)
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-6)
Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
There Is Therefore Now No Condemnation To Them Which Are In Christ Jesus, Who Walk Not After The Flesh, But After The Spirit - Part 1919
"For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." (Romans 8:22-23)
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)
For those who believe in Jesus by faith and are subsequently water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death is empowering. Because we come to understand that what the law could not do (in that it is/was weak through the flesh) God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and from sin, condemned sin in the flesh.
Why? So that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:2-5) And therefore, there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus because we have been clothed in His righteousness. As a consequence, every thing we do in both word or deed is in the Name of the Lord Jesus. He has become our all in all, deserving of all the glory and honour and praise.
But the uncircumcision (those whose heart has not received Jesus as both Lord and Christ) keep the righteousness of the law, determined that their own good works and deeds are sufficient. Sadly, in so doing, these miss the point that God took it upon Himself (as a Son robed in humanity) to pay the price for our sins. Thus, because of what He did on the cross, reconciling the world unto Himself, we can be saved by His grace and mercy. Not of ourselves, but rather salvation is the free gift of God, to those who believe, and follow His commandments.
To distinguish here, Jesus' commandments are summarized in Mark 12:29-31. "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord" and we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love in us, to love one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4) [Note that apostle Paul adds to these for the Gentiles in Acts 15:20, 29 and Acts 21:25 but best to leave that message for another day so that we do not digress.] Continuing,
"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." (Romans 4:13)
"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes." (Romans 10:4)
"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:4)
Indeed, right from the beginning, God has desired a family for Himself. "Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings." (Isaiah 51:17)
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, [I say] at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by the Law of Faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. [Is He] the God of the Jews only? [is He] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:21-28)
Apostle Paul wrote that we are to "be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith ..." (Philippians 3:9)
Paul further said, "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21)
"Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." (Galatians 3:21)
To clarify again, "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. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 2:2-8)
But for those who believe in the Lord Jesus, and His gift of salvation by faith, and desire Him with all that they do -- "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:28-38)
Stand in the offering plate.
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)
For those who believe in Jesus by faith and are subsequently water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death is empowering. Because we come to understand that what the law could not do (in that it is/was weak through the flesh) God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and from sin, condemned sin in the flesh.
Why? So that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:2-5) And therefore, there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus because we have been clothed in His righteousness. As a consequence, every thing we do in both word or deed is in the Name of the Lord Jesus. He has become our all in all, deserving of all the glory and honour and praise.
But the uncircumcision (those whose heart has not received Jesus as both Lord and Christ) keep the righteousness of the law, determined that their own good works and deeds are sufficient. Sadly, in so doing, these miss the point that God took it upon Himself (as a Son robed in humanity) to pay the price for our sins. Thus, because of what He did on the cross, reconciling the world unto Himself, we can be saved by His grace and mercy. Not of ourselves, but rather salvation is the free gift of God, to those who believe, and follow His commandments.
To distinguish here, Jesus' commandments are summarized in Mark 12:29-31. "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord" and we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love in us, to love one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4) [Note that apostle Paul adds to these for the Gentiles in Acts 15:20, 29 and Acts 21:25 but best to leave that message for another day so that we do not digress.] Continuing,
"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." (Romans 4:13)
"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes." (Romans 10:4)
"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:4)
Indeed, right from the beginning, God has desired a family for Himself. "Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings." (Isaiah 51:17)
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, [I say] at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by the Law of Faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. [Is He] the God of the Jews only? [is He] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:21-28)
Apostle Paul wrote that we are to "be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith ..." (Philippians 3:9)
Paul further said, "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21)
"Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." (Galatians 3:21)
To clarify again, "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. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 2:2-8)
But for those who believe in the Lord Jesus, and His gift of salvation by faith, and desire Him with all that they do -- "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:28-38)
Stand in the offering plate.
Let These Sayings Sink Down Into Your Ears: For The Son Of Man Shall Be Delivered Into The Hands Of Men - Part 1918
Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was an hungred and you gave Me meat. I was thirsty and ye gave Me drink. I was a stranger and ye took Me in. Naked, and ye clothed Me. I was sick and ye visited Me. I was in prison and you came to Me. (Matthew 25:34-36)
Matthew 25 contains a powerful message for those who will listen with their hearts. Here was Jesus teaching to the multitudes about the ultimate gift of salvation. The endless blessings that fall upon those who love Him. Believers in Jesus whose hearts desire the Word. Herein, the Lord Jesus was likening His teachings to the kingdom of heaven and eternal life. Jesus elaborates on the parable of the ten virgins and later, the parable of the talents --"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance ... but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath." (Matthew 25:29)
"For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." (Matthew 13:12)
"No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have." (Luke 8:16-18)
But I digress. The Lord Jesus continues, telling the multitudes -- the blessed of His Father -- to come. "Come, "He says. Come to the one that loves you so much and you will inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. "For I -- [your Lord God] -- was an hungred and you gave Me meat. I was thirsty and ye gave Me drink. I was a stranger and ye took Me in. Naked, and ye clothed Me. I was sick and ye visited Me. I was in prison and you came to Me."
But the righteous in the crowds were unable to grasp the essence of Jesus' message. Instead, they answer the King saying, "Lord, when did we see Thee an hungred and fed Thee? Or thirsty and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? Or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison and came unto Thee?" You see, in the minds and hearts of the righteous, they had completed all that was required of them to earn their salvation. The righteous had performed good works. They lived good lives in their own eyes. They had lived their lives according to the letter of the law.
But obviously their contributions were not enough. For Jesus said, "And the King shall answer and say unto them, "Verily, I say unto you. Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." In other words, all of their/our worldly contributions miss the point. Here was Jesus -- the Lord of Glory -- wanting to give them the kingdom too and yet, the righteous -- as described in the parable -- were not willing to give their Lord God and Saviour their hearts.
The righteous were not willing to press in to touch the hem of His garment like the woman with the sickness for twelve years. They weren't quite willing to say, "Lord Jesus, here I am -- I am yours." Or, mould me Jesus into the person You intended me to be for You are the potter Lord and I am the clay.
So instead, as Jesus shares in Matthew 25:41, the king says unto them on the left hand, "Depart from Me, ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Essentially, Jesus was saying, "My desire is to give you the kingdom and yet, you don't see My love for you. You don't understand that I -- Jesus -- grew the tree that was destined to become the cross at Calvary."
So much here to understand, but if we choose not to learn from Jesus' message herein, we miss eternal life. And even though hell (eternal damnation) was never intended for God's beloved creation, we will end up there when we don't look to Jesus for our all in all. As we say here, stand in the offering plate. Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and in everything we do, let all the glory and praise and honour be unto Him.
This may explain why Jesus repeats these scriptures for a second time -- to catch our attention and to hone in on the importance of becoming that flow through of His love to others.
Therefore, the message for us today is to be not as the righteous. Rather, instead to rejoice in Jesus' abundant love. Bask in His grace and goodness today. Pour the expensive ointment on your Lord and Saviour like the woman with the alabaster box of very precious ointment in Matthew 26. Why? Because Jesus - the very same God who created us in the beginning -- who willingly became flesh and shed His precious holy blood for our sins -- loves us so much that He wants to give us the kingdom. (John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8)
Jesus wants to give us meat so that we are not hungry and sufficient drink should so that we will never thirst again. He desires to take us in and clothe us and release us fully from the worldly prisons that keep us bound. Most of all, Jesus wants to visit with us and confirm that we can rest in His grace and mercies forever.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Know that this same Jesus whom ye crucified in your heart is both Lord and Christ. Know His love that stretches beyond what we can even see or understand, and yet He desires to give us life. His hope and peace and joy within our hearts, so that we can withstand the whims and trials of this earth.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever, amen.
Stand in the offering plate.
Matthew 25 contains a powerful message for those who will listen with their hearts. Here was Jesus teaching to the multitudes about the ultimate gift of salvation. The endless blessings that fall upon those who love Him. Believers in Jesus whose hearts desire the Word. Herein, the Lord Jesus was likening His teachings to the kingdom of heaven and eternal life. Jesus elaborates on the parable of the ten virgins and later, the parable of the talents --"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance ... but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath." (Matthew 25:29)
"For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." (Matthew 13:12)
But the righteous in the crowds were unable to grasp the essence of Jesus' message. Instead, they answer the King saying, "Lord, when did we see Thee an hungred and fed Thee? Or thirsty and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? Or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison and came unto Thee?" You see, in the minds and hearts of the righteous, they had completed all that was required of them to earn their salvation. The righteous had performed good works. They lived good lives in their own eyes. They had lived their lives according to the letter of the law.
But obviously their contributions were not enough. For Jesus said, "And the King shall answer and say unto them, "Verily, I say unto you. Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." In other words, all of their/our worldly contributions miss the point. Here was Jesus -- the Lord of Glory -- wanting to give them the kingdom too and yet, the righteous -- as described in the parable -- were not willing to give their Lord God and Saviour their hearts.
The righteous were not willing to press in to touch the hem of His garment like the woman with the sickness for twelve years. They weren't quite willing to say, "Lord Jesus, here I am -- I am yours." Or, mould me Jesus into the person You intended me to be for You are the potter Lord and I am the clay.
So instead, as Jesus shares in Matthew 25:41, the king says unto them on the left hand, "Depart from Me, ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Essentially, Jesus was saying, "My desire is to give you the kingdom and yet, you don't see My love for you. You don't understand that I -- Jesus -- grew the tree that was destined to become the cross at Calvary."
So much here to understand, but if we choose not to learn from Jesus' message herein, we miss eternal life. And even though hell (eternal damnation) was never intended for God's beloved creation, we will end up there when we don't look to Jesus for our all in all. As we say here, stand in the offering plate. Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and in everything we do, let all the glory and praise and honour be unto Him.
This may explain why Jesus repeats these scriptures for a second time -- to catch our attention and to hone in on the importance of becoming that flow through of His love to others.
Therefore, the message for us today is to be not as the righteous. Rather, instead to rejoice in Jesus' abundant love. Bask in His grace and goodness today. Pour the expensive ointment on your Lord and Saviour like the woman with the alabaster box of very precious ointment in Matthew 26. Why? Because Jesus - the very same God who created us in the beginning -- who willingly became flesh and shed His precious holy blood for our sins -- loves us so much that He wants to give us the kingdom. (John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8)
Jesus wants to give us meat so that we are not hungry and sufficient drink should so that we will never thirst again. He desires to take us in and clothe us and release us fully from the worldly prisons that keep us bound. Most of all, Jesus wants to visit with us and confirm that we can rest in His grace and mercies forever.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Know that this same Jesus whom ye crucified in your heart is both Lord and Christ. Know His love that stretches beyond what we can even see or understand, and yet He desires to give us life. His hope and peace and joy within our hearts, so that we can withstand the whims and trials of this earth.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever, amen.
Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Jesus Is The Root And The Offspring Of David, And The Bright And Morning Star - Part 1917
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth 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 11:3-4)
"For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called." (Isaiah 54:5)
Therefore, apostle Paul tells us that anyone who preaches "another" gospel - apart from the apostolic doctrine which we are commanded to believe, and remain steadfast in, including Acts 2 - let him/her be accursed. Why? Because God is not the author of confusion. Every single scripture is in complete agreement, which is why the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost could be in one accord. And so should we as believers in Jesus by faith too.
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:58)
Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle -- He is the King of glory. And as the prophet Isaiah states, this same Lord will come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
And we see this come to fruition on the new testament side, when the dayspring on high visited His people, doing a new thing. (Hebrews 9:8)
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
"Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the FIRST, and WITH the LAST; I AM HE." (Isaiah 41:4)
"Hearken unto Me, O Jacob and Israel, My called; I AM HE; I am the first, I ALSO am the last." (Isaiah 48:12)
After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... (Titus 3:4-7) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. He appeared to the apostles after the resurrection, and now, after He was taken up, He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2)
This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And this same Jesus is coming back for His people. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14)
"And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:12)
Therefore, apostle Paul tells us that anyone who preaches "another" gospel - apart from the apostolic doctrine which we are commanded to believe, and remain steadfast in, including Acts 2 - let him/her be accursed. Why? Because God is not the author of confusion. Every single scripture is in complete agreement, which is why the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost could be in one accord. And so should we as believers in Jesus by faith too.
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
He Has Delivered Them Who Through Fear Of Death Were All Their Lifetime Subject To Bondage. - Part 1916
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (I Corinthians 1:10)
Before we were introduced to faith, we were in many ways imprisoned under the law. Entangled by the worldly bondage that exists in this world. In this realm, we were incapable of escaping as if there were no plan of escape to utilize. Conversely, even if there was such a plan in place, what would we be escaping too? Certainly, it would be hard to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man, particularly if that man had never been introduced to faith or of its effectiveness. Like so many aspects of life, for those things which I do not know, I need an instructor.
Indeed, while we may have read of Abraham's faith, we were still incapable of grasping the meaning. We needed to have our understanding opened and the meaning expanded upon. So who would open the cell doors of our mind? Definitely not any of our cell mates, for they also were/are wallowing in the mire of sin, imprisoned by the law of sin and death. These too then are without a key.
But God works in mysterious ways. The scriptures specifically ask, "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor?" (Romans 11:34)
"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:16)
That "the mind of the LORD might be shewed them." (Leviticus 24:12)
So, in the beginning days, after Adam sinned, the law had become our custodian. The law was like a strict governess in charge of us. Even so, our hearts were left wanting. That is, until we looked beyond our hopeless predicament and called in our hearts for a deliverer.
In this capacity, God was and still is the only hope for us. Out of our hopelessness we looked up with expectancy. It was here that faith was seeded in men’s heart. So, by our imprisonment we were taught the defined meaning of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the incurred wages, we swallowed it hook, line, and sinker. In other words, we dug our own hole, a hole so deep that we could not climb out of it.
Like the simple analogy of the man and woman walking at night and falling into a deep hole. They were unable to scale the walls of earth so they did what most people would do. They started calling for help. Along came a priest (it could be a rabbi too) who, upon hearing the yells of distress, ventures over to the hole. When he sees the man and woman in the hole, he starts praying but then walks away.
The man starts calling again and this time a doctor hears the cry. He approaches the hole and seeing the situation, takes a note pad from his pocket and writes the two a prescription. He throws the prescription into the hole and then turns around and walks away.
In many ways, this resembles society today - the 'powers that be' may be in power but they do not have the solution. Still, the two people stuck in the hole start yelling louder than before. Surely, there must be some intelligent and compassionate life up there who will help us get out of this predicament. Just then, a friend just happens to be taking an evening stroll when he hears the distressed call. He approaches the hole, peruses the situation and immediately jumps into the hole. Wow! The man and woman in the hole start thinking, "Well, that was not too smart!"
Here we are, with nothing but a prayer and a prescription and you decide to join us too! Well, the friend smilingly says, “Only believe. I know the way out." I can help you get out of this mess. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
Thus, the reality is this. The world does not have the answer. When no one else could help, His love, the love of Jesus, lifted me beyond the depth of despair, and the burdens of this world.
Apostle Paul writes, "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world ... but now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? ... Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children." (Galatians 4:3, 9, 24-25)
But now, when we believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and go on to become water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are set free.
Therefore, the good news song that we should be singing in our hearts?
"He came to me. I could not go to where He was so He instead came to us." And all we have to do is believe in Him by faith -- the Lord of Glory. The King of kings. The Great I AM. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.. Thus, the message here is to step out in faith and trust the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Cast all your cares and concerns upon Him. Why? Because He cares for you. Let me say that again --- He really cares for you.
So, in terms of covenants (the old and new) you are not under law if you believe in Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. In fact, you are now under the dispensation of grace, whereby the Lord has declared peace and goodwill to all. Indeed, Glory to God in the highest! How did we get there? The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ! We recognized that we could no longer do all the things that the Law commanded, and therefore we failed, as in "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned ..." Romans 5:12)
"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us." (I John 1:10)
This explains why when you believe, you are under the new testament -- the covenant of grace -- grace that is given and yet unmerited. While the law was given through angels to Moses, note that God's plan of salvation, grace and truth came to us through Jesus the Christ. Personally delivered to you and me. Jesus said to call upon Him and He -- "I shall deliver you."
"And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification." (Romans 5:16)
My kinsmen according to the flesh. Faith in Jesus is the victory that can overcome the world. Read Acts 2:36-47 today and understand the peace and joy that will fill your heart if you would only ask Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your heart. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
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:!0-11) This is why the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. Now that is everlasting and abundant love.
"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4)
Stand in the offering plate.
Before we were introduced to faith, we were in many ways imprisoned under the law. Entangled by the worldly bondage that exists in this world. In this realm, we were incapable of escaping as if there were no plan of escape to utilize. Conversely, even if there was such a plan in place, what would we be escaping too? Certainly, it would be hard to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man, particularly if that man had never been introduced to faith or of its effectiveness. Like so many aspects of life, for those things which I do not know, I need an instructor.
Indeed, while we may have read of Abraham's faith, we were still incapable of grasping the meaning. We needed to have our understanding opened and the meaning expanded upon. So who would open the cell doors of our mind? Definitely not any of our cell mates, for they also were/are wallowing in the mire of sin, imprisoned by the law of sin and death. These too then are without a key.
But God works in mysterious ways. The scriptures specifically ask, "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor?" (Romans 11:34)
"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:16)
That "the mind of the LORD might be shewed them." (Leviticus 24:12)
So, in the beginning days, after Adam sinned, the law had become our custodian. The law was like a strict governess in charge of us. Even so, our hearts were left wanting. That is, until we looked beyond our hopeless predicament and called in our hearts for a deliverer.
In this capacity, God was and still is the only hope for us. Out of our hopelessness we looked up with expectancy. It was here that faith was seeded in men’s heart. So, by our imprisonment we were taught the defined meaning of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the incurred wages, we swallowed it hook, line, and sinker. In other words, we dug our own hole, a hole so deep that we could not climb out of it.
Like the simple analogy of the man and woman walking at night and falling into a deep hole. They were unable to scale the walls of earth so they did what most people would do. They started calling for help. Along came a priest (it could be a rabbi too) who, upon hearing the yells of distress, ventures over to the hole. When he sees the man and woman in the hole, he starts praying but then walks away.
The man starts calling again and this time a doctor hears the cry. He approaches the hole and seeing the situation, takes a note pad from his pocket and writes the two a prescription. He throws the prescription into the hole and then turns around and walks away.
In many ways, this resembles society today - the 'powers that be' may be in power but they do not have the solution. Still, the two people stuck in the hole start yelling louder than before. Surely, there must be some intelligent and compassionate life up there who will help us get out of this predicament. Just then, a friend just happens to be taking an evening stroll when he hears the distressed call. He approaches the hole, peruses the situation and immediately jumps into the hole. Wow! The man and woman in the hole start thinking, "Well, that was not too smart!"
Here we are, with nothing but a prayer and a prescription and you decide to join us too! Well, the friend smilingly says, “Only believe. I know the way out." I can help you get out of this mess. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
Thus, the reality is this. The world does not have the answer. When no one else could help, His love, the love of Jesus, lifted me beyond the depth of despair, and the burdens of this world.
Apostle Paul writes, "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world ... but now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? ... Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children." (Galatians 4:3, 9, 24-25)
But now, when we believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and go on to become water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are set free.
Therefore, the good news song that we should be singing in our hearts?
"He came to me. I could not go to where He was so He instead came to us." And all we have to do is believe in Him by faith -- the Lord of Glory. The King of kings. The Great I AM. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.. Thus, the message here is to step out in faith and trust the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Cast all your cares and concerns upon Him. Why? Because He cares for you. Let me say that again --- He really cares for you.
So, in terms of covenants (the old and new) you are not under law if you believe in Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. In fact, you are now under the dispensation of grace, whereby the Lord has declared peace and goodwill to all. Indeed, Glory to God in the highest! How did we get there? The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ! We recognized that we could no longer do all the things that the Law commanded, and therefore we failed, as in "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned ..." Romans 5:12)
"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us." (I John 1:10)
This explains why when you believe, you are under the new testament -- the covenant of grace -- grace that is given and yet unmerited. While the law was given through angels to Moses, note that God's plan of salvation, grace and truth came to us through Jesus the Christ. Personally delivered to you and me. Jesus said to call upon Him and He -- "I shall deliver you."
"And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification." (Romans 5:16)
My kinsmen according to the flesh. Faith in Jesus is the victory that can overcome the world. Read Acts 2:36-47 today and understand the peace and joy that will fill your heart if you would only ask Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your heart. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
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:!0-11) This is why the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. Now that is everlasting and abundant love.
"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4)
Stand in the offering plate.
For The Vision Is Yet For An Appointed Time, But At The End It Shall Speak - Part 1915
And the Lord answered me, and said, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (Habakkuk 2:1-3)
Speaking of a new time, when the dayspring from on high would visit His people, is what many call the appointed time -- when the Lord Himself would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:78)
"... and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;" (Acts 17:26)
"... but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the f/Father." (Galatians 4:2)
" ... the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:" (Hebrews 9:8)
Herein, the Lord is speaking through the prophet Habakkuk about the promised Saviour/Messiah which was to come forth and save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) The prophesied Christ which would bring those who believe in Him life and salvation through His precious, holy Name. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)
Speaking of a new time, when the dayspring from on high would visit His people, is what many call the appointed time -- when the Lord Himself would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:78)
"... and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;" (Acts 17:26)
"... but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the f/Father." (Galatians 4:2)
" ... the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:" (Hebrews 9:8)
Herein, the Lord is speaking through the prophet Habakkuk about the promised Saviour/Messiah which was to come forth and save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) The prophesied Christ which would bring those who believe in Him life and salvation through His precious, holy Name. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)
"... who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time ... receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls, of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you ..." (I Peter 1:5, 9-10)
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly ..." (Romans 5:6)
The Lord told Habakkuk to write boldly the vision that He was going to reveal to him about the appointed time -- how He Himself would rescue the perishing in due time. Tell the people, the Lord is saying, of the coming deliverance for His people -- the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. The good news gospel of God in Christ Jesus reconciling the world unto Himself, bringing salvation and peace to those who otherwise would be lost. (II Corinthians 5:19; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Revelation 1:8)
Yes, the Lord, even then was saying, "Let him that hears [the gospel / the good news message of the Kingdom of God] say [to every one he/she meets] "Come. The Master is calling, come and dine!"
Tell those who are lost about this same He "... who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:6)
And who "hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour!" (Titus 1:3)
Indeed, the Lord had a good news message for those who waited for the promised Messiah to come and willingly waited (like Simeon in the temple) to see the Lord's Christ. This message of hope as we read from Habakkuk completely contrary to the worldly view -- wherein the people not only coveted for themselves and their families, but also, by extension, desired for others to enter into this same drunken state, wherein their lusts and desires were insatiable [impossible to satisfy]. It is this comparison that is worthy of study, and how we as believers, having set our hand to the plow should not look back.
Habakkuk writes what the Lord is saying through Him, for one and all to see and understand, asking the same question as many of us do in this day -- How long Lord, how long? But I digress. From the second chapter of Habakkuk:
"Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by His faith. Yea also, because he transgresses by wine, he is a proud man, neither keeps at home, who enlarges his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathers unto him all nations, and heaps unto him all people .... Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, "Woe to him that increases that which is not his! how long? and to him that lades himself with thick clay! Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?
Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. Woe to him that covets an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul. For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it. Woe to him that builds a town with blood, and stablishes a city by iniquity! Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?
For the earth SHALL be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
[Therefore,] woe unto him that gives his neighbour drink, that puts thy bottle to him, and makes him drunken also, that thou may look on their nakedness ... thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the Lord's right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory. For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. Woe to him that covets an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul. For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it. Woe to him that builds a town with blood, and stablishes a city by iniquity! Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?
For the earth SHALL be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
[Therefore,] woe unto him that gives his neighbour drink, that puts thy bottle to him, and makes him drunken also, that thou may look on their nakedness ... thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the Lord's right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory. For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
What profits the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusts therein, to make dumb idols? Woe unto him that saith to the wood, "Awake" ... to the dumb stone, "Arise, it shall teach!" Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.
But the Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him." (Habakkuk 2:1-20)
But the Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him." (Habakkuk 2:1-20)
Wisdom that is most certainly not from this world. Let him that reads, understand. Stand in the offering plate.
For The Earth Shall Be Filled With The Knowledge Of The Glory Of The Lord, As The Waters Cover The Sea - Part 1914
"Be Thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; for Thou art my Rock and my Fortress. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth." (Psalm 71:3-5)
Like the psalmist David, Paul, an apostle of Jesus the Christ expressed the same vision. That is, he desired to know only Jesus the Christ and Him crucified. Great is that mystery, saith the scriptures. Why does God love us this way? Because nothing shall separate us from God's everlasting love. We see a perfect example of God's promise of love in Romans 8, wherein Paul writes:
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-38)
Like the psalmist David, Paul, an apostle of Jesus the Christ expressed the same vision. That is, he desired to know only Jesus the Christ and Him crucified. Great is that mystery, saith the scriptures. Why does God love us this way? Because nothing shall separate us from God's everlasting love. We see a perfect example of God's promise of love in Romans 8, wherein Paul writes:
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-38)
We also know that Peter, an apostle of Jesus the Christ was so anointed with the oil of the Spirit of Jesus that when he walked along the streets, his very shadow fell upon the sick and quickened their physical bodies so that they were instantly healed. Now that is a real walk in clinic if we think of healings in today's terms. It is no wonder apostle Paul (even when he was on the sidelines) wanted to know more about this Jesus and to stay focused on the One who has All power in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18, Revelation 1:8)
Shouldn't we desire the same? But I digress.
As we see from these few examples, the Word of God can be so powerful in individual lives that the anointed Word of God is able to perform miracles, and mighty signs and wonders through those who believe. He desires that we seek His knowledge and wisdom so that our minds remain sound and our hearts renewed. And, as Paul explains, His desire is to bestow upon us spiritual gifts so that we can, like David, walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil. (Psalm 23:1-6; I Corinthians 12:1-31)
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)
But sadly, unbelief is leading to a world that is getting darker and more confused every day. We are witnessing a shift away from the Lord God Almighty, and His life sustaining promises for His people. Indeed, at one point the Lord Jesus asked whether He would even find faith when He -- the Son of man -- returned for His people. (Luke 8:18) This is a very sad commentary indeed, given the hefty price He paid on the cross for our sins -- when He shed His precious holy blood for you and I.
Still, His abundant love -- the love of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for His creation -- and His handiwork is displayed everywhere for one and all to behold. His love highlighted for us to see. More importantly, this same Jesus wants to deliver you and I from our burdens. In fact, the Lord God, our Saviour has a purpose for our life that goes beyond the confines and constraints of this world and as such, He has willingly paid the price for our sins on a cross.
Your deliverance, and my deliverance have already been taken care of, and the Lord wants us (as believers in Jesus by faith, and having been clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus -- Acts 2:36-38) to obtain our share in the last will and testament of God in Christ. (Hebrews 9:8, 15-18)
He Himself has provided us with the ultimate gift of salvation. Not because you or I have done anything deserving of deliverance because we could not do anything to save ourselves. This is why Calvary had to happen, so that a perfect sacrifice could be offered for our sin once and for all. The veil torn from heaven to earth so that we could have a personal relationship with our Creator.
Indeed, we could not go to where He was, so instead He came to us. But not just dropping in for a visit. Oh no. Rather, He purposely appeared to straighten out our backward thinking as to who God is, so God who is Spirit appeared in form as one of us. His intent was to bring the light of God into a misled satanically deceived world. This world that has afflicted and caused men, women, boys and girls to endure unimaginable pain and suffering.
At the same time, we recall from the scriptures that Pilate washed his hands of the whole matter and blamed God! He did this knowing that God is good. Jesus -- God Himself veiled in flesh --demonstrated His willingness and His goodness upon earth whilst He walked among us as a Son! Jesus did not pass by on the other side of the road. And He still doesn't pass by on the other side of the road today. No. When one responds to God’s love, and becomes acquainted with the Author of all living things, then there is no hesitation on God’s part to withhold any good thing from anyone.
Those living in this present God rejecting system of error still have an opportunity to put God to the test. God said, "Try me and see. Taste and see that I am good!" That willingness takes a step of faith in our hearts to reach out and ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to be both Lord and Christ in our hearts. (Acts 2:36)
And yes, while doubters and pessimistic atheists and agnostics surround us, remember that God not only made you but that God loves you too. He can heal you. He can make you prosper according to your measure of faith. In fact, God can do more than you or I can possibly think. For absolutely nothing is impossible with God.
Starting today, call on the Name of the Lord Jesus and take hold of His promises. Yes, the same God who laid down His life for us, as a man desires to give us the Kingdom, if we will only turn to Him. Recognize God's love for you and I and open the door to Him in faith. Open your heart to the same God who loved you and gave Himself for you. For Jesus loves you more than His own life! Grasp the reality of who you are and how precious you are in God’s eyes, and because He is God, let Him come and heal you and deliver you.
Remember too that the gift of salvation is not about religion. We are talking about you beginning a personal relationship with your Lord, your Creator, your Saviour and most of all, when our hearts turn, our forever friend! Trust that you can go directly to Him. Just talk to the Lord Jesus as a friend, and know that His friendship is greater than any other. His love and peace and joy beyond any explanation or alternative that the world has to offer.
How can I say this? Because the world will always leave our hearts wanting for more but Jesus -- He knows our every need even before we ask. He knows how to cuddle us when the world has blasted against us with its brute force. He is our Shepherd, who leads and guides us into all truth. The King of kings and Lord of lords.
Now it is your turn to respond to His invitation of love. His call to turn our hearts and minds and soul to Jesus, knowing that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. And that when He is our all in all, His knowledge of the glory of the Lord will fill us with hope and peace that the world can only dream of. That is, our cup runneth over with His joy. Meditate upon these things.
Stand in the offering plate!
Shouldn't we desire the same? But I digress.
As we see from these few examples, the Word of God can be so powerful in individual lives that the anointed Word of God is able to perform miracles, and mighty signs and wonders through those who believe. He desires that we seek His knowledge and wisdom so that our minds remain sound and our hearts renewed. And, as Paul explains, His desire is to bestow upon us spiritual gifts so that we can, like David, walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil. (Psalm 23:1-6; I Corinthians 12:1-31)
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)
But sadly, unbelief is leading to a world that is getting darker and more confused every day. We are witnessing a shift away from the Lord God Almighty, and His life sustaining promises for His people. Indeed, at one point the Lord Jesus asked whether He would even find faith when He -- the Son of man -- returned for His people. (Luke 8:18) This is a very sad commentary indeed, given the hefty price He paid on the cross for our sins -- when He shed His precious holy blood for you and I.
Still, His abundant love -- the love of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for His creation -- and His handiwork is displayed everywhere for one and all to behold. His love highlighted for us to see. More importantly, this same Jesus wants to deliver you and I from our burdens. In fact, the Lord God, our Saviour has a purpose for our life that goes beyond the confines and constraints of this world and as such, He has willingly paid the price for our sins on a cross.
Your deliverance, and my deliverance have already been taken care of, and the Lord wants us (as believers in Jesus by faith, and having been clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus -- Acts 2:36-38) to obtain our share in the last will and testament of God in Christ. (Hebrews 9:8, 15-18)
He Himself has provided us with the ultimate gift of salvation. Not because you or I have done anything deserving of deliverance because we could not do anything to save ourselves. This is why Calvary had to happen, so that a perfect sacrifice could be offered for our sin once and for all. The veil torn from heaven to earth so that we could have a personal relationship with our Creator.
Indeed, we could not go to where He was, so instead He came to us. But not just dropping in for a visit. Oh no. Rather, He purposely appeared to straighten out our backward thinking as to who God is, so God who is Spirit appeared in form as one of us. His intent was to bring the light of God into a misled satanically deceived world. This world that has afflicted and caused men, women, boys and girls to endure unimaginable pain and suffering.
At the same time, we recall from the scriptures that Pilate washed his hands of the whole matter and blamed God! He did this knowing that God is good. Jesus -- God Himself veiled in flesh --demonstrated His willingness and His goodness upon earth whilst He walked among us as a Son! Jesus did not pass by on the other side of the road. And He still doesn't pass by on the other side of the road today. No. When one responds to God’s love, and becomes acquainted with the Author of all living things, then there is no hesitation on God’s part to withhold any good thing from anyone.
Those living in this present God rejecting system of error still have an opportunity to put God to the test. God said, "Try me and see. Taste and see that I am good!" That willingness takes a step of faith in our hearts to reach out and ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to be both Lord and Christ in our hearts. (Acts 2:36)
And yes, while doubters and pessimistic atheists and agnostics surround us, remember that God not only made you but that God loves you too. He can heal you. He can make you prosper according to your measure of faith. In fact, God can do more than you or I can possibly think. For absolutely nothing is impossible with God.
Starting today, call on the Name of the Lord Jesus and take hold of His promises. Yes, the same God who laid down His life for us, as a man desires to give us the Kingdom, if we will only turn to Him. Recognize God's love for you and I and open the door to Him in faith. Open your heart to the same God who loved you and gave Himself for you. For Jesus loves you more than His own life! Grasp the reality of who you are and how precious you are in God’s eyes, and because He is God, let Him come and heal you and deliver you.
Remember too that the gift of salvation is not about religion. We are talking about you beginning a personal relationship with your Lord, your Creator, your Saviour and most of all, when our hearts turn, our forever friend! Trust that you can go directly to Him. Just talk to the Lord Jesus as a friend, and know that His friendship is greater than any other. His love and peace and joy beyond any explanation or alternative that the world has to offer.
How can I say this? Because the world will always leave our hearts wanting for more but Jesus -- He knows our every need even before we ask. He knows how to cuddle us when the world has blasted against us with its brute force. He is our Shepherd, who leads and guides us into all truth. The King of kings and Lord of lords.
Now it is your turn to respond to His invitation of love. His call to turn our hearts and minds and soul to Jesus, knowing that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. And that when He is our all in all, His knowledge of the glory of the Lord will fill us with hope and peace that the world can only dream of. That is, our cup runneth over with His joy. Meditate upon these things.
Stand in the offering plate!
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Every Good Gift And Every Perfect Gift Is From Above, And Cometh Down From The Father Of Lights, With Whom Is No Variableness, Neither Shadow Of Turning - Part 1913
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this -- to visit the f/Fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)
"And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, "It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word," (Acts 6:1-4)
Admittedly, this instruction we hear often from those around us. Indeed, it is often a criticism levelled against those who believe in Jesus by faith -- by those whose hearts only desire is to accuse the brethren. We see the same example when the Grecians criticized the apostles for not doing enough for the less fortunate in society.
This is why it is important to read scripture in context, line upon line, and comparatively with one another because God is not the author of confusion but rather peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (I Corinthians 14:33)
What Paul is stating then is that he did everything (and more) required of religion, even when his exceeding zealousness of the traditions of the fathers was contrary to the good news gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, as the scripture state, Paul went so far as to think he was doing God a favour by ridding true believers from society. "As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison." (Acts 8:3)
To this end, note that James wrote in the scripture immediately preceding the one above that -- "if any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26)
Again, let it be restated that pure religion is to visit the f/Fatherless and widows in their affliction, and also, to keep himself unspotted from the world. Apostle Paul (the Pharisee of Pharisees) repeatedly addresses this subject by observing his own personal experiences within the religious culture, saying that if those who knew him form the beginning would testify, they would say that Paul (as Saul) "after the most straightest sect of our religion ... lived a Pharisee." (Acts 26:5)
Continuing, Paul writes, "For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it. And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers." (Galatians 1:13-14)
Continuing, Paul writes, "For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it. And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers." (Galatians 1:13-14)
Yes, in his religious mode, Paul admits to before being "a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious ..." (I Timothy 1:13) "So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the Name of Jesus of Nazareth." (Acts 26:9)
This may be why Paul asks the question, "Is Christ divided?" so that we who believe in Jesus by faith don't ignorantly add another mediator (i.e. such as religious culture) between God and our own hearts, rather than our One and Only Mediator JESUS, who is able to save us from our sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Moreover, "is Christ divided?" Is Christ fractured? No sir. Christ is not fractured. Unfortunately, in many religious denominations, both historically and today, there is an intention to unify apart from the Word of God. Thus, the religious culture is intent only on presenting fragmented truths interjected with man's earthly wisdom. Most certainly, we understand that historically the pagan Roman so-called church had the majority of people hypnotized by the seated power of demons, transforming themselves into messengers of light. During this time (and now), the scriptures which were deemed the only true light are being extinguished and replaced by a demonic system of error. But I digress somewhat.
Paul addresses this question, and it is important for us to understand. From I Corinthians 3:
"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, "I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?"
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." (I Corinthians 3:1-18; Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Isaiah 28:14-22; 1 Peter 2:4-12)
Moreover, "is Christ divided?" Is Christ fractured? No sir. Christ is not fractured. Unfortunately, in many religious denominations, both historically and today, there is an intention to unify apart from the Word of God. Thus, the religious culture is intent only on presenting fragmented truths interjected with man's earthly wisdom. Most certainly, we understand that historically the pagan Roman so-called church had the majority of people hypnotized by the seated power of demons, transforming themselves into messengers of light. During this time (and now), the scriptures which were deemed the only true light are being extinguished and replaced by a demonic system of error. But I digress somewhat.
Paul addresses this question, and it is important for us to understand. From I Corinthians 3:
"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, "I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?"
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." (I Corinthians 3:1-18; Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Isaiah 28:14-22; 1 Peter 2:4-12)
When we get stuck in religion, and not focused primarily on our Lord God and Saviour with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (as Paul points out herein) we are still carnal minded -- earthly, with our eyes focused on this world and not the Lord of hosts. But salvation is a gift of God. He willingly paid the price with His precious holy blood -- for a Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.
Therefore, JESUS should be our all in all. As the scriptures also state, JESUS is the vine and to those of us who abide in the vine Jesus bring forth life. This is why we are called the Jesus people, for we recognize from whence comes our salvation! Yes, Christ both died and arose from the dead so that we might have salvation in Him.
This is why we do not follow any particular religious denomination. Instead, we adhere to the Written Word of God -- the holy Spirit of Jesus within the Word inspiring believers to continue therein. This does not mean we should forsake the assembling of ourselves, because within the body of Christ church, we do need one another. But JESUS is the Head of the body of Christ church, and we need (more than ever in these last days) to spend all of our energy devoted to His good news gospel, and how He came to this earth to heal the broken-hearted.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," (Luke 4:18)
Indeed, the Word of God is the sole Authority for scriptural teachings. Peace be to all, who are earnestly contending for the faith, that was delivered to us of the Lord! Stand in the offering plate.
Therefore, JESUS should be our all in all. As the scriptures also state, JESUS is the vine and to those of us who abide in the vine Jesus bring forth life. This is why we are called the Jesus people, for we recognize from whence comes our salvation! Yes, Christ both died and arose from the dead so that we might have salvation in Him.
This is why we do not follow any particular religious denomination. Instead, we adhere to the Written Word of God -- the holy Spirit of Jesus within the Word inspiring believers to continue therein. This does not mean we should forsake the assembling of ourselves, because within the body of Christ church, we do need one another. But JESUS is the Head of the body of Christ church, and we need (more than ever in these last days) to spend all of our energy devoted to His good news gospel, and how He came to this earth to heal the broken-hearted.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," (Luke 4:18)
Indeed, the Word of God is the sole Authority for scriptural teachings. Peace be to all, who are earnestly contending for the faith, that was delivered to us of the Lord! Stand in the offering plate.
Blessed Be The Lord God Of Israel; For He Hath Visited And Redeemed His People And Hath Raised Up An Horn Of Salvation For Us In The House Of His Servant David - Part 1912
"Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the Word; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou might know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed." (Luke 1:1-4)
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His Name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David ... and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:31-33)
And the angel answered and said unto [Mary], "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and Holy is His Name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; as He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed for ever." (Luke 1:46-55)
And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and Holy is His Name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; as He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed for ever." (Luke 1:46-55)
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His Holy covenant; the oath which He sware to our father Abraham, that He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for 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." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel." (Luke 1:67-80)
Who is the dayspring from on high who hath visited His people? The Word made flesh. (John 1:14)
The same He who was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. The same He who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) And this same God willingly robed Himself in human flesh so that we could have abundant life forever in Him.
The same He who was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. The same He who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) And this same God willingly robed Himself in human flesh so that we could have abundant life forever in Him.
This is the good news gospel message that is celebrated world wide -- that God Himself loved us so much that He would literally become as one of us to get our attention. He became the Lord's Christ so that when we believe in Him as our Lord and Saviour our sins could be redeemed, forever cleansed by His precious blood on that cross. (Luke 2:26)
Sadly, however, the blessings that our good Lord intended for His people and His goodness, grace, and mercy are being sidetracked and replaced by commercialization, and the season less and less about God's declaration of "Glory to God in the highest; and on earth, peace and good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)
Even the snippets of what is traditionally recognized as the birth of Christ timeline fails (in this modern day culture) to proclaim His coming as the very best news that could ever be told in this earth. That is, "unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
He is Emmanuel, God with. us -- Christ the Lord -- God Himself who has come to rescue His people from perishing. His most wonderful offer put on the table so that we could come and dine. Like the lyrics to that song state, "Come and dine, the Master's calling, come and dine. Come and feast at Jesus' table all the time ..."
Why? Because only the Lord Jesus can satisfy the soul. He is the Bread of Life. Only He offers the living water wherein (when we taste that the Lord is good) we never thirst again. And He is inviting each and every one of us to step into a life with Him wherein He is leading and guiding us into all truth.
And yes, while the wise men brought precious gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh to the Lord Jesus when He was still a young child, the Lord Jesus today has a mission and purpose for each and every one of us, and thus, His desire is to flow through us with His precious gifts also. (I Corinthians 12:1- 31) But we have to first Jesus as both Lord and Christ in our hearts, and similarly, press into the Lord Jesus with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.
And when we do, He will give unto us His marvellous gifts that will sustain us through the thick and thin of this earthly life. In other words, our cups (like the psalmist declared) will runneth over with His joy and peace and love and mercy in our hearts -- every day. And to this end also, we will know definitively, like the angels who proclaimed the greatest love story ever to be told on earth, (even before Jesus was born) that there is no other story worth sharing than this -- the dayspring from on high hath visited His people.
The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending! (Revelation 1:8; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Genesis 1:1-2; Acts 2:36-41)
In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Wherefore He Saith, "When He Ascended Up On High, He Led Captivity Captive, And Gave Gifts Unto Men!" - Part 1911
"Christ is become of no effect unto you -- whosoever of you are justified by the law -- ye are fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:4) But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles -- they shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
Why? Because those of us who believe in Jesus by faith are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; "that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)
This is why the book of Acts is so critical toward understanding the new covenant. Acts teaches us what the disciples did with Jesus' teachings in their daily lives. How Jesus' teachings were put into action, and applied in their day to day. How those who walked daily with our Lord God and Saviour on earth moved forward in their faith journey -- beyond the gospels -- reaching out to those new in the faith and teaching them the good news message of the kingdom.
We especially see this in the second chapter of Acts. Herein, Peter is standing in one accord with the other apostles. The apostles had been sharing the gospel on the day of Pentecost, telling those in attendance that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law, there shall no flesh be justified in His sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe -- for there is no difference --- for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Being justified freely by His grace through 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 3:11-26)
This is why the people in the upper room were concerned. "What shall we do?" they asked. As we read, Peter standing with the other apostles 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 2:38)
As a consequence, 3,000 new believers responded to the call and were baptized that same day. This same call is being extended to the world today. Will you heed the call from the dayspring on high who hath visited His people? Today is the day of salvation!
Why? Because those of us who believe in Jesus by faith are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; "that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)
This is why the book of Acts is so critical toward understanding the new covenant. Acts teaches us what the disciples did with Jesus' teachings in their daily lives. How Jesus' teachings were put into action, and applied in their day to day. How those who walked daily with our Lord God and Saviour on earth moved forward in their faith journey -- beyond the gospels -- reaching out to those new in the faith and teaching them the good news message of the kingdom.
We especially see this in the second chapter of Acts. Herein, Peter is standing in one accord with the other apostles. The apostles had been sharing the gospel on the day of Pentecost, telling those in attendance that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
Convicted in their hearts, people started asking, "What must we do to inherit eternal life?"
This is the same question we ask today when we discover that all (meaning each and every one of us) have fallen short of the glory of God. Indeed, "there is none righteous -- no not one. There is none that understands. There is none that seeks after God. They have all gone out of the way. They are together become unprofitable. There is none that does good, no not one. " (Romans 3:10-12)
This is not a new thing. The prophet from afore -- Isaiah wrote, "But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind -- have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6) In our sinful state (before repentance) we do not know the way of peace. There is no fear of God in our eyes. (Romans 3:17-18)
But for those who believe in Jesus by faith, there is hope and peace and joy wherein our cup runneth over. Why? Because as the scriptures say, the Great Shepherd has laid down His life for His sheep. And, as a consequence, "by grace are [y/we] saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not of works lest any man boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
This is the same question we ask today when we discover that all (meaning each and every one of us) have fallen short of the glory of God. Indeed, "there is none righteous -- no not one. There is none that understands. There is none that seeks after God. They have all gone out of the way. They are together become unprofitable. There is none that does good, no not one. " (Romans 3:10-12)
This is not a new thing. The prophet from afore -- Isaiah wrote, "But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind -- have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6) In our sinful state (before repentance) we do not know the way of peace. There is no fear of God in our eyes. (Romans 3:17-18)
But for those who believe in Jesus by faith, there is hope and peace and joy wherein our cup runneth over. Why? Because as the scriptures say, the Great Shepherd has laid down His life for His sheep. And, as a consequence, "by grace are [y/we] saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not of works lest any man boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Note however that we are not saved by adherence to Mosaic/Leviticus Law and/or the ten commandments. Or by performing good works. Or from having a good name. How do we know? Because the law was given as a schoolmaster, intended solely to point us to the King of kings and Lord of lords and His free gift of salvation.
"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law, there shall no flesh be justified in His sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe -- for there is no difference --- for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Being justified freely by His grace through 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 3:11-26)
This is why the people in the upper room were concerned. "What shall we do?" they asked. As we read, Peter standing with the other apostles 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 2:38)
As a consequence, 3,000 new believers responded to the call and were baptized that same day. This same call is being extended to the world today. Will you heed the call from the dayspring on high who hath visited His people? Today is the day of salvation!
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
For All Have Sinned And Fallen Short Of The Glory Of God; For This We Need Jesus' Message Of Hope And Peace, And Goodwill To All - Part 1910
Jesus said, "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his l/Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you." (John 15:15)
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:11-14)
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, "If ye continue in My Word, [then] are ye My disciples indeed ..." (John 8:31)
Herein, Jesus considered His disciples to be His friends. And this Jesus decided even before the cross, when our Great Shepherd would lay down His life for His sheep. This is a prime example of a friend sticking closer than a brother - that is, blood is thicker than water. However, scripturally, it would appear that the Spirit is thicker than blood. The question for this day -- can two walk together in one accord except they be agreed?
Most certainly, within our modern religious culture, there is an appearance of unity, wherein many appear to be religiously bound together. But as many know from our own church experiences, too often, without any "spiritual" fellowship. There is a difference. People who have been born again, which in and of itself is not a natural birth, will affirm that the born again experience is a spiritual experience. [Acts 2 -- the day of Pentecost, and later Acts 4 are excellent examples of believers in one accord, having repented of their sins, and being water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ!]
Even mores, the Word reveals that those who believe are born again of God's Spirit. This is not another Spirit but the one and same Spirit of the Lord God who moved across the face of the waters in the very beginning. (Genesis 1:1-2) This one and same Lord God pouring out His Spirit on those who believe. (Acts 2:1-47; Joel 2:28; I Corinthians 12:1-31)
"God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will ..." (Hebrews 2:4)
Wherefore He saith, "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Ephesians 4:8)
But I digress. From the very beginning, God declared the first Adam to be a created living soul. But as a consequence of Adam and Eve's transgression, the living part of the soul was removed because they laid aside God’s instruction. For it is written that the soul that sins shall die. (Ezekiel 18:20) And, because we are Adam's offspring, we naturally inherit a soul totally rebellious toward God and His ways. As the scriptural analogy goes, we as humans wallow in the mire of sin, roaming further away from God’s intended plan for the human race.
Or, as the Lord said through the prophet Hosea, "My people perish for lack of knowledge ..." (Hosea 4:6)
Rather than accept His love, we end up believing that this society (as we know it) or what we see within the walls of religious culture is the norm. And we are accepting of all the bells and whistles under the pretense that everybody is doing it. Look around, and the conclusion often is that no one else is stepping outside of the norm to preach Jesus, and most certainly if they are, it is not to show others how good and merciful the Lord is.
Even so, we can be assured that the Lord still has a people who are His people -- who will not settle for a comfortable pew, or putting a portion of their earnings in a plate. These know in whom they serve, and wherein comes their salvation. "To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him ..." (Daniel 9:9)
But in spite of perceived norms, the Lord still has a people who desire to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) A people who will keep His Word and not deny His Name. (Revelation 3:8-9) A people who refuse to compromise their faith for an ever-changing worldly perspective that goes around and around in circles, denying the Lord God and His power within.
And we see the hearts of these people both in prophecy and from the apostles' preaching in Acts. The apostles preaching Jesus mission to all those who would listen -- that is, "to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in [Jesus]." (Acts 26:18)
Indeed, Jesus, the child of the Holy Ghost is born of a virgin surrogate mother, arriving in a period of time declared to be “when the fullness of time was come.” The blood in Jesus' veins was not of Adam’s sinful race. Jesus' blood was a new blood line and because Jesus was the seed of the Spirit of God, His message was a message being delivered to the inhabitants of this race purposefully.
Jesus' message was a message of hope, a message of deliverance offering restitution to His beloved creation. Ordinary people heard Him gladly, and willingly took up their cross to follow Him. But sadly, as we learn also from the scriptures, the religious plotted His death while others wanted to throw Him off a cliff. This latter option (because it was not the death of the cross as prophesied in earlier scriptures) could not have happened, but it is certainly telling of the evil that can be found in men's hearts. Still, as we know, Jesus continued to walk out from among those who sought to kill Him with others whose hearts desired more of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
All this to say, that the born again experience will always be a non-happening experience UNTIL one associates him or herself with Calvary. And without Jesus, there is no born again experience. Whereas if one knows Jesus then they will experience God's grace. His love and peace within our hearts which surpasses all human understanding. The first Adam was of the earth, earthy, whereas, the second Adam was none other than the Lord Himself coming out of heaven, with one purpose of mind. That being, that He Himself would seek to save that which in God’s eyes is doomed. This second Adam is holy Spirit life to those who believe.
How do we know? Because Jesus breathes eternal life upon all who ask His forgiveness.
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;" (Ephesians 1:7)
Herein, Jesus considered His disciples to be His friends. And this Jesus decided even before the cross, when our Great Shepherd would lay down His life for His sheep. This is a prime example of a friend sticking closer than a brother - that is, blood is thicker than water. However, scripturally, it would appear that the Spirit is thicker than blood. The question for this day -- can two walk together in one accord except they be agreed?
Most certainly, within our modern religious culture, there is an appearance of unity, wherein many appear to be religiously bound together. But as many know from our own church experiences, too often, without any "spiritual" fellowship. There is a difference. People who have been born again, which in and of itself is not a natural birth, will affirm that the born again experience is a spiritual experience. [Acts 2 -- the day of Pentecost, and later Acts 4 are excellent examples of believers in one accord, having repented of their sins, and being water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ!]
Even mores, the Word reveals that those who believe are born again of God's Spirit. This is not another Spirit but the one and same Spirit of the Lord God who moved across the face of the waters in the very beginning. (Genesis 1:1-2) This one and same Lord God pouring out His Spirit on those who believe. (Acts 2:1-47; Joel 2:28; I Corinthians 12:1-31)
"God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will ..." (Hebrews 2:4)
Wherefore He saith, "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Ephesians 4:8)
But I digress. From the very beginning, God declared the first Adam to be a created living soul. But as a consequence of Adam and Eve's transgression, the living part of the soul was removed because they laid aside God’s instruction. For it is written that the soul that sins shall die. (Ezekiel 18:20) And, because we are Adam's offspring, we naturally inherit a soul totally rebellious toward God and His ways. As the scriptural analogy goes, we as humans wallow in the mire of sin, roaming further away from God’s intended plan for the human race.
Or, as the Lord said through the prophet Hosea, "My people perish for lack of knowledge ..." (Hosea 4:6)
Rather than accept His love, we end up believing that this society (as we know it) or what we see within the walls of religious culture is the norm. And we are accepting of all the bells and whistles under the pretense that everybody is doing it. Look around, and the conclusion often is that no one else is stepping outside of the norm to preach Jesus, and most certainly if they are, it is not to show others how good and merciful the Lord is.
Even so, we can be assured that the Lord still has a people who are His people -- who will not settle for a comfortable pew, or putting a portion of their earnings in a plate. These know in whom they serve, and wherein comes their salvation. "To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him ..." (Daniel 9:9)
But in spite of perceived norms, the Lord still has a people who desire to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) A people who will keep His Word and not deny His Name. (Revelation 3:8-9) A people who refuse to compromise their faith for an ever-changing worldly perspective that goes around and around in circles, denying the Lord God and His power within.
And we see the hearts of these people both in prophecy and from the apostles' preaching in Acts. The apostles preaching Jesus mission to all those who would listen -- that is, "to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in [Jesus]." (Acts 26:18)
Indeed, Jesus, the child of the Holy Ghost is born of a virgin surrogate mother, arriving in a period of time declared to be “when the fullness of time was come.” The blood in Jesus' veins was not of Adam’s sinful race. Jesus' blood was a new blood line and because Jesus was the seed of the Spirit of God, His message was a message being delivered to the inhabitants of this race purposefully.
Jesus' message was a message of hope, a message of deliverance offering restitution to His beloved creation. Ordinary people heard Him gladly, and willingly took up their cross to follow Him. But sadly, as we learn also from the scriptures, the religious plotted His death while others wanted to throw Him off a cliff. This latter option (because it was not the death of the cross as prophesied in earlier scriptures) could not have happened, but it is certainly telling of the evil that can be found in men's hearts. Still, as we know, Jesus continued to walk out from among those who sought to kill Him with others whose hearts desired more of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
All this to say, that the born again experience will always be a non-happening experience UNTIL one associates him or herself with Calvary. And without Jesus, there is no born again experience. Whereas if one knows Jesus then they will experience God's grace. His love and peace within our hearts which surpasses all human understanding. The first Adam was of the earth, earthy, whereas, the second Adam was none other than the Lord Himself coming out of heaven, with one purpose of mind. That being, that He Himself would seek to save that which in God’s eyes is doomed. This second Adam is holy Spirit life to those who believe.
How do we know? Because Jesus breathes eternal life upon all who ask His forgiveness.
"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)
If you have not already, it is my heart desire that you come to Jesus this very day. Because there is no other love like the Love of Jesus! With arms wide open He will pardon you. At Calvary He opened His arms for you. He laid down His life willingly for you. When you ask Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in your heart, there will be no looking back -- not ever -- because ye will truly understand His message specific to this dispensation of grace.
" ... that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:7)
If you have not already, it is my heart desire that you come to Jesus this very day. Because there is no other love like the Love of Jesus! With arms wide open He will pardon you. At Calvary He opened His arms for you. He laid down His life willingly for you. When you ask Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in your heart, there will be no looking back -- not ever -- because ye will truly understand His message specific to this dispensation of grace.
" ... that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:7)
And this message is not intended for just a few but announced and proclaimed for one and all to behold His glory, who willingly prepared a body for sacrifice, so that you and I might have abundant life in Him. That message -- still being proclaimed in the world today is simply this:
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:11-14)
Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, December 22, 2017
That Ye Would Walk Worthy Of God, Who Hath Called You Unto His Kingdom And Glory -- Part 1909
"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." (I Timothy 4:6)
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)
Apostle Paul often begins his epistles stating, "Grace unto you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." The word "and" between God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ has led to some confusion for believers, particularly in understanding that the Lord God is ONE!. That is, until one begins to understand that the same Spirit of God who overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son -- the Holy Ghost -- is the same Jesus which, after He was taken up, He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Luke 1:35; Acts 1:2-3) The Holy Ghost, the Comforter which will lead and guide us into all truth. (John 14:26; John 15:26)
But there is much more to understand herein. In "translated" versions of the Holy Bible, the Holy Ghost is mentioned 89 times in the New Testament and always as the Holy Ghost. It was the Holy Ghost who "appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:3-4; Joel 2:28-29)
" ... and hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:5)
"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)
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit." (Hebrews 6:1-3)
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)
Jesus told us that "At that day ye shall know that I [am] in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you." (John 14:20; John 14:6-12) Thus, Jesus declares Himself the Holy Ghost that will come and dwell within, communing with us as we sojourn in this world. Remember, just prior to Jesus saying this, He had told His disciples that if they had seen Him -- Jesus -- they have seen the Father also. (John 14:6-12; John 10:30)
"Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opens not His mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken. And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth." (Isaiah 53:4-9)
We also know from the scriptures that up until God declared, "This day have I begotten Thee" -- the Holy Ghost was never mentioned. God was always referred to as a Spirit, or the Lord God, or the Spirit of the Lord. Also, it is important to note that God always used a name (often related to the circumstance of His people) throughout the Old Testament. This is significant to understand because in the new, the angel of the Lord has given us a new name -- the Name of JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) And also, so that we who believe in Jesus by faith can have life THROUGH HIS NAME. (John 20:31)
In this context, we being to understand the Holy Ghost not only reflecting but also inclusive of the risen Christ. The changing of the guard, if you will, which is clearly understood from Hebrews 9:8, which states: "the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." And this point (continued throughout this chapter) is further explained in verses 15-18, which states:
"And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
Therefore, the New Testament is not just the law (ordinances and sacrifices) plus a sprinkling of Jesus, but rather this new dispensation of grace -- these last days -- is ALL ABOUT JESUS, and His perfect sacrifice on a cross for our sins. His free gift of salvation extended at such a cost to Himself that even the scriptures tell us -- "for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26)
"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7)
"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)
"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)
The Lord God Himself came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) Beside Me, there is no Saviour. "I, [even] I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no saviour. (Isaiah 43:11)
"Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me." (Isaiah 45:21)
"Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)
"Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)
"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)
In the scriptures, this teaching is recognized as the "doctrine of Christ" and is one of the foundational teachings listed in Hebrews 6:1-2, which states:
Note herein, there is no mention of the trinity or a triad god, or the virgin mother as a queen of heaven, or of immaculate conception, or even (given the season that is upon us) that we are to celebrate/participate in Christ - Mass. As an aside, Mary and Joseph did go on to have other children, which is clearly stated in the scriptures. Again, as stated so often here in previous posts, Mary was a surrogate, and she herself rejoiced "in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47) But I digress somewhat from the topic at hand.
Continuing, note that after the resurrection of Jesus, the apostles came to know and understand that this same Jesus whom was crucified is BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 1:2-3) The apostles recognized the risen Christ to be the same Rock that was Christ who followed the Israelites through the sea. (I Corinthians 10:1-4) The son of man is still Lord of the Sabbath. The first Adam, earthy, but the second Adam, the Lord from heaven. And all this, so that we could now have abundant life in His Name -- the Name of Jesus -- for He is not only the Father that overshadowed Mary but the same God that was in Christ also. (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 3:16; John 20:31)
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)
Herein then can we begin to understand why there is a significant distinction between the term Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost that must be recognized, because essentially, there is a difference. The new wine is not an addition to the old but the Lord doing a completely new thing. The dayspring from on high hath visited His people.
If we reject the Holy Ghost, are we not (in some way) pushing aside the hefty price that was paid on the cross for our sins -- the shedding of His blood, the beatings, the mockery and condemnation that Jesus experienced so that we can have life? (Isaiah 53:1-12; John 19:1-42; Matthew 27:1-66; Isaiah 43:10; John 3:16; Acts 3:15)
He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken. And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth." (Isaiah 53:4-9)
This is why Jesus could say, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) And thus, by the same token, we need to abide in the doctrine of Christ, because as John points out in his second epistle, when we do we have both the Father and the Son. The Holy Ghost who will lead and guide us into all truth. His Name given to us in this dispensation is JESUS!
To this point, II John 1:9 is clear: "Whosoever transgresses and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."
Again, after Jesus was taken up, He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, and He is doing the same for us this day, when we press in and desire more of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ in our heart, mind, soul, and with all our strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)
There is so much. more that could be said here but meditate upon these things. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) Don't just settle for worldly teachings, or the terminology adopted by the religious culture. Press into the Word which was with God and was God and willingly dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14)
In so doing, ask the Holy Ghost to lead and guide you into all truth, and similarly, to reveal the fullness of Himself and the Kingdom of God to you, so that you too can have life through His precious holy Name.
"Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:11-12)
Let those with eyes to see, and ears to hear, both see and hear what the Word has to say to their hearts. Stand in the offering plate.
[PS: I recognize that many of the revisionist Bibles (modern day rewritten so-called Bibles) do not recognize any distinction between the Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit (having translated every NT scriptural reference from Holy Ghost to Holy Spirit so that we don't even suspect there may be a difference) Nevertheless I will suggest that if the scriptures you are now reading includes one of these new modern day versions, perhaps, this is a good time to find a Bible that has not been changed so often from the original text that the scriptures therein are no longer recognizable.]
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