And The Apostles Said Unto The Lord Jesus, "Increase Our Faith!" - Part 1693

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto the eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference, and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:23-25; I Corinthians 12:1-13; Titus 3:4-7)

Herein, Jude instructs believers to have love so significant -- first and foremost, for our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then from His love flow the love in our hearts to others -- that there would always be a deep down willingness to pull those who are lost or blemished by worldly/religious traditions of men from the fire, making sure that their garment is not spotted by the flesh. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31; Jude 20-21)

For many, this is a different kind of call, one that is too often delegated to the leadership of churches [religious culture] rather than each and every one of us assuming the responsibility of preaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to others. Not assuming a role in the form of duty, or that one 'has to do this' but rather, as a 'love response' to His free gift of salvation -- earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Acts 2:1-47) Responding willingly to Jesus' call when He invites us into His body of Christ Church (wherein He is the Head) saying, "I have chosen and ordained you ..." (John 15:16) And gladly receiving the Word as did the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47) But I digress somewhat.

We learn that Jude, who is a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James is writing his epistle specifically to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called. He begins by stating, "Mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied." (Jude 1:1-2; Acts 1:13; Romans 1:7) Thus, we understand that Jude is delivering the same message of faith that the apostles adhered to on the day of Pentecost to the elect, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 1:2) 

But therein also is Jude's warning about certain men who will creep in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness [licentiousness] and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, licentiousness has been described as making one believe he/she is free, when these are really in bondage. Similar to Jesus' parable of the unjust steward inn Luke 16, wherein the devil is able to convince believers to compromise their faith in the form of man-made religion -- the Lord lamenting about how He wishes the saints (whom He purchased with His own precious blood) would be as shrewd as the children of the world. 

Jesus, in sharing this parable said, "And the l/Lord commended the unjust steward because he had done wisely for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light." (Luke 16:8) Of course, Jesus does not stop there. Jesus goes on to tell the Pharisees who were covetous, "Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets [were] until John; since that time the Kingdom of God is preached and every man presses into it ... and it is easier for heaven and earth to pass than one tittle of the law to fail." (Luke 16:14-17; Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 51:6; Matthew 3:1-12; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 11:12-13; Luke 10:29; Matthew 6:2, 5, 16, Psalm 7:9; I Samuel 16:7; Matthew 23:14) 

The intents of the heart revealed as those which justify themselves before men. To this end, Jude puts us in remembrance of the things that we once knew -- how the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication and immorality and going after strange flesh, were set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. "Likewise, also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities" -- the dignities being the glorious ones who have believed Jesus to be both their Lord and Saviour, and remain faithful and steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:36; Hebrews 6:1-2; Jude 1:5-8; I Corinthians 1:1-10; Genesis 19:24; Exodus 22:28) 

Note too that Jude is warning us of those who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and similarly despise government [the authority of those who have been clothed in His righteousness through repentance and water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus as per I Corinthians 23:4-7; Acts 2:36-38; Romans 6:3-4], and who, as a consequence, have become presumptuous and self willed --  those who are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. (II Peter 2:10) 

Again, Jude is warning against the false prophets and false teachers among us who privily shall bring in "damnable heresies" -- even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction, and many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of who the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you ..." (II Peter 2:1-8)

Instead of being set free to stand in the liberty which is Christ, we are deceived to think we are free, even while we are imprisoned by our own indulgences and work of the flesh -- which translates to those around as a rebellious and sinful attitude. (Galatians 5:1; Acts 15:10; Philippians 4:1) But this attitude begins in the heart, wherein a refusal to submit wholly to the Lord (as we see from those who stood on the bank when John was baptizing in the Jordan) is actually rejecting the counsel of God against themselves, being in this situation -- not baptized of him. (Luke 7:29-30) When this heart attitude is allowed to fester, it sears the conscience: "having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." (Ephesians 4:18-19)

But the good news is this -- "ye have not so learned Christ, if so be that ye have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus." (Ephesians 4:20)

This is why "ye, beloved, build up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keeping yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto eternal life." (Jude 1:20-21; Colossians 2:7; Romans 8:26)

"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, these things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:13-15)

And to remember, that we might have been in the same situation as them, had it not been for "the kindness and love of God our Saviour" who willingly toward man appeared, "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration; and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7) 

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up on Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving .... for in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:7-9; Ephesians 2:21; John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16)

Therefore, (and if I may repeat myself again here), "keep ourselves in the love of God, looking of the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, and of some have compassion making a difference; and others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy -- to the only wise God our Saviour, glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever, Amen." (Jude 1:20-25; Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:22; Titus 3:4-7; Romans 11:14; Amos 4:11; Zechariah 3:4-5; Titus 2:13; I Timothy 3:16)

Be blessed in His knowledge and wisdom. Stand in the offering plate.

Is Christ Divided? Was Paul Crucified For You? Or Were Ye Baptized In the Name of Paul? - Part 1692

When Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ and Sosthenes [our] brother is writing unto the church of God which is at Corinth -- to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord -- some questions arise. Or, as Paul writes, "contentions among you." (I Corinthians 1:11)

Herein, one person believes that he is of Paul and another states that he is of Apollos. " ... and I am of Cephas; and I of Christ." So Paul asks, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the Name of Paul?" Given the state of the modern day religious culture, and the increasing number of man-made religions hanging their shingle out for one and all to see these days, these queries of necessity require a response.

So, in this context, what do the scriptures state? Indeed, the scriptures state that Paul planted, Apollos watered, but it was always God who gives the increase. Remember earlier posts. You are God’s building not made with hands. Therefore, in this current dispensation of grace, Jesus the Christ is the only foundation. He is the Head of the Church -- the corner stone. In fact, there is not any other foundation. The gospel is the solid Rock foundation of Jesus Christ.

And just as the Israelites passed through the Red Sea, drinking of that spiritual Rock that followed them -- the Rock which was Christ, we are to do the same today. (I Corinthians 10:1-4) But I digress.

What we are witnessing here is that God's plan of salvation was not man-made. It was God-made. So why then would the foundation of God's church be created -- if I may use this analogy -- with man-made cement mix? 

"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 plants anything, neither he that waters, but God that gives the increase. Now he that plants and he that waters 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 master builder. I have laid the foundation and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ!" (I Corinthians 3:5-11; Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20-22; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Romans 1:5; I Corinthians 4:15; II Corinthians 6:1; Galatians 6:3; Acts 18:4, 24-27; II Corinthians 3:3, 5-6)

Put simply, God is not dependent on man’s maintenance. However, we are totally dependent on God. (Corinthians 3;1-23) 

If we read further into 1 Corinthians chapter 10, we discover the following. When the exodus of Egypt was front page news, all of those who had demonstrated their obedience to God’s command and sprinkled the blood of a lamb around their door posts and lintels were not harmed, as God had promised. These people were now en-route to the Jordan River. To observers, traveling to the Jordan River was like heading down a dead end street, particularly given the enemies which followed.

Still, these plodded onward, loaded with the spoils of their former taskmasters. The taskmasters recouping from their now impoverished place watched as their former slave labour hit the road. Let's bring out the army along with the big guns, they thought. Surely, they will protect our comfortable luxurious lifestyle. What they were unaware of was that God had heard the cry of the Hebrew slaves. Their prayers had ascended to His ears, and He being a compassionate God was touched with the feelings of their infirmities. 

In other words, God moved with compassion toward them. Remember that God is altogether pure humanity. In fact, we were originally designed by God (the potter) to be an earthly visible expression of His own humanity. We were to become the sons and daughters of God. The plan was that we would be a perfect creation for Him. God created man with His own hands. 

The question for us is this. What is man that you Lord are so mindful of him?

Still, the Lord knew their pending predicament, even as they approached the barrier river. When confronted with the Jordan River, there was no doubt fear and dismay that arose among them. But Moses had the rod /staff in his hand. Recall that Moses was a faithful servant in the plan of God’s creation? Jesus is the builder of the house. And Moses knew in whom to trust. Moses waited. God instructed. "Moses" God said, "Lift up the rod/staff over the waters" and ...!

Look at what happened next. Where did that wind come from? Why even the wind and the waters obey Him? Walls of water on either side of the river while the ground stayed dry underfoot. A cloud over head and the people were free. What a getaway. The Hebrews all crossed over to the opposite bank, with sighs of relief and amazement. But the big guns of the army emerged, endeavouring to pursue the Hebrews. In so doing, their fate was sealed. The watery walls of the Jordan River collapsed over them when they attempted to cross and they perished.

This is the fate that inevitably will befall all those who oppose the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and likewise, water baptism in the name of Jesus. The rod, the staff, the Covenant of God. Those who continue their cement mix formulae of baptism - into the titles father, son, and spirit will never make it to the opposite bank. They will never see the shoreline. Going into the water without the Name of Jesus, they arose with wet clothes but without the justification they sought. The Hebrew people were delivered by God’s determinate counsel saying, “Let My people go so that they may serve Me."

The scriptures do not distinguish between one and another. Rather, they were all to eat the SAME spiritual meat and similarly, all to drink the same spiritual drink. In the same context, they were to drink of the spiritual Rock which followed them. That Rock was Christ. As the scriptures state, "Let there be no divisions among believers." Instead, let us continue steadfastly in the Holy Ghost teachings delivered to us and confirmed with mighty signs and wonders and gifts. 

Remember, if God confirms His Word, no man has the power to dis-annul it. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Holy Ghost -- the resurrected Christ,, whose Name is Jesus has to say in your heart this day! 

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

Jesus Said, "I Am Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the Ending, Which Is, And Which Was, And Which Is To Come, The Almighty! - Part 1691

Jesus does not just identify Himself once, but rather, throughout the scriptures. Indeed, Jesus declares  His disciples, "Lo, the volume of the book is written of Me!" In scripture after scripture -- line upon line and precept upon precept -- there is Jesus -- the Bread of Life, the Light of this world, the Way, the Truth, and the Life -- this same Jesus who is both Lord and Christ, inviting us with arms wide open into His fold.

Sadly, however, at the same time, there is a modern day religious culture that does everything possible to deny the Name of Jesus. Denying the very words of Jesus when He stated -- "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18) These do not water baptize in the Name of the Lord Jesus, as instructed for the New Testament church. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:20-21; Acts 19:1-5; Acts 16:25-34) These do not proclaim that Jesus is the only name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Neither will these admit that Jesus was given a name "which is ABOVE every name" or that "at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth and [things] under the earth." (Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 2:9; Psalm 68:18; Psalm 110:1; Isaiah 52:13; Acts 2:33; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:31-32, 35; Matthew 1:21-23)

"Look unto Me and be ye saved -- all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else ... that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear ..." (Isaiah 45:21-23; Isaiah 43:9-15, 19, 21, 25; Isaiah 44:8; Psalm 22:27; Psalm 65:5; Hebrews 6:13; Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10; Deuteronomy 6:4, 13)

"Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come, and hath put all [things] under [His] feet, and gave Him [to be] the Head over all [things] to the church -- which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:21-23; Philemon 2:9-10; Romans 8:38;-39; Psalm 8:6; Psalm 110:1; Matthew 28:18; I Corinthians 15:27; Hebrews 2:7-8; Romans 12:5; Colossians 2:9; I Corinthians 12:6)

"Then said I, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of Me ... " (Psalm 40:7)

"Fear ye not, neither be afraid; have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]?" Ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside Me? yea, there is no God, I know not any." (Isaiah 44:8)

"Then said I "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book, it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O God." Above when He said, "sacrifice and offering and burnt offering for sin Thou would not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish a second, by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:7-10; John 17:19; Hebrews 9:2-3, 8, 11-18)

You see, in this current dispensation of grace -- the new testament side of the cross-- the Lord set about to do a new thing. He spoke of His plan of salvation long before God became our Saviour. And in this new work that the Lord was about to do -- the dayspring on high visiting us -- no longer would the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling be sufficient to cover our transgressions. So, instead, the Lord came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Titus 3:4-7) 

While the first [covenant] with its ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary was still standing -- "the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not YET made manifest ..." (Hebrews 9:8; John 14:6)

Thus, "how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions, that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives ... whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood, for when Moses had spoken ever precept to all the people according to the law ..." (Hebrews 9:13-19)

"It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; BUT the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these ... for Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, and as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment ... so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of man: and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time, without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:23-28; Hebrews 8:2, 5-13; Hebrews 6:20)

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

"Whither the forerunner is for us entered. [even] Jesus made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 3:1)

"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him, called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:9-10)

It is for this reason that if we are holy brethren, and partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession Christ Jesus; who was faithful to Him that appointed Him ... " (Hebrews 3:1-11)

Hear ye Him! Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. His Name? Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last -- which is and which was and which is to come! (Revelation 1:8, 11) Our Lord God and Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

Stand in the offering plate.

Lets Listen Too To the Men That Have Hazarded Their Lives For the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ - Part 1690

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God ... not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus the Christ we shall be saved. From Acts chapter 15 in the Bible, we discover that some believers in the primitive assembly thought it necessary for the believing non Jews to be circumcised. It was similarly dictated that they must adhere to the Law under Moses. Well, as we clearly understand from these scriptures, taking that position caused an extensive inquiry.

Remember, it was Peter that God had chosen to initially deliver the good news of the gospel to the non Jews. Peter said at that initial moment that it was God who knows the heart. It is God who becomes acquainted with a believer and understands people's  innermost thoughts. Certainly, it was God who by the outpouring and inputting of His own Spirit upon the non Jews, welcomed the non-Jewish into the flock. It was He who had previously breathed His Spirit upon us as well as the Jews. God, in so doing, declared that He was placing no difference between the non Jews and the Jews. There would be no distinctions. He did not discriminate.

Indeed, God purified and cleansed the non Jews' hearts by faith. So why call God's love and motives into question now? Why strain the patience of God? In fact, why are so many endeavouring to put a burden on the shoulders of non Jewish believers, a burden that neither we nor our forefathers did.

As we read further, we see that James added his position to the discussion. James relayed how it pleased God at the first to visit the non Jews. It became obvious that God was choosing a people dedicated to His name. To this the afore-predicted language, the prophets agree. As it is written in the scriptures, "There will be a time when I shall return [to earth where] I will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down and now is in ruins."  

"And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My Name is called," saith the Lord, "who doeth all these things." (Acts 15:16-17; Amos 9:11-12)

In other words, God was saying, "I will raise my tabernacle afresh so that the residue of believing men and women from all nations who belong to Me, may now earnestly seek after Me." God from the beginning of time, and well into eternity, knows what He is doing. He had our lives planned out even before the foundations of the world were created. So how then, does religion's judgment and subsequent decisions (that includes imposing irksome restrictions on non Jews) suddenly become valid in this modern day 21st century religious culture? Remember, these were non-Jews who were turning by faith to the Lord Jesus.

After all, Peter and James confirmed that God's plan of salvation wasn't about dictates. Rather, there were four things that the non-Jews should do. First, to abstain from the pollution of idolatry. As well, abstain from fornication and sexual vices. And lastly, that they should keep themselves from eating the flesh of strangled animals. Indeed, from blood in any form, including processed or blood soaked meat. The reason? Life is in the blood. Life is in the shedding of blood.


James said (after Paul and Barnabas had declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles) said, "... known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore My sentence is that we trouble not them which from among the Gentiles are turned to God; but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollution of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach Him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." (Acts 15:18-21, 28; Acts 21:25; I Thessalonians 1:9; I Corinthians 8:1; I Corinthians 10:20, 28; I Corinthians 6:9; Leviticus 3:17; Acts 13:15)

Subsequently, the apostles and elders, in unison with all the believers decided to write on paper their decision. If you are reading along in the scriptures, you will find the references in Acts chapter 15:23-28. Here comes the good news. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary requirements. That is, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in the Lord. For the non Jews, the letter was critical. When they received this good news, they rejoiced. They had been encouraged by its contents. You can almost hear them saying, "yes, I will remain steadfast in the Lord."

Fast forward to the 21st century. God is still adding believers to His church daily. He is creating a nation of believers and building a temple of living stones for His own habitation. This is a temple not made with hands. Nor is this temple constructed of brick or mortar, wood, hay, or stubble. In this temple, Christ is the corner stone. The apostles and the prophets are the foundation. There is no other building. Indeed, the Word is the foundation.

For God has said, "What house are you going to build me when Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool?"  As born again believers, we are the building chosen of God to be His habitation. His spiritual habitation.  The house in which He is so very pleased to dwell. We are the body of Christ. This building is the measure of the stature of the body of Christ. If you are looking for an analogy, how about God’s measuring tape?  

After kindness and love, God willingly redeemed His people, and ensured their rebirth and salvation through His blood. He willingly became our Saviour. Thus, as a consequence of what Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ -- did on the cross, our sins are washed away. In water baptism, we call upon the Name of the Lord, being water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4) And we do so in answer of a good conscience toward the Lord Jesus! (I Peter 3:21-22) Yes, we are baptized into His temple by the same Spirit that dwelt within the man Christ Jesus. 

And now we are that body -- the body of Christ -- in which He is so pleased to dwell. May God who now rules and reigns within your believing heart bless you. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Said, "But I Receive Not Testimony From Man; But These Things I Say That Ye Might Be Saved - Part 1689

When the Passover (a feast of the Jews was nigh), Jesus lifts up His eyes and sees a great company coming unto Him. Thus, Jesus said to Philip, "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" Note what the scriptures state -- "And this He said to prove him; for He Himself knew what He would do." (John 6:6)

Indeed, there was never a time when Jesus Himself did not know what He would do but as we soon recognize in searching the scriptures, it is we - His beloved creation --who at times struggle understanding until Jesus -- the Light of the world -- makes the pieces fit together. It is in this context that certain points are simply stated (outside of the words of Jesus and/or apostles), so that He can prove also our faith. Are our hearts honest and true? Do we truly believe Jesus is all that He claims to be? The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending! (Revelation 1:8)

Moreover, have the scales fallen/been taken from our eyes so that when we come to Jesus, we do so with a lover's heart, desiring to know more of Him, as we do when we pursue a girl/boyfriend for the first time? To this end, there are two scriptural examples that I would like to focus on this day.  Taken together, we begin to see how the same Word that Jesus gave to us an garners two very different heart responses -- one whereby the scriptures cause our hearts to burn with desire within us for more of Jesus, and sadly, the other using His own Word to declare Jesus of none effect.

Still, allow me to note this. Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) So, even though the world uses the analogy that we are all climbing the same mountain to God but from different perspectives, there is only ONE WAY to experience salvation, and that is when we admit in our hearts (as did Mary the mother of Jesus) that God is our Saviour -- His Word made flesh and dwelling among us so that we might know Him -- as did Peter standing with the eleven -- that Jesus is both Lord and Christ ... and our Saviour too. (John 1:1-18; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Acts 2:36-38)But I digress.

The first scriptural account is the witness of Jesus after He has risen, but not yet ascended as stated in Acts 1:2-3. Mary Magdalene, and Johanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles had gone to tell the eleven (and to all the rest) that Jesus was no longer in the sepulcher as they supposed. The second account is the worldly opinion held by those who opposed Jesus while He walked on earth, referring to Jesus specifically as the deceiver, and citing Jesus' own words to substantiate their case against Him (and, as leverage to secure the sepulcher) to Pilate. Two contrasting heart positions that are quite telling in their own right.

From Luke's gospel: "And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about three score furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him.

And Jesus said unto them, "What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?" And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto Him, "Art Thou a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?" And He said unto them, "What things?"

And they said unto Him -- concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death and have crucified Him. "But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done." Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher: and when they found not His body, they came saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that He was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even so as the women had said, but Him they saw not."

Then [Jesus] said unto them, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and He made as though He would have gone further. But they constrained Him saying, "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread and blessed, and brake and gave it to them.

And THEIR EYES WERE OPENED, and they knew Him and He vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?"

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, "The Lord is risen, indeed, and hath appeared to Simon." And they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you."

But they were terrified and affrighted [frightened] and supposed that they had seen a S/spirit." And He said unto them, "Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts rise in your hearts? Behold, My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me and see for a S/spirit hath no flesh and bones as ye see Me have." (Luke 24:13-40; John 20:20; I Corinthians 15:50)

"And when He had so said, He showed unto them [His] hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord." (John 20:20)

"When Jesus said this, He shewed them His hands and feet. And while they yet believed -- not for joy and wondered -- He said unto them, "Have ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took and did eat before them. And He said unto them, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Me." (Luke 38-44)

Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. What was that understanding that was so critical for the disciples to know?

And so it is written, "The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening Spirit." (I Corinthians 15:45)

"Thus, it is written, and this it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, and ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:45-49)

The power from on high? The Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of Jesus -- descending upon those who believed, and gladly received His Word -- Jesus as the Word that was with God and was God -- on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 1:2, 8; Acts 2:1-47; John 1:1-18)

"And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God, Amen." (Luke 24:50-53)

As Jesus prayed for those who believe in Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength -- "Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26; Psalm 119:9, 142, 151)

Sadly, however, there are those who hated then (and hate to this day) the Name of Jesus. These do not believe that the Name of Jesus is above every other name given unto men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9) Neither do these desire that this same Jesus whom was crucified needs to be King of kings and Lord of lords in each and every one of our hearts -- if we are to be saved.

This account from Matthew 27:62-66. Herein, we see that Jesus has been crucified and laid in the sepulcher -- the new tomb of a rich man of Arimathaea name Joseph, who Himself was Jesus' disciple. (Matthew 27:57) It is now the next day that followed the day of the preparation, and the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate.

These said unto Pilate, "Sir, we remember that the deceiver said, while He was yet alive, "After three days I will rise again!" Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, "He is risen form the dead" so the last error shall be worse than the first." Pilate said unto them, "Ye have a watch; go or way, make it as sure as ye can." So they went and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch." (Matthew 27:62-66)

* The word "error" meaning deception. Sadly, these latter believed the multitudes who had followed Jesus were deceived but not their own hearts. These did not want another King -- the King of kings to rule in their hearts. Even when Jesus said, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth!" (Matthew 28:18)

Even when Jesus came specifically to save those who are lost. To save His people from their sins. To heal the brokenhearted. To set the captives free.

Even when the Lord Himself "hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:10; Psalm 98:1-3; Luke 3:6)

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. Yes, like sheep we have all gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way; and yet, the Lord -- on that particular day on that old rugged cross -- laid on Him the iniquity of us all ... as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.

Continuing, we now know that there was a great earthquake and that the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it, when the women came to the tomb. And we also know from the scriptures that the angel answered and said unto the women, "Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen." (Matthew 28:1-7)

This is the good news salvation message. This is why we break forth into joy, singing together of the hope that lives within, knowing that the Lord of glory loved you and I so much that He willingly would endure the cross, and make His grave with the wicked so that many would be justified in Him. It was He Himself who poured out His soul unto death and was numbered with the transgressors. In so doing, He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:1-12; Isaiah 52:10)

Therefore, as the prophecy from afore declared, "my people shall know My Name. Therefore, [they shall know] in that day that I AM He that doth speak; behold, [it is] I." (Isaiah 52:6)

Don't be deceived by the wisdom of this world. Rather, search the scriptures for His truth. Seek His wisdom and knowledge that surpasses all human understanding. Study to show ourselves approved unto God, so that we too can understand that the Word -- as it is written -- are they which testify of Jesus. (John 6:38; II Timothy 2:5)

There is a reason Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!"

Accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour today. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus said, "I Am The Bread of Life; He That Comes To Me Shall Never Hunger And He That Believes On Me Shall Never Thirst!" - Part 1688

Jesus said, "This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:50-51)

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?"
Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eats My flesh, and drinks My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is THAT bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."

These things said He [Jesus] in the synagogue, as He taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard [this] said, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, "Doth this offend you? [What] and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where He was before? It is the Spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are Spirit, and [they] are Life. But there are some of you that believe not." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray Him.

And thus Jesus said, "Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father."  From that [time] many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, "Will ye also go away?" Then Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:50-69)

Before now, when the passover (a feast of the Jews) was nigh, we see that Jesus had fed the 5,000 with five barley loaves and two small fishes. Jesus had walked on the sea. Jesus had turned the water into wine at a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Indeed, Jesus had found those in the temple -- those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting -- and threw them out for making "My Father's house an house of merchandise." (John 2:16) 

As well, Jesus had spoken to Nicodemus, a man of the Pharisees, a ruler of the Jews and informed him that "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!" (John 3:3,5, 1-24) Jesus had met the woman at the well, and told her that "Whosoever drinks of this water [from the well] shall thirst again. But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well [fountain] of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14, 1-41) 

By now, also, we see that Jesus had healed the son of a certain nobleman whose son was sick and at the point of death in Capernaum. (John 4:46, 45-54) And that, when Jesus saw a certain man at the pool (which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethseda, having five porches) which had an infirmity thirty and eight years, He made the man whole. In fact, in that example, Jesus simply told the man to "rise, take up thy bed, and walk." (John 5:8, 11, 1-15)

So when Jesus told the multitudes (the 5,000) who followed Him after they were fed, that they sought Jesus "not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled," He is remarking on their state of heart. (John 6:26) How do we know this? Because Jesus told them to ... "Labour not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:26-27; Matthew 6:19; John 4:14; Acts 2:22)

When the people then ask Jesus, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" Jesus tells them, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." (John 6:29; I John 3:23)

But instead of believing on Jesus, these desired a sign, "that we may see, and believe Thee? What dost Thou work?"

You see, while these at this point sought a sign to believe, we see that Jesus had already given numerous mighty signs and wonders, and unexplained miracles too, for them to believe in Him for whom He said He was. All of the miracles Jesus performed -- that had taken place before this point -- should have been sufficient. Indeed, these should have marveled at what Jesus had done, and was doing. 

And yet, instead, these still sought a sign. These desired to know what they should do "that we might work the works of God!" (John 6:28) And, similarly in asking the question, these referred to the time when their fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to eat!" (John 6:29-31;Exodus 16:14-15; Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 78:24; John 3:13, 16) 

Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the true Bread from heaven. For the Bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world." (John 6:30-33)

When these ask the Lord to "evermore give us this bread," Jesus tells them outright -- "I am the bread of life; he that comes to Me shall never hunger, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you -- that ye also have seen Me and believe not. All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me; and him that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at  the last day." (John 6:35-40)

However, again, instead of accepting that Jesus is the Bread of Life which came from heaven to redeem them, the Jews murmured at Him because He said -- "I am the Bread which came down from heaven." (John 6:42; Matthew 13:55)

In spite of the numerous miracles performed, these could only see Jesus as a man -- the son of Joseph who is a carpenter. It is with this earthly mindset that these could not understand "how this man could give [His] flesh to eat?" (John 6:52)

Nevertheless, for those whose hearts had changed at the coming of the prophesied Messiah, the promised Christ, they gladly received His Word. Just as the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost had. These did not murmur among themselves but heartily accepted what Jesus said. That is, "No man can come to Me except the Father which hath sent Me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, "And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father comes unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father.

Verily, verily, I say unto you -- He that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever, and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world!" (John 6:43-51) 

The Son of man which is the Lord of glory. It is no wonder that Simon Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:68-69; Acts 5:20; Luke 9:20)

There is much, much more to glean from what Jesus is saying herein, but let it suffice as a starting point to understanding that Jesus is indeed the Bread of Life. He is the Living Water that satisfies beyond measure, quenching our thirst. 

And "this is the work of God that ye believe on HIM whom He hath sent." (John 6:29) 

And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. And he that keeps His commandments dwelleth in Him and He in him. And hereby we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." (I John 3:23-24)

Stand in the offering plate.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control - PART 1687

Guest blog by Kathleen:

In today's world, there are oft teachers who are not good pastors and conversely, pastors who are not good teachers. I am sure that there are some who have both qualities but I haven't found one yet. I have also heard time and again that people want to just love but there is no scripture behind it. There seems to be an idea that love alone will do just fine. Love is great, it's true. Love already won the war but there are still battles to be fought.

That might have given you the impression that this is going to be another discussion about the armor of God and while those verses speak their own truths, I want to share something else.

In II Peter, Simon Peter is writing an epistle that is presumably written while he was detained in a cell. He wasn't just sitting in jail though, as one might suppose. Rather, he was about to be executed. Do you know why? Because he was sharing the gospel of Jesus. This is a man who walked a path most of us do not have to walk and he is about to pay the price for it. This is a man who is writing these words from experience so don't push them away.

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self control, and self control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:5 -11)

When I read these verses I realized that in a way these are very good step by step instructions to follow into our walk with Jesus. If your hope is to become fishers of men like the disciples were called to do then you might be as interested as I was to pursue this further.

#1 Faith - Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. This is the starting point. Here is where you accept that Jesus is your Savior and that you want to live a life for Him. You put your complete trust in Him. (John 3:16-17) We need our faith and the only way our faith can be real is if we believe that Jesus came and died on the cross for us. To believe that He paid the price full for our sins and that through Him we receive salvation. If we can put our complete trust on that one fact alone, we can move on.

#2 Virtue - Behavior showing high moral standards. In the Bible these are called the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) These include:

Love = An intense showing of deep affection
Joy = A feeling of great pleasure and happiness
Peace = quiet and tranquility (the state of being calm)
Patience =the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Kindness = the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate
Goodness = moral excellence
Faithfulness = steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant
Gentleness = kindly, amiable
Self Control = control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.

When you accept Jesus, there is a change in you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is in a new creation. This change would definitely be represented by the fruits of the Spirit. These virtues will be shown in the new creation. As a homeschooling mom, I can attest that when my kids are happy and at peace, I am able to teach them far beyond what I could if they are being impatient and upset. It sets the foundation for us to be able to learn and grow. In short, it makes you humble to be receptive to the knowledge that comes next. Here we become the clay once again so the potter can begin to shape us.

#3 Once you have your virtues, you go gather knowledge. Do you know what knowledge is? Knowledge is the facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. You get educated but you don't just read the words, you practice them. The subject here is the Bible. James has a few things to say on this too but we will stay on track. This is when we study the scriptures, front to back, inside and out. We learn them but we also begin to put them into practice. The definition incorporates both theoretical and practical use of the facts and information we acquire. This is where our belief grows because we learn the history, we find out who the main characters were and we recognize the huge sacrifice that was made for us. This is where it begins to get real.

#4 I found this one interesting because he refers us back to self control which is one of the virtues we would have been practicing already. I think the reason for this would be clear because all too often we see people who have gotten to this point and stop. They stop searching the scriptures and engaging in the fruits of the Spirit because they become prideful. The reason why Peter chooses to remind us again is because this isn't the first time the church has heard from him. This letter is written as a reminder, in fact in verse 13 he writes, "I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder..."

Peter knows that we will get sidetracked so he brings us back to self control. He reminds us to be diligent in our walk. The high priests knew all the scriptures. They had the ceremonies down pat. They were, after all, the high priests! They were the leaders of the religion! So Peter tells us to regain control! Don't stop there and become someone who has perfected the religion but lost the truth. Maintain the self control that helped you have the diligence to dedicate yourself to learning.

This topic is covered by Paul but in it he warns us that our pride may get in the way so we should humble ourselves so the only thing we boast in is Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1: 26-31)

#5 Steadfastness. To be firmly rooted in your faith; fixed in a direction; steadily directed.

There is something about this word that I love because it really seems to drive home the importance of knowing your scriptures. It roots you, gets your eyes fixed on the direction, and keeps you steady as you proceed your course. 2 Timothy 3:14-16: But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The only way for you to be steadfast is to be seeking the Lord Jesus through the scriptures. Without that, you will not be able to root yourself in the ground, be your eyes fixed on Jesus and be steadily directed.

Jesus must be so excited when people reach this point. When you have the scriptures inside you (Psalm 119:11), and hid in your heart, the fruits of the Spirit become part of your daily life and your faith is rooted. Now you are ready to go. Your eyes are fixed on the One who matters and you are strong in your faith. This is the turning point for us.

#6 Godliness: Well if you thought you didn't need the scriptures before, this one is going to stump you. For this we only need to go back a few verses to 2 Peter 1 verse 3: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who call us to His own glory and excellence... The knowledge comes from the Bible. Just think about it. When you reach this point of maturity He will lay His plan before you. I believe you will be able to see it, as clear the disciples who walked with Jesus. It is here that your eyes truly open and your ears can hear His voice. You are ready for battle.

#7 Brotherly affection: Devotion, fond attachment or love. When I started thinking about this I was caught off guard that this one was so close to the end of the list. Aren't we supposed to love each other? Isn't our time on earth all about the relationships? Then I started thinking and I realized is it even any wonder why this would be #7 on the list? Could it be that our purpose needs to be focused on Jesus so that He can refine us into the people He has called us to be before we can truly begin to have healthy relationships with others? Now don't get me wrong, we don't spend the next years of our journey ignoring people. The very fact that we are following God and demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit in our everyday life will allow our regular relationships to flourish.

#8 Brotherly affection with love: This distinction, to me, drives home even further what I gathered from the last point. That our focus needs to be pointed towards the scriptures and once we have come this far, then and only then will we have finally gotten to the point where we recognize our own plank and take it out so that we don't even notice the plank in the eye of another. Jesus didn't. He forgave sins, healed bodies and mended the brokenhearted. He loved from the depths of His heart, the heart of a Father for His beloved. And now... He has you right where He wants you to be.

It's no longer just brotherly affection anymore, it's brotherly affection with love! And suddenly you have reached the depth and breadth that so few reach. You have now entered into the relationship with your groom that goes beyond anything you could have imagined! His heart becomes your heart and you live full of love for Him because He fills you in every way! There is joy in the morning, afternoon and evening because every minute is a minute spent together. It feels like new love but it never ends! You serve joyfully!

It is here the relationships start to grow and you begin to mentor others just like the disciples who wrote the letters to the churches. You are completely transformed into who He called you to be.... it will be GLORIOUS! The angels will sing! The demons tremble and shake because they know that you are who He called you to be and there is nothing they can do about it.

You have finally reached the place where he told the disciples you would be in John 14 when He told them, "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I'm going to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

He gives you eyes to see, and suddenly you see far beyond yourself and you begin to recognize the people! Here He opens the door so that you can recognize the strength that comes in serving others. He starts to mold you into being a world changer by creating you into the disciple He called you to be. Now you are walking with Him just like the disciples did 2,000 years ago... but with something better because you already know the ending.

And do you know why you would do all of this? Do you know why you would spend a lifetime journeying on this path? Why, in some cases, you might actually give your life for it? Love. Real, unending, Godly love that is not shallow or self serving. It is the love that wins battles before they even start, the love that conquered the world and testifies to others: He is the one true God, Jesus!

And when you draw your last breath, you know there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of Jesus. Here you will stand before Jesus knowing that you have completed the race, kept the faith and you will be told, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your masters happiness!" (Matthew 25:23)

Oh glorious day!!

Admittedly, I have not dedicated my time to learning the scriptures the way I want to. I'm still learning the fruits of the Spirit as well but I think that one will be a lifelong lesson for all of us. But how I pray I will get there. This doesn't mean that He won't use me where I am now because He does. Just like He gave the talons out to three different people and He blessed those who gave it their all. "Enter into the joy of your Master." (Matthew 25:23)

But it is so easy to stop our faith journey there. To go a little and feel like that is enough. We live in such a self serving world where there is a hundred different ways to get a compliment and very little that we lack. I don't want to be here anymore. I want to keep going further. These verses have opened my eyes just a little bit to let me think of what majesty He has planned for my life. I want to drink from the living water. Don't you?

Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? - Part 1686

And Jesus said, "I AM: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:62)

Throughout the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, there are those continually asking Jesus (and, as well, of John the baptizer) about identity. Often, the response was not considered, even when those questioning were told the truth. One such occasion is herein, when Jesus was about to be crucified. Therein, the chief priests and all the council are seeking for witness against Jesus so that He would be put to death, but these found none. So, instead, there arose certain and bare false witness against Jesus saying, "We heard Him say -- I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." (Mark 14:58-59)

But even when the witnesses could not agree in their testimony against Jesus, the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus directly, saying, "Answer Thou nothing? what is it which these witness against Thee?" But Jesus held His peace. So he then asks, "Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the blessed?" When Jesus answered and said, "I AM" He also told him that "ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:60-63)

In another account, "as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led Him into their council, saying, "Art Thou the Christ? Tell us." And Jesus said unto them, "If I tell you, ye will not believe. And if I also ask you, ye shall not answer Me, nor let Me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." Then said they all, "Art Thou then the Son of God?" And He said unto them, "Ye say that I AM." And they said, "What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth." (Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:1-54)

You see, while the high priest (and others) said unto Jesus, "I adjure Thee by the living God that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God," it was evident from scripture that these should have already known by scripture who Jesus was. After all, the coming of the Christ, the Messiah, was prophesied throughout the old testament. (Matthew 26:63; Isaiah 53:7; Leviticus 5:1)

Just like now, there was nothing hid from the hearts of those who willingly sought the Lord God. "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 the shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgement, and who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of My people was He stricken. And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death, because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth ...." (Isaiah 53:7-9; Acts 8:32-33; Revelation 5:6; Luke 23:1-25; Daniel 9:26; I Peter 2:21-22; I John 2:1; Isaiah 42:1-8; Romans 5:15-19; John 19:19)

Jesus' identity should have been evident to one and all, if only by the opposition to Pilate writing the title -- JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS -- in Hebrew and Greek and Latin. But the chief priests told Pilate to write not the King of the Jews, but rather, that He said, "I am King of the Jews." Nevertheless, Pilate had written what he had written, which means these (the fathers and their children also) are without excuse.

"Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them is; who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, "Why did the heathen rage? and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ. For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel [purpose] determined before to be done ..." (Acts 4:24-29;  Exodus 20:11; Psalm 2:1-2; John 10:30, 36; Acts 2:23, 36)

The message wherein we can now understand from the scriptures is that Jesus -- the Son of man was and is the Lord of glory. Jesus was and is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus was and is the visible image of the invisible God. And that all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him (Colossians 2:9)

"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)

Indeed, "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 5:17-19)

This is why when Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest (including the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees) were gathered together at Jerusalem, and they asked Peter filled with the Holy Ghost  - "By what power, or by what name have ye done this?" Peter could say "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner." (Acts 4:1-26)

His Name is Jesus!

"Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum. We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man." Hebrews (8:1-2; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 9:8, 11-12, 15, 24)

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

Ye Are A Chosen Generation; A Royal Priesthood; An Holy Nation; A Peculiar People; That Ye Should Shew Forth the Praises of Him Who Hath Called You Out of Darkness - Part 1685

"God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)

". . . be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which is set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12)

As newborn babes, we are to desire the sincere milk of the Word, that we may grow thereby -- if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (I Peter 2:2-3) Unto you therefore which believe He is precious. In our faith journey, we begin to understand that in being born again, we have not been born of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God. And, who is the Word? The Word is JESUS, for He alone shall save you from your sins. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:21-23)

The "Word" is further emphasized in John, wherein he writes:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth ..." (John 1:1-18)

Therefore, when we study the scriptures -- the Word for truth, we are seeking Jesus, and will not, as a consequence, be found wanting. Indeed, when our hearts receive Him with all readiness of mind, the scales of blindness fall away from our eyes, and the glorious light of the Lord Jesus fills our hearts with joy and gladness. We see this in example after example within the scriptures -- "that which is noted in the scripture of truth." (Daniel 10:21) "For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer." (I Timothy 4:5) "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)

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

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11)

"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." (Luke 24:27)

And they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He [Jesus] talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32)

"Then opened He [Jesus] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures ..." (Luke 24:45)

"When therefore He [Jesus] was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said." (John 2:22)

These confirm then for us that the scriptures are for our learning and understanding too. Nothing will be hid from those who seek the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is why Jesus tells us to "search the scriptures ... they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39) Moreover, note that those who walked daily with Jesus (when He walked on this earth) and received the revelation of the doctrine of Christ, also understood from the scriptures that Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy from the old testament.

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." (Acts 8:35)

"And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures ..." (Acts 17:2)

"But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." (Matthew 26:56)

Jesus said, "He that believeth on Me," as the scripture hath said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)

As we open up to the scriptures, we discover that these are the living Word. Our foundation -- the absolute, in that we must worship the Lord Jesus in s/Spirit and in truth. Therefore, the scriptures do not contradict one another. How can I say this? Because God is not the Author of confusion. If there is a lack of understanding, it is because we have not searched the scriptures for clarity on that particular point.

Still, the scriptures are full of questions that invite us to delve deeper into His Word, so that we can eat and drink from the same spiritual Rock that the Israelites did (when these passed through the Red Sea) -- that spiritual Rock which was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4) This is why we are encouraged to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)

But we study the scriptures also so that we do not waver, being tossed to and fro by the whims of this world, and/or by those who concerning the truth have erred. We search the scriptures for clarity so that we too will know that the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal -- "The Lord knows them that are His." And, "Let every one that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19)

This is why it is important that we know and understand the principles of the doctrine of Christ, so that we can go unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2)

Herein, we taste of the heavenly gift, and are made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and thus, have tasted the Word of God, and the powers of the world to come. As I stated before, in order not to fall away or be deceived by wolves in sheep's clothing, we study the Word of righteousness for ourselves so that when we are of full age, having received the meat of His Word -- the manna from heaven -- we can have our senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14) But I digress somewhat.

Getting back to my original point, note how the scriptures -- the Word of the Lord God, our Saviour Jesus the Christ -- leads and guides us into a deeper knowledge of the heavenly. (Titus 3:4-7) We learn from Jesus' example, wherein He continually relied on scripture. There are many examples that can be cited, but the following samples are given so that we accept His invitation to discover every good thing which the Lord Jesus has for those who trust in Him. So that we will grow in the knowledge of Him, who after His kindness and love, willingly became our Saviour on the cross.

My hope is that one of these scriptures draws you closer in your faith walk, and that in your learning, you will understand, as Jesus so clearly said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:1-12)

1. When Jesus said -- speaking of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive -- (for the Holy Ghost was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified) -- "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me as the scriptures hath said -- "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" the people asked, causing division because of Jesus -- "Hath not the scripture said, "That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" (John 7:42)

2. When Jesus said, "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead." (John 20:9)

3. Jesus also said, "But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" (Matthew 26:54) 

4. Jesus said, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took Me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled." (Mark 14:49)

5. And Jesus began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:21)

6. Jesus said, " ... and the scripture cannot be broken ..." (John 10:35)

7. Jesus said, "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, he that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me." (John 13:18)

8. Jesus prayed, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy Name: those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." (John 17:12)

9. "They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, "They parted My raiment among them, and for My vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did" ... After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, "I thirst." (John 19:24-28)

10. "For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled -- A bone of Him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (John 19:36-37)

11. "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus."(Acts 1:16)

12. "The place of the scripture which He read was this, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not His mouth ..." (Acts 8:32)

Conversely, as we similarly understand from the scriptures (which do not lie) not everyone "gladly" receives the Word. In fact, Jesus saith unto the scribes and Pharisees, "Did ye never read in the scriptures, "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" (Matthew 21:42)

Did Jesus not say -- "And have ye not read this scripture; "The stone which the builders rejected is become the Head of the corner ..." (Mark 12:10)

But because of their heart motives, Jesus told them -- "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29)

And likewise in another place, Jesus answering said unto them, "Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?" (Mark 20:24)

Don't become like the latter and sell your birthright for a morsel of bread/meat from those that peddle another gospel. Instead, stand in the offering plate wherein there is liberty. Let him with ears to hear, hear.

How That By Revelation He Made Known Unto Me The Mystery of Christ - Part 1684

"Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?" (I Corinthians 9:1)

In Paul's example, these questions are critical, because as Paul admits himself, he is one born out of due time. As such, he did not walk daily with Jesus, as did the other disciples. Rather, as Saul, the Lord Jesus stopped him in his tracks while enroute to Damascus. Saul's purpose, as he saw it, was to round up anyone who professed the Name of the Lord Jesus, and to either imprison them, or have them killed. As a side note, Saul oversaw the stoning of Stephen, to the point of even keeping the raiment of them that slew him. In Paul's defence before many people, he later shares his testimony, repeating his words, "Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee." (Acts 22:19)

And in another place, Paul states: "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities." (Acts 26:9-15)

Returning to the initial questions, Paul is (in some ways) disputing those who disregard his teachings as lesser than the instruction of Jesus' other disciples. Even in today's religious culture, Paul's instruction to the Gentiles (termed by modern day theologians as the Pauline epistles) is oft disputed because he did not walk physically on earth with Jesus. This conclusion made, even when we know that Jesus personally called Saul, blinding him so that he had to be led by those that accompanied him to a certain disciple named Ananias.

Still, the Lord said unto Ananias (and to us by extension) that Saul (who would be renamed Paul) is a chosen vessel unto Him, to bear His Name -- the Name of Jesus before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. Jesus told Ananias -- "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16)

The Lord Jesus having called S/Paul as not only the "last of all" to see Jesus before He was taken up but also "of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:8)

Nevertheless, S/Paul was called for a purpose. When S/Paul asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" Jesus said unto him, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose -- to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee, delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee -- to open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:14-18)

Thus, when Paul's instructions to us as Gentiles (not Jews/Israelites per se) -- things that are written not to shame us, but as warnings to "my beloved" -- are therefore dismissed by many within the religious culture, there is a problem. In so doing, we therefore ignore that Jesus chose Paul specifically as a minister and as a witness to us so that our eyes would be opened, and that we might receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance beyond measure. (I Corinthians 4:14)

"For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not so many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel ..." (I Corinthians 4:15)

Does this make Paul perfect? Of course not, but what we are able to see is how Jesus working through Paul brings us His message of redemption. We see how Jesus is able to take Saul (and his wrath and condemnation against those who believe in Jesus) to a man renewed, with a higher purpose. And through S/Paul, we see how even the worst of us (from a societal/earthly perspective) can possess the mind of Christ Jesus within. (Philippians 2:5)

For Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Paul does not vary from Jesus' message, but as well, adds his own personal testimony so that "the communication of thy [his] faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus," and how we have great joy and consolation in His love. (Philemon 1:6)

For the record, it may be important to note here that Paul did not vary either from what Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost told the first 3,000 to come to Jesus on the new testament side. That is, to repent, and be [water] baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-47) Paul had to also come to the realization that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) That Jesus is our all and all.

So, when Paul scribes these questions -- ""Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?" (I Corinthians 9:1) he is reminding us that he is the Lord's appointed/anointed, so that we who are Gentiles can understand that even though Paul received his understanding of Jesus by revelation (and not walking day in and day out with Jesus when He was in the world) his message consists of the same gospel. Not another gospel, as some who criticize Paul might suggest.

For as Paul himself states, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. Now h/He that plants and h/He that waters 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 master builder. 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." (Corinthians 3:6-11)

"Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?"

Paul answered these questions when he wrote: "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord." (I Corinthians 9:2) For clarity, it is important to note that his answer to them that do examine Paul goes much further, wherein Paul writes that even though "the Lord [hath] ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel, that he has used none of these things, and neither has he written these things" -- "for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void." (I Corinthians 9:15-16; I Corinthians 9:1-27)

His apostleship sealed because he did not seek his own self-interests and glorification but rather, he willingly sought to plant a vineyard for Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul gladly sowed unto us spiritual wisdom and knowledge and became all things to all men for the gospel's sake, "that I might be partaker there with you." (I Corinthians 9:23)

And he did so, that "ye who sometimes were far off" can be "made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us] having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace, and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; and came and reached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:10-18)

Thus, we are no longer aliens, but have become His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. As a consequence, we are therefore no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone]; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Praise be to our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Stand in the offering plate.

Christ the First Fruits; Afterward They That Are Christ's At His Coming -- Part 1683

"For I know [that] my Redeemer liveth, and [that] He shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth: and [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God ..." (Job 19:25-26)

"Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] My dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." (Isaiah 26:19)

We have such hope in Jesus, the promised Christ! Nevertheless, there are many today that insist that there is no resurrection, and that once our bodies are buried in the grave, that this is the end. This is not a new theme. We see apostle Paul dealing with the same issue during his walk on earth in the scriptures. Paul writes:

"Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen; and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain? Yea, and if we are found false witnesses of God that He raised up Christ; whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised; and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain, ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." (I Corinthians 15:12-19)

Herein, Paul is explaining the folly of man's earthly wisdom. He is pointing out that even though he [Paul] is the least of the apostles, and similarly not meet to be called an apostle (because he persecuted the church of God), that it is only because of the grace of God that "I am what I am." (I Corinthians 15:9-10) That it was His grace bestowed upon Paul that led him to labour more abundantly than they all -- "yet not I but the grace of God which was with me." (I Corinthians 15:10)

"Therefore, whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed!" (I Corinthians 15:11) 

The good news gospel message never changes, because we also gladly receive His Word -- as it is written -- and believe. What does Jesus say when the Jews desire to see a sign?

"Then answered the Jews and said unto [Jesus], "What sign shewest Thou unto us, seeing that Thou doest these things?" Jesus answered and said unto them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Then said the Jews, "Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?" But He spake of the temple of His body. When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said." (John 2:18-22)

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

Did Jesus not say not say unto Martha (when Lazarus her brother had died and already buried in the tomb before Jesus brought him back to life) -- " I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live ..." (John 11:25)

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

Indeed, there was never any question that Jesus would, after three days and three nights, be raised from the dead. And that if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, that even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him, in that day to come. (I Thessalonians 4:14) 

Why? Because "if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 8:11) 

The Holy Ghost! The resurrected Christ. And as Jesus told His disciples, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are int he world, and I come to Thee, Holy Father, keep through Thine own Name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as we [are]." (John 17:11) Jesus glorified "with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. (Acts 1:2; John 17:5) The work of salvation having now been finished. Jesus (God manifest in the flesh) Himself became the first fruits so that we could partake of everlasting life in Him.

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

"Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ... to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, wherein ye greatly rejoice ... " (I Peter 1:3-6)

While the Lord's enemies may have thought they had killed the Prince of life, God hath raised from the dead, whereof the apostles (and many other disciples of Jesus) were witnesses. (Acts 3:15)

Who were some of the other witnesses? "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him ..." (Mark 16:1-7)

It is for this reason, as Paul shares, that we are NOT of all men most miserable because Christ is risen from the dead. He is the firstfruits of them that slept. "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward, they that are Christ's at His coming. Then [cometh] the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom of God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and all power ... 

for He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under [Him], it is manifest that HE IS EXCEPTED, which did put all things under Him. And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all ... else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily!" (I Corinthians 15:19-31)

This is why we are called to awake unto righteousness, and sin not, for some have not the knowledge of God. That knowledge -- as Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost declared -- that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. That we need to repent, and be [water] baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the resurrected Christ. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:1-2; I Peter 3:21-22; I Corinthians 10:1-4)

This happens, as Jesus said, when we eat His flesh -- the Word and drink His blood -- then we will have eternal life. Then, said Jesus, "I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:54) "Have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." (Acts 24:15)

 

"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also [in the likeness of His] resurrection; knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [Him] that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth, we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him; knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth nor more; death hath no more dominion over Him, for in that He died, He died unto sin once; but in that He lives, He liveth unto God." (Romans 6:4-11)

When we -- so many of us -- are baptized into Jesus Christ, we are baptized into His death. (Romans 6:3) 

Jesus said, "And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:14)

And our hope? "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first ..." (I Thessalonians 4:16)

The same never changing message prophesied by Daniel in the old -- "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2)

There are significant insights here to digest, and to meditate upon. But nevertheless, thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:57-58)

Stand in the offering plate.