JESUS said, "He that believeth on Me" as the scripture say, from out of his INNERMOST BEING shall flow rivers of living water. In so doing, Jesus prophetically promised that all who believe, and put their faith wholly upon Him would in turn receive of His Spirit too.
The Wisdom or the Word which was the predetermined counsel of God, was now to be manifest in the flesh. It is this fleshly manifestation revealing God Himself as a Son -- this manifestation adequately displaying all the spiritual humanity dwelling within God Himself that makes the gospel message so empowering.
Think about it! The Spirit of God (named JESUS) is the same God who made the world and loved us so much that He would die for us (John 1:1-18). This is the same God who was now found to be indwelling inside a sin prone body, (in which He was pleased to dwell!) And the same God with the sin prone body (veil of flesh) received whilst in the womb of His sin prone surrogate mother's body. Mary was born of Adam’s sinful race. She, like all others born on this planet receive inherited sin, as a penalty resulting from Adam’s original disobedience to God (see Genesis for details).
But JESUS made the world and all that therein is. Still, JESUS was not made. Oh no. Instead, Jesus CAME FORTH from the innermost spiritual being of God. Talk about LOVE. Real love. Jesus is the love of God personified in flesh and blood. God as a SON. All things were made BY HIM and for HIM.
Indeed, Jesus was asked this question. "Do (should) we look for another?" Jesus replied by saying that if one does not believe that He is the I AM, they would die in their sin.
You see, God was on a mission. His mission was to seek and to save Adam’s sinful race. In order to fulfill this mission, it necessitated God entering into a sin filled world -- and in many ways a totally lost world -- the inhabitants lost and bound by the god of this world who was a demonic spirit that God had cast out of Heaven -- in order that we might find salvation. God’s plan from the very beginning was to save and deliver us. Unlike the fallen demonic angels who are enroute to a destination called Hell, (which God had prepared for satan and his followers), God had never planned on man joining the demonic angels there.
That is why God in Christ, (Christ the Humanity of God) comes forth. The Lord our God purposely foiling satan's plan while Jesus, God manifest in the flesh, unfolds His plan that will lead captivity captive. His plan of salvation that will redeem fallen sin prone man so that they can now become His sons and daughters and brethren and friends.
Indeed, God is willing to take all of our sin onto Himself. In fact, He is laying down all that is rightfully His, and is bequeathing it all to sin prone men. He wants us to become justified from all sin past and present and beyond. And to prove His motives, He laid down His life for you. He, being God Himself as a Son purchased you, sacrificing Himself once and for all.
You are now His children and of His indwelling Spirit we are made partakers of. We are now a habitation of God’s Spirit -- His temple -- His dwelling place!
"By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God!" (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Stand in the offering plate!
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Blessed Be The Name of The Lord: From This Time Forth And For Evermore - Part 1716
Adam had a vested interest in Eve for she was bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh. But God had a much greater interest in Adam insomuch as Adam’s creation was the created works of His own hand. In this context, Adam was the earthly image of God’s spiritual form. A perfect image or as some might surmise, a priceless work of art. However, in the beginning Adam was lifeless. So God breathed into Adam the breath of life, resulting in Adam being called “a living soul. (Note that a living soul can become a dead soul for God has said, “that the soul that sins it shall surely die.”)
But as we know from reading Genesis, Adam and Eve sinned and were subsequently put out of the Garden of Eden. Prior to their expulsion from the Garden, God announced that certain curses would now befall them. Curses that in God's perfect Garden had not befallen them before. At the same time, God issued a promise, “that the Seed of a woman would bruise the serpent head.” The serpent alluded to here is Satan who had deceived them to do things which were contrary to God’s instructions. This included eating of any of the two trees that were in the midst of the Garden of Eden.
In Genesis, we read that Eve was deceived in the Garden. But Adam point blankly ignored God’s instruction. This is what the scriptures refer to as wilful sin - sins which carried consequences. Until this time, Adam and Eve were perfect. Indeed, the couple was perfect right up until the lying deceitful serpent showed up. The serpent (Satan) has been tagged by God as the father of all lies. As a consequence, sin slithered into the Garden.
We also read in Genesis that Adam and Eve initially had two sons. One son was named Cain and the second son Abel. Their personalities totally differed, yet they were the offspring of two perfectly created earthly images of God’s visible spiritual form. At least they were perfect in the Garden. But now they were outside the Garden with a promise “that the seed of a woman would bruise the serpent head.” We realize now that this seed was Christ.
Still, Adam and Eve had two sons. The conduct of Adam and Eve’s offspring was far from being perfect. We see this when we read that Cain rose up and slew his brother Abel. This resulted in Adam and Eve having to confront the stark reality of death. And that Cain, their son was a murderer. The small family was now being thrust into situations where they had never experienced these types of emotions. After all, the Garden of Eden was perfect. (Comfort can be found in I Corinthians 15)
Later, Adam and Eve begat another son who they named Seth. Remember earlier that Eve was told that the seed of a woman would bruise the serpent head. Well, God had implanted into Eve’s seed bank a promised seed -- a seed that was not to be one of Adam and Eve’s natural seed. No instead, this seed of promise was to be a new seed -- a different blood line (the seed of promise being Christ),
So when Seth was born it is recorded “that men then began to call upon the NAME of the LORD.” The Promised Seed had now passed into Seth along with Eve’s natural seed which had brought forth Seth. So, it is here that the journey begins - until the promised seed Jesus who is and was the Christ is born. The promised seed journey is recorded in the genealogies cited in Matthew 1 and Luke 3.
The point here is that from Adam and Eve THREE seeds came forth. Each seed brought forth different personalities -- different because sin had contaminated the seed. There is a purpose in the scriptural New Testament example -- when JESUS said let the little children come to me and do not forbid children to come to Me. It is equally important that our offspring call upon the Lord Jesus for their salvation.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Stand in the offering plate.
But as we know from reading Genesis, Adam and Eve sinned and were subsequently put out of the Garden of Eden. Prior to their expulsion from the Garden, God announced that certain curses would now befall them. Curses that in God's perfect Garden had not befallen them before. At the same time, God issued a promise, “that the Seed of a woman would bruise the serpent head.” The serpent alluded to here is Satan who had deceived them to do things which were contrary to God’s instructions. This included eating of any of the two trees that were in the midst of the Garden of Eden.
In Genesis, we read that Eve was deceived in the Garden. But Adam point blankly ignored God’s instruction. This is what the scriptures refer to as wilful sin - sins which carried consequences. Until this time, Adam and Eve were perfect. Indeed, the couple was perfect right up until the lying deceitful serpent showed up. The serpent (Satan) has been tagged by God as the father of all lies. As a consequence, sin slithered into the Garden.
We also read in Genesis that Adam and Eve initially had two sons. One son was named Cain and the second son Abel. Their personalities totally differed, yet they were the offspring of two perfectly created earthly images of God’s visible spiritual form. At least they were perfect in the Garden. But now they were outside the Garden with a promise “that the seed of a woman would bruise the serpent head.” We realize now that this seed was Christ.
Still, Adam and Eve had two sons. The conduct of Adam and Eve’s offspring was far from being perfect. We see this when we read that Cain rose up and slew his brother Abel. This resulted in Adam and Eve having to confront the stark reality of death. And that Cain, their son was a murderer. The small family was now being thrust into situations where they had never experienced these types of emotions. After all, the Garden of Eden was perfect. (Comfort can be found in I Corinthians 15)
Later, Adam and Eve begat another son who they named Seth. Remember earlier that Eve was told that the seed of a woman would bruise the serpent head. Well, God had implanted into Eve’s seed bank a promised seed -- a seed that was not to be one of Adam and Eve’s natural seed. No instead, this seed of promise was to be a new seed -- a different blood line (the seed of promise being Christ),
So when Seth was born it is recorded “that men then began to call upon the NAME of the LORD.” The Promised Seed had now passed into Seth along with Eve’s natural seed which had brought forth Seth. So, it is here that the journey begins - until the promised seed Jesus who is and was the Christ is born. The promised seed journey is recorded in the genealogies cited in Matthew 1 and Luke 3.
The point here is that from Adam and Eve THREE seeds came forth. Each seed brought forth different personalities -- different because sin had contaminated the seed. There is a purpose in the scriptural New Testament example -- when JESUS said let the little children come to me and do not forbid children to come to Me. It is equally important that our offspring call upon the Lord Jesus for their salvation.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Seek Good And Not Evil That Ye May Live And So the Lord, the God of Hosts, Shall Be With You - Part 1715
"In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that has fallen, and close up the breaches thereof, and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old ... that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by My Name," saith the Lord that doeth this.
Why? Because we "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 into His marvelous light ...” (I Peter 2:9)
Note that this same scripture -- in which the words of the prophets agree; as it is written is repeated in Acts 15:16-18. At that time (as we have alluded to previously) there had been much disputing about the law and circumcision. The scribes and Pharisees demanded that it was needful for believers to keep the Law of Moses, which led to the apostles and elders coming together to consider this matter.
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should here the Word of the gospel and believe. And God which knows the hearts, bare them witness giving them the Holy Ghost even as [He] did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore, why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:5-11)
Note that all the multitude gave silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His Name.
In this context, the promise that was known unto God from the beginning of the world, and all His works is so that there would be a people -- from among the Gentiles which have turned to God. A people who believe on His precious Name in this current dispensation of grace, knowing from whence came our salvation.
It is in this context that then, and now, men have hazarded their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, because we who believe know that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved. We have a calling and He has placed His purpose in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb. It is in the fulfillment of His calling that He will receive all the glory and praise and honour that He so rightly deserves. Yes, indeed, known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.
As the psalmist so aptly wrote, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid ... though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident." (Psalm 27:1-14)
Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
But Continue Thou In the Things Which You Have Learned And Hast Been Assured Of -- The Holy Scriptures Which Are Able To Make Thee Wise - Part 1714
"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn ..." (Zechariah 12:10)
"And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him, for He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal as a cloke ... so shall they fear the Name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift a standard against him and the Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob," saith the Lord. (Isaiah 59:16-20)
No, nothing is hid from the lover who desires in their heart to know our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Both of the scriptures above were written before the coming of the Lord as a mighty man, so that we could be assured -- as Peter (standing with the eleven) was on the day of Pentecost -- that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified, is indeed both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36; Isaiah 42:13; I Timothy 3:16)
These two prophecies above pointing forward to the coming of our blessed Saviour, in which we can now savour of His knowledge wherever we might be. Having freely received His precious gift of salvation, we desire to pursue Him in everything we do -- "For we preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord!" (II Corinthians 4:3-6)
Like those who put down their nets to follow Jesus when Jesus walked upon this earth, we should earnestly desire to become Jesus' disciples with the mindset -- for this cause we faint not. Why? Because the gospel cannot be hid, for if it is hid, it is hid to them that are lost. (II Corinthians 4:3)
And in order for the Lord to bring scripture to our remembrance, we have to first hide His holy scriptures -- the Word -- within our hearts, studying to shew ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
To that end, and for believers to understand how to effectively study His Word, we should recognize that the books contained within the Bible are not separate histories, but rather, a part of a continuous storyline to which different prophets and writers added various sections to comprise the totality of the scriptures that we have today.
Jesus 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 24:44)
Herein, Jesus clarifies that He is the fulfillment of the old testament -- oft referred to as the law, the prophets, and psalms. As Jesus points out -- "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it." (Luke 16:16; Matthew 11:13) This remains consistent with apostle Paul's teaching to the saints at Corinth -- that even in the reading of the old testament (when Moses is read) the vail is upon their heart. (II Corinthians 3:14-17) And of Peter's teachings also -- as demonstrated in his epistles.
Moreover, we recognize these instructions to be in keeping with the doctrines and teachings of Jesus, and later the apostles, who spoke of the first and second commandment -- loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love flowing through us to love one another. As Jesus told us, "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."(Matthew 22:40; Matthew 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) The Lord in this current dispensation of grace having delivered to His people a "new thing."
This is why we can claim -- with blessed assurance -- that the scriptures were not simply men writing of their own accord. In fact, in both the old and the new, these all spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Peter 1:21) Further clarity on this point can be found in Acts 1:2-3 which states:
"Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen: to whom also He [Jesus] shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God ..." (Acts 1:2-3)
"And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him, for He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal as a cloke ... so shall they fear the Name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift a standard against him and the Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob," saith the Lord. (Isaiah 59:16-20)
No, nothing is hid from the lover who desires in their heart to know our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Both of the scriptures above were written before the coming of the Lord as a mighty man, so that we could be assured -- as Peter (standing with the eleven) was on the day of Pentecost -- that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified, is indeed both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36; Isaiah 42:13; I Timothy 3:16)
These two prophecies above pointing forward to the coming of our blessed Saviour, in which we can now savour of His knowledge wherever we might be. Having freely received His precious gift of salvation, we desire to pursue Him in everything we do -- "For we preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord!" (II Corinthians 4:3-6)
Like those who put down their nets to follow Jesus when Jesus walked upon this earth, we should earnestly desire to become Jesus' disciples with the mindset -- for this cause we faint not. Why? Because the gospel cannot be hid, for if it is hid, it is hid to them that are lost. (II Corinthians 4:3)
And in order for the Lord to bring scripture to our remembrance, we have to first hide His holy scriptures -- the Word -- within our hearts, studying to shew ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
To that end, and for believers to understand how to effectively study His Word, we should recognize that the books contained within the Bible are not separate histories, but rather, a part of a continuous storyline to which different prophets and writers added various sections to comprise the totality of the scriptures that we have today.
Jesus 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 24:44)
Herein, Jesus clarifies that He is the fulfillment of the old testament -- oft referred to as the law, the prophets, and psalms. As Jesus points out -- "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it." (Luke 16:16; Matthew 11:13) This remains consistent with apostle Paul's teaching to the saints at Corinth -- that even in the reading of the old testament (when Moses is read) the vail is upon their heart. (II Corinthians 3:14-17) And of Peter's teachings also -- as demonstrated in his epistles.
Moreover, we recognize these instructions to be in keeping with the doctrines and teachings of Jesus, and later the apostles, who spoke of the first and second commandment -- loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love flowing through us to love one another. As Jesus told us, "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."(Matthew 22:40; Matthew 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) The Lord in this current dispensation of grace having delivered to His people a "new thing."
This is why we can claim -- with blessed assurance -- that the scriptures were not simply men writing of their own accord. In fact, in both the old and the new, these all spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Peter 1:21) Further clarity on this point can be found in Acts 1:2-3 which states:
"Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen: to whom also He [Jesus] shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God ..." (Acts 1:2-3)
As a consequence, the Bible then is not only a continuous thread that intertwines the historical record with the good news salvation message for one and all -- but as we are told -- "lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me." (Hebrews 10:7; Psalms 40:7)
That is, the greatest love story ever written -- that God Himself willingly took on sin-prone flesh (yet was without sin) so that we -- His beloved creation -- could be redeemed.
"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)
Just like the Lord walked with Adam in the Garden of Eden in the cool of the afternoon, He is seeking a relationship with His creation -- you and I -- whom He loved enough to shed His precious holy blood on the cross. And yes, He is still inviting us into the fold, extending His invitation for you to come -- all ye who are burdened and heavy laden "and I will give you rest" For Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. "No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
From Peter's writings (a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ) "to them that have obtained precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" we understand that the scriptures "according as His divine power hath given unto us ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hat called us to glory and virtue." (II Peter 1:1-3)
Again, there is nothing hidden from those who seek the Lord Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. But note that Peter, whilst stirring up our pure minds by way of remembrance does not just refer to his own writings as the gospel truth, but also confirms the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of the apostles of the Lord and Saviour. To this end, note that Peter confirms our beloved brother Paul's epistles (previously Saul) -- also according to the wisdom given unto him. (II Peter 3:15)
"As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." (II Peter 3:16)
Thus, don't be swayed by the whims of this world, or a religious culture who pushes the scriptures aside, pretending that His Word has no relevance in this world. It is no wonder the Word of the Lord flowed through the prophet Hosea saying, "My people perish for lack of knowledge ..." (Hosea 6:4)
It is for this reason that the Lord is continually encouraging us to "continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of who thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:14-17)
It is for this reason that the Lord is continually encouraging us to "continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of who thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:14-17)
Because indeed, the foundation of God stands 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)
Time is short. The kingdom of God is nigh. Ask Jesus to fulfill His purpose in you today. Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Forasmuch As There Is None Like Unto Thee, O Lord; Thou Art Great And Thy Name Is Great In Might - Part 1713
In the beginning, God! (Genesis 1:1) "
The Word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (I Peter 1:25; Isaiah 40:8; John 1:1-18)
" ... O LORD; Thou [art] great, and Thy name [is] great in might." (Jeremiah 10:6)
"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)
Is there another, as some would like to proclaim, or do you see a thread here that declares Jesus to be God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) That He Himself prepared a body for sacrifice, clothing Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we can be redeemed because of His kindness and love.
"For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11)
Throughout the old testament, we see His chosen people calling the Lord God by a specific Name. God is responsible for giving them His Name, and we should also note that most often, the Name given was intended for a particular circumstance or period of time. In some cases, we see "the Name of the Lord" used instead, with no specific name associated with God, even though the Name is evident from the scriptural context.
For example, Abraham called on "the Name of the Lord" in Genesis 12:8 and Genesis 13:4. At the other end of the spectrum, we know that the priests of Israel were to minister in "the Name of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 18:5; 21:5) We also understand from the commandments that we are not to take the Lord's Name in vain. (Leviticus 13:21; 22:2, 32; Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11)
Note that there is an interesting account of the Lord spending time with Moses, The dialogue goes like this:
"And the Lord said unto Moses, "I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in My sight, and I know thee by Name." And he said, "I beseech thee, shew me Thy glory!" And He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy." Then (because the Lord had said that His face shall not be seen), He permitted His glory to pass by Moses, covering him with "My hand" -- as, at the same time, He proclaims His own Name. (Exodus 33:19) "And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the Name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth ..." (Exodus 34:5)
In other scriptures, when the Lord appeared to tell them -- "I am the God of Abraham -- these would call upon the Name of the Lord, (Genesis 26:25) Abraham too, planted a grove in Beersheba and called there on the Name of the Lord, the everlasting God! (Genesis 21:33)
Given the number of scriptural references in the old testament (with many more not cited here), it should not come as a surprise that God would give us a new Name to worship in this current dispensation of grace, when the Lord through His prophets from afore said He would do a new thing. ( Isaiah 62:2)
So, what do the scriptures say in the new? "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) What is the Name that is referenced herein? JESUS, the precious Name of the Lord JESUS. The SAME Name that the angel of God gave -- when announcing that the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise. (Matthew 1:18; 21-23)
This Name that referenced the SAME LORD spoken of by the prophet Isaiah regarding John the baptizer, when he wrote, saying that there would come in the future -- "the voice of one crying in the wilderness; prepare ye the way of the LORD, make His paths straight." (Matthew 3:3; Isaiah 40:3; Luke 1:76; John 1:23)
Note also that when the angel of the Lord came upon the shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night, the glory of the LORD shone round about them, to the point that they were sore afraid. But the angel told them to "fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:8-11)
The SAME LORD JESUS that apostle Paul was willing to die for at Jerusalem. (Acts 21:14) The SAME LORD JESUS who will come as a thief in the night. (I Thessalonians 5:2; II Thessalonians 2:1) The SAME Word of the LORD which endures forever -- which is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (I Peter 1:25; Isaiah 40:8)
To make sure this latter point sinks in, let's look at Romans 10:8-9, which states: "But what saith it? The Word is night thee; even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the Word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:8-9; Deuteronomy 30:14; Luke 12:8)
Jesus is the Lord. (I Corinthians 12:3; Matthew 16:16-17) Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38) Jesus is the SAME Lord who told satan when being tempted in the desert -- "It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God!" (Luke 4:12)
" ... And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father." (Philippians 2:11)
In the Name of JESUS -- singular.
Certainly, in sharing the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the apostles knew this new Name -- His Name -- because these wrote that JESUS is the ONLY Name whereby we must be saved in this current time in which we live. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)
And Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) declared to the first 3,000 souls saved that following repentance, we are to be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 8:38). How are people healed? In the Name of the Lord Jesus! (Acts 3:6; Acts 4:30) How are devils cast out and similarly, signs and wonders performed? In the Name of the Lord Jesus! (Acts 4:30; Luke 10:17; Mark 16:17-18)
And finally, what is the only Name whereby men were/are forbidden to teach? Yes, the Name of JESUS! (Acts 5:28)
Indeed, it is for the Name of the Lord Jesus that men hazarded their lives. (Acts 15:26) And let's not forget Saul/Paul who was chosen by Jesus to "bear My Name" before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel ... for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16)
In fact, we are instructed to do everything that we do -- in both word and deed -- in the Name of Jesus! (John 14:13) And, as Jesus said, " For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6-12; John 10:30)
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11)
Yes, God also hath highly exalted Him and given Him a Name which is ABOVE EVERY NAME, and that Name is JESUS. (Philippians 2:9-11) He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, King of kings and Lord of lords!
Stand in the offering plate.
Wise Men Fall Down And Worship Him -- JESUS, King of kings and Lord of lords - Part 1712
Jesus said, "I have not come to condemn the world but that the world through Me might be saved."
And from here, peace be unto you all in the precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Stand in the offering plate.
Throughout this blog, we have endeavoured to introduce the Lord's redemption plan as unveiled in the scriptures. In so doing, we will continue to bring forth the truth -- as it is written -- for your understanding and edification. But in so doing, we never want to lose sight of His amazing grace -- and that God so loved the word that He gave His only begotten Son -- beget meaning to father, sire, or cause. Jesus was begotten by God in the womb of the virgin Mary so that we could experience life in Him, fulfilling the purpose He placed in our hearts whilst still in our mother's womb.
In this context, we understand also that it is impossible for God to lie, that God stands over His Word to perform it. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1) Without word, it is impossible for anyone to theorize. Therefore, God in the beginning counselled with Himself. His counsel planning how God Himself would become man's Saviour, and as such, provide the necessary pure and holy seeds (both male and female) -- of His holy Spirit.
It is in this context that God gave man a body so that our spiritual intents, unseen to creation, may now be visibly demonstrated. Man was always intended to be a visible expression of God's spirituality. Created in His image, but as we know, man messed up. Still, God is merciful and after His kindness and love, God willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)
Indeed, He so much loved the world (John 3:16) He condescended ... a condescension so unfathomable in scope. He, the Creator, would leave His Glory stooping, veiling Himself in the flesh appearing in fashion as a son over His own household. In so doing, He ushered Himself into this lost world. His Grace. His Mercy. His Love. He would become all things to all men that He might save that which would have been utterly and totally lost without God's predestined plan of salvation.
Who then would dare to say that sin is insurmountable? Sin vales in comparison to the height, width, depth and breadth of our Lord and Saviour's love. As far as the east is from the west, that is the measurement of eternal Life Seed -- for surely the life is in the blood. God's plan from the very beginning was to purchase man's redemption sacrificing Himself as a Son. The blood that flowed in Jesus' veins was the Spirit of God's own precious blood.
Thus, when the two seeds of promise arrived into Mary, the predestined destination, the Holy Ghost brought His own two seeds together (i.e. the promise to Eve and the promise to Abraham). To form that "holy thing" as Luke declared. (Luke 1:35) The fetus conceived of the Holy Ghost was now in Mary's womb. The angel declaring to her that that which is conceived in her was conceived of the Holy Ghost. It is no wonder that Mary asked the question, "How could this be?"
The holy fetus child of His holy Spirit is now in an environment to receive earthly fashion. The fetus will be found in fashion as a man receiving nourishment from Mary's fallen sinful body. God having previously declared that all have sinned, "there is none righteous, no not one." As we understand from Hebrews, there had to be an equalizing of both Jew and Gentile so that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
In this context, we understand also that it is impossible for God to lie, that God stands over His Word to perform it. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1) Without word, it is impossible for anyone to theorize. Therefore, God in the beginning counselled with Himself. His counsel planning how God Himself would become man's Saviour, and as such, provide the necessary pure and holy seeds (both male and female) -- of His holy Spirit.
It is in this context that God gave man a body so that our spiritual intents, unseen to creation, may now be visibly demonstrated. Man was always intended to be a visible expression of God's spirituality. Created in His image, but as we know, man messed up. Still, God is merciful and after His kindness and love, God willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)
Indeed, He so much loved the world (John 3:16) He condescended ... a condescension so unfathomable in scope. He, the Creator, would leave His Glory stooping, veiling Himself in the flesh appearing in fashion as a son over His own household. In so doing, He ushered Himself into this lost world. His Grace. His Mercy. His Love. He would become all things to all men that He might save that which would have been utterly and totally lost without God's predestined plan of salvation.
Who then would dare to say that sin is insurmountable? Sin vales in comparison to the height, width, depth and breadth of our Lord and Saviour's love. As far as the east is from the west, that is the measurement of eternal Life Seed -- for surely the life is in the blood. God's plan from the very beginning was to purchase man's redemption sacrificing Himself as a Son. The blood that flowed in Jesus' veins was the Spirit of God's own precious blood.
Thus, when the two seeds of promise arrived into Mary, the predestined destination, the Holy Ghost brought His own two seeds together (i.e. the promise to Eve and the promise to Abraham). To form that "holy thing" as Luke declared. (Luke 1:35) The fetus conceived of the Holy Ghost was now in Mary's womb. The angel declaring to her that that which is conceived in her was conceived of the Holy Ghost. It is no wonder that Mary asked the question, "How could this be?"
The holy fetus child of His holy Spirit is now in an environment to receive earthly fashion. The fetus will be found in fashion as a man receiving nourishment from Mary's fallen sinful body. God having previously declared that all have sinned, "there is none righteous, no not one." As we understand from Hebrews, there had to be an equalizing of both Jew and Gentile so that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
Nothing hid from those who search the scriptures for truth.
Therefore, Mary was a surrogate (if you will) blessed among women. [However, as an aside, never more blessed than those believers who hear the Word of God and do it -- as Jesus pointed out] Still, Isaiah the prophet prophesied, saying, "Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign, Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His Name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:15)
Therefore, Mary was a surrogate (if you will) blessed among women. [However, as an aside, never more blessed than those believers who hear the Word of God and do it -- as Jesus pointed out] Still, Isaiah the prophet prophesied, saying, "Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign, Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His Name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:15)
"For unto us a child is born, unto you a Son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His Name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
God had said the soul that sins, it shall die. Are you dying? Mary like all others died, even though she also was a recipient of God's declaration. We need to remember that He who was brought forth from Mary's womb was without father or mother and without descent. Others made reference to Mary and Joseph as being His father and mother and that Jesus was obedient. Still, Jesus Himself never once called Mary mother ... for He was GOD manifest in the flesh as a son.
Please note this is not a put down of Mary, for I also acknowledge that she was blessed. But even Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:44-56)
Please note this is not a put down of Mary, for I also acknowledge that she was blessed. But even Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:44-56)
The fact that God was made/was manifest in the flesh is one of the most wonderful and yet one of the most incomprehensible things about God -- that His love for His beloved creation would supersede all human logic and understanding. Still, we need to understand that God's motives came about from love -- a much deeper love than the love we talk about in this world. But I digress.
What do the scriptures state?
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
He was "God with us" even at His birth. How do we know? Because the angels worshiped Him at His birth.
"And again, when He bringeth in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." (Hebrews 1:6; Psalm 89:27; Romans 8:29; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 97:7; I Peter 3:22)
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing." (Revelation 5:11-13)
Simeon (to whom it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ) recognized Jesus as the Lord's Christ -- "For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2:25-32)
And the prophetess Anna, and daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Aser saw the babe as the Redeemer of Israel (Luke 2:35-38)
And the wise man who followed the star in the east so that they could worship Jesus -- King of the Jews -- as a young child. "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him; and when they opened their treasures; they presented unto Him gifts; gold and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:1-11)
Yes, the angel told Mary, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
"And His Name shall be called JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
And although we know Jesus to be God manifest in the flesh, we also know that Jesus was declared the Son of God because God (and not a man) caused His conception in Mary's womb. God was literally His Father -- the power of the Highest overshadowing Mary so that she could bring forth a son. Isaiah prophesies of this world changing event in advance, telling of a time to come when God would place His divine nature in the seed of a woman. (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6)
Jesus received His divine nature through the conception process. He did not become divine by some later act of God. The fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him from conception/birth. (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)
"And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh ..." (I Timothy 3:16)
No other like Jesus! This is why, like the multitude of heavenly hosts, we can worship God saying: "Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace and goodwill toward all [men]." The shepherds in the field who were keeping watch over their flock by night were praying, worshiped only at the feet of JESUS, the one and only mediator, our great high priest presenting our gifts of simplicity, sincerity offering ourselves into His once and for all sacrificial offering.
He paid the ultimate price, shedding His precious holy blood on a wooden cross for you and I ... because of His love and kindness for His beloved creation. And He is still inviting us to the most elaborate wedding feast today. Respond to His call to come. Ask the Lord Jesus into your heart this day. Repent and be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that ye can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit dwelling within you. And search the scriptures for truth -- remaining steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:36-47)
And from here, peace be unto you all in the precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Stand in the offering plate.
Till I Come, Give Attendance to Reading, to Exhortation, to Doctrine - Part 1711
"Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine." (II Timothy 4:2)
Throughout the scriptures, we are informed of doctrine. Indeed, it was the doctrine that Jesus taught that caused the people to marvel. "And they were astonished at His doctrine for His Word was with power." (Luke 4:32) "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Matthew 7:28-29) Even the officers answered -- "Never man spake like this man." (John 7:46)
We see an example of this in the scriptures. Therein, the Pharisees were accusing Jesus (who was in the treasury, teaching in the temple at the time) -- that His record was void of truth. (John 8:1-18) These asked Jesus, "Where is Thy Father?" Jesus answered them, saying, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19)
In another place, Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) And similarly to Philip when he asked Jesus to shew us the Father and it will suffice, Jesus said, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast Thou not know Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:6-12)
But in the temple, Jesus does not stop there. Jesus continues to tell the Jews that they cannot come "whither I go" because "ye are from beneath; I am from above; ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I AM [He], ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:20-26) Of course, these understood not that He spake to them of the Father, their hearts being hardened, and not ready to "gladly" receive the Word, as the first 3,000 souls did on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47)
Even though these claimed that Abraham was their father, Jesus had to remind them that "if ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But [instead], now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. ye do the deeds of your father!" (John 8:39-41)
Why? Because, as Jesus points out, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? [even] because ye cannot hear My Word." (John 8:42-43)
But there is an interesting scriptural passage established within this dialogue that is worth noting separately from the passage. That is, when Jesus said unto them, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM [He], and [that] I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." It is no wonder that as Jesus spake these words, many believed on Him. But I digress.
Do you remember, when Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus, He said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee; we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness." Jesus continues in that dialogue to say, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:11, 14-15)
Believes in who? Believes in Him -- the Son of man who is still Lord of the sabbath.
In and of itself, this response should have pricked Nicodemus in his heart seeing that he was "a master of Israel" and should have known these things from the scriptures. (John 3:10) For example, when God said unto Moses, "I AM That I AM" clarifying to Moses -- "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent Me unto you," Nicodemus should have understood that Jesus was the great I AM from afore -- and now God manifest in the flesh. (Exodus 3:14; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6)
For those who may not know, I AM is one of the many names God used throughout the old testament. And here is Jesus saying again to the Jews and Pharisees, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM [He]."
But why did Jesus have to shed His precious holy blood on the cross, before the Jews would believe in Him? Because these were not willing to "continue in My Word" -- as Jesus said. These would not submit their hearts to another king, even though Jesus was the King of kings, and Lord of lords. And so these desired in their hearts to kill Jesus.
Still, some Jews did believe on Him, to which Jesus said, "If ye continue in my Word, then are ye My disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:28-32)
Similar to the time when the Lord Jesus walked physically on this earth, the stumbling block today is believing that this same Jesus "whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) Instead of continuing "in My Word" we let the modern day religious culture decide who Jesus was, without searching the scriptures ourselves for His truth.
In that context, these point to the voice from heaven, the voice that was heard at Jesus' baptism, and again at Bethsaida of Galilee, as being that of another. These do not desire to hear or worship "Him!"
Still, what did Jesus say, when He prayed, "Father, glorify Thy Name" and a voice from heaven said, "I have both glorified [it] and will glorify [it] again"? Jesus told the people that stood by and heard -- "This voice came not because of Me but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out and I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto Me." (John 12:28- 32)
You see, the voice out of the cloud was saying to them, and us, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I AM well pleased; HEAR YE HIM!" (Matthew 17:5)
But they would not come unto Jesus that these might have life. Indeed, as Jesus said, "Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape." (John 5:37; Matthew 3:17; I John 4:12)
More to the point, Jesus said, "And ye have not His Word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life." (John 5:39-40)
"Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" The greatest love story ever told to mankind. That the same God who made the world and everything in it, loved us enough to freely give to us His gift of salvation at an untold cost to His humanity. For He was bruised for our iniquities. He bore our sorrows so that we can have abundant life in Him. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)
This is the reason why those who believe in Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords, and desire His Word comes an assurance -- that "hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit, and we have seen and testify that Jesus is the Son of God - God dwells in Him and He in God, and we have known and believed the love that God hath to us; God is love: and He that dwells in love dwells in God and God in Him ..." (I John 4:10-17)
All this He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures, "concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness; by the resurrection from the dead; by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations -- For HIS NAME! Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1-6)
Search the scriptures for truth. Know that the Son of man did ascend up where He was before. And that, as Jesus said, "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. (John 6:60-64)
Therefore, hold fast the faithful Word as ye have been taught, that ye may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:9) Likewise speak the things which become sound doctrine, preaching the Word, being instant in season; out of season; reprove; rebuke; exhort with all long suffering and patience. (Titus 2:1; II Timothy 4:2-4)
Stand in the offering plate.
Throughout the scriptures, we are informed of doctrine. Indeed, it was the doctrine that Jesus taught that caused the people to marvel. "And they were astonished at His doctrine for His Word was with power." (Luke 4:32) "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Matthew 7:28-29) Even the officers answered -- "Never man spake like this man." (John 7:46)
We see an example of this in the scriptures. Therein, the Pharisees were accusing Jesus (who was in the treasury, teaching in the temple at the time) -- that His record was void of truth. (John 8:1-18) These asked Jesus, "Where is Thy Father?" Jesus answered them, saying, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19)
In another place, Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) And similarly to Philip when he asked Jesus to shew us the Father and it will suffice, Jesus said, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast Thou not know Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:6-12)
But in the temple, Jesus does not stop there. Jesus continues to tell the Jews that they cannot come "whither I go" because "ye are from beneath; I am from above; ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I AM [He], ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:20-26) Of course, these understood not that He spake to them of the Father, their hearts being hardened, and not ready to "gladly" receive the Word, as the first 3,000 souls did on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47)
Even though these claimed that Abraham was their father, Jesus had to remind them that "if ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But [instead], now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. ye do the deeds of your father!" (John 8:39-41)
Why? Because, as Jesus points out, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? [even] because ye cannot hear My Word." (John 8:42-43)
But there is an interesting scriptural passage established within this dialogue that is worth noting separately from the passage. That is, when Jesus said unto them, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM [He], and [that] I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." It is no wonder that as Jesus spake these words, many believed on Him. But I digress.
Do you remember, when Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus, He said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee; we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness." Jesus continues in that dialogue to say, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:11, 14-15)
Believes in who? Believes in Him -- the Son of man who is still Lord of the sabbath.
In and of itself, this response should have pricked Nicodemus in his heart seeing that he was "a master of Israel" and should have known these things from the scriptures. (John 3:10) For example, when God said unto Moses, "I AM That I AM" clarifying to Moses -- "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent Me unto you," Nicodemus should have understood that Jesus was the great I AM from afore -- and now God manifest in the flesh. (Exodus 3:14; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6)
For those who may not know, I AM is one of the many names God used throughout the old testament. And here is Jesus saying again to the Jews and Pharisees, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM [He]."
But why did Jesus have to shed His precious holy blood on the cross, before the Jews would believe in Him? Because these were not willing to "continue in My Word" -- as Jesus said. These would not submit their hearts to another king, even though Jesus was the King of kings, and Lord of lords. And so these desired in their hearts to kill Jesus.
Still, some Jews did believe on Him, to which Jesus said, "If ye continue in my Word, then are ye My disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:28-32)
Similar to the time when the Lord Jesus walked physically on this earth, the stumbling block today is believing that this same Jesus "whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) Instead of continuing "in My Word" we let the modern day religious culture decide who Jesus was, without searching the scriptures ourselves for His truth.
In that context, these point to the voice from heaven, the voice that was heard at Jesus' baptism, and again at Bethsaida of Galilee, as being that of another. These do not desire to hear or worship "Him!"
Still, what did Jesus say, when He prayed, "Father, glorify Thy Name" and a voice from heaven said, "I have both glorified [it] and will glorify [it] again"? Jesus told the people that stood by and heard -- "This voice came not because of Me but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out and I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto Me." (John 12:28- 32)
You see, the voice out of the cloud was saying to them, and us, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I AM well pleased; HEAR YE HIM!" (Matthew 17:5)
But they would not come unto Jesus that these might have life. Indeed, as Jesus said, "Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape." (John 5:37; Matthew 3:17; I John 4:12)
More to the point, Jesus said, "And ye have not His Word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life." (John 5:39-40)
"Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" The greatest love story ever told to mankind. That the same God who made the world and everything in it, loved us enough to freely give to us His gift of salvation at an untold cost to His humanity. For He was bruised for our iniquities. He bore our sorrows so that we can have abundant life in Him. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)
This is the reason why those who believe in Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords, and desire His Word comes an assurance -- that "hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit, and we have seen and testify that Jesus is the Son of God - God dwells in Him and He in God, and we have known and believed the love that God hath to us; God is love: and He that dwells in love dwells in God and God in Him ..." (I John 4:10-17)
All this He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures, "concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness; by the resurrection from the dead; by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations -- For HIS NAME! Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1-6)
Search the scriptures for truth. Know that the Son of man did ascend up where He was before. And that, as Jesus said, "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. (John 6:60-64)
Therefore, hold fast the faithful Word as ye have been taught, that ye may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:9) Likewise speak the things which become sound doctrine, preaching the Word, being instant in season; out of season; reprove; rebuke; exhort with all long suffering and patience. (Titus 2:1; II Timothy 4:2-4)
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
This Is The True God And Eternal Life; His Name Shall Endure Forever; His Name Shall Be Continued As Long As the Sun, and [Men] Shall Be Blessed In Him- Part 1710
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; for the life was manifested, and we have seen it. and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us ..." (I John 1:1-2)
"[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory ..." (Colossians 1:26-27)
"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began ..." (Romans 16:25)
Line upon line, precept upon precept does our learning come from the scriptures. Like a puzzle, we desire to understand the He in which we worship.
Still, at this point, and before moving forward, I feel it is important to interject the simplicity of the good news gospel message of Jesus Christ, so as to not lose anyone who may be less acquainted with the scriptures and finding this teaching a tough read.
Jesus said specifically unto you, and to your children, and to all those who may be afar off -- "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; Acts 2:36-47)
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise ..." (Ephesians 1:13)
The scriptures oft speak of a "mystery" that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. In recent days, I have heard all sorts of commentary considering this mystery, but most of these opinions -- sadly -- emanating from supposition rather than the instructive Word of God. This is disappointing given that we have His Word both "with us" and "in us" so that we -- as believers in Jesus Christ by faith and who have been water baptized in His precious Name according to Acts 2:36-38 -- would not be led astray. Indeed, the Lord instructs us to test the spirits to ensure that we are not misled from the Word that is truth -- the same Word which sanctifies us when we worship Him. (John 17:17)
At one point, Jesus responds to His disciples, saying, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore, speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand." (Matthew 13:11-13)
On that note, let's examine the scriptures in depth so that we can understand from scripture that Jesus the Christ is both the mighty God and the everlasting Father, both Lord and God, both Lord and Christ, and as well, the eternally blessed God who loved us enough to become the perfect sacrifice. (Isaiah 9:6; John 20:28; Acts 2:36; Romans 9:5)
All the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) "But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:7) "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
"And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16) After His kindness and love, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)
And, as a consequence of our obtaining we adamantly pursue this precious faith -- because of the righteousness and mercy and grace of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:1) Our salvation did not come about because of our works but because of the price He paid on the cross, shedding His precious blood so that we might be saved. This is why we look for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that we might be redeemed as His chosen, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:13-14)
But clearly I am getting ahead of myself. To understand the "doctrine of Christ" we need to search the scriptures for truth, as a workman does in his/her workplace. (Hebrews 6:1-2; II John 1:9; II Timothy 2:15) It is from this place of a "seeking heart" that the Lord reveals His truth -- the mystery that was hidden from the world -- to His beloved.
"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began ..." (Romans 16:25)
It is herein that some are confused, because like satan, these have been led to believe by the institutions and religious constructs of this day that Jesus was only the/a "Son of God!" Or, if you adhere to the trinity/triune god theory, Jesus is 1/3 of God and therefore, somehow must be lesser than Almighty God -- since He was the 1/3 part of God chosen to become the sacrifice on the cross. It is no wonder Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I AM?"
As an aside, for those who may adhere to the false trinity teaching (and may be hearing the truth of the good news gospel message for the first time) let me ask you this. Would it be in good character for God Almighty who created all things to send another -- in this case, His son -- to pay the ultimate price of salvation for you and I? Would this be the loving God to which we should desire to attach ourselves, if He had willingly sent another to shed His blood for you and I?
Of course not! In our hearts, we would know this act to be anything but love. But satan does not know love. Neither does the devil understand the breadth and depth of love that the Lord God exhibits to those beloved, in whom He cherished when He created them/us in His own image. Thus, when satan heard the voice at Jesus' baptism by John the baptizer in the river Jordan, that stated, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," satan accepted the statement as truth. And this -- sadly -- is what is happening within the religious culture today.
Of course not! In our hearts, we would know this act to be anything but love. But satan does not know love. Neither does the devil understand the breadth and depth of love that the Lord God exhibits to those beloved, in whom He cherished when He created them/us in His own image. Thus, when satan heard the voice at Jesus' baptism by John the baptizer in the river Jordan, that stated, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," satan accepted the statement as truth. And this -- sadly -- is what is happening within the religious culture today.
Thankfully, we have the living Word within and the written Word available to keep us on track. And we know that the Spirit and the Word must agree for God is not the Author of confusion. Therefore, in that context, we know that there is one true God who manifests Himself in the Son. Jesus is the visible image of an invisible God. (Hebrews 1:1-13) The Son being both God and man -- Jesus in His humanity because He was born of a woman, and divinity because the Holy Ghost overshadowed that woman so that she could bring forth that "holy thing" that was within her womb. (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35)
"And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His Name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David." (Luke 1:32)
"For He shall save His people from their sins -- Emmaneul, being interpreted, God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)
Simeon, having had revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 1:25-34)
Simeon, having had revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 1:25-34)
But herein, and through the genealogies recorded in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 we begin to see that Jesus ancestry (at least the seed passing through humanity) came from David. This is why (in part) Jesus was the fulfillment of God's promise to David that He would set One on His throne who was the fruit of David's body.
"I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn unto David My servant. Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations ... Once have I sworn by My holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me. It shall be established forever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven."" (Psalm 89:3-4; 35-37; Luke 1:33; Psalm 72:17)
"For Thy servant David's sake, turn not away the face of Thine anointed. The Lord hath sworn [in] truth unto David; He will not turn from it; "Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep My covenant and My testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon Thy throne evermore. For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired [it] for His habitation. This is My rest for ever; here will I dwell; for I have desired it." (Psalm 132:10-14; Psalm 110:4; II Samuel 7:12)
Note that David spoke afore concerning Him, which was later confirmed by Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) -- "I foresaw the Lord always before My face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore, did My heart rejoice, and My tongue was glad; moreover also My flesh shall rest in hope: because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to Me the ways of life; Thou shalt make Me full of joy with Thy countenance."
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear ,,,
"For David is not ascended into the heavens: but He saith Himself, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand until I make Thy foes Thy footstool." Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that SAME JESUS, whom ye have crucified, BOTH LORD AND CHRIST." (Acts 2:25-36; Acts 13:22-37)
As Jesus had said previously to the scribes and Pharisees, "For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day!" (Matthew 12:8) The One greater than the temple that was in the midst and yet these did not know Him -- the Kingdom of God that had drawn nigh! (Matthew 12:6; Matthew 3:2) The SAME Lord who came forth as a mighty man to redeem those who believe in Him. (Isaiah 42:13; John 14:6-12)
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear ,,,
"For David is not ascended into the heavens: but He saith Himself, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand until I make Thy foes Thy footstool." Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that SAME JESUS, whom ye have crucified, BOTH LORD AND CHRIST." (Acts 2:25-36; Acts 13:22-37)
As Jesus had said previously to the scribes and Pharisees, "For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day!" (Matthew 12:8) The One greater than the temple that was in the midst and yet these did not know Him -- the Kingdom of God that had drawn nigh! (Matthew 12:6; Matthew 3:2) The SAME Lord who came forth as a mighty man to redeem those who believe in Him. (Isaiah 42:13; John 14:6-12)
"Which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His Name!" (Romans 1:1-5)
Line upon line, precept upon precept does our learning come from the scriptures. Like a puzzle, we desire to understand the He in which we worship.
Still, at this point, and before moving forward, I feel it is important to interject the simplicity of the good news gospel message of Jesus Christ, so as to not lose anyone who may be less acquainted with the scriptures and finding this teaching a tough read.
Jesus said specifically unto you, and to your children, and to all those who may be afar off -- "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; Acts 2:36-47)
The ONLY NAME in this current dispensation of grace whereby we MUST be saved! (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9) Jesus the promised/prophesied seed -- "for the promise, that He should be the heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect, because the law worketh to wrath, for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore, it is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all ... who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken -- "So shall thy seed be." (Romans 4:13-18; Galatians 3:18; Romans 3:20-24; Romans 9:26; Genesis 17:4-6; Genesis 22:17)
" ... and to Thy seed, which is Christ, and this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect ..." (Galatians 3:16-17; I Corinthians 12:12; Genesis 22:18; Genesis 12:3,7; Exodus 12:40)
God was manifest in the flesh, made a little lower than the angels and yet crowned with glory and honour. As the scriptures declare, to be made a little lower than the angels. Still, Thou has "set Him over the works of Thy hands." This is why we see Jesus "who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Psalm 8:4-5; Hebrews 2:7-9)
But not from the priesthood of the religious/Jewish/tribe of Levi system(s), but instead He took on the seed of Abraham. "Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." (Hebrews 2:10-12, 14-17)
"For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren ... for as much as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy Him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver them who through fear of death were all lifetime subject to bondage; for verily He took not on Him the nature of angels but He took on Him the seed of Abraham ..." (Hebrews 2:10-18; Colossians 1:15-16; Hebrews 5:7-9; Hebrews 10:10; Acts 17:26; Matthew 28:10; Psalm 22:22; Luke 1:74; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 4:15-16; Hebrews 5:1-10)
This provides some insight into why the high priesthood of Jesus depended on Him being made like us in all things human, and after the order of Melchizedek. "Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared ..." (Hebrews 5:7) The prayers from the humanity of Jesus were heard, and consequently, we can have assurance that there is no infirmity known to man that God has not already been touched by. But we do have to respond with a heart willingness to His invitation to come unto Him, searching for ourselves the scriptures for His truth and knowledge and wisdom.
And, as we see in the scriptures, "He of whom things are spoken pertained to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there arises another priest, who is made -- NOT AFTER THE LAW OF A CARNAL COMMANDMENT, BUT AFTER THE POWER OF AN ENDLESS LIFE, for He testifieth, "THOU ART A PRIEST FOR EVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC." (Hebrews 7:13-17; Genesis 48:8-10; Isaiah 1:1; 11:1; Matthew 1:2; Psalm 110:4)
Jesus therefore did not come from the priesthood under the law of Moses, because even though He was born during a time when the Law prevailed, He would not have qualified -- because those priests that served had to be from the tribe of Levi. But as we know from the scriptures, Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. His priesthood was after the order of Melchizedec and not Levitical.
Note too that in order to be a priest, God had to cloth Himself in sin-prone flesh, in the robe of humanity (and yet without sin) and in so doing, because of His shedding of blood on the cross, the vail which hid the glory of God from His creation was ripped in twain, from heaven to earth. Yes, in offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, the Lord God fulfilled the promise to the serpent in Genesis 3:14-15.
That is, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15) Ironically, satan did not see it coming because he still understood Jesus to be the Son of God, and not God Himself as a son, robed in human flesh so that we could behold His glory -- He that dwelt among us and desired to bring His beloved back to Him.
In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS!
And as Jesus said to His disciples before He was taken up, "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 24:44) And then opened He [Jesus] their understanding that they might understand the scriptures, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations! (Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:2-3)
And they worshiped Him -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.
Let those with ears to hear, hear, and eyes to see, see and understand the "mystery" that was hid from the foundation and from those who do not desire the One and Only absolute in their hearts. The One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism that is the foundation of our faith, with Jesus Christ the chief cornerstone and Head of the body of Christ church.
Admittedly, while this teaching may be difficult to follow (at least initially and/or for new believers who are still learning how to discern the scriptures) I fully encourage you to continue willingly and with earnest to press into His Word -- both the living Word that dwells within -- the Lord Jesus -- and the written Word wherein our standing in Christ Jesus has been confirmed forevermore. He has so much more for those who seek to know Him, desiring His love that surpasses all human understanding -- with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)
Indeed, we can rejoice because of the kindness and love of God our Saviour! (Titus 3:4-7)
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
For The Life Was Manifested, And We Have Seen And Bear Witness And Show Unto You That Eternal Life Which Was With The Father Was Manifested Unto Us - Part 1709
"Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loves Him that begat loves Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His commandments are not grievous, For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, [even] our faith." (I John 5:1-4)
Herein, we begin to gain insight into our fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ -- through the Holy Ghost, which we receive as a gift when we repent, and are water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
But also within I John, there is a particular scripture that many say is contested (which may explain why I do not cite this scripture as often as perhaps I should. Nevertheless, in terms of understanding the doctrine of Christ, I John 5:7 has merit because it gives us insight into the Godhead. That is, God is One and that this One God willingly became our Saviour. The scripture?
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." (1 John 5:7)
But in order to realize what is being said here, we need to know that God is not the Author of confusion. Scripture compliments other scripture within the Word of God so it is most helpful to compare and link scriptural passages within the Word with one another -- for purposes of clarity. And to do so in much the same way that we would study passages within a text book for an exam. When we study the scriptures with an honest heart, we learn that there are no contradictions, because the Word of God is infallible.
But in order to realize what is being said here, we need to know that God is not the Author of confusion. Scripture compliments other scripture within the Word of God so it is most helpful to compare and link scriptural passages within the Word with one another -- for purposes of clarity. And to do so in much the same way that we would study passages within a text book for an exam. When we study the scriptures with an honest heart, we learn that there are no contradictions, because the Word of God is infallible.
As we know from Acts 1:2-3, until the day that He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. When we read His Word, we are truly peering into and seeing, reading, comprehending, and absorbing basic truths from the mind of God to us -- the Word is inseparable from God Himself.
Why? Because He is the Word! The Word that was with God and was God was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14) And His Word is holy. The Word being God Himself. And His truths have been hidden within the pages of the scriptures which is why we should receive the Word with all readiness of mind, searching the scriptures daily, and verifying that these things are so -- rightly dividing the Word. (Acts 17:11; II Timothy 2:15)
Getting back to the original point of this post, John 5:7 has often been used to support the false religious teaching of the trinity, which presents God as three distinct persons instead of One God -- the same Lord who came forth as a mighty man to bring us salvation. (Isaiah 42:13) These ignore that the first commandment states -- "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) These ignore that the life was manifested and that the apostles who have seen Him and can testify of His goodness have now left their witness -- the written Word to show us eternal life. (Acts 17:11)
However, in examining I John 5:7, these teachers of a tri-une god have failed to compare scripture with other scripture. For example, note in 1 John 5:7 that the word "Son" is not cited, but rather the "Word." Also, at the end of this verse, the scripture clearly states that the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost -- "these three ARE ONE" -- and NOT that these three are as one. There is a significant difference between the two with the latter relying on added words to support a doctrine, rather than letting the Word guide and instruct.
To that end, we see this scripture simply describing what the only one God is -- His nature. Therefore, what is being said herein is that He is Father and He is Spirit! The Word is simply the mind of that one true God, even though one could also say that the Word is inseparable from God.
God is Father. He is Word. He is Holy Ghost (Spirit). The same writer of 1 John 5:7, stated in John 1:1..."In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The Word is God Himself! The Sonship was in the mind of God as part and parcel to a future event -- in the fullness of times and at (as the scriptures state) the appointed time.
Thus, "the Father, Word, and Holy Ghost are referring to the one indivisible Spirit in heaven: that same Spirit who moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis 1:2. The same Spirit which was "Father in creation." The coming Sonship (Word) existed in the mind of God which later was expressed in a wonderful manifestation of a human being." (Isaiah 42:13; I Timothy 3:16)
Thus, "the Father, Word, and Holy Ghost are referring to the one indivisible Spirit in heaven: that same Spirit who moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis 1:2. The same Spirit which was "Father in creation." The coming Sonship (Word) existed in the mind of God which later was expressed in a wonderful manifestation of a human being." (Isaiah 42:13; I Timothy 3:16)
"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son; he that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the "Name of the Son of God" that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the "Name of the Son of God." And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us, and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." (I John 5:10-15; Romans 8:16; John 3:15, 18, 33, 36; John 6:47; John 17:2-3; I John 2:28; I John 3:21-22)
And yes, He is the very same Spirit working in the hearts of mankind today, inviting us to the most elaborate wedding feast ever to be had. Not with a three headed bridegroom but as One God who loved us enough to become our Saviour -- which explains why "these three are ONE!" Let those with ears to hear, hear.
Stand in the offering plate.
* Many of the scriptural references and understanding for this blog were already written by Scott Criss. Please note that I have made edits for purposes of clarity, but I hope in so doing that the context of the original (much longer) post was captured. Blessings in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
And Ye Shall Know The Truth And The Truth Shall Make You Free - Part 1708
While the Jews sought all the more to kill Jesus, because in their mind He had not only broken the sabbath but said also that God was His Father -- making Himself equal with God --Jesus is telling them (and us by extension) to "search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39) Note that Jesus does not stop there in this situation. Jesus continues by saying, "And/[but] ye will not come to Me that ye might have life!" (John 5:40)
You see salvation and life can only be obtained through the Lord Jesus -- the Christ. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. In fact, Jesus said as much when He said to His disciples, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
In another place, Jesus said He was the door -- "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture ..." (John 10:7-10)
And that He Jesus is the Good Shepherd -- "I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd gives this life for the sheep!" (John 10:11, 14)
In fact, there is only one door into the sheepfold -- through this same Jesus whom ye have crucified -- this same Jesus who is BOTH Lord and Christ! How do we know? Because after His kindness and love, God willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) He paid the ultimate price. Indeed, He took on sin-prone flesh (yet He was without sin) so that He could become the perfect sacrifice on the cross for you and I -- "according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him." (Ephesians 3:11-12)
"According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence -- having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself; that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, [even] in Him; in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things ... after the counsel of His own will!" (Ephesians 1:4-14)
This is why we are instructed to let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; "who, being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, wherefore God also hath exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name" -- the Name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:5-11)
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth ... For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:3-6; Romans 12:2; II Timothy 1:9; John 17:3; Galatians 3:2; Hebrews 9:15; Mark 10:45)
"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) Nevertheless, His love for His beloved creation dictated that He would become our Saviour. In fact, He became the greatest love story ever told! But why did salvation require a "perfect"sacrifice? We see that understanding revealed in the book of Hebrews:
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption, of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood ..." (Hebrews 8:13-18)
His last will and testament so that we can receive His inheritance -- "Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles [you and I] should be fellow heirs, and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel ..." (Ephesians 3:3-6)
And because of His sacrifice, in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace ,,, for through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father! (Ephesians 2:18)
How do we know this to be true? Because we search the scriptures knowing that in them is eternal life ... for as Jesus said -- the scriptures "are they which testify of Me." Stand in the offering plate.
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread -- "Hear Ye Him" - Part 1707
"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)
In example after example in the scriptures, we see that the "Name of JESUS" is the offence -- the dividing line that ultimately reveals/discerns peoples' heart motives -- whether one chooses to accept JESUS as their personal Saviour -- as King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last in their very being -- OR, conversely, instead rejecting Jesus -- and as a consequence, inherently rejecting the counsel of God against themselves. (Luke 7:29-30; Revelation 1:8,11; Acts 2:36-38)
Certainly, we know from His Word that the apostles were continually forbidden to preach in the Name of JESUS. Sadly, in today's society too, some have gone to great lengths to suggest that water baptism is no longer necessary -- simply because they personally cannot reconcile that in the scriptures, every single person water baptized (after the cross) were baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)
Certainly, we know from His Word that the apostles were continually forbidden to preach in the Name of JESUS. Sadly, in today's society too, some have gone to great lengths to suggest that water baptism is no longer necessary -- simply because they personally cannot reconcile that in the scriptures, every single person water baptized (after the cross) were baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)
Still, the scriptures are clear. Jesus is the Word made flesh, who dwelt among us and we are to behold His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father; full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-18) He is the promised "Christ of God" that was prophesied throughout history and in the writings of the prophets of old. (Luke 9: 20) He is revealed in the scriptures as the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father until the fullness of times. "And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:16-17)
Moreover, from the scriptures we learn that the Word was with God and the Word was God: all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. For by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth. (John 1:1-14) He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. Not another but the ONE and SAME God upholding all things by the Word of His power.
The SAME God who was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) He told us of this time to come -- "I even I am the Lord, and beside Me, there is no Saviour; and thou shalt know no God but Me, for there is no Saviour besides Me."
" ... the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His Grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)
And, although no man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared [it]. (John 1:18)
From the scriptures, we see that Mary (the mother of Jesus) took hold of these truths when she told Elisabeth her cousin -- "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47) The wise men stopped whatever they were doing at the time to seek Jesus so that these could worship their Saviour. And long suffering Simeon also waited for the consolation of Israel, having the good news revealed by the Holy Ghost -- that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Joseph was told by the angel of the Lord -- "she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted -- God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)
In fact, His true identity was/is never hidden from those who seek to know Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Those who study the scriptures for truth -- to shew themselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, and as Jesus said, are sanctified through Thy truth -- "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
But if the numerous witnesses that testified of their own encounters in the Bible are still insufficient, know that the Lord Himself gave you/us a sign. That is, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His Name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31-35; John 1:45; Revelation 12:5; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13) "For God is with us ... " (Isaiah 8:10)
Yes, Jesus Is Our Rock forevermore. Stand in the offering plate
Moreover, from the scriptures we learn that the Word was with God and the Word was God: all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. For by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth. (John 1:1-14) He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. Not another but the ONE and SAME God upholding all things by the Word of His power.
The SAME God who was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) He told us of this time to come -- "I even I am the Lord, and beside Me, there is no Saviour; and thou shalt know no God but Me, for there is no Saviour besides Me."
" ... the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His Grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)
And, although no man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared [it]. (John 1:18)
From the scriptures, we see that Mary (the mother of Jesus) took hold of these truths when she told Elisabeth her cousin -- "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47) The wise men stopped whatever they were doing at the time to seek Jesus so that these could worship their Saviour. And long suffering Simeon also waited for the consolation of Israel, having the good news revealed by the Holy Ghost -- that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Joseph was told by the angel of the Lord -- "she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted -- God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)
In fact, His true identity was/is never hidden from those who seek to know Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Those who study the scriptures for truth -- to shew themselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, and as Jesus said, are sanctified through Thy truth -- "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
But if the numerous witnesses that testified of their own encounters in the Bible are still insufficient, know that the Lord Himself gave you/us a sign. That is, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His Name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31-35; John 1:45; Revelation 12:5; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13) "For God is with us ... " (Isaiah 8:10)
Yes, Jesus Is Our Rock forevermore. Stand in the offering plate
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
For The Perfecting of the Saints, For the Work of the Ministry, For the Edifying of the Body of Christ -- Part 1706
Apostle Paul did not mince words when it came to the truth of the gospel. We see an example of this when Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia, asking them whether these received the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing of faith? This is a good question, because there are those who believe that it is the "religious chores" that we do that will save us in the end times. Our good works that the Lord will consider at the time of judgment. But what do the scriptures state?
"The Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster ... for ye are all the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:24-29)
Why is this important? Because the promised Christ prophesied from afore hath now redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written -- "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree." (Galatians 3:13) The Christ of God paid the ultimate price because He shed His precious holy blood for you and I on a cross whilst we were still His enemies.
Further, from the old we know that a purchase had to be made but as the Holy Ghost also signified, entering into the holiest of all could not yet be made manifest as long as the first (old covenant) remained standing. (Hebrews 9:8) Thus, the Lord had to bring forth a "new thing" in this current dispensation of grace. That is, God prepared for Himself a body, having taken on sin-prone flesh and yet without sin, so that we might have salvation. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6)
The dayspring from on high hath visited us. "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
But because He paid the ultimate price on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all, we willingly behold His glory (the only begotten of the Father) who willingly took our transgressions upon Himself. The greatest love story ever told -- behold, the volume of the book is written of Me! And, as a consequence of His love and kindness for His beloved people, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) In so doing, He gave us a new name -- the Name of JESUS -- which is the only Name whereby we must be saved in this current time. (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)
Thus, when we fully understand the doctrine of Christ, we have both the Father and the Son -- the Holy Ghost in our hearts. (II John 1:9; Acts 2:36-47) But I digress.
It is this willingness to return to the Law that is the point being made today, rather than accept God's gift of salvation. So, Paul continues to admonish the Galatians, saying, -- "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if [it be yet] in vain. He therefore that ministered to you in the Spirit, and works miracles among you, [doeth He it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to Him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of the faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:1-8)
But some today have taken Paul's instruction to be contrary to Jesus own words, when Jesus told the Pharisees, "Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, "That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-20)
Why is this important? Because the promised Christ prophesied from afore hath now redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written -- "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree." (Galatians 3:13) The Christ of God paid the ultimate price because He shed His precious holy blood for you and I on a cross whilst we were still His enemies.
Further, from the old we know that a purchase had to be made but as the Holy Ghost also signified, entering into the holiest of all could not yet be made manifest as long as the first (old covenant) remained standing. (Hebrews 9:8) Thus, the Lord had to bring forth a "new thing" in this current dispensation of grace. That is, God prepared for Himself a body, having taken on sin-prone flesh and yet without sin, so that we might have salvation. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6)
The dayspring from on high hath visited us. "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
But because He paid the ultimate price on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all, we willingly behold His glory (the only begotten of the Father) who willingly took our transgressions upon Himself. The greatest love story ever told -- behold, the volume of the book is written of Me! And, as a consequence of His love and kindness for His beloved people, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) In so doing, He gave us a new name -- the Name of JESUS -- which is the only Name whereby we must be saved in this current time. (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)
Thus, when we fully understand the doctrine of Christ, we have both the Father and the Son -- the Holy Ghost in our hearts. (II John 1:9; Acts 2:36-47) But I digress.
It is this willingness to return to the Law that is the point being made today, rather than accept God's gift of salvation. So, Paul continues to admonish the Galatians, saying, -- "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if [it be yet] in vain. He therefore that ministered to you in the Spirit, and works miracles among you, [doeth He it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to Him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of the faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:1-8)
But some today have taken Paul's instruction to be contrary to Jesus own words, when Jesus told the Pharisees, "Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, "That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-20)
The key to understanding is that Jesus came to "fulfill" the Law. He satisfied the Law of the old, and in the new testament, in which He Himself is the mediator, has written His laws on the tablets of our hearts. Jesus through the Holy Ghost giving commandments to the apostles whom He has chosen so that we do not again turn to the weak and beggarly elements, where unto ye desire again to be in bondage. (Acts 1:2; Galatians 4:9)
"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days," saith the LORD, "I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:20, 33)
"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart, and such trust have we through Christ to Godward; not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who hath made us able ..." (II Corinthians 3:1-6)
There is much more to understand from the book of Galatians so please take the time to study Paul's writings here because these are instructive and necessary to fully understand that if "ye be led of the Spirit, ye are NOT under the Law." (Galatians 5:18)
And also, from Paul's similar instruction to the saints and churches in Corinth:
"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious.
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: but their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3:1-18)
We have been set free to stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. So, if our heart and actions [Christian "chores" as some might call them], lead us to believe that it is our righteousness that saves us, then there was no need for a perfect sacrifice. Indeed, "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith." (Galatians 5:4-5)
This is not to suggest that there was no instruction given to the Gentiles, because there were -- but not with an intent to burden us. However, even then, when the doctrines were being established by the apostles and elders of the church, it was no easy feat. Herein, the example from Acts 15 wherein certain men came down from Judaea to teach the brethren.
"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days," saith the LORD, "I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:20, 33)
"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart, and such trust have we through Christ to Godward; not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who hath made us able ..." (II Corinthians 3:1-6)
There is much more to understand from the book of Galatians so please take the time to study Paul's writings here because these are instructive and necessary to fully understand that if "ye be led of the Spirit, ye are NOT under the Law." (Galatians 5:18)
And also, from Paul's similar instruction to the saints and churches in Corinth:
"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious.
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: but their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3:1-18)
We have been set free to stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. So, if our heart and actions [Christian "chores" as some might call them], lead us to believe that it is our righteousness that saves us, then there was no need for a perfect sacrifice. Indeed, "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith." (Galatians 5:4-5)
This is not to suggest that there was no instruction given to the Gentiles, because there were -- but not with an intent to burden us. However, even then, when the doctrines were being established by the apostles and elders of the church, it was no easy feat. Herein, the example from Acts 15 wherein certain men came down from Judaea to teach the brethren.
These said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go to Jerusalem (unto the apostles and elders) about this question. (Acts 15:1-4)
And being brought on their way by the church they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, causing great joy unto all the brethren. When they got to Jerusalem, these declared all the things which God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, "That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." This led to the apostles and elders coming together to consider the matter.
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made a choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the gospel and believe, and God which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us -- and put no difference between us and and them, purifying their hearts by faith ..." (Acts 15:7-9)
But Peter did not stop there. He continues, saying, "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul who declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles, by them.
When the two were finished, Jame spoke and said, "Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His Name, and to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up; that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My Name is called," saith the Lord, "who doeth all things." Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world, wherefore, my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from the Gentiles are turned to God; but that we write unto them -- that they abstain from pollutions 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 15:13-21; Amos 9:11-12; Acts 15:28; Acts 21:25; I Thessalonians 1:9; I Corinthians 8:1; I Corinthians 10:20, 28; Leviticus 3:17; Acts 13:15, 27)
Indeed, the message was so confirmed that the apostles and elders and the whole church (pleased with the decision) wrote letters by them after this manner. Judas and Silas were also sent to tell the same things by mouth -- "for it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things -- that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well." (Acts 15:22-29) Those that heard the epistle rejoiced for the consolation.
Perhaps, we also who believe in Jesus by faith, and have repented and water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- should equally be rejoicing for the consolation that we are saved by grace, and that not of ourselves -- it is the gift of God! (Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21-22)
In closing, know that we are to "praise God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly in Christ -- according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved ... in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ..." (Ephesians 1:1-7)
Stand in the offering plate.
And being brought on their way by the church they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, causing great joy unto all the brethren. When they got to Jerusalem, these declared all the things which God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, "That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." This led to the apostles and elders coming together to consider the matter.
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made a choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the gospel and believe, and God which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us -- and put no difference between us and and them, purifying their hearts by faith ..." (Acts 15:7-9)
But Peter did not stop there. He continues, saying, "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul who declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles, by them.
When the two were finished, Jame spoke and said, "Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His Name, and to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up; that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My Name is called," saith the Lord, "who doeth all things." Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world, wherefore, my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from the Gentiles are turned to God; but that we write unto them -- that they abstain from pollutions 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 15:13-21; Amos 9:11-12; Acts 15:28; Acts 21:25; I Thessalonians 1:9; I Corinthians 8:1; I Corinthians 10:20, 28; Leviticus 3:17; Acts 13:15, 27)
Indeed, the message was so confirmed that the apostles and elders and the whole church (pleased with the decision) wrote letters by them after this manner. Judas and Silas were also sent to tell the same things by mouth -- "for it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things -- that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well." (Acts 15:22-29) Those that heard the epistle rejoiced for the consolation.
Perhaps, we also who believe in Jesus by faith, and have repented and water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- should equally be rejoicing for the consolation that we are saved by grace, and that not of ourselves -- it is the gift of God! (Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21-22)
In closing, know that we are to "praise God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly in Christ -- according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved ... in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ..." (Ephesians 1:1-7)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Grow In Grace and In the Knowledge Of Our Lord And Saviour Jesus Christ: To Him Be The Glory Both Now And Forever - Part 1705
Many argue that with so many different religious persuasions in the world today, and a strong "traditions of men" culture displayed in our churches/temples/mosques, believers in Jesus Christ by faith could not reach a place of one accord as displayed on the day of Pentecost. For those who do not know, three thousand souls gathered together when the day of Pentecost was fully come, wherein Peter (standing with the eleven) told them that Jesus was both Lord and Christ. This led to their hearts being pricked. When these asked the apostles what they must do to be saved, Peter told them to repent, and be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and these would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ being an answer of a good conscience toward God. (I Peter 3:21-22) This teaching in the first two chapters of Acts providing a good doctrinal foundation for body of Christ believers, who understand Jesus the Christ to be the Rock -- the same Rock which was Christ who parted the Red Sea for the Israelites. (Acts 2:36-39; I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 10:1-4; Hebrews 6:1-2)
But I digress. Why do I believe that one accord can again be achieved? For two reasons. First, I believe there is a promise from the Lord Jesus in Revelation 3:8-9 that has not yet been realized. And also, because the new testament church began on the day of Pentecost, after the Lord Himself paid the ultimate price for our redemption.
"Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22; Acts 1:2-3)
This is critical because without the shedding of blood, there could be no last will and testament.
"The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing, which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him that do the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience ..." (Hebrews 9:8-9)
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, He purchased us with His shed blood on a cross, so that we might be saved. Our sins forgiven by His own blood He entered in once and for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:11-14)
Therefore, our wisdom and knowledge and understanding of the perfect sacrifice cannot be found in the world, but instead from the Lord God Almighty who loved us enough to take on sin prone flesh and become as one of us -- so that we could behold His glory. We need to understand that for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15-19)
Indeed, "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) God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
The good news being that Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time, without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)
In other words, this whole world (and you and I as well) were created for His good pleasure! But our redemption becomes evident only when we realize that it was because of His love and kindness that God became our Saviour. We could do nothing in and of ourselves. We cannot be righteous of our own doing, but what we can do is be clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus.
The veil that hid God from us was ripped in two -- from top to bottom, heaven to earth so that His love would be clearly evident for all the world to see. Yes, He obtained eternal redemption for us. He paid the price with His life, being slain while we were still His enemies. Still, we need to respond to His love. We need to accept His invitation of love in our hearts.
This is why He took away the first [the old covenant] that He Himself may establish the second [testament], by the which we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. And, consequently, we are invited to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus -- by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us; through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
The Lord has done in this current dispensation of grace a new thing. The dayspring from on high has visited His people.
Therefore, take hold of the only message that will give you peace and joy in your soul. And as members of the body of Christ, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful that promised;) and able to bring those who worship Jesus as both Lord and Christ into one accord.
Indeed, believe in the Lord Jesus to the saving of the soul. Press toward the mark that is eternal, filling your lamps with oil. Pray without ceasing; rejoice evermore. And, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless .... and account the long suffering of our Lord salvation.
Stand in the offering plate.
Water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ being an answer of a good conscience toward God. (I Peter 3:21-22) This teaching in the first two chapters of Acts providing a good doctrinal foundation for body of Christ believers, who understand Jesus the Christ to be the Rock -- the same Rock which was Christ who parted the Red Sea for the Israelites. (Acts 2:36-39; I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 10:1-4; Hebrews 6:1-2)
But I digress. Why do I believe that one accord can again be achieved? For two reasons. First, I believe there is a promise from the Lord Jesus in Revelation 3:8-9 that has not yet been realized. And also, because the new testament church began on the day of Pentecost, after the Lord Himself paid the ultimate price for our redemption.
"Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22; Acts 1:2-3)
This is critical because without the shedding of blood, there could be no last will and testament.
"The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing, which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him that do the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience ..." (Hebrews 9:8-9)
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, He purchased us with His shed blood on a cross, so that we might be saved. Our sins forgiven by His own blood He entered in once and for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:11-14)
Therefore, our wisdom and knowledge and understanding of the perfect sacrifice cannot be found in the world, but instead from the Lord God Almighty who loved us enough to take on sin prone flesh and become as one of us -- so that we could behold His glory. We need to understand that for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15-19)
Indeed, "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) God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
The good news being that Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time, without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)
In other words, this whole world (and you and I as well) were created for His good pleasure! But our redemption becomes evident only when we realize that it was because of His love and kindness that God became our Saviour. We could do nothing in and of ourselves. We cannot be righteous of our own doing, but what we can do is be clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus.
The veil that hid God from us was ripped in two -- from top to bottom, heaven to earth so that His love would be clearly evident for all the world to see. Yes, He obtained eternal redemption for us. He paid the price with His life, being slain while we were still His enemies. Still, we need to respond to His love. We need to accept His invitation of love in our hearts.
This is why He took away the first [the old covenant] that He Himself may establish the second [testament], by the which we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. And, consequently, we are invited to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus -- by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us; through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
The Lord has done in this current dispensation of grace a new thing. The dayspring from on high has visited His people.
Therefore, take hold of the only message that will give you peace and joy in your soul. And as members of the body of Christ, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful that promised;) and able to bring those who worship Jesus as both Lord and Christ into one accord.
Indeed, believe in the Lord Jesus to the saving of the soul. Press toward the mark that is eternal, filling your lamps with oil. Pray without ceasing; rejoice evermore. And, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless .... and account the long suffering of our Lord salvation.
Stand in the offering plate.
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