Who Is This? Mine Own Arm Brought Salvation Unto Me - Part 1742

Jesus said, "And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." (Revelation 22:12) 

Jesus said, "I am ALPHA and OMEGA, the BEGINNING and the ENDING, the FIRST and the LAST." (Revelation 1:8, 11; Revelation 21:6) 

Indeed, Jesus said, "I, JESUS, have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches -- I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let him that hears say, "Come." And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:16-17)

He which testifies these things saith, "SURELY I COME QUICKLY. Amen." Even so, come Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)

This is the same JESUS whom Peter standing with the eleven declared "both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36-38) The same JESUS who was prophesied to come by the prophets afore -- God in Christ! The Lord coming forth as a mighty man, for the world to behold! "Hear ye Him!" (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) Indeed, throughout the old and the new, "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me." 

Not another G/god, or a God split into thirds as the traditions of men would have you believe, but rather the One and Same God who created man in the beginning was manifest in the flesh for you and I. He robed Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet was without sin) so that we -- His beloved creation -- might experience the life He intended for each and every one of us from the beginning, when He wrote His purpose in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb. All the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) 

Yes, God Himself -- His Word -- His right arm coming forth as a mighty man became our Saviour on that old rugged cross. He is our holy Redeemer, the Lord God who swore by His right hand and by the arm of His strength to bring us salvation for all the world to behold. (Isaiah 62:8)

Therefore, lift up the standard for the people who are lost and have never been told of His mercy. Proclaim to one and all the habitation of Thy holiness and of Thy glory. Acknowledge that "Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer; Thy Name is from everlasting!" (Isaiah 63:16) And that He alone is worthy of our praise!

Indeed, tell the world about the God you know, and how He never never fails those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. How His love and kindness for His people has (until now) been misrepresented to the world. And that, behold, the Lord hath proclaimed His kindness and grace unto the end of the world, in that He -- God willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) 

"Behold, Thy salvation comes; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. And they shall call them -- "the holy people" -- the redeemed of the Lord; and thou shalt be called -- sought out." (Isaiah 62:11-12; Matthew 21:5; John 12:15; Revelation 22:12; Zechariah 9:9)

His people shall know His Name, and be known because of His Name! (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Revelation 3:8-9)

"Therefore My people shall know My Name: therefore, they shall know in that day that I am HE that doth speak: behold, it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that saith unto Zion -- "THY GOD REIGNS!" (Isaiah 52:6-7)

In that day, thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:8-10) 

And he that overcomes shall inherit all things; and "I will be his God, and he shall be My people." But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whore mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (Revelation 21:7-8) 

Why? Because each and every one of us have had an opportunity to behold His glory! Therefore, our salvation depends on our own heart response to the Lord God who willingly became our Saviour --Jesus the Christ. Our hearts need to turn to Him who took our place on the cross, shedding His holy blood for our transgressions, repenting, and being water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:36-47) 

Indeed, when the scales fall from our eyes, and we realize that this same Jesus whom we have crucified is both Lord and Christ, we understand how the Lord God has continually pleaded the cause of His people, and wept over you and I as a mother hen does for her chicks, so that we might understand how far He would go to bring us back to Him. 

"Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray: we have turned every one his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted; yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opens not His mouth ... " (Isaiah 52:4-12)

"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour ..." (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

He trod the wine press alone; "and of the people there was none with Me" ... And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore, MINE OWN ARM BROUGHT SALVATION UNTO ME; and MY FURY, IT UPHELD ME." It is for this reason that the Lord saith, "I will tread down the people in Mine anger, and make them drunk in My fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth" because these have chosen instead -- "My Name continually every day is blasphemed." (Isaiah 52:5)

But when we believe that He is indeed the He who loves us beyond measure, whom He has called and ordained, we will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, "according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His loving kindnesses. For He said, "Surely, they are My people, children that will not lie; so He was their Saviour!" (Isaiah 63:1-8 )

"And HE WAS CLOTHED with a VESTURE DIPPED IN BLOOD: and HIS NAME is CALLED THE WORD OF GOD." (Revelation 19:11-16)

The Word that was with God and was God made flesh. (John 1:1-18) The ONE AND ONLY CHRIST JESUS -- "Which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords." (I Timothy 6:15) Today, if ye hear His voice, come! For He is calling His people this day back to Him. 

Indeed, My people shall know My Name! Stand in the offering plate. 

According To The Commandment of God Our Saviour - Part 1741

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery; even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory; which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory ... but God hath revealed [them] unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things; yea, the deep things of God." (I Corinthians 2:7-10)

" ... according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledging of the truth, which is after godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; but hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching ... which is committed unto me [Paul] according to the commandment of God our Saviour." (Titus 1:1-2)

We who are rooted in Christ Jesus by faith and continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine know that His witness is true. (Acts 2:36-47) For the life was manifested, as the apostles have both heard and declared, that we might have fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, under the instruction and guidance of the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter -- wherein, after Jesus was taken up, He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) 

And "whoso keeps His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we are in Him." (I John 2:5) It is in this context that we are sanctified by truth -- for Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17) 

Why is this important? Because these things wrote the apostles unto us, that our joy may be full. (I John 1:4) Indeed, Jesus told His disciples, those who believed on Him and continued in His commandments, "These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:11) But there is more.

To this end, and throughout the new testament, Jesus is revealed unto us as both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) We see this same Jesus -- identified in places as the Son of man -- also identified as the Lord of glory; the Lord of the sabbath. (Matthew 25:31; Mark 2:28) The first Adam earthly, but the second, the Lord from heaven. The only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords. (I Timothy 6:15) The great I AM. (John 8:58) The living God. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-14)

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)

" ... of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14)

This new testament commandment recognized in the scriptures as the doctrine of Christ -- the doctrine of the Lord -- but sadly, rarely spoken of in the modern day traditions of men. (II John 2:9; Hebrews 6:1-2; I Timothy 6:11-12) The doctrine which is according to godliness. (I Timothy 6:3; II Timothy 1:13-14; Titus 1:1-3) The mystery which was held in the bosom of the Father from the foundation of the world, until He said unto Him, "Thou art My Son, today have I begotten Thee!" (Hebrews 5:5; Psalm 2:7; Hebrews 1:5; John 8:54-58) The doctrine of the Lord that left some astonished -- as the scriptures attest. (Acts 13:12)

That is, "without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: that 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) 

"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) 

An extension of the first commandment which states, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord ..." -- to now (in these last times) when this same God, after His love and kindness, willingly became our Saviour, reconciling us unto Himself after His own counsel. (Titus 3:4-7; Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) 

As John wrote in his epistle: "Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the Word which ye have heard from the beginning, A new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you; because the darkness is past, and the true Light now shines." (I John 2:7-8) Who is this Light?

We know from the words Jesus spoke, "I am the Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

And again, Jesus said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." (John 9:5)

"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world ..." (Philippians 2:15)

Yes, the life that was manifested, and witnessed/handled by the apostles is a commandment to be understood -- the Godhead in all fullness for us to behold. One God who suffered from the beginning of time, knowing that He had to become our Saviour. Now we know that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation. for you and I. His precious holy blood having paid the price for our sins. 

"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 3:15-16)

So, again, what is the doctrine of godliness? Clearly stated, "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) 

"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 3:17)

"This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk  in darkness, we lie, and do not know the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (I John 1:7)

This explains why the apostles who walked with Jesus daily could declare (after He was risen from the dead) -- that which was from the very beginning -- because these had heard, and these had seen with their own 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 the Father and was manifested unto us; that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and [with] His Son Jesus Christ." 

This day have I begotten Thee ... so that by Jesus, every man, woman, and child can receive forgiveness of sins, knowing that Jesus indeed was the prophesied Emmanuel of the old testament, which, being interpreted is, "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

And because He decidedly paid the ultimate price on that cross, our hearts desire to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever, amen." (II Peter 3:18)

Stand in the offering plate.

Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord - Part 1740

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

Indeed, whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Whosoever. It is the "whosoever" that we will focus on today. Why? Because it pleased God that by the foolishness of preaching the gospel of His kingdom, people would be saved. Yes, that the simplistic act of preaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ would save us from our sins, so that in turn, their hearts could be filled with His joy and peace.

And thus, our lives singing a song of praise and thankfulness that it was because of "the love and kindness of God our Saviour" -- that we will inherit eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7; Acts 2:36-38; John 3:16; I Timothy 3:16)

Therefore, faith comes by hearing the Word. Faith then is defined in the scriptures as being the substance of things hoped -- the evidence of things not as yet seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Anyone coming to God must first believe that He is and second, that He is a re-rewarder of all persons that diligently seek Him!

This means believing in Him -- the same Jesus who is God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son. Jesus is not separate from the eternal unseen Spirit of God but rather Jesus is the unseen Spirit of God manifest in the flesh. If one had seen Jesus, then they would be looking at the Father appearing as a Son. God has made Himself known to us as a Son. (John 14:6-12; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:1-13)

From the scriptures, we know that God is Spirit. And similarly, God is the Father of all spirits. Further, God is the Seed of All life. In God is life! If you think about it, we are spirits clothed in apparel called flesh. God has hemmed us in with fleshly coverings. Male and female made He them.
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In spirit form, you are invisible. The very seed delivered through your parents was provided of God. You were clothed in a mother's womb. Lo and behold, you who I could not see but now I do see, can be handled. The following analogy might help to clarify this point.

Your father prior to your birth was known as a son. However, with your birth he has now become a father. Prior to the arrival of the baby, your father only spoke as a son. Now your dad speaks both as a son and as a father. You were fathered (seeded) through a son’s body. Your dad still appeared as a son, although now he is also a father, still dwelling in a son's body.

In the heavenly, God Himself appeared as a Son named JESUS. (Matthew 1:21-23) Jesus was the Seed of the humanity of God. Within Jesus' veins flowed the blood of the Holy Ghost. The formed fetus was God (that is why at Calvary, not one bone of His body was broken). It is also why His sinless blood was shed whereas, His body which was sinful flesh, nourished from His prone to sin surrogate mother Mary -- that prone to sin sinful flesh at Calvary was more marred than that any other living person.

"He was wounded for our transgressions ... bruised for our iniquities!"

All of our sin was laid upon that sin prone flesh because of the indwelling Spirit of God. It is important to note that Jesus' flesh (though tempted in all points like as we are) never sinned. He became the perfect sacrifice, and although He suffered from the beginning of the world knowing there could be no other way, He continued forward, so that we -- His beloved creation -- could experience His love and mercy and grace.

Yes, GOD FATHERED IN A SON'S BODY AT CALVARY! Clothed in sin prone flesh, such as we but without sin. He who did no sin took it upon Himself willingly - our sin - so that we might receive His righteousness.

Recognize therefore, that it was GOD who laid down His life as a SON for you and I. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us. As a consequence, there are NO more sacrifices or offering for sin, because there is no sacrifice from the first covenant that would be capable of washing away our sin.

So, regardless of what message the religious culture is declaring these days, know that the Word that was with God and was God was made flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

Indeed, GOD PAID THE PRICE IN FULL, which is why eternal life is a GIFT! He is our Lord God and Saviour -- Jesus the Christ. As Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost so clearly said, "This same JESUS whom ye have crucified -- He is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36)

Let His love embrace you this day. Let faith arise in your heart every day. Stand in the offering plate!

Blessed Are They Which Are Called Unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Jesus Said, “I Am The Bread Of Life!” – Part 1739

“Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house …” (Proverbs 24:27)

“Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great [men]. For better [it is] that it be said unto thee, “Come up hither; than that thou should be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen …” (Proverbs 25:6-7)

And when one of them that sat at meat with Him heard these things, he said unto Jesus, “Blessed [is] he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 14:15; Revelation 19:19)

Jesus said, “I am the Bread of life!”

It is this bread – the nourishment that only comes from our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ – that can fill us with a heart desire to pray Jesus’ model prayer – “Give us this day our daily bread!” It is only this bread – Jesus – that can satisfy our souls so that we can labour into His rest. For Jesus is our sustenance and life. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 19:16; Revelation 1:8, 11)

He is the only One who can satisfy the longings of our heart, because it is He Himself who placed His purpose in our heart whilst we were still in our mother’s womb. And it is because of His love for you and I – His beloved – that we can be thankful knowing that He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood – His Name the Word of God. (Revelation 19:13; Isaiah 63:2-3; John 1:1-4, 10-11, 14)

Therefore, “let us be glad and rejoice and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready, and to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And He saith unto me [John], “Write – blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And He saith unto me, “These are the true sayings of God.” And I fell at His feet to worship Him. And He said unto me, “See [thou do it] not; I am thy fellow servant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God; for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:7-10)

We understand more of the wedding feast in Jesus parable, wherein He likens the Kingdom of heaven unto a certain K/king, which made a marriage for H/his son. (Matthew 22:2) And similarly, the parable of the ten virgins who were ready and prepared for when the Bridegroom came, and went in with Him to the marriage. (Matthew 25:10) 

There is so much more here to learn but let this suffice for this day with more on this message continuing in the posts to follow. For now, meditate on the Word of the Lord. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you so that you too can participate in the most elaborate wedding feast of all time. 

And shout for joy, singing praises unto the Lord ... for the Lord hath chosen and ordained those who believe in Him, and are baptized in His Name to become His chosen people, a royal generation because in our very being we desire to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength for His habitation. (Psalm 132:13)

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105) Eat from the bread of life this day. Stand in the offering plate. 

And That Every Tongue Should Confess That Jesus Christ Is Lord - Part 1738

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty," (II Corinthians 3:17)

"For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer AND the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ ..." (Philippians 1:19)

"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling ..." (Ephesians 4:3-4)

Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20)

"And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ..." (Philippians 2:11)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6) His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS, for He shall save His people from your sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)

Herein, the apostles are revealing the Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- who dwells within the hearts of believers. From Genesis, we know "in the beginning, God!" (Genesis 1:1) We also recognize that the "Spirit of God" moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2) We also recognize from the scriptures that God the Father is Spirit and that in these last times, He spoke to us through [His] Son. (Hebrews 1:1-13)

"God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they ...." (Hebrews 1:1-4)

The apostles fully understood the Godhead when these referred to Jesus after His resurrection. These understood that Jesus was the He -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) The Lord coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) "I, even I, am He that blots out thy transgressions for Mine own sake; and will not remember thy sins." (Isaiah 43:25)

"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4)

"The Lord our righteousness!" (Jeremiah 23:6) He is our Shepherd who hath redeemed us -- "I am the Lord that makes all things, that stretches forth the heavens alone, and spreads abroad the earth of Myself!" (Isaiah 44:22-24)

"I am the first and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)

The one God who repeatedly said, "Beside Me, there is no G/god!"  (Isaiah 44:8; Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 43:10, 12; Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 43:25)

The first commandment in both the old and the new stating: "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-30)

Apostle Paul (in his epistle to the saints in Corinth) clarifies who God is. Paul writes, "But to us there is but ONE GOD -- THE FATHER, of whom are all things, and we in Him ... and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by Him." (1 Corinthians 8:6)

This is not a new testament phenomena but throughout the scriptures there has only ever been one God! From Malachi (the last book of the old testament) --- "Have we not all One Father? Hath not One God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?" (Malachi 2:10)

Therefore, our life is within this One God -- "for in Him we live and move and have our being .... for we are also His offspring." ( Acts 17:28) Thus, as Paul states to those who worshiped an "unknown god" at Mars' Hill, "... forasmuch then as we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone, graven by art and man's device; and the times of this ignorance, God winked at; but now commands all men everywhere to repent:" (Acts 17:28-29; John 13:13; John 1:3; Romans 5:11)

Howbeit, Paul also acknowledges that "there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol, and their conscience being weak is defiled." (I Corinthians 8:7)

But I digress. Note that Jesus tells the woman at the well -- "God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship [Him] in Spirit and in truth," He was referring herein to the Holy Ghost (after He was taken up, He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost would give commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen re: Acts 1:2-3) When the woman replies unto Jesus, "I know that Messaias comes, which is called Christ; when He is come, He will tell us all things," Jesus states, "I that speak unto thee am [He]." (John 4:24-26)

Indeed, the same He who said unto the high priest, (that inquired of Him as to whether He -- Jesus --was the Christ, the son of God), "thou hast said! Nevertheless, I say unto you -- hereafter, shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven." (Matthew 26:63-64; Acts 7:55-56)

Jesus is the heavenly Father who manifested Himself visibly in a human body so that we might have life in Him. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Yes, He became the perfect sacrifice on the cross. He was crucified, arose and was glorified, and returned to earth on the day of Pentecost as the Holy Ghost, both among us and in us. That's why apostle Paul tells us "...that Jesus Christ is in you..." That He -- Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us, even though He had to leave in order for the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost to come. Why? Because for us in these last times JESUS is the ONLY Name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Jesus is the Name of the Father and the Son. (II John 1:9) And yes, Jesus is the Holy Ghost among us! The Father, who is Spirit, the Comforter dwells within those who believe in Jesus, and are thankful for His perfect sacrifice on the cross.

We see the Godhead revealed throughout the scriptures. For example, apostle Paul calls God "the Father" while John describes Him as being "Spirit"! In other passages, Paul identifies the indwelling Spirit as "Jesus Christ" or as the "Holy Ghost."

"To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him [Jesus] among the heathen" (Galatians 1:16) Paul, in another letter states that the Spirit is within us -- "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)

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery; even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory; which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory ... but God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things; yea, the deep things of God." (I Corinthians 2:7-10)

When Jesus upbraided the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done (because they repented not), do you think He did not know who He was? At that time, Jesus answered and said, "I thank Thee O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes, even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knows the Son but the Father; neither knows any man the Father -- save the Son, and He to whomsoever the son will reveal." (Matthew 11:25-27)

It is no wonder Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

One Lord! His Name shalt be called "JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted -- God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)

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

Jesus Said, "If Any Man Thirst, Let Him Come Unto Me!" - Part 1737

Jesus said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink; he that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)

Herein, Jesus was speaking the words of life -- words that speak directly to our soul.  As we know from numerous accounts in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the multitudes that followed Jesus from place to place, and marveled at His doctrine, held diverse opinions about who Jesus actually was. There were those who willingly pushed through crowds of people to touch the hem of His garment, while others desired in their hearts to stone Jesus for the words He spake. Sadly, these two spectrum's of understanding about Jesus has not changed within our modern society, except that now, many don't even consider Jesus in their day to day. That, in and of itself, is sad commentary but I digress.

The question for this day -- Jesus is asking, "Who do you say that I AM?"

Many of those that followed Jesus when He walked the earth asked this same question, or at least, were heard murmuring among themselves as to His identity. In one scriptural account, for example, there was "much murmuring" among the people concerning Jesus: for some said, "He is a good man" while others would say, "Nay, but He deceives the people." (John 7:12) Later on, when directly asked who Jesus is, some declared -- "Of a truth this is the Prophet [that should come into the world]." (John 7:40; John 6:14) Others claimed, "This is the Christ!"

Even John the baptizer (at a very low point in his faith journey) sent disciples to ask Jesus, "Art Thou He the Lord, or should we look for another?" (Luke 7:19)

Repeatedly, the Jews rejected Jesus, wanting instead to stone Him accusing Him of blaspheming the God of Israel and Jacob because He referred to Himself as the Son of God. (John 10:33) Still others questioned whether Jesus was the Christ and did so citing scripture -- "Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, "That Christ comes of the seed of David, and out of the town was Bethlehem, where David was?" (John 7:41-42)

In fact, wherever Jesus traveled, this same question was asked repeatedly -- who is this man that speaks of heaven, the kingdom of God? Who is this man that heals the sick and casts out demons? Who is this man who preaches in the synagogues, and yet, threw the money changers out of the temple for turning the house of prayer into a den of thieves? (Matthew 21:12-13)

An interesting dichotomy for sure. On the one hand, the rulers and Pharisees were always trying to catch Jesus in a lie, so that these would have reason to put Him to death. Their motive? So that their own religious kingdoms would not be displaced by another King --- even when scripture clearly identified Jesus as the one and only Potentate -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8, 11)

However, as we read in the scriptures, these same officers, chief priests and Pharisees asked among each other, "Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him?" (John 7:48) These authorities must have been very concerned to have expressed this matter so openly, even though, as we also learn, these had already concluded that "this people who know not the law are cursed!" (John 7:49) So, when Nicodemus (he is the man who came to Jesus by night having been one of them) had said unto them -- "Doth our law judge [any] man before it hear h/Him and know what h/He doeth?" these had already decided in their hearts that Jesus was inconsequential. Thus, these replied to Nicodemus, "Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee arises no prophet." (John 7:48-52)

(As an aside, the words which Moses spake unto all Israel (which the officers, chief priests and Pharisees of that time should have known and displayed -- at least publicly) included -- "I took the chief of our tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes, and I charged your judges at that time, saying, "hear [the causes] between your brethren, and judge righteously between [every] man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him; ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but ye] shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is God's and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it." (Deuteronomy 1:15-17) In other words, according to the very law these said they served, their actions showed prevailing attitudes of favour/disdain towards certain segments within society, which is telling in itself.]

At the same time, it is important to note that not everyone was concerned about keeping their own kingdom. As we read in the scriptures, there were those whose heart desire was to come and take Him by force, to make Jesus a King. (John 6:14) However, note that in this same example, Jesus told the multitudes that except they see miracles, they would not believe. And even with miracles, as we saw in the example of Jesus feeding the five thousand, the multitudes only followed Jesus because their bellies were hungry, albeit, these were willing to travel on boats to a far location to seek Jesus' blessings. (John 6:5-13, 26)

And then, still others accused Jesus of having a devil, while at the same time, some of them asked, "Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ." (John 7:20, 26) In other places, ALL the people were astonished at His doctrine. (Mark 11:18)

All sorts of reactions to Jesus who willingly walked this earth so that those of us who believe in Him by faith, and are water baptized in His Name can be redeemed, filled with His Spirit -- the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost. It is no wonder Jesus oft said, "Let him that hath ears to hear, hear."

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; I Timothy 3:16) After the kindness and love of God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) Thankfully, those who knew in their hearts that Jesus had the words of eternal life followed Him, and willingly obeyed His commandments.

When Jesus said, "ye both know Me and ye know whence I AM: and I am not come of Myself, but He that sent Me is true, whom ye know not. But I know Him for I am from Him and He hath sent Me," there were those followers of Jesus who desired to know more.  (John 7:30) These knew deep in their hearts who He was when Jesus told them, "I am the Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the Light of life." (John 8:12)

And in fact, there was no question. The twelve disciples soon became seventy, and then one hundred and twenty, and then on the day of Pentecost -- 3,000, and consequentially, the body of Christ church grew in numbers daily. (Acts 2:1-47)

But the Pharisees did not listen with their hearts, but instead, with their intellect. Therefore, when the scribes and Pharisees came around, as Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch, disputing and saying, "if thou be the Christ, tell us plainly," Jesus had no choice but to say unto them, "I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in My Father's Name, they bear witness of Me. But ye believe not, because ye are not My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me, and I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck [them] out of My Father's hand. I and [My] Father are one!" (John 10:23-30)

To those with hardened hearts, Jesus told them, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father; if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19)

But to those who understood His endless and abundant love for His beloved creation -- that God so loved the world -- we can say (like Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is indeed, both Lord and Christ! (Acts 2:36) The living Word! God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Comforter who will lead and guide us into all truth. (John 14:26; John 15:26; Acts 1:2-3, 8)

"Hear ye Him" -- for He has the words of eternal life!

And now, as the scripture declares -- "But this He [Jesus] spake of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given] because that Jesus was not yet glorified!" (John 7:39; Acts 2:38)

Stand in the offering plate.

He That Speaks Truth Shews Forth Righteousness: But A False Witness Deceit - Part 1736

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

This is our starting point for salvation -- repenting of our sins, and believing that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that He is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36; John 14:6-12) We should also recognize that we are saved by grace -- after the love and kindness of God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9) And then, in answer of a good conscience toward God, we willingly are water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that we too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter -- the Spirit of Jesus the Christ dwelling within our hearts. (Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21-22; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 10:44-48) 

But our journey of faith should not stop here. We should delve into the new testament scriptures so that we can truly understand the breadth and depth of love God had for His beloved, that He would clothe Himself in sin-prone flesh (but without sin), so that we might be saved from condemnation. That we would understand how He decided even before the foundation of the world to be the mediator of the new testament, shedding His holy blood on the cross for you and I.  And as we begin to understand the torture and suffering that He bore on the cross for us, our hearts should be moved with tears -- because there is no greater love, as Jesus declared, than laying down one's life for His enemies. 

And enemies we were. "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, the Lord Jesus knows our hearts, and even so, continues to call us unto Him so that He can fill us with His rest -- "to learn of Me." (Matthew 11:29) Even today, as the world rages in turmoil, and the devil runs to and fro to destroy who he can, the call of the Lord Jesus speaks volumes in our hearts, as He continually invites us to come to the greatest wedding feast ever known to mankind. 

"Come!" And let him that heareth say, "Come!" And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely!" (Revelation 22:17)

But too often, we witness opposition to Jesus  as King of kings from the "systems" of this day. These do not want another King to rule in their hearts, and therefore oppose any potential displacement that would upset their man-made thrones. 

We see this in the scriptures -- from the scribes and the Pharisees, and the political institutions of that day. In one example, the Pharisees saw Jesus' disciples plucking and eating the ears of corn, because they were hungry, and said unto Jesus, "Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day." (Matthew 12:1-2)

What did Jesus say? "Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungry, and they that were with him; how he entered into the house of God and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profaned the sabbath, and are blameless? 

But I [Jesus] say unto you -- that in this place is ONE greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this means, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice" ye would not have condemned the guiltless -- for the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. " (Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5; Deuteronomy 23:25; I Samuel 21:6; Leviticus 24:5; Exodus 29:32; Numbers 28:9; Hosea 6:6)

Did you hear what Jesus was saying herein? In this place is ONE greater and yet, the Pharisees (considered to be highly studied in the scriptures, and knowing of all things) did not know Him. Moreover, these should have known from Isaiah the prophet's writings the scripture -- "Thus saith the Lord, "The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool: where is the house that ye build unto Me? and where is the place of My rest? For all those [things] hath Mine hand made, and all those [things] have been," saith the Lord: "but to this [man] will I look, [even to him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit and trembles at My Word." (Isaiah 66:1-2; Hosea 6:6) 

You see, "as the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations." (Isaiah 61:11) 

To this end, the Gentiles (you and I who are not Jews) have been given an opportunity to see "Thy righteousness; and all the kings Thy glory: and that Thou shalt be called by a NEW NAME" -- which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of Thy God.... and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over Thee!" (Isaiah 62:2-3, 5)

What is His Name in this current dispensation? JESUS -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. No other name. (Acts 4:12) The Name above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) 

But sadly, the Pharisees did not know Jesus as God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) These did not understand that the One who stood before them was the promised Christ. Or that "all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily" in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) The Great I AM of the Old Testament standing before them -- their prophesied Messiah.

And thus, instead of seeking Him that maketh the seven stars, and turns the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night, He that calls for the waters of the sea; and pours them out upon the face of the earth -- the Lord is His Name, these chose to criticize Jesus' disciples, that they might accuse Jesus. As we read on, the Pharisees continued their accusations, and held a council against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Nevertheless, Jesus charged the great multitudes who followed Him, healing them all, that they should not make Him known so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet, saying, "Behold My servant, whom I have chosen: My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him and He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory. And IN HIS NAME SHALL THE GENTILES TRUST!" (Matthew 12:14-21; Luke 11:14-15; Matthew 9:27, 34; Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah 49:3)

As the angel proclaimed, this same Lord shall be called JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35) 

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

Therefore, in studying the scriptures, as doth a workman unto God so that we are able to rightly divide the Word of truth, remember that there remain those learned from institutions that will oppose the JESUS in us, and the understandings that He gives to those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Don't be dismayed! 

Instead, like the great multitudes who He healed, and the disciples who understood that He -- Jesus had the words of life, take up your cross and follow Jesus -- and "learn of Me!" 

Stand in the offering plate.

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 - Part 1735

That I may know Him -- "for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith; that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." (Philippians 3:8-10; Romans 10:3; Romans 1:17; Ephesians 1:19-20; Romans 6:3-5)

As believers in Jesus by faith, our desire should include getting to know Him with our very being -- with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Our every thought and desire should be focused upon Him, our meditations on His abundant love for His beloved. Not having our own righteousness which the scripture states "is of the Law" or, having a form of godliness wherein the power of God is denied, but instead being found in Him with the righteousness which can only come through the faith of Christ -- "the righteousness which is of God by faith" that we may know Him personally and the power of His resurrection.

In both the old and the new, we are told -- "Lo, I come, the volume of the book [it] is written of Me!" (Psalm 40:7; Hebrews 10:7)

In other words, we understand that Jesus is the image of the invisible God who has in due times manifested His Word through preaching ... according to the commandment of God our Saviour. (Titus 1:1-3) And since God cannot lie, the truth is after godliness. Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17)

And godliness? Defined in I Timothy 3:16: "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."

In speaking of the promised Christ, the writer of Hebrews says the following: “Who being, the brightness of [His] glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE OF HIS PERSON, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of Majesty on high, being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they ...” (Hebrews 1:3-4)

Sadly, many get stuck on the right hand of Majesty, thinking salvation had to have come of another, relying instead on false teachings of a triad / a false trinity that negates even the very first commandment in both the old and the new -- "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD!" Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

In fact, teaching that God is more than One is contrary to Genesis 1:1 which clearly states, "In the beginning, God ..." Or, that in the next verse, the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters ..." (Genesis 1:2) And, as a consequence, those who have not searched the scriptures for truth begin to accept the false teachings and the prevailing religious culture which has taken on a life of its own -- but clearly and evidently OUTSIDE of the Word of God.

Nevertheless, if ye have heard Him and have been taught by Him" ye know the truth is in Jesus! That "after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7)

"The grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men ... the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works!" (Titus 2:12-13)

As the psalmist proclaimed: "O sing unto the LORD a new song; for He hath done marvelous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory." (Psalm 98:1)

And, also, as the prophet Isaiah scribed the Word of the Lord: "“And I looked, and [there was] none to help; and I wondered that [there was] none to uphold: therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me; and My fury, it upheld Me.” (Isaiah 63:5)

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

"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:9-10)

Other scriptures that tell of the greatest love story ever told?

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life!" (John 14:6) Jesus said, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18) How could He say these things? Because Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Jesus Himself said to His disciples, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) Jesus Himself said to His disciples, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also; and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:7-9)

The voice from heaven said repeatedly, "Hear ye Him!" referring to Jesus -- at both His baptism in the Jordan and on the Mount. Moses pointed to Jesus and so did the prophets and psalmist point to Jesus, for He was the promise to come. (Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 21:11; Luke 1:76; Luke 2:25-34; Acts 3:22)

"The mighty God -- the Lord ..." (Psalm 50:1)

"Thou art my Father, my God and the Rock of my salvation." (Psalm 89:26-27; I Chronicles 29:10-11; I Timothy 1:17; Matthew 28:18; Jeremiah 32:17-18)

Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost told the multitude that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38) The son of man is the Lord of glory!

Even the most famous scripture worldwide instructs us to believe on JESUS -- "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever BELIEVES IN HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Why? Because Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending! (Revelation 1:8,11)

"Being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey HIM!" (Hebrews 5:9)

The Lord came forth as a mighty man! (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)

But to those who did not believe that Jesus was the He, Jesus said, "Ye neither know Me nor My Father: if ye had known Me ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19) And a few verses later, Jesus confirms what He has said here, stating, "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 8:24)

This is why -- in everything we do as believers in Jesus Christ by faith -- in both word and deed -- we do in the Name of the Lord Jesus! Because His precious holy Name is above every other name. (Philippians 2:9)

JESUS -- the ONLY NAME whereby we MUST be saved in this current dispensation of grace. (Acts 4:12) And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted -- God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 7:14)

Thomas, known often as doubting Thomas said, after thrusting his hand into His side -- "my Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)

And, Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God to the saints and the faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse, and by extension to us who are Gentiles, he wrote: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things and by Him all things consist.

And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the beginning the first born from the dead, that in all [things] He might have the preeminence ... for it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell, and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself." (Colossians 1:12-20; Ephesians 1:20-23; II Peter 1:11; II Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 3:14; Hebrews 1:2-3; Hebrews 2:10; John 17:5; Revelation 1:5, 8, 11; Ephesians 2:13-14; II John 1:9)

"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 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 and inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will -- that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ ..." (Ephesians 1:9-12)

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

"To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ... for He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:18-21)

As John the baptizer pointed out -- "of His fullness have we all received, and grace for grace." (John 1:16)

Therefore, we are to "hear ye Him" -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, allowing His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost to lead us and guide us and comfort us in the day to day.

And for those who teach the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to "take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood ..." (Acts 20:28)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in you all! (Ephesians 4:5-6)

Stand in the offering plate.

For We Are Made Partakers of Christ, If We Hold The Beginning Of Our Confidence Steadfast Unto The End - Part 1734

"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:9-12)

When we discuss the gifts of the Holy Ghost, the scriptures cited above are important. Herein, the scriptures state that "when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known." 

If we add the often cited verse 13, we recognize that among faith, hope, and charity, the greatest of these is charity. There is a reason for this. 

However, opponents of the gifts of the Spirit look at this verse from a different lens. Instead of accepting that God will make everything clear when we see Him face to face, religious leaders interpret these scriptures to mean that since the scriptures have now come, there is no further requirement for the application of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. But how is it possible?

How can someone misconstrue the written Word to conjure up such a diametrically opposed rendition of that which these scriptures endeavour to present?

Indeed, the truth contained in the scriptures should be the the end to all spiritual debates.  Why? Because Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17) And God is NOT the Author of confusion. In fact, Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it "that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle , or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27) In other words, let God be true and every man a liar.

For God’s Word did not originate in us. Rather, the Word of the Lord comes to us so that we might read the gospel and adhere to the message within. It was never intended that man would recreate the original meaning of the text or repeatedly revise the text to the point that we no longer understand what was intended.

As the scriptures state, we are to know ye the Spirit of God. (I John 4:1) when I became a man I put away childish things. (Admittedly, it may have been the childish things that enabled me to become whatever and whoever I am). In this context, one should never deprive children of childish things, nor rob a child of his or her childhood by forcing adult things upon childish minds prematurely. In the same fashion, Paul did not deprive the church of their God given ministerial gifts. The apostle simply informed the church that God is not the author of confusion. Paul further instructed that all things pertaining to the functioning of Holy Ghost gifts should be done decently and in order -- and for your edifying. (I Corinthians 14:26-33; I Corinthians 12:4-1314; II Corinthians 12:19; I Thessalonians 5:19-20; I Corinthians 11:16)

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not the prophesyings. Prove all things, Hold fast that which is good." (I Thessalonians 5:16-21)

For now then, as noted above, we do see through a glass darkly but then face to face. And thus, when we study the Bible, we should do so with humble hearts, knowing that we will never understand everything that is contained within His Word. Of course, the Lord knew this, which is why we receive another Comforter -- the Holy Ghost, who leads and guides us into all truth. So that the Lord can open our understanding of His Word. It also explains why, at this moment, we do see through a glass darkly even while we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

Of course, if one has never received the holy Spirit of Jesus, it is difficult to understand Biblical truths, or to have an informed ability to discern between the truths and tradition. The scriptures use the analogy of people swallowing a camel because of their lack of knowledge in the scriptures. But it doesn't have to be this way. 

The question is asked -- have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? If your answer is no, then you ought to repent, and be water baptized (by immersion) into the Name of the Lord Jesus the Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)  

Why? Because Jesus is the door into the kingdom of God and upon entering through the door you will receive the gift of His Holy Spirit. God bless all believers who are in Jesus. (John 14:6-12; I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Holy Ghost Hath Made You Overseers To Feed The Church of God, Which He Hath Purchased With His Own Blood - Part 1733

"And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, crying out, "Men of Israel, help: this is the man that teaches all [men] every where against the people, and the Law, and this place, and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this place ..." (Acts 21:27-28)

In another place, Paul's accusers found him "to be a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: who also hath gone about to profane the temple, who we took and would have judged according to our Law, but the chief captain Lysias came up us and with great violence took him away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself may take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him ... " (Acts 25:5-21)

"And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and came upon [him] and caught him and brought [him] to the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, "This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us ..." (Acts 6:9-14)

Note the Law [customs] referred to in these passages is the Mosaic Law, given to the children of Israel from the Lord. In the first scripture, Paul's accusers are saying that he is teaching against the Law. (Acts 21:27-28) In the second verse, Paul's accusers, having found him to be a pestilent fellow and mover of sedition among the Jews throughout the world desired to judge Paul according to their Law -- the 613 commandments (including the ten commandments) written on tablets of stone that the Lord gave to Moses.

In the third scriptural example, the concern of those in the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen accused him of changing the customs which Moses delivered us.

However, do you remember what Moses said?

Moses said, "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken ..." (Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 21:11; Luke 1:76; Luke 2:25-34; Luke 7:16; Luke 24:19; John 1:45; Acts 3:22)

This statement by Moses is further clarified by Stephen in his testimony just prior to being stoned to death -- that Moses said unto the children of Israel -- "A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me -- HIM SHALL YE HEAR." (Acts 7:37)

And Peter and John also -- "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; HIM SHALL YE HEAR IN ALL THINGS whatsoever He shall say unto you, and it shall come to pass that every soul, which will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people ..." (Acts 3:22-23; Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19; Luke 24:25)

Who is this prophet? The same prophet (let those with ears to hear, hear!) that John the baptizer pointed to always in his message to the people -- that is, the ONE who would come after him. John continually said, "Hear ye Him!" 

Hear ye JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

But John the baptizer and Moses were not the only ones pointing to Jesus as the promised Lamb of God. We see this same message all the way through scripture -- "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" 

Therefore, the multitude, upon seeing and hearing and marveling at Jesus' doctrine, when all the city was moved saying, "who is this?" the multitude told them, "This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." (Matthew 21:11)

"And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the same man was just and devout waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him, and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ." (Luke 2:25) And when he did see Jesus, Simeon declared, "Lord, now let Thou thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word, 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)

Similarly, "And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, "That a great prophet is risen among us, and that God hath visited His people!" (Luke 7:16)

Also, after Jesus death and resurrection, when Jesus drew near to Cleopas, and another as they communed together and reasoned in their journey, He asked them, "What things?" And these said unto Him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people ... we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel ..."  (Luke 24:19-21)

When asked, John the baptizer confirmed to those who asked that he was not that prophet which was to come -- of which John admitted not being even worthy to latch His shoes. (John 1:21-25) The woman at the well too, after meeting Jesus perceived Jesus to be a prophet. (John 4:19) And when the Pharisees who claimed that this man Jesus is not of God, and asked the blind man "What sayest thou of Him, that He opened thine eyes?" the man indeed replied, "He is a prophet." (John 9:17)

But as we now know because that which is perfect has come and dwells within, Jesus was much more than a prophet! He was the great I AM, the Lord of hosts manifest in the flesh. "After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8, 11) But I digress.

Toward the end of Acts, apostle Paul calls the elders of the church and his message to us likewise. And when these elders were come to him, said to them, "Ye know, from the first day that I come into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews, and how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God shall see my face no more. wherefore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all [men]. for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God -- which He hath purchased with His own blood ..." (Acts 20:17-28)

Yes, indeed, "which He hath purchased with His own blood!" He paid the ultimate price for our salvation, becoming the perfect sacrifice on the cross -- 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 9:15-18) 

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 10:28)

Why not the law too?

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect, for then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is NOT POSSIBLE that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins .... Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will O God. He takes away the first that He may establish the second, by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:1-10)

JESUS -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And now He THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST (as He gave commandments to the apostles) is now writing His laws in our hearts. Praise His precious holy Name for evermore! Stand in the offering plate.

That All the People of the Earth May Know That The Lord Is God, and That There Is None Else! - Part 1732

"Moreover, concerning a stranger, that is not of Thy people Israel, but comes out of a far country for Thy Name' sake. (For they shall hear of Thy Great Name, and of Thy strong hand, and of Thy stretched out arm;) when He shall come and pray toward this house ... that all the people of the earth may know Thy Name!" (I Kings 8:41-43; Psalm 130:4; Deuteronomy 3:24; Psalm 102:15)

Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God, He takes away the first, that He may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:9-10)

As the scripture reveals, the law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) In other words, and as stated often in earlier posts, there is much more than a blank page between the old covenant and the new testament. We see this message explained specifically in Hebrews.

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

There had to be a purchase made with blood -- the new patterned after the old but not on an earthly level, but a new work -- in the spiritual/ heavenly. Therefore, some time between John the baptizer proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is come nigh to the people, and baptizing those who listened in the Jordan river, and the subsequent pouring out of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, the dispensation of Law (the ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary, the golden censer and the ark of the covenant, the rituals & animal sacrifice as outlined in Hebrews 9-10) was replaced by the dispensation of grace.

"For the Law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can NEVER with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect ... for then would they have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year. For [it is ] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when He come into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou would not but a body hast Thou prepared Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O God!" 

Above when He said, "Sacrifice and offering for sin Thou would not, neither hadst pleasure therein, which are offered by the law; then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He takes away the first that He may establish the second -- BY THE WHICH WILL WE ARE SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE OFFERING OF THE BODY OF JESUS CHRIST ONCE FOR ALL." (Hebrews 10:1-10)

Indeed, "by ONE offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified ..... whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before: "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," saith the Lord," I will put My laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:15-17; Jeremiah 31:33-34)

"Behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them," saith the Lord: "But this shall be the covenant 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 31:31-33; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:8-12; Hebrews 10:16-17; Jeremiah 32:40; Hebrews 10:16; Psalm 40:8; II Corinthians 3:3; Jeremiah 24:7; Jeremiah 30:22; Jeremiah 32:38) 

Jesus said, "This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:20) "For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until the day when I drink it new with you in My Father's Kingdom." (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Matthew 20:28; Jeremiah 31:33)

His Father's Kingdom -- the Holy Ghost! This explains why -- "if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not [no longer] under the Law." (Galatians 5:18)

For clarity -- "But the scripture hath concluded ALL under sin, that the PROMISE by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed, wherefore, the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith ... but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... and if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:22-29) 

Why is this important to understand? Because as apostle Paul asks: "Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law." (Galatians 3:21)

But as we now know, God is righteous in His abundant love for His people, and He Himself provided the Lamb for sacrifice. And even though the Law was added because of transgressions in the old, "it was added till [until] the seed should come to whom the promise was made ... and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is One!" (Galatians 3:17-20; Romans 3:29; John 15:22; Galatians 4:4; Acts 7:53)

"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 of none effect: because the Law works 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 3:18,22; Romans 3:20-24; Romans 8:17; Romans 9:26; Genesis 15:15)

In fact, God spake on this wise -- "That His seed should sojourn in a strange land ..." (Acts 7:6) And unto Abram, "Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years ..."  (Genesis 15:13-16)

Just as God said unto Moses, "I AM THAT I AM," Jesus identified Himself in the same way to the Jews, saying,  "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- before Abraham was, I AM!" (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58)

This is why in this current dispensation of grace, we as believers in Jesus by faith are so very privileged, because through faith in Him we can receive His promise -- "God having provided some better thing for us." (Hebrews 11:40) What is this promise -- the mystery that was hid from the beginning of the world?

That this same JESUS whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38) This same JESUS -- He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God ... for consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

The apostles address the Jews who (in spite of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for us) still commanded that believers must be circumcised specifically -- in Acts 15. In fact, there is good instruction therein and in Galatians chapters 3 through 5 too -- "for if the inheritance be of the Law, it is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise!" (Galatians 3:18)

However, for this day, let me conclude with Stephen's testimony to his accusers in Acts 7, because herein too, Stephen elaborates on Moses who was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and in deeds. The same Moses who was given the commandments -- all 613 of them. Stephen relates how, on one particular day, Moses saw one of the children of Israel suffered wrongly, and smote the Egyptian responsible -- supposing that his brethren would have understood. Sadly, they did not. Stephen continues:

"... this is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel -- A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; HIM SHALL YE HEAR." This is He that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to Him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us ..." (Acts 7:37-38) "Hear ye Him!" (Matthew 17:5; Galatians 3:19) The High priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:10-11) But I digress. Stephen states:

"Our fathers HAD the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob ..." (Acts 7:44-50; Isaiah 66:1-2; Psalm 102:25)

These had the tabernacle of witness but refused the instruction of the Lord, preferring other gods among them, and as Stephen is alluding, now these had Jesus and yet these killed Him -- the Lord of glory! It is no wonder Stephen said -- "Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost as your fathers [did], so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers, who have received the Law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it]." (Acts 7:51-53; Acts 3:14; Acts 22:14) 

Yes, they stoned Stephen to death. But the point is this. There were 613 commandments given to Moses -- none of which, as the scriptures state, can bring us life. It is for this reason that in these last days Jesus spoke unto us by [His] Son, "whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, who being in the brightness of glory, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins ...." (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Yes, Jesus fulfilled the Law on the cross, when He shed His holy precious blood for you and I. (Matthew 5:17) And while the Law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, when we reject Christ, we return back under the Law once again. But for those who repent, and are water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit dwelling within us and our sins blotted out forever. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 8:14-17; Acts 10:44-48) 

And in so doing, we become His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them ... that at the time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world -- but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ ... according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:22) 

He paid the price for our sins once and for all so that He could fulfill the purpose that He placed in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified .... if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:16-21; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 1:17; Psalm 143:2; Hebrews 7:11) 

Stand in the offering plate.

Thy Word Is A Lamp To My Feet And A Light To My Path - Part 1731

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts ..." (II Peter 1:19)

Why? Because we preach Christ Jesus the Lord and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake, for God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (II Corinthians 4:5-6)

Where does this knowledge come from? The Word of the Lord! Therefore, it is important for those who believe in Jesus by faith to study His Word, and to gain His instruction and understanding from the scriptures, so that they/we can "rightly divide the Word." (II Timothy 2:15)

And not just once a week as far too many do but rather, as Jesus said in His model prayer -- "Give us this day our DAILY bread!" (Matthew 6:11)

When we do, the Holy Ghost -- our Lord God and Saviour -- can lead and guide us into all truth. In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is Jesus! He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. But there is more.

When we drink of the Rock which is Christ, we will not be led astray by the whims and traditions of men. And, in so doing we will come to understand that Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)

We will also know, as the scripture reveals, that the law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) In other words, there is more than a blank page between the old and the new.

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

Our hope is in Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God, until all His enemies are put under His feet. He for our profit that we might be partakers of His holiness!

"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet ... wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear!" (Hebrews 12:12-29)

Stand in the offering plate.

Justified By His Grace So That We Too Can Adorn the Doctrine of God Our Saviour In All Things - Part 1730

In the last days, according to the scriptures, some shall depart from this faith. We refer here to the faith that was once delivered to JESUS' people, and the same faith whereby doctrinal faith emanated from Jerusalem. Indeed, as the Word states, many shall depart from the faith giving heed instead to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Some of the demonic teaching that follows will include mantra such as forbidding to marry, or, conversely commanding people to abstain from meat. These are in complete contrast to the scriptures.

What the scriptures do declare is that every creature of God is good and nothing should be refused if it is eaten with a heart of thanksgiving. For all things affirmed by God from a scriptural perspective are sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.

It is from this perspective that we examine what the recorded scriptures state pertaining to Peter an apostle of JESUS the Christ. Why? Because as we know, Peter’s lifestyle has been totally thwarted by the self appointed church fathers of 300/400 AD. These religious people have presented a message under the guise of scripture and as long as no one readily searches the source -- the written Word -- none will be the wiser. Still, as Jesus states, we are sanctified by truth -- "Thy Word is truth" and thus, any message which is contrary and foreign to the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ that went out from Jerusalem should be suspect. I am referring to the same gospel that was confirmed of God to be His good news message of the Kingdom -- the beginning of the new testament church when the Lord poured out His Spirit on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-47, 36-38)

For example, the apostle Peter who stood with the eleven on the day of Pentecost had a wife. How do we know this? In the scriptures, it states that JESUS healed Peter's mother in law. In fact, Peter on some of His mission tours was accompanied with his wife. So why are teachings propagated that suggest otherwise by a church rooted in traditions from 300/400 AD? Why not read I Corinthians chapter 7 - a message that is directed to one and all including single, engaged and married individuals and preachers/priests - who upon reading this passage can become confident in the fact that the scriptures are Holy Ghost instructions. The Bible provides a detailed account of what we should believe so that we are able to escape from the strong delusions of the erroneous doctrinal teachings of 300/ 400 AD -- teachings that amount to "another gospel" and not God’s written Word.

Put another way, we can look to the time when Paul, an apostle chosen by JESUS and the appointed messenger of His gospel to the Gentiles, left Timothy at one place and Titus at another location. Paul’s instructions to both Timothy and Titus was to appoint elders in both locations. In so doing, they impressed upon these newly appointed elders that they were not to teach any other doctrinal teaching than the gospel preached by the Lord Jesus. In other words, the elders were not to present teachings that might deter or vary from the disciplinary foundational teachings of JESUS as delivered by the Holy Ghost to His chosen apostles. (Titus 1:4-9)

Sound doctrine! [For anyone interested in knowing more, I would suggest Hebrews 6:1-2, John 1:1-18, I Timothy 3:16, and II John 1:9 as a starting point.]

As such, the instructions are further written in Timothy and Titus that they instruct believers to teach no other gospel than the gospel that these have been taught. That is, to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers, eating meat with gladness and singleness of heart. (Acts 2:36-47) To know and understand that Jesus is both Lord and Christ, and that after repenting of our sins, we are to be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21; Acts 10:44-48)

In Paul's epistle to Titus, specifically, "not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men that turn from the truth ....  they profess that they know God, but in works they deny [Him} being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:14-16; Isaiah 29:13; I Corinthians 6:12; Matthew 7:20-23; Matthew 25:12; II Timothy 3:5-7; Romans 1:28)

Thus, as Paul says to Titus, "For this cause I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting .. for there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for the filthy lucre's sake." (Titus 1:5-11)

So what is the message that we are to preach?

To adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, for the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:10-14; Romans 5:15; I Corinthians 1:7; I Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; Colossians 3:4; Isaiah 53:10-12; Galatians 1:4; Ezekiel 37:23; Hebrews 1:3, 1-13; Hebrews 9:14; Exodus 15:16; Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31; Revelation 1:8,11)

Peace to one and all who are in Christ JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.