Jesus Said, "Every Man Therefore That Hath Heard, And Hath Learned of the Father, Comes Unto Me!" - Part 1804

The Bible tells us that there is "One God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:5-6) 

"Now a mediator is not a [mediator] of one, but God is One." (Galatians 3:20)

"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)

As a mediator, He served more than one. Therefore, the mediator Jesus (God manifest in the flesh as a son, robed in sin-prone flesh and yet without sin), He stood between God and mankind, effecting reconciliation. "To wit, God was in Christ ..." 

"And this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ ..." (Galatians 3:17) 

Therefore, neither history or the traditions of men can replace biblical truth. Neither can the error of modern day religion establish or repudiate apostolic doctrine. Why? Because the scripture -- the Word of the Lord was established in heaven. 

"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abides. They continue this day according to Thine ordinances: for all are Thy servants. Unless Thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget Thy precepts: for with them Thou hast quickened me. I am thine, save me: for I have sought Thy precepts. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider Thy testimonies. I have seen an end of all perfection: but Thy commandment is exceeding broad." (Psalm 119:89-96)

Only as the humanity of God, could the man Christ Jesus become our sacrifice on a cross, our advocate, and High Priest, acting on our behalf for our justification, and paying the ultimate price with His precious holy blood for our sin. Indeed, Jesus offered Himself as a spotless lamb -- "Behold, the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11; John 1:18; I Timothy 3:16) 

As the Word made flesh [the only begotten of the Father -- Luke 1:35], He offered the blood from His own body as the basis for the forgiveness of our sins. Similarly, because He was tempted as we are, and yet without sin, He understands the trials and tribulations that come against us, when the spirit of this world tries to condemn without justification. 

Nevertheless, when it comes to understanding the counsel and wisdom of God, we can know and take heed unto ourselves, and to all the flock -- "over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the church of God, WHICH HE PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD." (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2; I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 1;7, 14; Hebrews 9:14)

Remember, the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. (Luke 1:35) The same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters when the world was created, and breathed the world we know into existence. (Genesis 1:1-2)

This same God raised Jesus whom they (and we also in our hearts, prior to knowing our Lord God and Saviour personally) crucified from the dead, giving to Him all power in heaven and earth, making Him both Lord and Christ, exalting His Name to be ABOVE every name in heaven, on earth, and beneath the earth -- the Lord of glory. 

This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is BOTH LORD AND CHRIST! (Philippians 2:9;Romans 10:9; Ephesians 1:20; Acts 2:36; Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36)

For the son of man is the Lord, even of the sabbath day. (Matthew 12:8) David therefore himself called Him Lord; and whence is He then His son?" (Mark 12:37; Acts 2:29-31) 

When we ask this day -- "Who is this King of glory?" the Lord has given us an answer. That is, He is "the LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory." (Psalm 24:10)

"Thou, [even] Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preserves them all; and the host of heaven worships Thee. Thou [art] the Lord the God ..." (Nehemiah 9:6-7)

"Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto Me, "Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I shall give [Thee] the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish [from] the Way, when His wrath is kindled put a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in Him." (Psalms 1:6-12)

Yes, "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth full of His glory ... for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" (Isaiah 6:3-5)

"For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His Name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall He be called." (Isaiah 54:5)

Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hast seen Me hath seen the Father: and how sayest thou then, She us the Father?" (John 14:6-12)

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

Thus, if the Son had been a co-equal and co-existent person in the Godhead, as those who believe in a triad god, or trinity/tri-une god profess, this exaltation would not have been possible, for He would have had these positions and attributes from the very beginning. It is evident, therefore, that the Son of God was not a second divine person in the Godhead, but rather, the embodiment and profession of the love and kindness of God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16)

He is our all in all! Stand in the offering plate. 

Let The Son Shine Upon The Door Posts Of Thine House, And Upon Thy Gates Of Your Heart - Part 1803

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

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

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come -- wherefore, let him that thinketh he stands, take heed lest he fall. [For] there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that One Bread." (I Corinthians 10:1-33)

Jesus told us that He is the Bread of Life. He is the living Bread which came down from heaven so that we might have life, and similarly, never hunger again. 

"For the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven and gives Life unto the world." (John 6:33) 

From the old, we understand that when the exodus of Egypt was front page news, all of those who had demonstrated their obedience to God’s command sprinkled the blood of a lamb around their door posts so that they would not be harmed, as God had promised. (Exodus 12:1-33) 

"For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you." (Exodus 12:23)

But in the morning, these people did not stay put. Indeed, as we read in the scriptures, these were now en-route to the Red Sea. To observers, traveling to the Jordan River was like heading down a dead end street but they plodded onward nevertheless. The taskmasters recouping from their now impoverished place watched as their former slave labour hit the road. So, let's bring out the army along with the big guns, they thought. Surely, they will protect our comfortable luxurious lifestyle, these Hebrew slaves, so that we can live in abundance forevermore. Sound familiar to the world we live in today? But I digress.

What these masters were unaware of was that God had heard the cry of the Hebrew slaves. Their prayers had ascended to His ears, and He being a compassionate God was touched with the feelings of their infirmities.

[As an aside, remember, that we were originally designed by God (the Potter) to be an earthly visible expression of His own humanity. We were designed to become the sons of God -- His beloved -- walking in the cool of the afternoon with our Creator. Indeed, the plan was that we would be a perfect creation. God created man with His own hands. What is man that you -- our Lord God and Saviour -- would be so mindful of him?]

Continuing, we learn that these approached the barrier river. When confronted with the Jordan River, there was no doubt fear and dismay within them -- the enemy close behind, and a river of considerable magnitude before them. I am sure these must have thought -- "What now?" But Moses had the rod /staff in his hand. Recall that Moses was a faithful servant in the plan of God’s creation? Jesus is the builder of the house. And Moses knew in whom to trust. Moses waited. God instructed. "Moses" God said, "Lift up the rod/staff over the waters" and ...!

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

Like these Hebrew slaves, apostle Paul is telling us that we too must pass through the water, following that Rock which is Christ -- being baptized in the precious Name of our Lord Jesus the Christ, so that we can be clothed in His garment of righteousness. (I Corinthians 10:1-4; Acts 2:36-38; Romans 6:3-4)  

Thus, the titles wherein many today are baptized (as a consequence of a false modern day religious culture) will only get us wet. Why? Because our salvation is in Jesus. It is Jesus who paid the ultimate price so that we might have life in Him. He alone shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) For Jesus is BOTH LORD AND CHRIST! (Acts 2:36)

The same Rock which was Christ then is saying this day -- “Let My people go so that they may serve Me."

And in this dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS! (Matthew 1:18-23)

Then, and now, the scriptures clearly state that they/we ALL are to eat the SAME spiritual meat and similarly, ALL to drink the SAME spiritual drink -- of the spiritual Rock which followed them. And as the scriptures so clearly state -- that Rock was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

Therefore, let there be no divisions among believers. The cup of blessing which we bless is the Lord Jesus Christ -- behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world! Consequently then, let us continue steadfastly in the Holy Ghost teachings delivered to us and confirmed to us with signs and wonders and gifts. Remember, if God confirms His Word, no man has the power to dis-annul. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear what the our Lord God and Saviour -- the Holy Ghost -- has to say to us this day.

Stand in the offering plate.

For Other Foundation Can No Man Lay That This Is Laid, Which Is Jesus Christ - Part 1802

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" (I Corinthians 3:1-3)

Herein, the apostle Paul is encouraging the saints at Corinth (and by extension, you and I) to become faithful stewards of the mysteries -- the hidden truths of God --- so that when He -- (God our Father and the Son regenerated) -- the Holy Ghost comes into our hearts and dwells within, He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts. Therefore, no man should be puffed up in one's own vanity, or one against another, for we who believe in Jesus by faith are equals within the body of Christ Church.

Indeed, Jesus said, "I have chosen and ordained you ..." for a reason. Because He has made each and every one of us unique, and given us a life purpose to fulfill, whilst we were still in our mother's womb. And thus, when we understand the significance of our faith journey, and our higher calling which includes pressing into the mark which is Christ, we should also be willing, like the apostles to become fools for Christ's sake. (I Corinthians 4:10)

To this end, Paul refers to those who believe as "labourers together with God; ye are God's husbandry; ye are God's building, according to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 3:9-11)

Why? Because JESUS is the Rock of ages. He is the Great I AM. The King of kings and Lord of lords. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And He is the Head of the Church -- the One and Only Potentate.

For "after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)

As a consequence of knowing His love for us, we now 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 2:11-14)

This is why we pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore. It is for this reason that we study His Word to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15) And although we may be a spectacle unto the world, we know in whom we have believed, and from whence comes our salvation.

Thus, "now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us, and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. For I think that God hath set forth us apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised, even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labour, working with our own hands ...

[Still, as apostle Paul points out,] being reviled, we bless: being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we intreat; we are made as the filth of the world and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons, I warn you -- for though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel ..." (I Corinthians 4:8-21)

Therefore, while one saith, "I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?" Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man. So then neither is he that plants any thing, neither he that waters, but God that gives the increase. 

"For we are labourers together with God; ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building ... according to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 3:1-11) 

And because of our foundation in Jesus Christ, we know that we have been bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit. Know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you. Thus, we are no longer our own, but everything that we have and we are is because the Lord God Himself willingly became our Saviour.  The Word made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-18) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

So, worship with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ today. He is our foundation, our Rock, our strength in tumultuous times, and as He said while walking this earth, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

And "by Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His good Name; but to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased." (Hebrews 13:15-16)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Stock (The Wooden Idol) Is A Doctrine Of Vanities; But the Lord Is The True God, The Living God, The Everlasting King - Part 1801

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. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20:28-30)

He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion. When He utters His voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens, and He causes the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightenings with rain, and brings forth the wind out of His treasures ..." (Jeremiah 10:12-13)

Why should we take note of this? Because those idols [false gods] which have NOT made the heavens and earth -- they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. Therefore, we are instructed not to be "confounded by the graven image, for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity [futile], and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation, they shall perish." (Jeremiah 10:14-15)

So, what does that mean for us who profess to believe in the King of kings and Lord of lords? We are to "hear ye the Word which the Lord speaks ..." In fact, we are to gladly receive His Word in our hearts, rejoicing forever more that the Lord who is the true God, the living God, and an everlasting King, would love us enough to provide a way of salvation for you and I. He prepared a Way for us, when there was no way. (Jeremiah 10:1, 12; Revelation 1:8, 11) This same Jesus crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Jesus having said unto His disciples (and by extension, you and I), "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) 

Thus, saith the Lord, "Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain; for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not; they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord; Thou Art Great, and Thy Name is Great in Might ..." (Jeremiah 10:1-6)

Therefore, flee the earthly constructs that will not bring eternal life. Consent only to wholesome words -- the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness. (I Timothy 6:3; I Timothy 3:16) 

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses ... and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable [blameless] until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; which in His times He shall show, who it the blessed and ONLY POTENTATE -- The King of kings and lord of lords, who only hath immortality dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen, nor can see, to whom be honour and power everlasting, amen." (I Timothy 6:11-16; Daniel 2:22; John 6:46)

Jesus told Pilate, "My Kingdom is not of this world ..." Jesus also said, "To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears MY VOICE!" (John 18:36-37) 

Indeed, as Jesus said, "This is the work of God -- that ye believe on HIM whom He hath sent." (John 29) 

"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)

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ today. Ask Him to become both Lord and Christ in your heart, and be water baptized (by immersion) in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48) Be clothed in His righteousness, wrapped in His garment of love. Why? Because the false idols in this world can never bring you the peace and joy of the Lord.

Only Jesus -- the living bread which came down from heaven -- can restore our souls to what we were intended to be -- His beloved -- from the very beginning. 

"For the bread of God is He which came down from heaven and giveth live unto the world!" (John 6:33)

His Name is JESUS, for HE alone shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)

Stand in the offering plate.

He Hath Made The Earth By His Power, He Hath Established The World By His Wisdom - Part 1800

"And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour ... " (Luke 1:47)

As did Mary (the mother of Jesus), we who believe in Jesus by faith are instructed to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour -- in all things. (Titus 2:10; Hebrews 6:1-2)

" ... 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 according to the commandment of God our Saviour." (Titus 1:1-3)

Yes, the Lord came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) God became our Saviour. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-14) He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11) His Name is Jesus -- Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)

Therefore, salvation is wholly dependent upon what we do in our hearts with Jesus the Christ. Why is this so?  Because JESUS is the culmination of the promised Seed (the seed spoken of in Genesis) along with the promised Seed implanted into Abraham. These two seeds were NOT after the fashion of Adam’s natural seed. No, these two Seeds were the Seeds of the Spirit of God. These two Seeds of promise continued down the genealogical pathway until these two Seeds arrived in a young virgin girl named Mary.

Herein, the Spirit of God brought the two SEEDS together in Mary's womb and Mary became a willing surrogate mother, as evidenced from her salutation in Luke 1:41-56.

Continuing in Acts chapters 1 and 2 we read that King David was also a prophet. David knew that God had sworn an oath with him -- of the fruit of his loins according to the flesh, that God in Christ would sit upon his throne. As we know, David the prophet regularly spoke concerning the resurrection of Christ, and prophesying that the Christ’s soul would not be left in the grave. Nor would the flesh of the Christ enter corruption.

Then Peter along with the other eleven apostles elaborates on these prophesies saying to his audience that God indeed has fulfilled these prophetic words spoken through David -- saying that God positively raised up Christ, and that, the apostles are/were eye witnesses to these events.

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 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. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (I John 1:1-4)
"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain, whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death; because it was not possible that He should be holden of it." (Acts 2:23-24)

Continuing, Peter said, "Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore, being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on His throne. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

For David is not ascended into the heavens; but He saith Himself, "The Lord said unto My Lord -- Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool." Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:29-36)

Yes, JESUS was raised from the grave and exalted by the right hand of God. JESUS having received of the Father the promised outpouring of His holy Spirit. What you now observe and hear is that promise actuated. David prophetically said concerning JESUS, “The Lord said to my Lord - sit at My right hand UNTIL I make your enemies Your footstool” (Acts 2:34-35; Psalm 68:18; Psalm 110:1; John 14:26; Acts 2:1-11, 17; Acts 10:45)

Therefore, believers are to declare to all nations that God has declared that the same JESUS crucified on a Roman cross is and remains today both LORD and CHRIST! The audience upon hearing that they had in ignorance crucified the Lord of Glory were immediately pricked in their heart’s saying to the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" The Apostles replied, "Repent and be baptized every one of you into the Name of JESUS the Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the [promised] gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

The promised gift of the Holy Ghost is to you and similarly to your children and to all those that are afar off. Indeed, the gift of salvation is promised to everyone who repents of their sins and is baptized into the name of JESUS. All those who believed in their heart on the day of Pentecost were gladly baptized without delay. In fact, they were baptized that very same day - 3,000 persons were baptized according to Acts 2. Needless to say, these new believers continued steadfastly in the apostles' teachings. So should we likewise desire His Spirit in our hearts, gladly receiving the Word.

As a consequence, we can rejoice, because the God of hope can now "fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound [as well] in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

Stand in the offering plate.

Meditate Upon These Things; Give Thyself Wholly To Them; That Thy Profiting May Appear To All - Part 1799

"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (I Timothy 4:16) 

"Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, "Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I shall give [Thee] the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish [from] the Way, when His wrath is kindled put a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in Him." (Psalms 1:6-12)

And one cried to another, and said, "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth full of His glory ... for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" (Isaiah 6:3-5)

"For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His Name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall He be called." (Isaiah 54:5)

Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hast seen Me hath seen the Father: and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?" (John 14:6-12)

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

Clearly, Jesus told the Jews that "he that speaks of himself seeks his own glory, but h/He that seeks h/His glory that sent h/Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in h/Him. In another place, Jesus again tells the Pharisees, "Though I bear record of Myself, yet My record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go .... I am One that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me bears witness of Me." (John 8:13-18)

But many times, the Jews sought to accuse Jesus, going so far as to hold a council against Him, scheming about how these might destroy Him. (Matthew 12:14; Mark 3:6)  Indeed, Jesus asked them, "Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you keeps the Law? Why go ye about to kill Me!" (John 7:19)

As we know, the Jews herein were fully aware of Jesus' words concerning doctrine. because Jesus had told them, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me." (John 7:16; John 3:11, 32; Matthew 11:27; John 8:14) The problem was that many choose not to hear the Word of the Lord, the Word made flesh being the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. (John 1:1-14)

To this, the ordinary people marvelled because Jesus knew letters, "having never learned." Then these answered, accusing Jesus of having a devil, and that it was the devil who was going about to kill Thee. (John 7:15-20)

So Jesus responds by telling them, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19; John 14:6-7; John 16:3)

This is why Jesus could say, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30)

My question is this. Do you know the Lord God who willingly became your Saviour?

"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)

His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. Start reading your Bible today, and let His Spirit speak expressly His desire for your life today. And, as the scripture states, "Trust in the living God who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe." (I Timothy 4:10)

Stand in the offering plate. 

According To The Revelation Of The Mystery, Which Was Kept Secret Since The World Began, But Is Now Made Manifest - Part 1798

"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)

"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. Howbeit, [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 8:6)

The mystery that was held from the beginning of the world is that after His kindness and love, God willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 4:3-7) God Himself was 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) To wit, God was in Christ, the same Christ which hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made instead a curse for us. He paid the price for our sin, and He did so with His precious holy blood. 

"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)

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

And in this current dispensation of grace, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ desires to reveal Himself to us. Indeed, He wants to reveal Himself to those who knock. But sadly, even with the scriptures readily available to us in some form, there are still those caught up within the modern day religious culture who do not know His Name. How can this be? Because even though we go to church and sign up for religious chores, we don't take the time to open the Word of the Lord. And sadly, as a consequence, "My people perish for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)

But it does not have to be this way. From the very beginning, God always had a Name which identified Him. Thus, it should not come as a surprise that the same Lord God who created us in the beginning would have a Name in the New Testament. So the question again -- the Name of the promised Christ? 

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

How do we know? Because the Lord does not hide His wisdom and knowledge from those believers who seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) 

Therefore, as believers in Jesus as both Lord and Christ by faith, everything we do in word or deed must be in the Name of Jesus. (Acts 2:36-38) His Name, the ONLY NAME whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The Name which is ABOVE every other Name. (Philippians 2:9)  The ONLY NAME wherein the apostles were commanded not to preach or teach by the religious culture. The ONLY NAME wherein the cities were divided, when the apostles entered in to proclaim the good news gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

"And this I say, [this] the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ ..." (Galatians 3:17) 

Don't let this world and its earthly constructs keep you away from the Word of our Lord God. He has so much that He wants to share with you this day. Open your Bible and begin reading. Ask the Lord to lead you into all wisdom and truth. Study to show thyself approved unto God. Stand in the offering plate. 

According to the Revelation Of The Mystery Which Was Kept Secret Since The World Began - Part 1797

Apostle Paul did not want anyone to be ignorant of spiritual matters. We see that often in his epistles to those who believe and name the Lord Jesus the Christ as their Lord and Saviour. But he also did not mince words when it came to those who would preach or teach another gospel, than the one established and confirmed by the Holy Ghost. In fact, at one point, Paul said, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 5:1)

Certainly, Paul (an apostle not of men, and neither by men, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead, who gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world) marveled that so many would believe another gospel, and be so soon removed from Him that called them into the grace of Christ. The One and Only Lord God and Saviour who willingly purchased them (and us) by His precious holy blood. (Acts 20:28; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16)

Paul said, "Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have received, let him (or her) be accursed." And a second time also, so say I [Paul] now again, if any man preach any other gospel to you other than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)

"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man but by the revelation of JESUS the Christ." (Galatians 1:10-12)

There is more. When Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars amongst the brethren, perceived that God’s grace was imparted to them, they gave to me (Paul) and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship so that we should go preach to the Gentiles, and likewise, they would preach to the Jews.

Now to Abraham and to his seed (the Seed of promise) were the promises made. Note that God did not say "And to seeds." Abraham's natural seed as in numerous or many. But rather as of one SEED. And to thy SEED, the promised SEED saith the scriptures, which is the Christ.

In this context, Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. In today's world, understand this. That those who do believe and have faith, these believers are the children of Abraham. The scripture prophesied that God would justify the Gentiles through faith, for it is recorded that the gospel was first preached to Abraham. God saying to Abraham that, "In your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." It is this confidence that we can be assured of our salvation. Like the scriptures state, Brethren, we which embrace faith are blessed even as Abraham was."

And thus, when the fullness of the time was come for the promised Seed to be manifest, it was then that God sent forth His Son, clothed in prone to sin flesh of a woman - Mary's natural being under the dispensation of the law. But whether Mary knew it or not, the SEED -- the holy thing that was inside her womb -- was the free.

God’s plan was to redeem men from under the law. Rescue us from the law. So that through redemption, mankind would have an opportunity to become God’s son’s through God’s adoption plan of redemption.

Through faith in God's redemptive plan we are now sons and daughters. God has sent forth into us the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying "ABBA, Father." Therefore brethren, we are no more servants. Instead, we are sons and daughters - heirs of God through redemptive faith in JESUS the Christ. Indeed, brethren we are even as Isaac was promised and likewise the children of God’s promise. We are the children of God by faith in JESUS the Christ. This is God's promise to us.

For as many of you as have been "baptized into JESUS" and have put on Christ, the promise is to you and your children and those who are afar off. And as a consequence, there is now no difference between a believing Jew or a Greek. There is neither a difference between a slave nor free. There is neither male nor female. For we are all one now in JESUS the Christ!

And if we are believers in JESUS the Christ, then we are also the offspring of the promised SEED. Scriptural references for this post can be read in the Book of Galatians from the Bible. Peace to all the brethren. Stand in the offering plate.

Let Everyone That Names the Name Of Christ Follow Righteousness, Faith, Charity and Peace, And Call Upon The Lord Out Of A Pure Heart - Part 1796

"I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me ..." (Philippians 4:12) 

As believers in Jesus by faith, we are encouraged to remain strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, for He is our hope, our joy, and from whence comes our salvation. (II Timothy 2:1) And to do so, that we might glorify God for His mercy to us, knowing that after His kindness and love, He willingly became our Saviour, shedding His precious holy blood on a cross so that you and I might know Him, and from whence comes our help. (Romans 15:9; Titus 3:4-7; John 10:16, 30; Psalm 18:49; Psalm 117:1)

As the psalmist encouraged in his own song to the Lord -- "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth ..." (Psalms 121:1-2)

After the cross, on the New Testament side, apostle Paul encourages believers in Jesus by faith to remain strong and similarly, to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves, "for even Christ pleased not Himself but, as it is written, "The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me." (Romans 15:1-3; Psalm 69:9; Matthew 26:39; Galatians 6:1-2; I Corinthians 9:22; I Corinthians 10:24, 33) 

Indeed, the Lord through the prophets from afore who declared the Word of the Lord, "Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people." And again, "Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people." And again, Esaias [Isaiah] saith, "There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust." Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: but as it is written, "To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand." (Romans 15:10-21; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Romans 12:12; Romans 14:17; Deuteronomy 32:43; II Peter 1:12; I Corinthians 1:5; Romans 12:3; II Corinthians 10:13-16; Isaiah 52:15; Acts 19:11)

The Gentiles will know the King of kings and Lord of lords. These will know that Jesus is indeed the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11)

Why? Because even with the passage of time, wherein the world tries to create a foundation without Almighty God -- "the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal -- "The Lord knows them that are His," and, "Let everyone that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity ..." (II Timothy 2:19)

"Thou, [even] Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preserves them all; and the host of heaven worships Thee. Thou [art] the Lord the God ..." (Nehemiah 9:6-7)

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

Howbeit, The Most High Dwells Not In Temples Made With Hands, As Saith the Prophet, "Hath Not My Hand Made All These Things?" - Part 1795

"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, but Solomon built Him and house. Howbeit, the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands," as saith the prophet, "Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool: what house will ye build Me?" saith the Lord, "Or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:45-50)

In the example of the woman at the well, "many more believed" because of His [Jesus] own word. This is certainly what we saw when those in the town said unto the woman at the well, "Now we believe not because of [the woman's] saying for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world!" (John 4:41-42)

Just in case we do not understand the totality of prophecy from the old covenant being fulfilled in the new testament side, there is another spoken Word (beyond the prophecy of Joel) that was stated on the day of Pentecost. That is, Peter (standing with the eleven) said, "For David speaks concerning Him --"I foresaw the Lord always before My face, for He is on My right hand, that I should not be moved; therefore, did My heart rejoice, and My tongue was glad; moreover, also My flesh shall rest in hope; because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to Me the ways of life; Thou shalt make Me full of joy with Thy countenance." (Acts 2:25-28; Psalm 16:8-11; Acts 13:30-37; Hebrews 13:20)

As a consequence, "the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant [will] make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever, amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21; Philippians 2:13)

How? In Thy presence. "For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure ... 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; holding forth the Word of life ..." (Philippians 2:13-16; II Corinthians 1:14; Galatians 2:2; I Thessalonians 3:5; Matthew 5:15-16; Hebrews 13:20-21; I Peter 4:9; Romans 14:1)

But I digress somewhat. When Peter then "spoke freely" of the patriarch David, who is both dead and buried, he said, "his sepulchre being with us unto this day, therefore, being a prophet and knowing that God has sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne: he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens; but He saith Himself, "The Lord said unto My Lord, sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool." Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:29-36; Acts 13:36; Psalm 132:11; Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10; Acts 2:24; Acts 1:8; Acts 3:15; Psalm 110:1; Acts 5:31; Hebrews 10:12; John 14:26; Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:1-11, 17; Acts 10:45; Psalm 68:18; Psalm 110:1; John 20:17; I Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:13)

The same understanding that those who came from the city to see the man that the woman at the well testified of, had come to -- that this man JESUS -- He has the words of life.

But there is more. In Acts 13, apostle Paul stood up in the synagogue and said, "Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought He them out of it. And about the time of forty years suffered He their manners in the wilderness. And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, He divided their land to them by lot. And after that He gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

And afterward they desired a king; and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man out of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. And when He had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be their king, to whom also He gave testimony, and said, "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will. Of this man's seed hath God according to [His] promise raised unto Israel a Saviour -- JESUS.

When John had first preached before His coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel, and as John fulfilled his course, he said, "Whom think ye that I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, whose shoes of [His] feet I am not worthy to loose. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the Word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning Him.

And though they found no cause of death [in Him], yet desired they Pilate that He should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took [Him] down from the tree, and laid [Him] in a sepulchre. But God raised Him from the dead: and He was seen of many days of them which came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers -- God hath fulfilled the SAME unto us their children, in that He raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm -- "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten you!"

And as concerning that He raised [Him] up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, He said on this wise, "I will give you the sure mercies of David ..." wherefore, He saith also in another psalm, "Thou shalt not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption." For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: but He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. 

Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets: "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, through a man declare it unto you."

All this to say that we are living in the last days, a time when God wants to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh -- both His servants and His handmaidens, both Jews and Gentiles. And we are living in the time of grace wherein the Lord will shew wonders in heaven and signs in the earth beneath -- His handiwork for all the world to behold.

Are we taking notice?

It is for this reason therefore that we should not (as the apostles oft declared) be "ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began ... but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel ..." (II Timothy 1:8-10; Romans 1:16; I Timothy 2:6; Ephesians 3:1; Romans 3:20; Romans 8:28; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:9)

This is why we as believers in Jesus by faith "hold fast the form of sound words," which as Paul states, "thou hast heard of me, in faith and in love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us." (I Timothy 1:13-14; Titus 1:9; Romans 2:20; Romans 6:17; II Timothy 4:19)

But far too often, the voices of those who teach and preach CONTRARY TO THE WORD OF GOD, consenting not to wholesome words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness are heard by the masses over the Word which God Himself gave -- so that we might find abundant life in Him. (I Timothy 6:3; I Timothy 3:16)

And thus, instead of believing that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh, these would rather dote about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmising's, perverse disputing's of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness. But what does the Word tell us, so that we are not tossed to and fro by the whims of this world -- "From such withdraw thyself." (I Timothy 6:3-5)

Why? Because "godliness" is clearly defined for believers 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."

"For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) The doctrine of Christ expressed, for the world to behold His glory, and gift of salvation! (II John 1:9; Hebrews 6:1-2)

When we diligently study His Word, studying to show ourselves approved unto God -- a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth -- we begin to understand the Godhead more precisely. (II Timothy 2:15) And because of the desire for more of Him in our hearts, He opens our understanding of His Majesty as King of kings and Lord of lords -- the visible image of the unseen God. Through scripture, we quickly learn that He -- Jesus --  is both Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, both Lord and Christ. (Revelation 1:8, 11; Acts 2:36)

And that He shall we serve. His Name -- the precious holy Name JESUS -- is above every other name in this current dispensation of grace. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)

Therefore, Jesus is not a separate person from the Father, as far too many would have us believe [with their man-made created religious triad god/trinity/triune god] but rather, as proclaimed throughout His Word -- the One and Only God who loved us enough to become our Saviour. 

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

Nevertheless, while Jesus walked on earth, He hid His true identity from the world, so that those who would follow Jesus would do so out of love, and a desire wholly to know His love and kindness for His people, and not seek after the material blessings that these might receive. We see this in the feeding of the five thousand, when these looked for Jesus the second day because their bellies were hungry.

Jesus said, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him ... he that has seen Me hath seen the Father" (John 14:7-9). As God with us -- the Word made flesh, Jesus revealed Himself to us, identifying Himself as the God of Abraham and the One who revealed Himself to Moses as the I AM. (John 8:24, 58)

"To wit, God was in Christ ...."

Stand in the offering plate.

Now Is Come Salvation; And They Overcame Him By The Blood Of The Lamb, And By The Word Of Their Testimony, And They Loved Not Their Lives Unto The Death - Part 1794

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night ... and they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:10-11)

In the scriptures, we read about the disciples making ready for the passover when Jesus said, "With desire, I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God." (Luke 22:15-16)

Jesus knew the finished work that was ahead, and that the cross, the beatings, the crown of thorns on His head, the mocking and scoffing by the hardened hearts of men (who would not recognize Jesus as their Lord and Saviour) would not be easy. Still, Jesus knew that through His death  on the cross, and the shedding of His precious holy blood -- having Himself willingly become the perfect sacrifice -- the Lamb of God destined to take away the sins -- we who have sinned would find abundant life in Him. Thus, we have a blessed assurance of our salvation and eternal life with the Lord of glory.

However, for us to come to the marriage supper of the Lamb, as a partaker in the bride of Christ, we must first accept His invitation to be partakers in the body of Christ church, wherein Jesus is the Head -- the One and Only King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:16) And as a consequence, we who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ live forever. (Revelation 12:17)

Still, to get there, we need to gladly receive His Word -- JESUS -- in our hearts. (John 1:1-14; John 14:6-12) We need to repent of our sin against our Lord God and Saviour, and return to Him with gratefulness in our hearts. And then, following repentance, and water baptism (by immersion) in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ wherein we become fully clothed in His righteousness, the righteousness of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- the answer of a good conscience toward God, we receive His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- who will never leave us nor forsake us, nor leave us comfortless. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48; I Peter 3:21-22; Romans 6:1-2; Titus 3:4-7)

In fact, Jesus said, "I will come to you!" Why? Because, like the disciples, Jesus desires to sup with us, to walk through this life with us, every day, holding us and cuddling us, even when the spirit of this world rages against us. How do we know? Because on the day of the Passover so long ago, Jesus "desired" to eat with His disciples. And He still "desires" to eat with those who follow Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength in these last days.
That is, we yearn in our very being to know Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Consequently, because of Jesus, we can be assured of our salvation. Because we now know that when He shed His precious, holy blood on that cross for you and I, we who love Him can be justified by His grace, and thus, made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Acts 2:36; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; Genesis 1:1-2; Luke 1:35)

After Jesus was taken up, He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. And now, He regenerated with the Father as one Spirit, desires to give us "severally as He will" gifts of the Spirit so that we are not ignorant -- gifts to edify, gifts to share with others, gifts that will strengthen and bring together the members of the body of Christ church as one in Him. And the key of knowledge, that the world is so determined to steal, will be given to us -- so that we might see and hear what the Word of the Lord has to say. (Acts 1:2-3; I Corinthians 12:1-13) And shine as lights in a very dark world -- for Jesus!

Interestingly, for me, is that our response to the highest calling of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ comes from the heart, and then, when our heart reaches out to the Lord, and we love and seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He entrusts to us the key of knowledge, which Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost revealed to those who gladly received the Word. (Acts 2:1-47)

Yes, indeed, we serve an awesome God! And in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

"For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure, 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; holding forth the Word of life ..." (Philippians 2:13-16; II Corinthians 1:14; Galatians 2:2; I Thessalonians 3:5; Matthew 5:15-16; Hebrews 13:20-21; I Peter 4:9; Romans 14:1)

And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood; and His Name is called the Word of God ... and He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a Name written -- King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:13-16)

"Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

And because of His kindness and love for His beloved creation, now is come salvation -- wherein we as believers and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, can be overcomes of the world by the blood of the Lamb, and by the w/Word of our testimony. Today is the day of salvation. 

Taste and see that our Lord Jesus is so good to those who love Him. Let Him fill you with His peace and joy and love, so that you can be a flow through for Him. Be filled with the Holy Ghost, wherein we can all eat our meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people.

Thank you Jesus for all the good things -- the many blessings beyond measure that you have bestowed upon us who love you, and worship you, and adore you, and desire also to commune with you in everything that we do in both word and deed. 

Stand in the offering plate.

While Ye Have Light, Believe In The Light, That Ye May Be The Children Of Light - Part 1793

"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." (John 7:28-29)

Jesus spoke these words to the same people who were accusing Jesus of having a devil within "who goeth about to kill Thee?" The same people who wanted Jesus dead. But as we now know from the Word, their desire to destroy Jesus could not happen because of the promise declared in the Garden. Therein, the Lord God said unto the serpent, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life." (Genesis 3:14)

Why? Because as the Lord God confirmed then, there would come a time when He will/has put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; "it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15; John 8:44; Luke 1:31, 35; Galatians 4:4; Romans 16:20) And as we know from the prophecies given in the Old Testament, and then confirmed/established in the new, the Lord Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that spoken Word in the Garden -- that "shall bruise satan under his feet shortly." (Romans 16:20)

How do we know? Because from the very beginning, even before the foundation of the world was formed, the battle was already won. The King of kings and Lord of lords already established, because He is the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He knows the end from the start. And in this current dispensation of grace (the time in which we live) His Name -- JESUS!

"Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" Therefore, the only one who did not recognize Jesus for who He truly was -- as God manifest in the flesh as a Son for all the world to behold His glory -- was the devil. (I Timothy 3:16)

And this ignorance about who Jesus was did not change. Even in the wilderness, when the devil tempted Jesus, he would begin by saying, "If Thou be the Son of God ..." (Matthew 3:3-4) And he said this even though Jesus cited scripture that stated the devil should not tempt the Lord thy God. Indeed, just before the devil left and angels came and ministered unto Jesus, He said, "Get thee hence satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." (Matthew 3:10; Deuteronomy 6:4, 13; Deuteronomy 10:20)

Yes, God became our Saviour, fulfilling the mystery which was kept secret since the world began. (Romans 16:25) And because of His love for His beloved creation -- those who choose to believe in Him by faith -- we who look for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us -- can be redeemed from all iniquity, and purified unto Himself as a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:13-14)

In prophecy:

"Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His Name Immanuel ..." (Isaiah 7:14)

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

And later fulfilled, as promised by the prophets from afore:

"And she shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Put this way in Romans, "Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world Bega, but now is made manifest and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith, to God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever, amen." (Romans 16:25-27; Ephesians 3:20; Romans 2:16; Ephesians 1:9; Colossians 2:2, 9; Colossians 4:3)

The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now has been 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)

The greatest love story ever told to mankind! But if satan had known beforehand, he would not have crucified the Lord of glory. "Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (I Corinthians 2:8)

As Peter, standing with the eleven said on the day of Pentecost, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36-38)

The battle won when our Lord God shed His own holy blood on that cross for you and I. (Acts 20:28) And now we are dead for our life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3) "Rooted and built up in Him, stablished in the faith as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:7; Ephesians 2:21)

It is for this reason, as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, that we walk in Him. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS. (Matthew 1:21-23)

No other Name wherein we must be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)

This is why Jesus could say to those who loved the praise of men more than the praise of God -- "he that believes on Me, believes not on Me, but on Him that sent Me, and he that sees Me sees Him that sent Me. I am come a Light into the world, that whosoever believes on Me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear My words and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world ... he that rejects Me, and receives not My words, hath One that judges him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me, he gave Me a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that this commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak." (John 12:44-50)

This day, we have the privilege of having sufficient scripture to understand in whom we serve, and similarly, from whence comes our salvation. We can study His Word and comprehend what it means when Jesus tells us to "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19; Luke 5:10) Most of all, we can come to know that Jesus is the only Light in our world, worthy of pursuit. Because He is the dayspring from on high that willingly chose to visit His people. The same God who made us in the beginning robed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we could wholly abide in Him, when we in our hearts ask Jesus to be both Lord and Christ, and are water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ! (Acts 2:36-38)

It is for this reason that we (as believers in Jesus by faith) don't sit in darkness any longer. And we let the scales of blindness (which comes from having focused on this world and its earthly endeavours) be taken from your eyes. And that, in our hearts, we desire that the God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)

"Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer ..." (Romans 12:12)

Forever knowing that the night is far spent already and the day at hand whereby we can put on the armour of Light -- that is, putting on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 13:12-14; Ephesians 5:11; Ephesians 6:11-13; Philippians 4:8; I Corinthians 6:9; James 3:14; Galatians 3:27; Galatians 5:16)

For He is the Light, and when we believe in the Light [JESUS] we become the children of Light. The city on the hill, that points always to the Giver of Life!

As Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6-12)

And even though the devil -- the thief and robber who wants to steal our soul from eternal presence with our Lord God who created us in the beginning -- does not want the world at large to hear the message of the cross, and how after His kindness toward us, God became our Saviour, it does not matter anymore because he was already kicked when Jesus shed His precious holy blood on a wooden cross for you and I. Thus, He -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- remains victorious.

And He is the one and only door to heaven.

"By Me," Jesus said, "if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9)

Therefore, "now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:13-18; John 10:9)

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." (I Corinthians 12:13)

Ask Jesus into your heart today. Repent and be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and allow Him -- the Good Shepherd to guide your steps.

Stand in the offering plate.