Glory To His Name, O Lord, Glory To YOUR Name; JESUS, For He Shall Save His People From Their Sins - Part 1811

"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)

When we understand how the Seed travelled through the generations as outlined in the scriptural genealogies, we also know that JESUS was not part of the creation of God. Indeed, JESUS is the Creator of all things. Similarly, JESUS is before all things. And JESUS is the cause and effect of all things existing that are in Heaven and upon earth. JESUS then is the very Word of God.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us ..." (John 1:1-18)

"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)

Moreover, JESUS is the revealing of God [Himself] in visible form. JESUS is not created for He who appeared came forth from the innermost being of God. God steps out of Himself into visible form having neither beginning of days nor end of life. In fact, God is One Spirit! And yes, God’s Spirit fills the heavens and the earth. Like the hymn declares, God’s Spirit is immortal - invisible. God being God.

In Isaiah's prophetic writings, speaking of things to come, we see that God upon counselling with Himself decided that He was going to make a visible creation. A visible creation which shadows after the pattern of the unseen spiritual realm. And of course [He] God who was formerly unseen is now going to show Himself in visible form!

In contrast, we as humans are an earthy creation, patterned after the visible spiritual form. This wasn't quite the original plan. Somewhere along the way, the devil appears to have caused an interruption to God’s plan. Or at least that might be the initial perception. Of course, for those who recognize God's plan of salvation, we also know that there is nothing hid from God. From the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, we have grown in spiritual stature to realize that we need God in every aspect of our life. Indeed, life apart from God is really nothing more than being akin to the walking dead. But I digress somewhat.

Do you recall when Paul entered into a city and beheld all sorts of images, in the inhabitants' attempt to find God? In one such city, Paul read an inscription that stated, "To the unknown God." In many ways, our society today is similar, We have images that are supposed to be JESUS crucified on a cross. Indeed, we have everywhere an abundance of such images. At the same time, people prostrate themselves into a voluntary humility before such images, as if there is a connect between the man made image and carved statutes and themselves as an individual.

But as we also know, images are dead. They do not talk. They do not move. They have no feelings or emotions, and are lifeless. And sadly, many within the current religious culture hang onto these idols, even when the scriptures clearly tell us to keep ourselves from idols. Sadly, as we understand from Paul's encounter on Mar's Hill, the worship of idols has been one of man's downfalls. And that has not changed, as we seek bigger houses to live in and pricier cars to drive.

Still, as we know from documented church history, the self appointed church fathers (who immerse themselves in religious traditions dating back to 300 and 400 AD) have surely rearranged the minds of men and women under the guise of religion. They do so by asserting that they are God’s witnesses, even proclaiming to act on God's stead. However, as we read in the scriptures, true worshipers will worship in Spirit and likewise, in the Spirit of Truth.

When someone asked JESUS, "What is truth?" JESUS replied that His Word is the Spiritual Word and therefore is truth. And we are sanctified by that same truth -- Thy Word is truth! (John 17:17)

Continuing, we see that apostle Paul revealed to the inhabitants of that city the unknown God to whom they ignorantly worshiped. Indeed, Paul told them of God who had revealed Himself in the face (life) of JESUS the Christ. This is why today, JESUS is not hanging on a cross. And neither is JESUS in a grave. JESUS is arisen.

As portrayed in the scriptures, JESUS appeared in the flesh for one reason. That is, to purposely enable deceived men and women to get back on the track of God’s highway! To be set free from the bondage of this world, and understand that we are to stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ Jesus.

In other words, God’s highway is not idolatrous religious erroneous teachings formulated after the strange devices of demonic influenced persons. The Word and the Spirit agree, and if there is a contrast, Thy Word, as Jesus said, is Truth!

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

After the kindness and love of God toward men, He became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

And right now, God is inviting us to the most elaborate wedding feast ever, but we need to take hold of His truth. We need to accept what He did on the cross and ask Him to forgive our sins. Ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to become both Lord and Christ in our hearts.

And then, as an answer of a good conscience toward God, we need to be water baptized in the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that He can clothe us in His righteousness. So that we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 10:44-48; Revelation 1:8, 11)

Yes, God sincerely wants to impart His abundant life to one and all. He willingly became the perfect sacrifice so that we might know Him and understand the meaning of true love, when One dies for His enemies, whilst these were still His enemies. And He wants to give us His abundant life. He is the living God, the Bread of Life, the Living Water wherein we never will thirst again.

But those images and carved statues? As Paul states, they have no life.

Therefore, call upon His Name today. The name of JESUS. Not a church, nor a religion and not a form. Give yourself totally -- your heart, your soul, your mind, your strength -- to the LORD JESUS, and discover what the Lord God has in store for you.

Stand in the offering plate!