Jesus Said, "he That is Of God Hears God's Words: Ye Therefore Hear Them Not Because Ye Are Not Of God!"- Part 1882

"And they watched Him, whether He would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse Him." (Mark 3:2)

Note that this hatred against Jesus was the norm from the powers that be while He walked on this earth and not just an exception. In John 7, we see an example of this, wherein even Jesus' brethren did not believe Him for who He was. "I am become a stranger unto m/My brethren, and an alien unto m/My mother’s children." (Psalms 69:8) Nevertheless, it was not just His own brethren -- Jesus earthly family -- which did not believe. As Jesus said often to the Jews, "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me; for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" (John 5:46-47; Deuteronomy 18:15)

We witness this again when Jesus (speaking of the certain rich man which was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day while the beggar Lazarus laid at his gate, full of sores) said that Abraham told the rich man "they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." Herein, the rich man says to Abraham, "Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent." But Abraham said unto him, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (Luke 16:29-31)

Of course, we are now privy to the mystery which was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. That is, that Jesus the prophesied Christ would be raised from the dead three days and three nights after being nailed to the cross. And that in so doing, He would fulfill/satisfy the law, having personally delivered to those who receive and believe on Him by faith/through faith His free gift of salvation. By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God.

After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7; John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

Still, He knew the hearts and inward desires of all men. Nothing was hid from Him. In one place, we know that Jesus would not walk in Jewry [Judea] because the Jews sought to kill Him -- at least not initially. At this particular time, the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand. So His brethren said unto Jesus, "Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that Thy disciples also may see the works that Thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, [while] he himself seeks to be known openly. If Thou do these things, show Thyself to the world." (John 7:1-4)

At first glance, this seems odd for His brethren to say -- "If Thou do these things, show Thyself to the world!" That is, until we read verse 5, which states, "For neither did His brethren believe in Him." (John 7:5) This is not to suggest that in the murmuring against Jesus that some did not believe Him to be a good man, for some did believe, later desiring to become Jesus' disciples. (John 7:12) But it is this earthly perspective, the idea that we all want to be famous, and loved by the world for our own efforts that we are seeing displayed herein.

But Jesus is not about the earthly. As we know from the scriptures, Jesus is the second Adam from heaven. He is not the first. Indeed, as scripture proclaims, He is the dayspring from on high who hath visited His people. 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) 

Therefore, the "earthly" perspective conveyed by His own brethren -- "that no man does any thing in secret but rather, seeks to be known openly" -- the motives that are as dung according to apostle Paul, the Lord Jesus turns on its head. Indeed, from the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus had said, "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up ..." (John 3:12-14)

It is in this context that some Jews marvelled at Jesus' sayings, asking, "How know this man letters, having never learned?" (John 7:15) 

Certainly, a question we should all be asking. Nevertheless, while Jesus was still in Galilee, Jesus spoke these words to the same brethren who wanted Jesus to partake of the things of this world. But He said unto them, "My time is not yet come, but your time is alway ready. The world cannot hate you but Me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for My time is not yet full come." (John 7:6-8) 

At this point, His brethren headed up unto the feast. From what we read, it appears that His brethren had no understanding of what Jesus meant here when He said the world cannot hate you but Me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. One would think this one statement would have stopped them in their tracks, or at the very minimum, left His brethren wondering why the world would hate Jesus and not them.

As we know, Jesus went up unto the feast later. "Not openly" but instead "as it were in secret." (John 7:10)  And there, the Jews sought Him, asking, "Where is He?" (John 7:10-11) Later, in John 11, the chief priests and Pharisees stood in the temple, speaking among themselves, asking, "What think ye, that He will not come to the feast?" Note that these went so far as to issue a commandment, that, if any man knew where Jesus was, He should show it, that they might take Him." (John 11:55-57) In other words, their heart motives had not changed.

From our perspective, what we should understand here is that those who condemned Jesus (and did so while standing in the temple) were standing wherein they ought not to have been. We see these same type of accolades -- earthly admiration of men -- going to those who stand in the temples/churches today who do not preach that this same Jesus whom ye/we have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-47) That the same God who created us in the beginning willingly clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) and dwelt among us. His love that surpasses all human understanding displayed on the cross for one and all to behold -- the Lamb of God! Sadly, the same worldly spirit that commanded those who hated Jesus then is still standing in the temple wherein they ought not to be standing today. But I digress somewhat.

Although the actual commandment was not issued against Jesus until John 11, we do know that the writing was on the wall for a law against Jesus to be enacted. For even in John 7, "no man spake openly of Him for fear of the Jews." (John 7:13) Still, we know that about the midst of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and taught. As an aside, with so many people looking for Jesus, one has to wonder why these would look anywhere but the temple for the Lord of hosts to be preaching and teaching. 

Continuing, Jesus responds to the Jews' question, "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" And this is where we see Jesus take His brethren's earthly thoughts into the heavenly realm. Jesus answers them by saying, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of Myself ... he that speaks of himself seeks his own glory: but He that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, and yet, none of you keep the law? Why go ye about to kill Me?" (John 7:16-19) 

One can only imagine the people's response, beyond what the scriptures reveal, "Thou hast a devil; who goeth about to kill Thee?" (John 7:20; John 8:48, 52) 

But as we also know, Jesus was not seeking His own glory, which may explain why Jesus said unto them, "I have done one work, and ye marvel. Moses therefore gave you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at Me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:21-24)

The Jews persecuted Jesus and sought to slay Him because He healed (made whole) the impotent man that was lame for thirty-eight years on the sabbath day.(John 5:1-18) This is not an isolated case. There are many other examples of Jesus healing the sick, performing miracles, and signs and wonders too. The most important point to remember here is that Jesus continually said to them, "The Son of man can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do: for what thingsoever He does, these also does the Son likewise." (John 5:19-47)

How can this be? Because Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. In Him the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. (Colossians 2:9) And today, those who firmly believe in Him are 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 2:13-14)

For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men. (Titus 2:11) It is for this reason that the things of this earth no longer matter, Because after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, we are justified by His grace, that we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:7) 

Make Jesus your all in all this day, for this is the day which the Lord hath made. Stand in the offering plate. 

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 - Part 1881

"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. 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 20:26-29)

Let me repeat that last line again. "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." (Acts 20:29) Therefore, the fact that there are grievous wolves among us should not come as a surprise. Still, this is critical to understand because in this context, not all churches are one and the same. Not all churches teach that we are to remain steadfast in the apostolic doctrine, and sadly, within our modern day religious culture, many don't teach from the Word of God at all. It is for this reason that we need to study the Word, to show ourselves approved unto God so that we can rightly divide the Word, and not be misled by those who want to draw away disciples after themselves. (II Timothy 2:15)

This warning against those who would "draw disciples after themselves" should serve as a clue to a person's agenda and motives but this is not the only observation we should discern from those who proclaim to preach the gospel. Certainly, when the gospel they preach is anything and everything BUT the Word, the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, we should be running in the other direction. Why? Because the Word and the Spirit must agree. "And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, "What a Word [is] this! for with authority and power He [Jesus] commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." (Luke 4:36; Colossians 3:16; John 6:63; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12)

Yes, we are instructed not to believe every spirit, but rather to test the spirits to see if they are of God.

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world ... they are of the world: therefore, speak they of the world, and the world hears them ..." (I John 4: 1-5)

But we, who believe in Jesus by faith, and obey His commandments, are of God and therefore know we the Spirit of Truth, and the spirit of error. "Thy Word is Truth." (John 17:17) Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Jesus goes on here to tell Philip that if he has seen Jesus, he has seen the Father ... but to go in that direction today would take away from the original message intended for this day. Therefore, before digressing too much, let us determine to love one another for love is of God, and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God because -- "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." (I John 4:6-9; Titus 3:4-7)

Hear ye Him! (John 3:16) The Lamb of God! The same God who created the world and was in the world personally delivered to us His free gift of salvation. (John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16) His love manifest for all the world to see on that cross, wherein He shed His precious holy blood for you and I. God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8)

Reading further in Acts, the scriptures warn "also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And when [apostle Paul] had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all." (Acts 20:29-38)

Please note that this is not the only time that the scriptures speak of shepherds in wolves clothing. Jesus continually warns of false prophets and teachers arising from within the flock. In another place, we see that Paul went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, DISPUTING AND PERSUADING THE THINGS CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF GOD. (Acts 19:3-8) But note, according to scripture, what happens here.

"BUT when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years: so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul; so that from his body were wrought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." (Acts 19:9-12)

What we are witnessing herein is a separation of those whose hearts were hardened and believed not and those who gladly received the Word. For the latter, when fear fell on the Jews and Greeks dwelling at Ephesus AND the Name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified in the midst, many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver ... so mightily grew the Word of God, and prevailed. (Acts 19:17-20)

The Word is JESUS.

"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 (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all ... all those who believe in Jesus by faith, and are water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as the answer of a good conscience toward God our Saviour. (I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:3-7; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 19:5; Acts 4:7-10)

Jesus said, "he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen." (Mark 16:16-20)

Often, in the scriptures, the Jews would ask Jesus and the apostles, "By what authority do you do these things?" And the answer, always? In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And as we see from the scriptures below, the authority -- in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- while inclusive of water baptism, extends beyond water baptism. In fact, everything we do in both word or deed, should be in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the Name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, arise and walk!" (Acts 3:6)

And she continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the Name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" And it came out at that very moment." (Acts 16:18)

"In the Name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in Spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided to deliver such a one to satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (I Corinthians 5:4-5)

"And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11)

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

" ... always giving thanks for all things in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father." (Ephesians 5:20)

And to the point of this message -- "Now we command you, brethren, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." (II Thessalonians 3:6)

As we who believe in Jesus by faith, pursuing His heavenly agenda over our own are reminded far too often, the devil smiles heartily when one that knows the Word of God hardens their heart against the truth, and their minds are deceived to believe a lie. Nevertheless, for those who gladly receive the Word -- JESUS -- we can be assured that God is not just with us (as in the Old Testament days) but that now God our Saviour dwells within our hearts.

And we also know that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures. (James 1:17-18)

Thus, as we press into Jesus each and every day, "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16)

Because there is no higher purpose than to serve the Lord God Almighty who loved us enough to become our Saviour. He is Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Stand in the offering plate.

Greater Is He That Is In You Than he That Is In The World - Part 1880

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." (I John 4:1-3)

Jesus forewarned us of this time. He said, "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:5)

As further clarification, apostle Paul later instructs, "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge." (I Corinthians 14:29) In other words, if the words preached to do not align in one accord with His Word, resulting in a situation whereby the Spirit and the Word are not in agreement, then the message you are hearing (according to the scriptures) is not of God. 

How do we know? Because, as John testifies in the first epistle, this 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. Therefore, if we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not know the truth. What is the truth?

"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 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 and declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ." (I John 1:1-3) 

The promised Holy Ghost which is the Comforter who will lead and guide us into all truth. (John 14:26; John 15:26) Our advocate is with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous, who is the propitiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but also for the sins of the whole world. His blood cleanses us from all sin, the blood of Jesus Christ. (I John 1:7; Isaiah 2:5; Titus 3:4-7I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23)

As a consequence of coming to Jesus and asking Him to become both Lord and Christ in our hearts, minds and souls, and being water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (as the answer of a good conscience toward God), we become washed, we become sanctified, and therefore, become justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (I Corinthians 6:11; Acts 2:36-38; I Peter 3:21-22) No longer are we Gentiles carried away unto these dumb idols and earthly whims because the Lord has given us to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and similarly, that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (I Corinthians 12:2-3; Ephesians 2:11; Psalm 115:5; Matthew 16:17)

This is why we require boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh. And having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

Moreover, let us hold fast in the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised! (Hebrews 10:23) This is why we press into Jesus, doing every thing that we do, in both word or deed, in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. 

This does not negate the inherent need for us to be aware of those who have crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the ONLY Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who have determined in their own hearts that there is more than one Lord God Almighty, and that He must exist as a trinity, or triad, or triune God in three persons, even when the Word of God preaches otherwise. Those false teachers who would willingly carve God Almighty into thirds, even when Jesus Himself declared all power on earth and in heaven was His, and that He and His Father are one. (John 10:30; John 14:6-12)

Nevertheless, we who love our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and remain steadfast in the apostolic doctrine know that we are of God, and have overcome them who profess to teach the truth but only propagate more lies without the support of any scriptural foundation; because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

This is why it is important to study the Word, to show ourselves approved unto God, as doth a workman that need not to be ashamed, so that we will know the truth that sets us free, rightly dividing the Word. (II Timothy 2:15) 

How do we discern what is right and true and just? Hear the Word of God that is not bound by modern day religious and institutional constraints. Hear the Word that is the sure foundation of God. And know that those who do not speak the truth -- "they are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them. 

[But] we are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not knows not God; for God is love ... In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." (I John 4:5-9)

Lots to consider this day. In closing, be assured of His promise of salvation. That is, "hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world." (I John 4:13-14)

After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) 

Stand in the offering plate.

I Will Pray With The Spirit, And I Will Pray With The Understanding Also: I Will Sing With The Spirit, And I Will Sing With The Understanding Also - Part 1879

"The Lord [was ready] to save me, therefore, we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments of the days of our life in the house of the Lord ..." (Isaiah 38:20)

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." (Psalms 98:4-6)

"Therefore will I give thanks unto Thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto Thy name." (Psalms 18:49)

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:19-21)

" ... count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worth patience. But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." (James 1:3-6)

Elias is a good example -- a man the scriptures describe as subject to like passions as we are. He prayed earnestly that it might not rain. As a consequence, it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. Then Elias prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (James 5:17-20)

Can you imagine praying that it would not rain for three years and six months? And then praying again for the heavens to open up and give rain so that the earth could bring forth her fruit?

For us who believe in Jesus by faith, Elias' example should serve as encouragement to gird up the loins of our minds, be sober, and keep looking up with hope to the end for the grace that was (and continues to be) brought unto us -- the revelation of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:11-17)

To this end, it is important for us to recognize that the promises of the Lord Jesus are always true. He never fails those who love Him. As the giver of life, He wants only the best for those who love Him, and desire to abide totally in Him, pushing aside the things of this earth, in favour of the heavenly.

And that, consequently, the trial of our faith (being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire) be found unto praise and honour and glory at the end of the appearing of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen ye love, in whom though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of our faith, even the salvation of our soul. (I Peter 1:7-9, 10)

Indeed, Jesus said He would never leave us, nor forsake us once we have accepted Him into our heart, and been water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus. Why? Because when we are water baptized -- buried into Jesus Christ, we are baptized into His death. Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4)

The gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, and His gift of salvation to us is the greatest love story ever told, and because of His love and kindness toward us, we can be partakers of His magnificence and glory. We see this on the day of Pentecost when the first 3,000 souls were saved. On that day, Peter (standing with the eleven) shared that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. When the people ask what they must do to be saved, Peter tells us to repent, and to be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so that they can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)

But there is so much more that we miss as followers of the Lord Jesus -- His disciples -- when we willingly settle for a comfortable pew.

Like, for example, the opportunity to continue steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers so that none are without. (Acts 2:41-47) Or, becoming a world changer in our own Jerusalem, wherein we can lead people to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Or, the revelations and guidance we receive from the Holy Ghost when we press into Jesus. And even more still, the learning that we receive when we delve into the the questions James asks -- "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you afflicted? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise Him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:13-16)

The message here then is that because of our heart response to Jesus, wherein we love our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we no longer are servants, but rather, His friends who have come to know His business, and -- desiring souls to be saved. It is for this reason that we search the Word for His wisdom and understanding in all things, for the Lord Jesus is the source of all wisdom. The key to all knowledge.

Jesus prayed, "Give us this day our daily bread." In another place, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) In yet another scripture, Jesus describes Himself as the Bread of Life. And yes, similarly, He is the living water wherein we drink and consequently, never thirst again.

Thus, when we search the Word with an honest heart, studying the scriptures 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 foundation of God that stands sure. (II Timothy 2:15, 19) The Rock which is JESUS, who shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

The scriptures confirm that the Lord knows them that are His. This is why we remain strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, being justified by faith. And because of the peace we have with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, we can glory in tribulations with His hope that taketh not ashamed. His love shed aboard in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:1-21)

Therefore, "hold fast the form of sound words .. in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us. (II Timothy 1:14)

And "if any of you do err from the truth and one convert him, let him know that he which convert the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:17-20)

Think on these things in the days ahead. If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God that gives to all liberally, and upbraids not, asking in faith. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, who of His own will begat us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

Oh, how He loves those who become doers of the Word and not just hearers only. Then can we make a joyful noise unto the Lord, praying and singing with the Spirit of the Lord, and forever gaining His understanding for our lives.

Stand in the offering plate. 

I Will Establish My Covenant With Him For An Everlasting Covenant, And With His Seed After Him. - Part 1878

"For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ..." (I Timothy 2:5)

"Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6)

"And I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. And God said unto Abraham, "Thou shalt keep My covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is My covenant, which ye shall keep, between Me and you and thy seed after thee ..." (Genesis 17:7-10)

The Lord said to Abraham that he was blessed because of his believing faith. Indeed, Abraham's believing faith was counted to him as righteousness. Indeed, because of his faith in the Word spoken by the Lord to him, God said to him “that in him and in his seed would all the nations of the earth be blessed“ (Genesis 17:7-8)

God did not say, in the plurality of Abraham's seed that nations would be blessed. God spoke in the singular, speaking of a particular seed. And that seed of blessing is the new blood seed of the Spirit of God that God implanted into Abraham’s seed bank. This is the seed we now know as Jesus the Christ, who is the promised seed of God. Therefore whosoever applies faith in the seed of the holy Spirit - the Holy Ghost -- he or she will be blessed. Likewise, whatsoever nation nationally believes in that seed, they in turn will be blessed as well.

The record of the scriptures verify that when individuals come to Jesus with nothing except sincerity and truth, the blessing immediately flows over them engulfing all those into the ghostly atmosphere of the Spirit of God. Past history records that when a nation turns to God, that nation becomes blessed, and remains safe from all enemies. Unfortunately, when a nation willingly rejects God they decline into disarray.

In other posts, we have spoken of Mary's pregnancy and her discourse with the angel of God. Mary accepted all that was spoken to be truth saying to the angel, “Let it be so unto me according to your Word." And we note, similarly, that Mary rejoiced in God her Saviour. But I digress.

The next time we hear of Jesus was when He took off and was eventually found in the temple talking with others about the scriptures. Upon being found by Mary and Joseph, they sort of had their natural questionings as to why He had left without discussing with them His purposed intent. In response to their queries, Jesus simply asked, "I must be about my Father’s business?"

At 12 years of age, maybe that answer would have been lacking somewhat. Nevertheless, I am sure that they now had a reality check - an aha moment - for both Mary and Joseph knew the origin of His birth. And now we find Jesus expressing to His chosen parental guardians that He must be about His Father’s business.

We know that all seed comes from God. And as we know from Jesus' parables, one has to wait until the seed matures to behold the contents of the seed. In the above example, the Spirit is of God. God is the Father of all spirits. In Jesus' case, He came forth from God. God’s own seed - inseparable. God and His Seed. God and His Word Jesus. One Spirit. One Word. One God. One Flesh. One Name. All the fullness of God dwelt in the man Christ Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) Silence in Heaven until the Spirit of God in Christ said, "I must be about My Father’s business."

Think upon these words giving yourself wholly to them so that we with all our learning can gain understanding too. Meditate upon His Word so that He can reveal Himself to you too. And pray, asking the Lord Jesus to take the blindness from our eyes, and deafness from our ears. Why? Because Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the ONLY way to everlasting life.

Peace to all who are in Jesus -- our One and Only Mediator.

Stand in the offering plate.

If Ye Then Be Risen With Christ, Seek Those Things Which Are Above - Part 1877

Jesus said, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me ..." (John 15:26)

In this same teaching, Jesus continues, saying, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." (John 16:7)

Herein, note that Jesus begins speaking to His disciples in the latter part of John 13 and continues through to the end of John 17 -- almost four chapters in our Bible. The timing is immediately after Judas had left to betray Him. It is at this point that Jesus begins to reveal to the remaining disciples His identity, and that He had "came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world and go to the Father." (John 16:28)

This is a pivotal point to understand because it marks the changing of the dispensations from the old covenant and the law to this current new dispensation of grace -- the time when Jesus ushers in the new testament, wherein the Kingdom of God is preached and every man can press into it. (Hebrews 9:8, 15-18) "Since that time the Kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it." (Luke 16:16; Matthew 3:1-12; Matthew 11:12-13)

In another place, "From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 10:7) And yet in another, Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:15; Galatians 4:4; Matthew 3:2)

A changing of the guard, if you will, wherein the Word made flesh and dwelt among us extends peace and good will to all men, having torn the veil that prevented us from knowing God from top to bottom, from heaven to earth. The Lord from heaven, the dayspring from on high hath visited His people. 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; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16)

But there is more. The scripture declares -- "Until the day in which He was taken up, after that HE THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen; to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God ..." (Acts 1:2-3)

But I am getting ahead of myself. Consider John 16:29-30. The disciples had been listening intently to Jesus for what must have been some time, and said unto Him, "Lo, now speak plainly, and speak no proverb. Now are we sure that Thou knows all things, and need not that any man should ask Thee; by this we believe that Thou came forth from God." (John 16:29-30)

How did Jesus respond? Interestingly, He asks them, "Do ye now believe?"

On the face of it, this is an interesting question. For a span of three years, these same disciples had followed Jesus everywhere He went. Every day, these disciples walked with Jesus. In fact, these had witnessed the many miracles, the signs and wonders, the healing of people lame from birth, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, and His wisdom and knowledge that could only come from God Himself (because He discerned the hearts of those around Him), and yet here was Jesus asking them, "Do ye now believe?" (John 16:31)

As an fyi, the comparison scriptures for this verse include the risen Jesus saying unto Mary Magdalene who had come to the sepulchre where Jesus' body had been placed after He had shed His holy precious blood on the cross -- "Touch Me not: for I am not yet ascended to My Father, but go to My brethren, and say unto them, "I ascend unto My Father, and your Father: and to My God, and your God." (John 21:17) As we know, this precipitated Mary going and telling these same disciples that she had seen the Lord Jesus, and that He had spoken these things unto her.

In another place, Jesus lifts up His eyes to heaven, and said, "For I have given unto them the words which Thou gave Me, and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world but for them which Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine. And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine: and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee, Holy Father, keep through THINE OWN NAME those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be ONE as we are." (John 17:8-11)

Remember, Jesus had told His disciples earlier -- "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) And that if ye have seen Jesus, ye have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) But for some reason, Jesus still had to ask them at this very end point of His ministry -- "Do you now believe?"

As in, do you yet believe who I am? Do you understand the price that is about to be paid for your salvation? The true cost of that crown of thorns that will be placed on Jesus' head? Or the spear through His side? The nails that would pierce His hands, so that Thomas later could declare to the risen Jesus, "my Lord and my God!"

Throughout Jesus' ministry, He identified Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) Jesus told the multitudes that He was the Bread of life. Jesus told the woman at the well that if ye drink of the living water that Jesus offers, ye will never thirst again. The son of man being still the Lord of the sabbath. This same Jesus, who stated, "I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33)

In another place, when Jesus was alone with His disciples, and they had asked about the parable of the sower which He taught to the multitudes by the sea side, Jesus said unto them, "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing that they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them." (Mark 4:11-12; Isaiah 6:9-10; Isaiah 43:8)

But thankfully, those who seek the Lord Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, will find in Him the peace that surpasses all human understanding, and everlasting life. (John 3:16; Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) But I digress.

The point I want to make is that after Jesus went up in a glorified body, the Holy Ghost was poured out upon His disciples on the day of Pentecost, and the world forever would never be the same. (Acts 2:1-47) The beginning of the New Testament church was firmly established, and the first 3,000 souls saved, having repented, and been baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Beginning from the baptism of John unto that same day that He was taken from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection. (Acts 1:22) All prophecy fulfilled so that there would be no mistaking who Jesus was, knowing that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Lord Himself coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

Yes, as Peter (standing with the eleven) stated, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36-47)

It is no wonder those who were present were convicted. The Acts 2 message is still being preached to the world today. Jesus' message for those who are athirst to "Come" and take the water of life freely is still being extended. (Revelation 22:17)

For those who did not know Jesus in their heart, or believed that their earthly position was threatened by the presence of the King of kings and Lord of lords in their midst (the Word made flesh and dwelt among us), there were always questions, and more questions asked, as these continually attempted to discredit and bring into disrepute His authority on this earth. These did not understand that the son of man was still Lord of the sabbath, even though His miracles, His signs and wonders everywhere He went should have been sufficient evidence.

And this is the issue we are faced with today. The modern day religious culture does not want us to understand that (as Jesus said) -- "ALL power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. " (Matthew 28:18)

That He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He who was and is and is to come -- the one and only Almighty God who willingly robed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him.  This is why we are instructed to repent, and be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and then shall we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

The scripture states -- "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin ... for he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with Him; knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath no more dominion over Him ... " (Romans 6:3-9; Galatians 3:27; I Corinthians 15:29; Colossians 2:11-15;  I Corinthians 6:14; John 2:11; Galatians 6:15; Philippians 3:10; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:24; Galatians 6:14; I Peter 4:1; II Timothy 2:11; Revelation 1:18)

His identity should have been evident from that very first miracle -- the beginning of miracles at a marriage in Cana of Galilee when Jesus turned the water into wine. That miracle alone should have been sufficient for everyone to understand that the Lord God Almighty was manifesting forth His glory to one and all. His invitation to the most elaborate wedding feast ever being extended to you and I, who are least deserving of any forgiveness, given that we are all sinners, each and every one of us having fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) No exceptions.

Still, because of His love for His beloved creation, He Himself made a way of salvation on a cross that He Himself created. He knew that His precious holy blood had to be shed if we were to freely receive His gift of salvation. Hebrews 9 and 10 elaborate but in particular Hebrews 9:8 which signifies the turning point.

That is, "the Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing ..." (Hebrews 9:8)

For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, and as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 10:26-28)

Don't let today pass by without understanding that for this cause, He is the mediator of the New Testament, and that the God of this universe loves you beyond measure. His call is to come unto Him, and He will carry your burdens and bring you out from the enslavement and entanglements of this world. Indeed, Jesus has a purpose and a plan for your life. Get to know our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ today. Repent in your heart of your sins against Him, and ask Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in your heart.

And in answer of a good conscience toward God, be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as did everyone in the scriptures who truly believed, and become clothed in His righteousness, putting on His garment that sets you apart from the world. (I Peter 3:21-22) Receive His gift of the Holy Ghost that will lead and guide you into all truth. The Comforter. Desire spiritual gifts. And whatsoever you do, don't let the religious culture render you an ineffective believer.

Instead, study the Word so that you are fully attached to the Rock, which is and was (and always has been) Christ Jesus, who said, "And behold, I come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:12-13)

Stand in the offering plate. 

That Ye Stand Fast In One Spirit With One Mind Striving Together For The Faith Of The Gospel - Part 1876

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me." (Philippians 1:29-30)

In nothing, the scripture states, are we to be terrified by our adversaries -- "which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God." (Philippians 1:28)

Jesus warned us by saying that this faith journey would not be easy, and that there would be persecution against those who love the Lord. Indeed, Jesus said that they will hate believers because these same hated Him first. Our response is to rejoice in the trials and tribulations of life, knowing that in all things, the Lord Jesus will be victorious, and that all things that happen will be for His glory.

Therefore, if there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind, letting nothing be done through strife or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. Thus, become a flow through for the Lord Jesus in everything we do in both word or deed.

Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians expresses it this way -- "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:4-8)

The Lord God Almighty came forth as a mighty man so that we could experience salvation. O, how He must have grieved from the very beginning knowing that the cross had to be endured. Still, His willingness to come into this world and dwell among us so that we could behold His glory is evidenced for all those who want to understand the greatest love story ever shared. His love for us -- His beloved creation -- beyond measure. His love for us in abundance, and to prove His love, the rain for example falls on both those who are good and evil. He is not a respecter of persons.

This is why believers can count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord, for whom we have (and will) suffer the loss of things, but when we are faithfully found in Him, not having our own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith, we can know Him -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings. (Philippians 3:7-10)

Thus, let us therefore stand fast in the Lord, and rejoice in the Lord always. And let the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus -- 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, in whom we have redemption through His blood -- the forgiveness of sins.

His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins.

As for the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things, be assured that we have no reason to fear, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Why? Because our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able to subdue all things unto Himself.

Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Stand in the offering plate. 

That The Gentiles By My Mouth Should Hear The Word Of The Gospel And Believe, And God Which Knows The Hearts Bare Them Witness, Giving Them The Holy Ghost - Part 1875

Throughout the scriptures, the Lord God reveals Himself to His people, His message, His teachings, His wisdom and knowledge that brings understanding, when our hearts fear Him. And in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16)

The Word that was with God and was God dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. (John 1:1-18) Why? Because God manifest in the flesh, taking upon Himself our transgressions, shed His holy precious blood on a cross so that we -- His beloved creation -- could come to know Him as our Lord God and Saviour. Yes, this same Jesus whom ye/we have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

"But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, He saith, "Behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "when 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 when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued not in My covenant, and regarded them not," saith the Lord.

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people, and they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord:fr all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8:6-12)

"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." (Hebrews 9:15)

"And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." (Hebrews 12:24)

"And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 2:2)

Indeed, the good news gospel message of Jesus Christ is not hidden from those who seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. In fact, when our hearts turn in totality to Him -- the Lord Jesus Christ (which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures), which was made of the Seed of David according to the flesh; and declared the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations for His Name, among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ ..." our salvation in Him is confirmed. (Romans 11:25-36)

This is why there is more than just a blank page between the old covenant and the new testament. If this is the first time you are hearing this teaching, I would suggest reading Hebrews 9 and 10 wherein there is some explanation about the law being a shadow of the good things to come, and that, for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament. The latter -- where a testament requires by necessity the death of a testator for it to be in force, is intended for us in this current dispensation of grace. 

As well, it is important to understand that the Law and ten commandments were given to Moses for the Israelites who were God's chosen in the old testament. We see this distinction in the new testament when there is (at times) heated discussion among the apostles concerning the circumcised and the uncircumcised, and how the Lord has now (in this current dispensation of grace) written His laws within our hearts. The Mosaic Law (as Paul, an apostle to the Gentiles teaches) a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, wherein our hearts and minds are transformed and renewed in our Lord God and Saviour, and His wisdom and knowledge that can only be found in the Word. The Word -- JESUS!

We see this when Jesus conversed with the scribe. Jesus confirmed the first commandment in the old --  that is, believers are to love the Lord thy God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second, that from His love flowing through us we are to love one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) 

Further, there are specific instructions for Gentiles but we will touch on that later. Right now, look at Acts 15, wherein certain men came down from Judaea to teach the brethren. These said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go to Jerusalem (unto the apostles and elders) about this question. (Acts 15:1-4)

And being brought on their way by the church they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, causing great joy unto all the brethren. When they got to Jerusalem, these declared all the things which God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, "That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." This led to the apostles and elders coming together to consider the matter.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made a choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the gospel and believe, and God which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us -- and put no difference between us and and them, purifying their hearts by faith ..." (Acts 15:7-9)

But Peter did not stop there. He continues, saying, "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul who declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles, by them. 

When the two were finished, Jame spoke and said, "Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His Name, and to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up; that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My Name is called," saith the Lord, "who doeth all things."

Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world, wherefore, my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from the Gentiles are turned to God; but that we write unto them -- that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day."  (Acts 15:13-21; Amos 9:11-12; Acts 15:28; Acts 21:25; I Thessalonians 1:9; I Corinthians 8:1; I Corinthians 10:20, 28; Leviticus 3:17; Acts 13:15, 27)

Indeed, the message was so confirmed that the apostles and elders and the whole church (pleased with the decision) wrote letters by them after this manner. Judas and Silas were also sent to tell the same things by mouth -- "for it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things -- that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well." (Acts 15:22-29) Those that heard the epistle rejoiced for the consolation.

As we also see later, apostle Paul preaches the same message so there is no contradiction in the scriptures, for God is not the author of confusion.

"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till 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 3:19-20)

The Seed is Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) In Him dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) And He shall save His people from their sins -- His Name is JESUS! (Matthew 1:18-21)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Ye Are They Which Justify Yourselves Before Men, But God Knows Your Hearts, For That Which Is Highly Esteemed Among Men Is An Abomination In the Sight of God - Part 1874

"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever ..." (Daniel 2:44)

"I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one like] the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him, and there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him; His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away and His kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-4)

Throughout the scriptures, the Lord God always revealed Himself to His people. Indeed, there was/is nothing hid from those who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) In this current dispensation of grace (the time in which we live) His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6)

And lest we be led astray by a false modern day religious culture which denies the power of the living God within their midst, the scriptures clearly declare that Mary (who was blessed in bringing forth a son) also rejoiced in God her Saviour. (Luke 1:67) John the baptizer likewise pointed to Jesus, saying, "Behold the Lamb of God." (John 1:36) The prophets too, the wise men and shepherds, the psalmist, and the numerous disciples that followed Jesus daily -- "all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him." (Luke 13:17; Matthew 2:10; Acts 2:36-47)

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 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16)

As believers in the Lord Jesus by faith, we are privileged beyond measure, in that we can assuredly reside in the knowledge of the covenant wherein the Lord God has taken away our sins, having paid the price once and for all with His own precious holy blood. Thus, as a consequence of our hearts turning to Him, He remembers our transgressions no more. As far as the east is from the west, our sins which were as scarlet are as white as snow.

"Come now, and let us reason together," saith the LORD, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

The promise of the Lord Jesus to all those who find their sustenance and life in Him, who desire the treasures of heaven rather than the trinkets of this world, who willingly pick up their cross and follow Jesus in everything we do. JESUS -- our absolute. For He is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. JESUS -- King of kings and Lord of lords. Our Lord God and Saviour who bled His precious holy blood on a cross so that His free gift of salvation could be experienced to one and all. 

This is why the apostles could declare -- "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus ..." (Hebrews 3:1)

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24)

"And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 2:2)

And this assurance of salvation and eternal life -- "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

Seek the Lord Jesus today, and harden not your heart, for He is the giver of life and breath. He is inviting you to come to the most elaborate wedding feast ever, and He is calling you this day.  The One and Only who loved you from the very beginning as His beloved creation, and consequently, wants to give you the desires of your heart. If you don't have one already, find a New Testament (that has not been revised repeatedly -- an authorized King James is a good place to start) and ask the Lord Jesus to fill your heart and mind with His wisdom and knowledge, and understanding.

For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and He shall reign from sea to sea.

Stand in the offering plate.

A Good Man Out of the Good Treasure of His Heart Brings Forth That Which Is Good - Part 1873

"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned ...

from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for man slayers, for whore mongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (I Timothy 1:5-17)

When believers in the Lord Jesus by faith come to understand the two commandments affirmed by our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ in the New Testament-- that first, we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and from His love, we love one another out of a pure heart and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned, we begin to step into His purpose as a world changer.

For we can now distinguish between the law intended as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ (which are now written in our hearts) and the set of rules and regulations imposed by man that contributes to the implementation of more worldly constructs. You see, the first man was Adam, but the second was the Lord from heaven. It is the latter that convicts our hearts to do the right things -- including what is right and true and just.

As a consequence, we can know from whence comes our knowledge and wisdom. That from the heart of a good man comes good treasure bringing forth that which is good. That kind of charity (as a flow through, doing everything that we do in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ) cannot be dictated by the laws of men and/or worldly constructs intent of bringing us into bondage. Rather, it requires a heart change, wherein we understand that the Lord Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8)

This is not a new message but an underlying theme throughout the scriptures. For example, from the prophet Jeremiah:

Thus shall ye say unto them, "The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. 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 lightnings with rain, and brings forth the wind out of His treasures." (Jeremiah 10:11-13)

Therefore, for believers, our wisdom is not of this world. The knowledge which we seek does not come from the wisdom of men but from the Lord. And, as promised, when we fear the Lord, the promise to us is that the Lord lays up sound wisdom for the righteous, and He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of His saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path, when the wisdom of the Lord enters into our heart, and His knowledge becomes pleasant unto our souls. (Proverbs 2:1-22)

Indeed, "the fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge." (Proverbs 1:7) 

Seek His knowledge today through His Word, and apply thine heart to understanding because when our treasure is in seeking the knowledge of the Lord, we will find the answers to our questions.

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

Jesus also said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)

Stand in the offering plate.

For This Is My Covenant Unto Them When I Shall Take Away Their Sins, Saith the Lord God - Part 1872

Jesus said, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me …” (John 15:26) 

In another place, Jesus said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” (John 16:7)

These two scriptures in isolation could create confusion, but as we know from the scriptures, God is not the Author of confusion. So what exactly was Jesus saying here? First, we know that the promised Comforter is the Holy Ghost. (John 14:26) Second, the Comforter is the Spirit of truth, and similarly, the revealer of truth. In His Word, there are no hidden surprises for those that seek/love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31; II Timothy 2:15) Third, this Spirit of truth which proceeds from the Father will testify of Jesus. And finally, when Jesus departs, He will send the Comforter unto us — so that He can dwell in our hearts. 

Some express the revelation this way. Jesus went up in a glorified body and the Holy Ghost came down on Pentecost. Certainly, we know from Acts 1:2-3 that after Jesus was taken up, He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. 

But there is much more to understand herein, and this is the focal point for this day. On the day of Pentecost, “the Spirit of truth” arrived, being poured out as promised on the120 believers gathered together in the upper room in Jerusalem. (Acts 1:4-5, 15; Acts 2:1-4) The disciples spoke in a variety of tongues — tongues of angels, and tongues of men — about the magnificent things of God. (Acts 2:5-11) 

This marked the beginning of the new testament body of Christ church wherein Jesus is the Head. (Acts 1:19) We know this because the prophet Joel had foretold of this outpouring of the Holy Ghost before it actually happened. (Joel 2:28-32) Nevertheless, those in attendance, men from every nation, were witnessing the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy in a manner that none of them had expected. Note that apostle Peter (standing with the eleven) spoke of salvation, and how this same Jesus whom these had crucified was both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)

The Son of man is the Lord from glory. The first Adam, earthy, but the second Adam the Lord from Heaven. Yes, the same Spirit of the Lord God which moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis robed Himself in flesh to bring us His gift of salvation. He paid the ultimate price with His holy blood so that we could experience eternal standing in Him. 

“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)

Therefore, when Jesus said, “I and My Father are One!” in John 10:30, and that if you have seen Him [Jesus] you have seen the Father in John 14:6-12, it was because the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him.  (Colossians 2:9) 

But the human flesh could not come into our hearts which is why Jesus told His disciples that He would be seen no more. Because the one Spirit referred to in Ephesians 4:4 — the hope of our calling — is our one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.

The Lord came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) The Word was made flesh. (John 1:1-18) Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8)

The same God with us, who would soon be in our hearts. His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:35)

Thus, indeed, “this is the covenant I will make with them after those days,” says the Lord, “I will put My Laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds … This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put My laws in their minds, and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.” (Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 10:16)

"For this is My covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins." (Romans 11:27)

Don’t be deceived by modern day religious teachers who lead us astray from the greatest love story ever told. Rather, ask the Lord Jesus to come into your heart so that you also can know the truth that sets believers in Jesus by faith free from the bondage and entanglements of this world.

And remember, that Jesus said He will never leave us nor forsake us, but that He would lead and guide us into all truth. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had experience the fulfillment of that ancient prophecy spoken of by Joel, and similarly, psalms by David. (Acts 2:14-18; Psalms 16:8-11; Psalms 110:1; Acts 2:25-28, 34-35)

The Lord has a plan for your life today. Let Him lead and guide you into all truth. Stand in the offering plate.

But Thou Hast Fully Known My Doctrine, Manner of Life, Purpose, Faith, Long Suffering, Charity, Patience, Persecutions And Afflictions - Part 1871

"Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints ..." (Jude 1:3)

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (II Timothy 3:1-7)

Continuing with a similar theme in the last post, it is important to note that the Lord Jesus warned us of the last days, and what these would be like. Believers in the Lord Jesus by faith have been adequately warned of the signs that would exist in the last days so that we would not be ignorant. The Word tells us that there would be those who would resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. (II Timothy 3:8) During this time, evil men and seducers would wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived, and that deception will begin from those teaching and preaching another gospel.

"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:4)

What did apostle Paul say about those who preach another gospel than the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ that was paid for in blood? The scriptures state -- "Let him be accursed!" (Galatians 1:8-9) Not just once but Paul scribed this message twice so that those who taught another gospel would know the consequence.

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

"Therefore, as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was." (II Timothy 3:9)

This gospel includes the message delivered by Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost, which marks the beginning of the New Testament covenant, wherein we are told this same Jesus who was crucified is both Lord and Christ. Wherein we are to repent, and to be water baptized in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost in our hearts. (Acts 2:36-47)

And because we have been clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, having been buried with Him in death and in the resurrection, we can stand fast in the liberty which is Christ. (Galatians 5:1) It is time for believers to follow the instructions in His Word and not to be entangled again in the yoke of bondage. We should not be subscribing to the evil constructs of this world, but in this time, looking toward heaven, for our salvation draws nigh.

Read Matthew 24 for the clarity Jesus offers.

But also pay attention to the message of the apostles who walked with Jesus day in and day out because what is missed from those who would present another gospel is salvation according to Acts 2:38. Likewise, these will not tell you that believers are to remain faithful and steadfast in the apostolic doctrine. And to continue in the things which thou has learned and hast been assured of, living godly in Christ Jesus -- even when it means suffering persecution. (II Timothy 3:10-12)
To continue in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Why is this important? Because all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Moreover, "beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit .... but ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

"And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." (Jude 1:22-23)

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation, Who Shall I Fear? The Lord Is The Stronghold Of My Life - Part 1870

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto 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. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:1-4)

One of the most interesting aspects of the Holy Bible scriptures -- the Word of God -- is that within there is a cloud of witnesses which attest to the love and kindness of God our Saviour. The gospels -- written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John -- tell similar accounts of Jesus, and His journey on this earth. The controversy that one might expect when it comes to several witnesses scribing what these saw is that one might get the message wrong, and therefore cast doubt upon the accuracy of the gospels. But in this case, all the prophets and the psalmist alike point to the coming of the Messiah. Jesus is His Name. (Matthew 1:18-23; Acts 4:12) In fact, throughout the scriptures, we understand the statement, "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" (Psalm 40:7; Hebrews 10:7)

As well, it is important to note here that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8) It was His abundance of love and mercy for His beloved creation that dictated His plan of salvation -- the mystery that was beheld in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. But unlike the modern day religious culture who denies that Jesus is the Father, even when these know that Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" these want to reduce Jesus to a third of God.

Still, the Word that was with God and was God was made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) The Lord having come forth as a mighty man, so that we could have life in Him. (Isaiah 42:16) Indeed, when the Lord God looked around to see if any one was worthy, there was no one. Thus, He Himself became our Saviour, and He did so because He loved us from the very beginning. His purpose for our lives placed in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb.

It is here that we see the difference between the true body of Christ Church wherein Jesus is the Head and a false religious culture that denies Jesus and His power thereof. Interestingly, there are many scriptures which speak of this in the scriptures. Nevertheless, our Lord God and Saviour desires a family and regardless of the proliferation of false teachings within the modern day church, those that love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength will find the truth.

"Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17)

The apostles are clear on that point. Herein some scriptures that demand that we not be misled by any other gospel, which does not align with the apostolic doctrine outlined in Acts 2 -- wherein, on the day of Pentecost the body of Christ church had its beginning. Within these scriptures, we understand, as Peter standing with the eleven told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38) This is why the first 3,000 souls saved repented, and were baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- so that these could receive the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of the Lord Jesus in their hearts. But I digress.

The following are the scriptures I alluded to above. Read and meditate on these things in your faith journey. Search the scriptures as a workman doth, so that we can accurately discern between what is right and true and just, and other teachings which have no foundation or basis in the Word.

"For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." (II Peter 2:20-22)

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils ... for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears ..." " (I Timothy 4:1-3)

"For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost ..." (Hebrews 6:4-8)

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition ..." (II Thessalonians 2:3)

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." (II Timothy 3:1-9)

From Jesus' parable -- "They on the Rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the Word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." (Luke 8:13)

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." (Hebrews 3:12)

"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." (II Peter 3:17)

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matthew 24:12)

But we have a higher calling in Christ Jesus. Remain steadfast in the Lord Jesus who loves us beyond measure. "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears." (Hebrews 12:12-17)

So many witnesses pointing to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant who said He will never leave us nor forsake us. This is why He said He would send us another Comforter -- the Holy Ghost -- so that we would know that Jesus is God Almighty in the flesh, and that His Spirit now dwells within. See that ye refuse not Him that speaks to your very being, but instead receive a kingdom which cannot be moved. Attach yourself to the Rock which is Jesus, and let us have grace whereby we may serve Him as our God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 

Stand in the offering plate.