"And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." (Matthew 3:9)
Jesus said, "But I say unto you -- That in this place is One greater than the temple." (Matthew 12:6)
Indeed, as believers in Jesus by faith we recognize that there is only One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all who is with us all and similarly, in us all. (Ephesians 4:5-6)
For those who have not yet studied the scriptures, there is so much to learn about the Godhead/godliness, and that in Jesus dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And since we are not taught that God was manifest in the flesh and dwelt among us (at least not often) our understanding of our Lord God as our Saviour is limited. (Titus 3:4-7)
He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)
How can this be, you ask? First, John tells us that God is Spirit (John 4:24) And this same Spirit of the Lord God moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning. (Genesis 1:2) No one has seen God except that He makes Himself visible to mankind. (Hebrews 1:1-12)
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul tells us that God is the Father .(1 Corinthians 8:6) Apostle Paul also documents in his letter to the Ephesians that there is only ONE Spirit. In Colossians, the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily within Him. (Colossians 2:9) And Jesus, who was asked to by His disciples to "Shew us the Father," were told by Jesus that He and the Father are One. (John 10:30) The same question asked when Jesus was speaking with Philip, wherein Jesus tells His apostles that if you have seen Him -- Jesus -- ye have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) The promised Comforter abiding within us. Jesus is the head of the body of Christ church.
Scripture proclaims that "[there is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-6)
Moreover, apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, explaining that the Spirit was Jesus Christ. Peter (standing with the eleven) said that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified s both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) The King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8) Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. The Word made flesh. (John 1:14) But there is more ...
"For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ..." (Philippians 1:19)
When a believer in Jesus by faith repents of his sin, and is then water baptized [buried and resurrected] in the Name of the Lord Jesus, they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost ... the ONE and only Spirit of Jesus into his/her heart. (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21) His love shining forth to one and all from within our hearts. The Comforter leading and guiding us into all truth.
Not a third person within a triad, or triune god, but rather instead, the One and Same God who created the world in the very beginning, having loved us enough to dwell among us. Yes, He personally delivered to His chosen people His free gift of salvation, so that those who believe in His goodness and grace can experience real life within Him. When we understand who Jesus really was, and how many times He must have grieved knowing that the shedding of blood on the cross was the only way for us to be saved, then we will be in one accord -- for the Lord shall be King over all the earth. And as it has always been, there will be One Lord -- His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:35)
Indeed, our salvation because of the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)
This explains why Paul beseeches, saying, " ... therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office. So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shews mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:1-21)
"What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:18-21)
"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. I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. He which testifies these things saith, "Surely I come quickly. Amen." Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Revelation 22:12-21)
Stand in the offering plate.
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