Like the psalmist David, Paul, an apostle of Jesus the Christ expressed the same vision. That is, he desired to know only Jesus the Christ and Him crucified. Great is that mystery, saith the scriptures. Why does God love us this way? Because nothing shall separate us from God's everlasting love. We see a perfect example of God's promise of love in Romans 8, wherein Paul writes:
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-38)
We also know that Peter, an apostle of Jesus the Christ was so anointed with the oil of the Spirit of Jesus that when he walked along the streets, his very shadow fell upon the sick and quickened their physical bodies so that they were instantly healed. Now that is a real walk in clinic if we think of healings in today's terms. It is no wonder apostle Paul (even when he was on the sidelines) wanted to know more about this Jesus and to stay focused on the One who has All power in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18, Revelation 1:8)
Shouldn't we desire the same? But I digress.
As we see from these few examples, the Word of God can be so powerful in individual lives that the anointed Word of God is able to perform miracles, and mighty signs and wonders through those who believe. He desires that we seek His knowledge and wisdom so that our minds remain sound and our hearts renewed. And, as Paul explains, His desire is to bestow upon us spiritual gifts so that we can, like David, walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil. (Psalm 23:1-6; I Corinthians 12:1-31)
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)
But sadly, unbelief is leading to a world that is getting darker and more confused every day. We are witnessing a shift away from the Lord God Almighty, and His life sustaining promises for His people. Indeed, at one point the Lord Jesus asked whether He would even find faith when He -- the Son of man -- returned for His people. (Luke 8:18) This is a very sad commentary indeed, given the hefty price He paid on the cross for our sins -- when He shed His precious holy blood for you and I.
Still, His abundant love -- the love of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for His creation -- and His handiwork is displayed everywhere for one and all to behold. His love highlighted for us to see. More importantly, this same Jesus wants to deliver you and I from our burdens. In fact, the Lord God, our Saviour has a purpose for our life that goes beyond the confines and constraints of this world and as such, He has willingly paid the price for our sins on a cross.
Your deliverance, and my deliverance have already been taken care of, and the Lord wants us (as believers in Jesus by faith, and having been clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus -- Acts 2:36-38) to obtain our share in the last will and testament of God in Christ. (Hebrews 9:8, 15-18)
He Himself has provided us with the ultimate gift of salvation. Not because you or I have done anything deserving of deliverance because we could not do anything to save ourselves. This is why Calvary had to happen, so that a perfect sacrifice could be offered for our sin once and for all. The veil torn from heaven to earth so that we could have a personal relationship with our Creator.
Indeed, we could not go to where He was, so instead He came to us. But not just dropping in for a visit. Oh no. Rather, He purposely appeared to straighten out our backward thinking as to who God is, so God who is Spirit appeared in form as one of us. His intent was to bring the light of God into a misled satanically deceived world. This world that has afflicted and caused men, women, boys and girls to endure unimaginable pain and suffering.
At the same time, we recall from the scriptures that Pilate washed his hands of the whole matter and blamed God! He did this knowing that God is good. Jesus -- God Himself veiled in flesh --demonstrated His willingness and His goodness upon earth whilst He walked among us as a Son! Jesus did not pass by on the other side of the road. And He still doesn't pass by on the other side of the road today. No. When one responds to God’s love, and becomes acquainted with the Author of all living things, then there is no hesitation on God’s part to withhold any good thing from anyone.
Those living in this present God rejecting system of error still have an opportunity to put God to the test. God said, "Try me and see. Taste and see that I am good!" That willingness takes a step of faith in our hearts to reach out and ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to be both Lord and Christ in our hearts. (Acts 2:36)
And yes, while doubters and pessimistic atheists and agnostics surround us, remember that God not only made you but that God loves you too. He can heal you. He can make you prosper according to your measure of faith. In fact, God can do more than you or I can possibly think. For absolutely nothing is impossible with God.
Starting today, call on the Name of the Lord Jesus and take hold of His promises. Yes, the same God who laid down His life for us, as a man desires to give us the Kingdom, if we will only turn to Him. Recognize God's love for you and I and open the door to Him in faith. Open your heart to the same God who loved you and gave Himself for you. For Jesus loves you more than His own life! Grasp the reality of who you are and how precious you are in God’s eyes, and because He is God, let Him come and heal you and deliver you.
Remember too that the gift of salvation is not about religion. We are talking about you beginning a personal relationship with your Lord, your Creator, your Saviour and most of all, when our hearts turn, our forever friend! Trust that you can go directly to Him. Just talk to the Lord Jesus as a friend, and know that His friendship is greater than any other. His love and peace and joy beyond any explanation or alternative that the world has to offer.
How can I say this? Because the world will always leave our hearts wanting for more but Jesus -- He knows our every need even before we ask. He knows how to cuddle us when the world has blasted against us with its brute force. He is our Shepherd, who leads and guides us into all truth. The King of kings and Lord of lords.
Now it is your turn to respond to His invitation of love. His call to turn our hearts and minds and soul to Jesus, knowing that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. And that when He is our all in all, His knowledge of the glory of the Lord will fill us with hope and peace that the world can only dream of. That is, our cup runneth over with His joy. Meditate upon these things.
Stand in the offering plate!
Shouldn't we desire the same? But I digress.
As we see from these few examples, the Word of God can be so powerful in individual lives that the anointed Word of God is able to perform miracles, and mighty signs and wonders through those who believe. He desires that we seek His knowledge and wisdom so that our minds remain sound and our hearts renewed. And, as Paul explains, His desire is to bestow upon us spiritual gifts so that we can, like David, walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil. (Psalm 23:1-6; I Corinthians 12:1-31)
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)
But sadly, unbelief is leading to a world that is getting darker and more confused every day. We are witnessing a shift away from the Lord God Almighty, and His life sustaining promises for His people. Indeed, at one point the Lord Jesus asked whether He would even find faith when He -- the Son of man -- returned for His people. (Luke 8:18) This is a very sad commentary indeed, given the hefty price He paid on the cross for our sins -- when He shed His precious holy blood for you and I.
Still, His abundant love -- the love of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for His creation -- and His handiwork is displayed everywhere for one and all to behold. His love highlighted for us to see. More importantly, this same Jesus wants to deliver you and I from our burdens. In fact, the Lord God, our Saviour has a purpose for our life that goes beyond the confines and constraints of this world and as such, He has willingly paid the price for our sins on a cross.
Your deliverance, and my deliverance have already been taken care of, and the Lord wants us (as believers in Jesus by faith, and having been clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus -- Acts 2:36-38) to obtain our share in the last will and testament of God in Christ. (Hebrews 9:8, 15-18)
He Himself has provided us with the ultimate gift of salvation. Not because you or I have done anything deserving of deliverance because we could not do anything to save ourselves. This is why Calvary had to happen, so that a perfect sacrifice could be offered for our sin once and for all. The veil torn from heaven to earth so that we could have a personal relationship with our Creator.
Indeed, we could not go to where He was, so instead He came to us. But not just dropping in for a visit. Oh no. Rather, He purposely appeared to straighten out our backward thinking as to who God is, so God who is Spirit appeared in form as one of us. His intent was to bring the light of God into a misled satanically deceived world. This world that has afflicted and caused men, women, boys and girls to endure unimaginable pain and suffering.
At the same time, we recall from the scriptures that Pilate washed his hands of the whole matter and blamed God! He did this knowing that God is good. Jesus -- God Himself veiled in flesh --demonstrated His willingness and His goodness upon earth whilst He walked among us as a Son! Jesus did not pass by on the other side of the road. And He still doesn't pass by on the other side of the road today. No. When one responds to God’s love, and becomes acquainted with the Author of all living things, then there is no hesitation on God’s part to withhold any good thing from anyone.
Those living in this present God rejecting system of error still have an opportunity to put God to the test. God said, "Try me and see. Taste and see that I am good!" That willingness takes a step of faith in our hearts to reach out and ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to be both Lord and Christ in our hearts. (Acts 2:36)
And yes, while doubters and pessimistic atheists and agnostics surround us, remember that God not only made you but that God loves you too. He can heal you. He can make you prosper according to your measure of faith. In fact, God can do more than you or I can possibly think. For absolutely nothing is impossible with God.
Starting today, call on the Name of the Lord Jesus and take hold of His promises. Yes, the same God who laid down His life for us, as a man desires to give us the Kingdom, if we will only turn to Him. Recognize God's love for you and I and open the door to Him in faith. Open your heart to the same God who loved you and gave Himself for you. For Jesus loves you more than His own life! Grasp the reality of who you are and how precious you are in God’s eyes, and because He is God, let Him come and heal you and deliver you.
Remember too that the gift of salvation is not about religion. We are talking about you beginning a personal relationship with your Lord, your Creator, your Saviour and most of all, when our hearts turn, our forever friend! Trust that you can go directly to Him. Just talk to the Lord Jesus as a friend, and know that His friendship is greater than any other. His love and peace and joy beyond any explanation or alternative that the world has to offer.
How can I say this? Because the world will always leave our hearts wanting for more but Jesus -- He knows our every need even before we ask. He knows how to cuddle us when the world has blasted against us with its brute force. He is our Shepherd, who leads and guides us into all truth. The King of kings and Lord of lords.
Now it is your turn to respond to His invitation of love. His call to turn our hearts and minds and soul to Jesus, knowing that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. And that when He is our all in all, His knowledge of the glory of the Lord will fill us with hope and peace that the world can only dream of. That is, our cup runneth over with His joy. Meditate upon these things.
Stand in the offering plate!
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