If Ye Have Faith As A Grain Of Mustard Seed - Part 1954

"And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." (Matthew 3:10)

"And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." (Luke 3:9)

The axe is laid at the root of the tree. The reformation axe was sort of blunt and fell short of the root. The fruit of the tree of the church formed by the ecclesiastics was nothing less than a repeat revived performance of the Garden of Eden example, whereby Adam and Eve were enticed to eat of the fruit of a particular tree. Earlier, according to the scriptures, eating the fruit of the tree had been forbidden of God. However, satan came to Adam and Eve introducing a contrary message to the one delivered by God. The message entitled, "Has God said?" The Garden of Eden example can be compared to messages delivered today that contravene the scriptures. But there is more.

Do you remember the church (or the dispensation in which God would indwell believers who adhered to His teachings) was dispensed by the same chosen Apostles whom He had commissioned to be His witnesses from the period during His time on earth until the consummation of an age predetermined of God.

The church, born of God at Jerusalem were now partaking of the fruit -- the fruit which can be compared to the symbolical tree of Life from the Old Testament. The same fruit which had been previously disallowed but is now being distributed by the right hand of God.

You see, it was God in Jesus the Christ who is the Only Begotten Son of the Spirit of God, who laid the axe at the root of the tree providing to man the axe -- the sword of the Spirit. The Word of God. He -- Jesus by Himself brought wholesome words to man, whereby man at no expense to you and I could be fully redeemed. This is the body of believers that were constituted, which is known as the Church. It is important to note here that this is the ONLY church established of God.

Now as to the man-made body established at Rome, which asserts itself as being Christian, it contains no fragment of apostolic Holy Ghost teaching. They may assert themselves insinuating that they are being persecuted for their assertions but that would be like the pot calling the kettle black. Sort of like revisionist history.

Thus, when others uphold the original teachings of scripture in defiance of these types of contrary teachings, it cannot possibly be defined as persecution. In fact, people who raise critical questions should be applauded for their efforts to retain that which was delivered to man as truth. Not everyone is willing to lay aside the teachings of Christ for a message that does not align with the Word of God. What is it that the scriptures state in Galatians? Doesn't the Bible suggest that anyone presenting an alternative message to the gospel of Jesus would be cursed?

The question for you then is this. Do you really want a church that upholds MARIOLATRY, and popery, and the rosary? Isn't that just too much non-nourishing fruit on that tree? My suggestion is to READ YOUR BIBLE. Only then will you know that the HOLY GHOST WRITER IS GOD  who chose to become your Saviour. In other words, see that no man deceives you ... For Jesus is the Only Way, the Truth and the Life!

Yes, there is only one Mediator between God and man! And that Mediator is the man Jesus the Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh, Because of His immeasurable love toward His creation, He came to our planet as a man laying down, giving up His son-ship, to provide eternal salvation as a gift! He does this to all the "whosoevers" who come directly to Him.

Yes, Jesus is the door. And Jesus said that no man (or woman) comes to the Father except he/she comes through Him. Therefore, do not sell your soul for a morsel of temporary fame and fortune. Turn to Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Because The Lord Has Need Of You ... This Blessed Day! - Part 1953

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, saying, "Go ye into the village over against you, in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, "Why do ye loose him?" thus shall ye say unto him, "Because the Lord hath need of him." (Luke 19:29-31)

And as we know from the scriptural account, the disciples were sent their way to locate the colt. When they did, what emerged was just as Jesus had said. The owners thereof said unto the disciples, "Why loose ye the colt?" And they said, "The Lord hath need of him."  And they brought Jesus the colt, and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as He went, they spread their clothes in the way.

And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed be the King that comes in the Name of the Lord: peace in Heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:37-38; Luke 13:17; Luke 18:43; II Kings 9:13)

What happened next? Some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Jesus, "Rebuke Thy disciples." And Jesus answered and said unto them, "I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." And when Jesus was come near, He beheld the city and wept over it. (Luke 20:39-41)

A couple of points worth noting here. First, the Pharisees marched along side the multitude of disciples, because, as the scripture states, these were "from among the multitude." (Luke 19:39) Second, Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem, knowing that "they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear." (Luke 19:11) But most of all, when Jesus rode on that colt that had never had a person on its back before, the multitude of disciples rejoiced and praised God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen.

And that praise was directed at Jesus whom the multitudes praised, saying, "Blessed be the King that comes in the Name of the Lord ..." (Luke 19:38)

And what Name is referred to here? The blessed name that was already declared by the angel of God even before Mary conceived. Yes, the Name of JESUS wherein the prophesied Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us, was making His entrance to the city on a colt. (Matthew 1:21-23) And the multitudes rejoiced because the prophecy that had been told from afore, was now coming to pass.

But the Pharisees did not want them to praise Jesus, even though they would have known too that when the multitudes praised God with a loud voice, that, as the scriptures point out, there would be peace in heaven and glory in the highest. And that also, if the people should hold their peace, as the Pharisees demanded, even the very stones in the earth would immediately cry out. It is no wonder that when Jesus was come near, He beheld the city and wept.

But then Jesus said, "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side. And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knew not the time of Thy visitation." (Luke 19:42-44; Hebrews 3:13; Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1; Jeremiah 6:3, 6; I Kings 9:7-8; Matthew 24:2; I Peter 2:12)

That blessed day when the dayspring from on high would visit His people. That blessed day when God declared peace and good will toward all. That blessed day when God Himself chose to prepare Himself a body so that you and I might have salvation. That blessed day that because of His kindness and love for us, toward man He appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)

To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) 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. The Word that was God made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory! (John 1:10-11; John 1:14)

As the apostles later declared to the people, "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!" (Acts 20:27-28)

This is why Jesus could say, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) This is why Jesus could say, "I am the Bread of Life!" This is why Jesus said, repeatedly, he who thirsts, let him come unto Me, wherein when I give him living water, he will never thirst again.

Indeed, as the multitudes declared -- "Blessed be the King that comes in the Name of the Lord!"

His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew w1:21-23) Don't miss this blessed opportunity to desire the King of kings in your heart, for this day, is the day of salvation.

Stand in the offering plate.

Thou Wilt Shew Me The Path Of Life: In Thy Presence Is Fulness Of Joy; At Thy Right Hand There Are Pleasures For Evermore - Part 1952

"For Thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness." (II Samuel 22:29)

"For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy Light shall we see light." (Psalm 36:9)

John tells us of the message which we have heard of Him, declaring unto us that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk. in darkness, we lie and do not the truth ... but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (I John 1:4-7)

The prophet Isaiah spoke to this point as well. "Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." (Isaiah 50:10)

For He Himself became the propitiation for our sin, and not only our sin, but for the sin of the whole world as well. "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." (Acts 20:28) 

Who is the He referred to here? Jesus Himself said, "I am the Light of the world! he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) This is not the same light spoken of in creation -- the light that separates night from day, or the lights in the firmament of the heaven which gives light upon the earth so that we would can see. Nor the light from the darkness that when God created it, God saw that it was good . (Genesis 1:1-3; 5, 13-18)

But rather, a light wherein the Lord God is THE LIGHT that shines in the hearts of men. We see this particular Light expressed in different places of scripture. For example, "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night ..." (Exodus 13:21) And, as David the psalmist said, "The Lord is my Light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

This is the Light that we who believe are to walk in, because He is the Light. He -- Jesus Christ -- is the propitiation for our sins. (I John 2:1-2) And hereby we do know that we know Him because we keep His commandments, His Word wherein is the love of God perfected. 

"Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true Light now shines." (I John 2:8; John 1:1-18) This same Light which we have known from the very beginning because the Word of God abides in our hearts and minds and souls. Because our sins are forgiven you for His Name's sake. (I John 2:12; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9) Washed, sanctified, and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (I Corinthians 6:11)

Yes, Jesus is the Christ. And whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and every one that loves Him that begat loves Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. (I John 5:1-2) But the message herein continues explaining the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. (I John 5:11)

As John further points out, whosoever denies the Son, the same hath not the Father because in order to have the Father, there needs to be an acknowledgement of the Son. (I John 2:22-23) Indeed, according to scripture, we are to continue in the Son and in the Father. But how can this be, you ask, if the Lord our God is One Lord, and where the Lord is, there be liberty also? 

John wrote, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, the water and the blood: and these three agree in one." (I John 5:7-8) 

Because the anointing which you have received of Him [not "them" as the trinitarians would have us believe) is that which we have heard from the beginning -- In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2)

As one Ananias, a devout man said to Saul, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth." (Acts 22:14-15) 

Not another God but the One and selfsame God who was in the beginning, who as the dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) The same He who was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The same He who was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. The same He who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

But after Jesus was taken up, He sent the Comforter, the same anointing the Holy Ghost which will lead and guide us into all truth. The same Holy Ghost -- which Jesus said would come and dwell within after He was taken up. (John 14:26; John 15:26) And similarly, from Acts 1:2: "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 ..."

The anointing which ye have received of HIM abides in you, and ye need not that a man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. And now little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doth righteousness is born of Him." (I John 2:27-29; John 14:16; John 16:1; Jeremiah 31:33; I John 3:21; I John 4:17; I John 5:14; Acts 22:14; I John 3:7, 10)

As a consequence of an unction from the Holy One, we have overcome the wicked one. (I John 2:13, 20) Not a holy them but holy One -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

Stand in the offering plate.

Not By Works Of Righteousness Which We Have Done But According To His Mercy He Saved Us - Part 1951

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

As the scripture points out, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is ..." (I John 3:1-3)

This scripture in and of itself should make us think, particularly the portion that states that when Jesus appears, we shall be like Him. That would suggest, at least to me, that while it doth not yet appear what we shall be, we will become like Him -- for we SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS. In this context, Jesus can no longer be the human form in which we are so quick to portray Him. Neither is Jesus still on the cross for when that stone to the tomb entrance was rolled away, as attested by the women who followed Jesus, there was no Jesus to be found.

Jesus said, "Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also." (John 14:19)

Jesus said, "Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more ..." (John 16:10)

You see, Jesus Himself told His disciples that you would see Him no more, at least not in the form of a person, as His disciples who walked with Him day in and day out had become accustomed. [Note that Acts 1:2-3 and Peter's message (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 offers further insight and revelation on this point.]

Moreover, as Paul wrote: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. and last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:3-8)

Thus, when we study the scriptures for truth, we begin to see the mystery of the Godhead (that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning) unveiled. Not all at once, but in scripture after scripture, building line upon line and precept upon precept, similar to that of a young child building a tower from building blocks. First, there is a firm foundation to construct, and then a structure that holds the tower thereon in place. Each piece of the puzzle fitting together so that one can confidently state -- if the analogy is extended to scripture, that God is not the Author of confusion. (I Corinthians 14:33; Hebrews 6:1-2)

This is particularly true in John's epistles, wherein we learn the foundation of the church is based (built) solely upon Jesus the Christ, who is also the One and Only Head of the body of Christ church. The Word which was with God and was God made flesh dwelling among us -- motivated by His own abundant love for His beloved creation. (John 1:1-14) His love beyond measure. His long-term desire being to pour out His Spirit upon all His people. Yes, after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)

Thus, when we repent of our sins and become clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, "... the righteous [become] an everlasting foundation." (Acts 2:36-41; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42; Proverbs 10:25) Why? Because the same Lord God who created us in the beginning, who then willingly came into the world in these last times (even though the world knew Him not -- John 1:10-11) desires to pour out His precious holy Spirit -- the Spirit of the Lord Jesus -- which after Jesus was taken up, "He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen" into the hearts of all those who believe in Him. (Acts 1:2-3; Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:28-29)

So that we would personally know His love, when He -- the dayspring from on high decidedly and willingly visited His people. (Luke 1:78) The Lord's Christ, as Simeon points out, has now appeared unto men. The shepherds sought to find Him when the star appeared, and the wise men willingly worshipped Him. If Jesus had been just another person in the Godhead, these would have negated the first commandment. But these knew in whom they worshipped, because they, knowing the scriptures waited patiently for that appointed time.

"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)
"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you ..." (I Peter 4:20)

In John's epistles, he submits that as a witness, he can attest to "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, the Word of life (for the life was manifested, and we have seen [it] and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and [with] His Son Jesus Christ." (I John 1:1-3)

But wait. Did I not just say that God is One? And this is where most believers stop searching, seeing that both the Father and His Son Jesus Christ are singularly recognized. Perhaps, this explains why John wrote the epistles in the way that he did -- so that our joy may be full. Complete, so that our hearts are never found wanting. And so also, that we cannot be led astray by those who desire to seduce us because we ourselves have searched His Word for truth, and consequently, become grounded in the Rock of Ages, which is Christ Jesus.

For He Himself became the propitiation for our sin, and not only our sin, but for the sin of the whole world as well. "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." (Acts 20:28)

You see, in the Old Testament, God was always referenced as God, Lord God or h/Holy Spirit, and rightly so because God is One. In fact, that message has never changed historically, as confirmed by the very first commandment in both the old and the new testaments -- "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) But as we also know, this same Lord God Almighty was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)

God's Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) And, as Jesus told His disciples -- now He is with them but soon would be in them. How can this be when God sent His only begotten Son (or one and only Son) -- as the modern day revisionist Bibles would have us believe? Wherein these new so-called revisions (and NOT translations) have also changed the 81 scriptural New Testament references from Holy Ghost to Holy Spirit, suggesting that Ghost and Spirit come from the same Greek word, and therefore, that should be that. Somehow, these modern day thinkers suggesting that they might know more than Almighty God Himself?

Nevertheless, the Holy Ghost is New Testament because the New Testament was ushered in when "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) The Lord planned to do a brand new work in this dispensation of grace which is why He visited His people (having clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh, and yet without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him.

Still, One Spirit of our Lord God and Saviour but now fully inclusive of His perfect sacrifice on that cross. The church which He hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) The Great Shepherd shedding His precious holy blood on a cross for His enemies so that we might have life everlasting. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.

It is this hope that we have within, wherein the Comforter which Jesus will send after His death and resurrection, the Holy Ghost can dwell in the hearts of men. (John 14:26; John 15:26) This is the doctrine of Christ, wherein when we believe in our hearts on the Name of Jesus, by faith, and continue on in His Word, we can have both the Father and the Son dwelling within -- the Holy Ghost. (II John 1:9; Hebrews 6:1-2) Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) Jesus told His disciples that if you have seen Me, ye have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12)

We can also rely on Acts 1:2-3 for further understanding. "Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen ..."

The One and Same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the very beginning, but we now know Him through His Name given by the angel before Mary conceived. (Genesis 1:1-2; Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:31-35)

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:31-33)

The angel gave Mary the Name of Jesus who is now, in His resurrected form King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11) It is for this reason that Jesus could say, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) And, also, that ALL power in heaven and earth is "given unto Me!" (Matthew 28:18) Not one third of God but as the visible image of the invisible God. (Hebrews 1:1-13)

You see, the modern day religious culture has divided God into thirds (lessening Him to persons) because these have compromised the scriptures, replacing the scriptural "doctrine of Christ" with a triad, triune, trinity. But God is not divided into persons, and we also know in our heart, that to worship a God who would send a Son to be sacrificed is not a God who we should even want to love. But as the scriptures clearly declare, for those who want to know the truth -- "the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 2:9) 

Yes, God became our Saviour. "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ..." (Titus 2:10-13) 

He sent Himself to be a Son, as the prophet Isaiah had prophesied would happen so many years before. And as the New Testament scripture points out, how often He must have grieved, knowing that He Himself had to prepare a body to become the perfect sacrifice in order for us -- His beloved creation -- to take notice. His glory displayed for one and all to see on a cross that He Himself created. 

"Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me ..." (Hebrews 10:5)

"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." (Hebrews 8:6)

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who THROUGH the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14)

Throughout the book of Acts, the apostles were led by the Holy Ghost. His Name is JESUS in this current dispensation of grace. He is both our Lord God and Saviour. But there are those who don't want to acknowledge both the work of the Father and the Son, and therefore, try to carve God up into human portions. For those who wish to be adversaries to the truth, as it was in Moses' time  -- "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:29)

Don't settle for religious compromise, or a 20 minute sermon once a week. Rather search the scriptures yourselves for His truth and wisdom and knowledge. Open the Word of God for yourself and ask Him to reveal His fullness to you. The faith journey may seem uphill at times but I can attest too, that when we taste and see that the Lord is good, there is no turning back.

Yes, as Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life!" (John 6:35) He is the Light of this world, and He will never leave us comfortless. "I will come to you." (John 14:18)

Moreover, "let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. ..."

Stand in the offering plate. 

Preach The Word, Be Instant In Season, Out Of Season; Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort With All Long Suffering And Doctrine - Part 1950

If one tells a lie often enough, the lie becomes perfected. In this context then, it is possible (and even probable) that someone will believe that lie as if it were the truth. Certainly, if we relate this simple analogy to commercially produced products in stores - those feature items termed as No Name brands - we can see how marketing strategies can imply that the product is the same as a name brand. In this case however, so many products have appeared under the No Name brand name that in actuality, the No Name brand has become a featured name.

But we also come to the conclusion that in much the same way, the outcome is the same with a modern day religious culture that misrepresents scripture. Their own presentation or version of the scripture becomes almost as if it is in complete accord with the written Word of God. Note the word "almost" because this is key to understanding. And sadly, the fearful thing about this perspective is that they nearly got away with their deceitful presentation. That is, until now.

Alas, their religious veil has been rent in twain from the top to the bottom -- by the precious and holy Word of God. For those who still present views that are contrary to the Scriptures, they will remain entangled in their web of deceit! Only God can open their eyes to the gospel truths and this is the message of this day.

In I John 5:7, the scriptures declare that there are three that bear witness on earth -- the Blood, the Water, and the Spirit. The scriptures are clear on this point for those that search the scriptures for the truth. For further understanding, the following scriptural references may be useful.

1. The Blood -- For God has declared that without the shedding of blood (speaking of Jesus' death on the cross) there is no remission of sin. Further, He said, this is My blood shed for many for the remission of sin. The first message preached in Acts 2 outlines the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Upon preaching Jesus - mankind’s only redeemer - to the multitudes, conviction took hold of the collective and individual consciences of the audience. With their madness condemned in their hearts, the audience never had any recourse but to become free from their guilt. So, in desperation they cried out to the speakers addressing them saying, "Men and Brethren, what must we do?" The response is recorded in Acts 2:38 when the first 3,000 souls saved repented, and were water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and they received the Holy Ghost.

The speaker's solution to the troubled consciences did not precede the preaching of the sacrificial crucifixion of Jesus. This is because, as previously stated, that without the shedding of blood there cannot be any remission of sin. Not just any blood, but the blood that was in Jesus' veins -- the blood of the Holy Ghost (holy sinless blood of the only innocent and perfect man on this planet earth, with the capability to cancel all of man’s sins and transgressions and subsequently transfer man’s guilt onto Himself).

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

The apostles, filled with the holy Spirit of Jesus -- the Holy Ghost and Comforter -- told the followers what they ought to do to receive the remission of sin purchased of God for their salvation. On that day, as stated above, 3000 persons were baptized into the name of Jesus and thus eligible to receive the promised free gift of the presence of God’s Spirit. We note, that the Holy Ghost through the apostles said that the people were to be baptized into the name of Jesus. Likewise, earlier in the scriptures, the angel had said that His name should be called JESUS -- for He -- Jesus -- shall save His people from their sin!

As such, this is not a NO NAME brand of salvation. It is not a 1/3 of God went to the cross salvation. And it most certainly isn't a triad God that we serve. In fact, the gospel message is specific. For those readers who are still troubled with Matthew 28:19, note that the text that we have is not the original. It was changed from Jesus' Name to the titles -- father, son, and spirit. And because an accurate presentation of Matthew 28:19 has not been rendered, the "titles" have become a No Name brand as far as the scriptures are concerned.

But falseness and lies cannot stand against the truth of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, for when THE LIGHT is shone in a dark room, the darkness has to go. And this is what happens when Jesus is preached by those who know the truth that sets them free from all bondage and condemnation. The darkness within society is illuminated because Jesus who is the Light of the world is being proclaimed to every one who will listen.

Thus, we don't need any more strangers to the truth standing inner pulpits. We do not need to adhere any longer to those wolves in sheep's clothing because Jesus is in the midst. And when His Name is lifted up high, He will draw all people unto Him. And sadly, while entire religious organizations have been built upon erroneous teaching concerning water baptism and more, those who believe do not have to fellowship in their midst, because the Lord Jesus is calling us out of those places so that we can and will gladly follow His leading and guiding in our hearts.

As attested by every single person water baptized in the New Testament scriptures, the ONLY name whereby one can be saved is by baptism into the name is Jesus! Therefore, let's follow the Bible instruction and don't look back. After all, as Jesus said, we are sanctified by truth -- Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17) Then you too will receive the free gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Seed of His holy Spirit dwelling within you!

Stand in the offering plate.

The Glory Of This Latter House Shall Be Greater Than Of The Former," Saith The Lord Of Hosts, "And In This Place Will I Give Peace." - Part 1949

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit," saith the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. We see a lot of the latter within our modern culture today, wherein one accusation (whether founded or not) can sway the public opinion.

Nevertheless, while the unbelieving Jews continued to make accusations, the disciples -- filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost never forgot their mission. In fact, these followers of Jesus abode there for a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord. In so doing, the apostles gave testimony unto the Word of His grace, and signs and wonders were done by their hands. And they did so, even though the multitude of the city was divided, with part siding with the Jews and the other part with the apostles.

So, when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully and to stone them, they were made aware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of the Lycaonia, and unto the region that lies round about. Did their good news gospel message change? No, these disciples continued to preach the Name of Jesus and the Kingdom of God -- the Holy Ghost -- wherever they went.

In fact, everywhere the apostles went, the gospel was preached, and signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost performed. (Hebrews 2:4)

Moreover, the apostles reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, intent on persuading the Jews and the Greeks. We also see that Paul was pressed in the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:4-5) And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people ... and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by ... might overshadow them. And the sick folks and them which were vexed with unclean spirits; "and they were healed every one!" (Acts 5:12-16)

But there is more. We who believe are instructed to do everything that we set out to do, in both word or deed, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This includes water baptism -- in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we do so because, as Peter standing with the eleven said, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36-38)

And, as we see throughout the book of Acts, beginning in the upper room, the Word of God grew and multiplied. This is why we who believe are called to continue in the things which we have learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom we have 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." (II Timothy 3:14-15)

So much to learn and understand herein, but as the apostles were charged to move forward and preach the Word, so are we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith. Therefore, be instant in season and out of season, reprove and rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine, even when we know that the time will come (and may already be here) when the people will no longer endure sound doctrine, but rather after their own lusts, shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.

Even so, continue to fight the good fight of faith. Keep looking upward for the salvation that draws nigh, and finish the course keeping the faith so that we will receive the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give unto us at that day. In the interim, waver not in your faith, but become even more grounded in the Word. And stand firmly attached to the Rock which is Christ, for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Stand in the offering plate.

Christ Jesus, Whom God Hath Set Forth To Be A Propitiation Through Faith In His Blood, To Declare His Righteousness For The Remission Of Sins That Are Past Through The Forbearance Of God - Part 1948

"Of whom salvation the prophets have enquired and search diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you ... and the glory that should follow." (I Peter 1:10-11)

"But now the righteousness of God without the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference ... for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what Law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law.

Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the Law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:21-31)

The Lord hath established a new law in this current dispensation of grace. That still, we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and from His abundant love for His beloved -- you and I -- we flow through His love to one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

This is critical to understand because the scripture, "foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith" preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." You see, the Gentiles receive their salvation through adoption on the New Testament side, as a consequence of the Lord Himself levelling the playing field between Jews and Gentiles. To this end, the scripture states, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24)

The good news? That by grace are we saved through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10) 

This is why we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, even as they are. (Acts 15:11) In this case, the "they" mentioned here are the Israelites, God's chosen people in the old testament side. All this changed with "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) It is in this context that this becomes important, for our hearts are now -- both Jew and Gentile -- equal before the Lord God Almighty. And for the purpose of salvation was God manifest in the flesh, preparing for Himself a body for sacrifice so that each and every one of us could experience His plan of salvation, and life everlasting. (I Timothy 3:16)

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) But I am digressing. In Hebrews, we begin to understand the extent of God's love story for you and I, and how much, from the very beginning of time, He loved us in this dispensation of grace. And also, how far God was willing to show His mercy and love and grace unto the world, wherein, "hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26)

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot tot God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 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 9:14-18)

Because God willingly and often, suffered since the foundation of the world, we can now be thankful that this same He -- "now, once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself ..." (Hebrews 9:26-28)

Therefore, the Law was only a shadow of good things to come. The Law serving as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, who was once offered to bear the sins of many, but now, to those who look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)

The greatest love story ever shared with mankind, wherein Christ is no longer entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true,; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Jesus through the Holy Ghost advocating and intervening as the mediator on behalf of those who believe, so that we might receive salvation. This is why we can have 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. (Hebrews 10:19-20)

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all, and in all." (Colossians 3:11; Galatians 3:27-28; Ephesians 1:23)

We understand this also from Acts 15 when Paul, Barnabas and James were discussing circumcision as a requirement of the Old Testament Law. After there had been much disputing on this topic, Peter rises up and said, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God made 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 them, purifying their hearts by faith." (Acts 15:6-9)

In the old, we see that the killing of the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood WITHIN THE VAIL, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat; and he shall make an atonement for the holy [place], because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins; and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation that remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness. (Leviticus 16:15-16) 

But in the new, we see JESUS, who tore the vail from top to bottom, heaven to earth, when He Himself became our Saviour. 

Admittedly, before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore, the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster, for ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:23-29)

Herein, is our hope eternal, that we are no longer under bondage, under the elements of the world, because when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, He hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts -- Abba, Father. (Galatians 3:3-29; Galatians 4:1-6)

"And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, [I say] whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven, and you that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled, in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight ... if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the gospel which y have heard ..." (Colossians 1:20-23)

This point is further clarified in Galatians 2:16 -- "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified, by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law, for by the works of the Law shall non flesh be justified."

And just for purposes of clarity, let me cite Galatians 3:20 -- "Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one." (Galatians 3:20) God clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet He was without sin) so that we might have life abundantly in Him. He is our refuge and strength, and the giver of the joy of gladness, because in all things, He is victorious. 

Stand in the offering plate.

O LORD, How Manifold Are Thy Works! In Wisdom Hast Thou Made Them All: The Earth Is Full Of Thy Riches - Part 1947

"Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." (Luke 18:30)

The word "manifold" intrigues me -- not only because it offers definitive clarity to the same word used in other scriptures, but it also offers an assurance within our hearts that when we spread the good news gospel message of Jesus' love to others, the Word will take hold. And that, as Luke 18:30 points out, the "manifold more" can be received IN THIS WORLD AND THE WORLD TO COME -- LIFE EVERLASTING. This understanding, in and of itself should give us hope and confidence, knowing that the Lord Jesus adds a multiplier to the preaching of the Word and similarly, the good deeds that we do in His Name, and the fruits that come thereof. Let me explain.

According to the dictionary, synonyms for the word manifold include: many, numerous, multiple, multifarious, legion, diverse, various, several, varied, different, miscellaneous, assorted, sundry, and myriad. The word can be used as a noun or adjective. The easiest analogy I can find is that of carbon paper that was formerly used in offices. Obviously, this was prior to the advance of the photocopy machine. Still, the concept was the same. When a person would write on a sheet of carbon paper, multiple copies of the very same were made. 

In a biblical sense, it serves as a reminder of the disciples who left everything they had -- to follow Jesus. Not only in their hearts, but in their minds too -- there was no turning back. In fact, after Jesus' death and resurrection, the disciples continued to preach the same good news gospel that the Lord Himself had for three plus years taught them when He walked this earth. Consequently, believers became disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eleven disciples became 70, and soon after 120 praying in the upper room, and then, on the day of Pentecost 3,000 souls saved. (Acts 2:36-47)

Note that these disciples did not become preachers or priests (as observed within the modern day religious culture) but every single person that the Lord had chosen and ordained, became real disciples pointing to Jesus as both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) No other mediator stood between these disciples faith in their Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. In this context, we have all heard people who liken and reduce Luke's manifold reference to earthly constructs. But as we understand from comparative scriptures, wherein the same word is used, this falls short of the intended message. 

From the first example found in Luke 18, Jesus is speaking to a certain rich ruler, who wants to know from Jesus what he needs to do to inherit eternal life. It is a straightforward question and one that Jesus does readily answer. That is, even though the ruler had kept the law (or at least the commandments cited, which, as an fyi, quite notably makes no reference to the first two commandments -- to love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one another), he lacked one thing. 

Jesus said, "Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven, and come, follow Me!" As we know, the ruler who was rich and Jesus who wanted to give this ruler the riches of the kingdom of God, were both very sorrowful. Upon witnessing the conversation, the disciples then asked Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" And Jesus answered saying, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:18-27)

Subsequently, Peter points out -- "Lo, we have left all and followed Thee." Jesus answers by saying unto them, "Verily, I say unto you. There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." (Luke 18:28-30)

Herein, Jesus is speaking specifically about leaving (if necessary) house, parents, brethren, wife and children for the kingdom of God's sake. Not for financial gain because the Lord's constructs are not of this world but rather that in our hearts, we have decided to leave the earthly things behind us to follow the Lord Jesus in our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Our heart desire being to abide in Him so that He can abide in us in everything we do. And, as well, to know that the world has nothing to offer in comparison to the unsearchable riches of Christ. (Ephesians 3:8)

These unsearchable riches? The manifold grace of God which surpasses all human understanding. (I Peter 4:10) The knowledge that God loved us so much to willingly become our Saviour. "After the kindness and love of God our Saviour ..." (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; II Corinthians 5:19)

"The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints; to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:26-29)

Why is this important? So that our hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding to the acknowledgement of God -- [both] of the Father and of Christ -- in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3) 

Furthermore, "... which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time ... wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations, that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than that of gold (though it be tried with fire) might be found unto praise and honour and glory at 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 your faith, [even] the salvation of your souls." (I Peter 1:3-9; I Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 1:5; John 10:28-30; Matthew 5:12; II Corinthians 4:17; James 1:2-6; Romans 2:7; I John 4:20; John 20:29; II Peter 1:21; Ephesians 3:10)

In other words, even in the heaviness that comes through manifold [multiple and diverse] temptations, we can stand firmly attached to the Rock, knowing that there is no greater treasure that can be found in this world -- outside of knowing the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour. He is our hope and joy, the lover of our souls -- if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (I Peter 2:3) And we are His beloved, when we, through Jesus have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18)

For this reason we are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone]. In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you" (I Peter 1:18-20)

And "to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God ... according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him." (Ephesians 3:10-12)

It is for this reason that "as every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (I Peter 4:10) Yes, indeed, O Lord, how manifold are Thy works in wisdom hast Thou made them all. Stand in the offering plate.

Lest The Light Of The Glorious Gospel Of Christ, Who Is The Image Of God Should Shine Unto Them - Part 1946

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost ..."

"Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:1-6)

The apostles certainly knew the mission for their life. As apostle Paul's states herein. he had a ministry that came about because he had received mercy -- the love and kindness of the Lord. As a consequence, the apostles were quick to renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, walking not in craftiness either. Rather, as Paul states, the apostles were careful to ensure that the Word of God was handled truthfully and without deceit. And, in so doing, the preaching of the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ was so important that the apostles fainted not.

"Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord; for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore, we labour that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him." (II Corinthians 5:6-9)

One might ask -- from whence came their strength? The apostles knew that even though the outward man perishes, the inward heart (in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ) is renewed day by day. The apostles recognized that they were bought with a hefty price that included the costly shedding of Jesus' precious, holy blood on the cross. And the apostles persevered even when the apostles themselves knew that there would be those who would not believe, even with the offer of mercy. Even when he that is called in the Lord, a servant is the Lord's freeman. Likewise, also, he that is called free, is Christ's servant. (I Corinthians 7:22-23)

But the apostles continued steadfastly, even when Paul himself said, "For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven." (II Corinthians 5:2) "And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves grown within ourselves waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body." (Romans 8:23) 

The gospel continued to be preached to one and all, even when "these also now not believed, that through Your mercy they also may obtain mercy." (Romans 11:31)

Why? Because, as Paul points out, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you." (II Corinthians 4:7-12)

You see, to others, the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent? Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (I Corinthians 1:18-21; II Corinthians 2:14-15; Acts 17:8; I Corinthians 15:2; Romans 1:16; Isaiah 29:14; Isaiah 19:12; Isaiah 33:18; Job 12:17; Daniel 2:20)

This is the standing that mattered for life everlasting, and the apostles knew that regardless of the storms and persecution that would come, these were attached to the Rock which was the Christ. These were not going to be shifted by the whims and enticing words of men. The apostles knew the truth, because God had revealed unto them by His Spirit, "for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God." (I Corinthians 2:9-10; Isaiah 64:4; Isaiah 65:17; Matthew 11:25; Matthew 13:11; Matthew 16:17) But I digress. 

Continuing in II Corinthians 4: "We having the same Spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (II Corinthians 4:7-18)

This is why we have come to know that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) But our reason to rejoice goes beyond the faith of those who died, having not received the promises, but having seen them only afar off. Still, as we know from Hebrews, these were persuaded of them and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13) 

So, then how much more, we who have received the promise -- "God having provided some better thing for us" -- should be rejoicing, and like the apostles preaching and teaching and sharing with whomever we meet, the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. But even more, we are so privileged to have received the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (who is the image of God) shining in our hearts, not only in this life, but in the next life too.

If you have not asked Jesus to become Lord and Christ in your heart, please do so today. And then find a New Testament, and begin reading Acts 2. Therein, you will learn how those who believed in Jesus gladly received the Word -- repenting, and being water baptized in the precious Name of Jesus, before receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Always lots to learn, but for now, stand in the offering plate.

Christ Hath Redeemed Us From The Curse Of The Law, Being Made A Curse For Us - Part 1945

"We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 

For I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Galatians 2:15-21)
Let me use an every day illustration to make a point. We all know that a valid legal disposition -- a person's will -- cannot (after his or her passing) be set aside. At the same time, no one can legally make fresh provisions into it. So when we read that the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring, this is exactly what the scriptures meant. The word offspring was not intended to be plural, as if many persons were meant. Instead, the reference to “thy offspring” indicated that only one person was meant. That one person was, and still is Christ.

Listen carefully to the message that is being delivered. The testament or covenant had already been validated by God. As such, it cannot now be invalidated. The promises contained therein were rendered ineffective by a Law made four hundred and thirty years after the promises were given by God.

In this context, if our heritage is the result of the Law, then it would have to have been ceased -- being the result of God’s promise. Yet we read that God conferred it on Abraham by promise, for if the receiving of the promised blessing were to now be dependant on the Law, that would amount to a cancellation of the original contract -- the same contract which God made with Abraham as a promise.

Now you might ask, "What was the use of the Law?" As the scriptures point out, the Law was a later addition to humankind but never was the Law an addition or replacement to the promise. The express purpose of the Law was to make men conscious of their wrong doing.  A schoolmaster to bring people to Christ. It was intended only to be observed until the coming of that promised offspring, spoken to Abraham as his offspring.

Let me repeat this point again. The Law was an addition made to underscore the existence and the extent of sin until the arrival of the Seed to whom the promises were made. The Law was enacted by the ministration of angels through the hands of [Moses who was] a mediator between God and the people. The intermediary was Moses. We also recognize that where there is a mediator, there must be two parties. But there is only one God. And as we see in the scriptures, there is an exception to the norm of mediators because there is only one God.

Indeed, there is no second party involved in the promises. God promised to deliver us from sin by Himself alone. He did so without angels or Moses in the middle. Now you might ask, "Is the Law opposed to the promises of God?" Most certainly not. In fact, such a thought ought not to be entertained in your mind. The truth is this. If it had been at all possible for spiritual life to have been attained by Law, then justification would have been assured by the same Law. Unfortunately, that was an impossibility because there is none that are righteous. We all have sinned.

And we have all fallen short of the glory of God. In this context, the whole world is contaminated. We are all in the bondage of sin, or as some might say, we are all in the custody of sin. This is why we needed a Law to expose our sin. We needed to learn the lesson of hard knocks. Do you remember the analogy? After we leave school, we enter the school of life. Herein, we attend two schools -- one of these schools being the school of hard knocks and the second school the school of knee-ology. I hear you already saying, "What on earth is that school?" Well, the latter school becomes important when your back is against the wall, your friends have all jumped ship, you're broke, in tears, and possibly looking for an escape.

But now, by the Grace of God, you can drop on your knees and call upon your faithful Creator Jesus. This is the same Jesus who loves you with an everlasting love. He is the one who does not want you or anyone should perish. You don’t need a Law now.  Rather, you need His mercy.

This is why the good news gospel message is so powerful. At one time, we were all clothed in a fallen natural body. But through the shedding of blood (the Lamb of God), there is now remission of sin. We can be saved. Like the prodigal son who thought he had everything in his life under control, we also can hear our heavenly Father's whisper, “Welcome home! This is my son who was once dead but now alive again."

At the end of the day, it is HIS GRACE AND MERCY that will take care of you. Or like the psalms state, "When tears fall down like falling rain, then I turn around and call upon His name." Jesus the seed of the holy Spirit wants to meet you. Indeed, let Him whisper sweet "peace to you" too.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said To Abide in Him For "He That Is Not With Me, Is Against Me ..." - Part 1944

Jesus said, "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt, for the tree is known by his fruits ..." (Matthew 12:33)

Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree brings forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits shall ye know them." (Matthew 7:16-20)

Jesus said, "For a good tree brings not both corrupt fruit: neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For ever tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good: and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. " (Luke 6:43-45)

Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that bears not fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:1-5)

Throughout the New Testament scriptures, Jesus uses agricultural and farming practises to make comparisons between what the world is doing, and what we as "spiritually renewed" believers should be striving toward. [As an aside, I recognize too that many of Jesus' parables are lost on the youth of today, because with the decline of the family farm, there are less and less opportunities for young people to become aware of farming practises and how they can be related to how we live.]

Nevertheless, there is a good example in Matthew 21, that provides insight into how the Lord does a completely new thing in this current dispensation of grace, pointing as well to how our believing in the Lord Jesus by faith should bring forth fruit that includes a personal relationship with Him, wherein His desires become our heart motive (and not the other way around). Let those with ears to hear, hear.

Herein, Jesus has gone out of the city into Bethany to lodge and is now found returning to the city. Jesus becomes hungry, and thus, when He saw a fig tree in the way, He came to it, and found nothing thereon but leaves only. So, Jesus says, "Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever." And presently the fig tree withered away. When the disciples of Jesus saw this, they marvelled, saying, "How soon is the fig tree withered away?" (Matthew 21:18-22)

In Mark's account of this same example, Jesus saw the fig tree from afar having leaves, and haply came to find anything thereon which He could eat. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for the time of figs was not [yet]. And Jesus answered and said unto it, "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever." And the disciples heard. As they passed by the tree the next morning, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter asks Jesus, "Master, behold the fig tree which Thou cursed is withered away."

And Jesus answering, said unto His disciples, "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you that whosoever shall say unto this mountain -- Be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in His heart, but shall believe that those things which He saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore, I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive, and ye shall have." (Mark 11:12-14, 20, 24)

There is so much to be learned from these scriptural passages so it should not come as a surprise that these have also been taught from many different perspectives. My intent today is to focus on our own personal faith journey -- that our faith should be unwavering that can only emerge from a communal relationship with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Note that Jesus said "when ye pray!" That requires more than feeding off the tree, but actually participating in the conversation, which is what we are witnessing here.

In this example, Jesus is hungry, and thus, comes to the fig tree looking for something to eat. And He fully expects that there will be fruit on that tree, if for no other reason that the fig tree would have also saw the Master coming, while He was still off in the distance. But as we know, the tree did not have anything to offer and thus was cast away. In a similar fashion, but from a spiritual perspective, our faith should be so grounded that we have spiritual fruit/meat to offer back to the Lord -- whether it be in the form of questions, for example, or reasoning with the Lord about a scripture or teaching, or as simple as standing in the gap for a loved one.

The point is our walk does not only consist of enjoying His many blessings -- His goodness, mercy, love and peace -- but that we have something of value to offer back to Him as well. Our hearts? Our minds? Our souls? Our very essence? Thus, having a continuing conversation with the Lord wherein we pray without ceasing, and rejoice evermore.

You see, when the Lord Jesus approached the fig tree, He saw the leaves and thought He could eat from the tree as well. But the fig tree didn't produce anything to eat, so even though it flourished in appearance, the fruit was not there. There were no deep roots to draw from. Now, as we know from Mark's account, the time for figs was not yet so there is more to learn here, but I am trying not to digress.

Jesus answered and said unto them, "Verily, I say unto you - if ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree but also, if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed and be done thou cast into the sea, it shall be done. And ask all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:18-22; Matthew 17:20; I Corinthians 13:2; Matthew 7:7-11)

This same message is found in James, wherein we are instructed that if we lack wisdom, we are to ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not, and it shall be given him. But the key is to ask the Lord for wisdom in faith, with nothing wavering. "For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." (James 1:5-7)

The conversation has to go both ways. The psalmist often cried unto the Lord and with his voice did he make supplication, and similarly, he poured out his complaints before the Lord, and he did so whether his spirit was overwhelmed within him or not. David knew in whom he served, and from whence came his salvation, and at that time, the promise of the Lord's Christ was only off in the horizon. How much more should we who are privileged to live in this dispensation of grace, wherein the promises of the Lord are true, converse with the Lord every moment of every day.

Indeed, as believers, we should desire to reach this point in our faith journey, wherein every step is in communion with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

It is in this context that believers in Jesus by faith can count it all joy when we fall into diverse temptations, knowing this, that the trying of our faith works patience ... but we are also to let patience have [her] perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4) Remember, the Lord knows our innermost desires of our heart before we ask, and He will provide, but the relationship that He is asking for is two-fold. And this is the point I am making.

Jesus saw the fig tree, that it had leaves, and flourished but the tree, having seen the Master afar off in the distance offered nothing back to its Creator. This is the "neither hot nor cold" that too many of us are in today. We seek the blessings of the Lord but then fail to pursue a personal relationship with Him in our day to day, wherein we can enjoy His joyous and filling meat together.

As the scripture reveals, Jesus went to that particular fig tree because He was physically hungry and wanted meat to eat. He has this same desire in the spiritual, to come unto those who believe and to sup with us. This is why Jesus invites us to "abide in Me and I in you." (John 15:4) Therefore, when we invite Jesus into our heart as both Lord and Christ, it is so that He can abide in us and we in Him. A two-way relationship wherein we can walk and talk with Him, and He with us. His desire then to commune with us -- and our desire also to commune with our Lord God and Saviour, wherein His desires become our own.

How does this happen? When we begin to seek our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and willingly as a consequence, flow through from our heart His blessings unto those who are without, we begin to grow spiritually. We begin to rely more on the Lord and less on ourselves. And just like we witnessed when Paul and Barnabas had ventured together into the synagogue of the Jews in Iconium, and told the Jews, " ... nevertheless, He left not Himself without witness in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness," we are to remain faithful too so that He can fill our heart and souls with His food and gladness. (Acts 14:17; Romans 1:19-20; Deuteronomy 11:14; Psalm 145:16)

"Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them, for the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse .." (Romans 1:19-20)

The apostles here are pointing to the many blessings the Lord God Almighty (His Name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace) bestows on those who are both good and evil, and yet, how many times do we who believe stop to thank Him, or praise Him for His wondrous works on our behalf. It is here that we should be desiring to enter into His pavilion, because the Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon His Name, to all that call upon Him in truth ... and as we can now attest, He will fulfill the desires of them that fear Him. (Psalm 145:18-19)

Praise ye the Lord, Praise ye the Lord, O my soul. He that heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds desires to have that conversation with you this day. Today is the day to sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving, and praise upon the harp unto our God, who covers the heaven with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes the grass to grow upon the mountains. Yes, indeed, the Lord takes pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy. (Psalm 147:1-11)

And this is the point the fig tree missed -- that all Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord! Let's not be found wanting when the Lord Jesus wanders by, but rather, be every day in our hearts blessing Thee, and praising Thy Name forever and ever. "For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness unsearchable." (Psalm 145:1-3)

And as Jesus so clearly said, "... he that received seed into the good ground is he that hears the Word, and understands [it]; which also bears fruit, and brings forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23)

"The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." (James 3:17)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Asked, "Why Do Ye Not Understand My Word? Because Ye Cannot Hear My Word!"- Part 1943

Jesus said, "Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness ..." (Luke 11:35)

Luke 11 is complete with multiple gospel treasures wherein we who believe can learn and be edified. Among the treasures are lessons, from which we can find good counsel for our own day to day. For example, Jesus taught the disciples how to pray. This is one of the two places in scripture where the model prayer is written. The prayer? "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name." (Luke 11:1-4)

As we move on, Jesus shares the importance of Him being our friend that never leaves us, nor forsakes us. In fact, as Lord, Jesus encourages us to "ask, and it will be given; seek and we shall find; and knock and it shall be opened unto us." (Luke 11:5-13) Later, we witness Jesus casting aside a devil which in turn sets the person who was in bondage and possessed now free. Then, Jesus speaks of a divided house, and that if He, "with the finger of God casts out devils, no doubt, the Kingdom of God is upon you." (Luke 11:20) s Jesus points out at another time, the Kingdom of God is nigh!

Continuing, Jesus references the result of a lit candle in a once dark room to prove His point. Similar to the darkness in the world, and more personally, in our hearts, the long-term effect of Jesus is that the world would no longer be dark because Jesus is the true Light of the world. As we know from His Word, Jesus is also identified as the Bread of Life; the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8; John 6:35) God manifest in the flesh.

The Son of man (as He is described during the time He walked this earth) is now the Lord of glory! The first Adam, earthy. The second Adam, the Lord from heaven. Yes, indeed, He has become the Great Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, while we were yet still His enemies. And yes, He is indeed both Lord and Christ! (Acts 2:36; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8)

Moreover, those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength,  and seek Him as the Giver of wisdom and knowledge will inevitably become closer to the Lord in their faith journey.  We see this growth pattern in new believers all the time. This is not to suggest that we are perfect, because in and of ourselves, we are not. Nevertheless, when we ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to lead and guide us in our day to day, our lives will change.

This is the part of Luke 11 that I intend to focus on. And that also, in walking by faith in Jesus, and trusting Him for our all in all, we begin to understand that our faith to those around us is akin to the lights of a city on a hill -- whereby even observers from a faraway distance can know with solid assurance that His light -- He being the Way, the Truth, and the Life -- resides within us. Why? Because He fills us with His joy and mercy and peace. His love forever bridging the gap that in the past prevented us from experiencing His plan of salvation.

The veil that had hindered us from having a relationship with the Lord God has now been torn, from heaven to earth, ushering in for us a brand new dispensation of grace. No longer are we under the ordinances and laws of the old covenant, because the Lord hath made all things new when the dayspring from on high visited His people. As John wrote, "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)

Further, as we press into the mark of our high calling, our Lord God and Saviour raises us from servant status to that of a close friend -- because He can trust us in the relationship to do what is right, and true, and just. Herein, as we move closer to fulfilling His purposes, we begin to more fully to understand the mysteries that are hidden in the Word. Jesus as God manifest in the flesh is just one example of a mystery wherein the very words -- "God manifest in the flesh" -- to the unlearned have been considered incoherent and unintelligible  Or, as Jesus asks, "Why do ye not understand My Word?" But I digress.

Going back to Luke 11, we see the Lord Jesus speaking to the multitudes. He was warning those who believed in Him by faith to know that an evil generation would seek a sign. And that, an evil generation would always want to know the times and seasons in which we live. For this reason, Jesus did not want believers to be ignorant of the things which were to come. This was certainly the case here. For clarity, Jesus is saying that there will be no other sign given to this generation -- other than the Son of man -- which we now know has been given. The perfect sacrifice made so that we might find abundant life in Him!

Why is this important? Because Jesus is more than sufficient for salvation. His grace and mercy and love displayed for one and all to witness on the cross. His love call inviting us -- the body of Christ believers -- to the most elaborate wedding feast ever wherein He is asking, even to this day, for each and every one of us to "Come!" To taste and see that the Lord is so good!

In personally delivering His Word to us, and fulfilling His plan of salvation so that you and I can be forever saved in His goodness and grace, He has provided a means for people to reconnect with our Lord God creator. As Jesus told the thick crowds that particular day, "Behold, a greater than Solomon is here" and, as well, "a greater than Jonas is here." (Luke 11:29, 31-32)

My question is this? Do we get it? Do we understand in our hearts what kind of love -- and how much love -- it must have taken for the Lord God of the heavens to infill a body so that He could bring to His creation life? The greatest of greatest is here standing in front of you, Jesus is saying -- but do we even know? Nevertheless, we are so privileged as His chosen people, a royal generation -- and thus, our heart desire should be to solely remain faithful to Him .... who after His kindness and love God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)

But as we also see in the scriptures, when Jesus preached the good news gospel of His Kingdom, wherein those who were long-time held captive by the enemy could be set free, once and for all we often witness unfounded accusation and commotion. Of course, this time was not any different. Along came a certain woman of the company lifting up her voice, and said unto Jesus, "Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the paps which Thou hast sucked." How does Jesus respond? He tells this certain woman -- "Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it." (Luke 11:27-28; Luke 1:28, 48)

This is not the only time Jesus' good news gospel message has been sidelined. Another reference cites a "certain" as well telling Jesus that His mother desires to be seen of Him. In this latter example, Jesus responds to the 'certain' in the same fashion as above --"My mother and My brethren are these which hear the Word of God and do it." (Luke 8:20-21)

Therefore, as believers in Jesus by faith, we are to "Hear ye Him." At no point in the scriptures are we told to worship Mary as the mother of God. Perhaps, this is why Jesus said that His mother and brethren are those who hear the gospel. Those believers who obey His Word in everything they do.

But to be clear, we need to know -- Who is Him? The One and Only Lord God who created the world and then gladly and willingly -- after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.  (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16) In Him the fullness of the Godhead. Yes, He willingly took our place on the cross so that we might have salvation. And yes, He became the perfect sacrifice; the Great Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep.

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

Getting back to the original point of this post, there are those in our midst who do not understand Jesus' analogy, and neither the consequence of a lit candle in a dark room. Neither do these understand the words which Jesus spoke unto them ... because as Jesus said, their hearts are hardened from the truth. Consequently, these cannot hear His Word because their hearts are full of anything but a heart felt desire to know their Creator.

Still, all the unbelief in this world cannot extinguish nor negate that the Light of the world has come and delivered unto us the greatest gift ever known to mankind -- JESUS! For those of us who believe in Jesus by faith, we have a blessed assurance, and like the two men walking with Jesus after His resurrection, our hearts burn within from reading His Word.

Jesus went on to say, "no man, when he hath lighted a candle puts it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore, when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body, therefore, be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light." (Luke 11:34-36)

This same Jesus whom we have all crucified at one point or another in our lives (because we have all fallen short of the glory of God) has given to us Himself -- as the Light of this world and He wants to shine brightly in your heart today. Yet, He would not have us ignorant. Jesus clearly explains that there is a counterfeit continually trying to draw us away from His Truth with contrary teachings that are unfounded in His Word, as did the "certain" among the multitudes. But as Jesus said, "Don't be deceived."

Don't let the cares of this world move you away from the foundation of truth, wherein the Lord God Almighty prepared a body for Himself so that we might know Him and love Him. His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us, who after the cross, would reside within us, when we ask Jesus to be Lord and Christ in our lives. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Note also, that the wise men traveled from afar to worship Jesus. The apostles healed in the Name of Jesus. The apostles' water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus. They preached and taught in the Name of the Lord Jesus, so that the perishing could once and for all be rescued from eternal

But the greatest news, beyond the greatest love story ever given to mankind, is that as we in our hearts draw closer to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, the scales will fall from our eyes so that we will understand His Word, and similarly, become doers of the Word too. So very much to be thankful for this day!

Stand in the offering plate.

Take Heed Therefore That The Light Which Is In Thee Be Not Darkness! Jesus Said, "I Am The Light ..." - Part 1942

"Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ ..." (Ephesians 4:18-20)

The scriptures state that we ought to give heed to these things which we have heard lest at any time we should forget. For if the Word spoken by angels was steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, then how are we going to escape if we reject these words of salvation?

Confirming scripture on this point includes, in part:  "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." (Hebrews 2:1) In another place, "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do." (I Timothy 1:4)

Jesus said, "For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me and they have received [them], ad have known surely that I came out from Thee and they have believed the Thou didst send Me." (John 17:8; John 8:28, 42; John 16:27)

The disciples saying unto Jesus, "Lo, now speak Thou plainly and speak no proverb. Now are we sure that Thou knows all things, and need not that nay man should ask Thee, by this we believe that Thou came forth from God." (John 16:29-30)

Yes, the very words spoken and delivered to us first by the Lord JESUS Himself and then, after Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to His chosen apostles. (Acts 1:2-3) God having imparted to them the gifts of His holy Spirit, whereby signs, and wonders and miracles were manifest of God through these imparted gifts. Indeed, He confirmed the Word spoken by them as being God’s own Word. Hebrews 2 elaborates on this point, if you desire further insight. At this point, I do not want to digress from the point being made.

That point is -- forasmuch then as we -- God’s children -- are veiled in flesh and blood, God also likewise veiled Himself. He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. Nevertheless, God’s purposed plan from the very beginning was that by and through the sacrificial death of His veil of flesh (the purchased price demanded for man’s redemption) such a sacrificial offering would usher in our deliverance from the bondage of the devil’s power of sickness and disease, the pathway currently leading those who do not believe unto death.

To this end, note. that God did not take upon Himself the veiled nature of angels. Rather, God took upon Himself the nature of man’s sin prone flesh. His holy Spirit providing of Himself the SEED of the Christ as was promised to Abraham. God promising Abraham that in his SEED should all the nations of the earth be blessed. Note that the SEED spoken of here is the SEED of the holy Spirit -- which we eventually learn the SEED is the Christ.

Therefore, God implanted into Abraham His SEED. The promised SEED is not the seed of Adam's sin prone race for Adam’s seed could not redeem man. To redeem man from sin then, it necessitated the death of a righteous man. The problem was that there was no righteous person for God to find. So it behooved the SEED of the holy Spirit [JESUS] to be veiled in flesh - in a body like ours - in order for the SEED of the Holy Ghost [JESUS] to become our Saviour. In other words, the price of man's redemption demanded the sacrificial death of a sinless righteous man’s flesh. A perfect sacrifice.

So, the consequence was that JESUS the SEED of the holy Spirit provided this sinless life. JESUS being the humanity of God - the SEED of His holy Spirit providing Himself as the only righteous man, who could willingly sacrificing Himself as a Son becomes to us a merciful and faithful high priest and man's only Saviour after the Order of Melchisedec.

For it is JESUS' sacrificial death that has made possible redemption and reconciliation for the sins of all people. For each and every one of us. For it was JESUS Himself veiled in flesh who suffered and was tempted in all points even as we are. Yes, God Himself "as a Son" laying down His sinless body as a once and for all time sacrifice. For JESUS who knew no sin took upon Himself our sin so that we as sinners could be clothed in His righteousness. Think about this for a moment.

He, the only sinless righteous man was clothed in our unrighteousness. For the Spirit of the Lord has laid upon His own body the iniquity of us all! Indeed, JESUS' body nailed to a tree cursed of God. Therefore, believers in Jesus by faith, who go on and are water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, taking on His garment of righteousness, are fully justified from all condemnation. As it is written, there is no condemnation to all those who have repented and been baptized (and buried with JESUS) into the likeness of JESUS' death and are raised up from the symbolic watery grave in the likeness of JESUS resurrection. (Acts 2:36-41; Romans 6:1-2; Acts 10:44-48; Hebrews 6:1-2)

Our old nature -- our former lives - buried once and for all with JESUS who is both Lord and Christ. For those individuals who the Son of God sets free are free indeed! Peace be the work of redemption now complete in JESUS!

Stand in the offering plate.