For this free gift of salvation wherein the Lord God has imputed our trespasses, and similarly, He hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation, we ought to be very thankful. His mercy and grace and kindness extended to us whilst we were still His enemies, having yet to repent and ask God our Saviour Jesus the Christ into our heart. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 2:36-41)
But if our salvation started and stopped at repentance and water baptism in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus, we would fall short of putting on charity ... wherein the Comforter, the Holy Ghost leads and guides us into all truth, teaching us about "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)
You see, as believers in the Lord Jesus by faith, we should desire to forbear one another, and to forgive one another. Indeed, "if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." (Colossians 3:13-14; Mark 11:25; I Peter 4:3; I Corinthians 13:1-13)
Perfectness, as described in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the same as absoluteness, completeness, entirety, fullness, entireness, or wholeness. In other words, there can be no more perfect added that could further complete the bond of perfectness, because to the Lord, we are already perfect when we put on charity. A flow through of His love to those around us.
So, how do we endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? By remembering that each and every believer is a member of one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, One faith, One baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all." (Ephesians 4:3-6; Colossians 3:14; Romans 12:5; I Corinthians 1:13; Jude 1:3; Hebrews 6:6)
Because of His unfailing love and kindness toward man, we should strive to reach the "one accord" that is spoken of in the day of Pentecost, wherein the first 3,000 souls saved into the new testament body of Christ church, loved one another enough to ensure that no one in their midst was without. (Acts 2:36-47) It was here that apostle Peter (standing with the eleven) first told those in attendance that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) This marked the beginning of the New Testament, body of Christ church, wherein Jesus is the Head.
What we see here in Acts 2, is that the people who gladly received His Word repented, and were water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And these continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
"And all that believed were together and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:41-47)
Continuing -- "above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness, and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful ..." and also, "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:13-16; Mark 11:25)
And if this means giving a coat or meat or drink to another person in need, so be it, because as the Lord Jesus said, "by our love for one another" will they know we are His disciples. The JESUS people! But there is even more to learn here. Our love toward others has to be a heart endeavour wherein the word or deed that we are doing is in the precious Name of Jesus the Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. (Colossians 3:17; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)
You see, as believers in the Lord Jesus by faith, we should want to go that extra mile in our day to day because we are called to be "profitable" servants, wherein we bear fruit. And part of this -- as we see from Jesus' dialogue with the scribe -- is to first love the Lord thy God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and from His abundance of love flowing through us, to love one another. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
Do you remember when Jesus said, "Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow [think] not. So likes ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, "We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do." (Luke 17:9-10)
Still, we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith were never intended to be unprofitable, barely performing the minimum required, or only those commandments so we can squeak by, Rather, as we see in the scriptures, we who believe are instructed to stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ, and to do His bidding. (Galatians 5:1; I Samuel 22:14)
Paul and Timothy said unto Philemon -- "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel ... but without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps, he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?" (Philemon 1:10-16)
In fact, apostle Paul went further, stating that if the people count Paul as a partner, these should also receive their dearly beloved and fellow labourer Philemon. Paul also said that if Philemon had wronged any of them, or owed them money, the people were to put that on Paul's account, and he would repay it.
Yes, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, we are called to go the distance -- that extra mile for those in the body of Christ. In forgiving one another. In sharing His love and mercy and grace with others. In helping one another in their burdens. In standing firm on the Rock so that we are not tossed to and fro by the wiles of this world, and can be counted upon and trusted by those who are seeking the Lord, but have not yet understood why their hearts are wanting.
For believers, this is why we pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore. This is why we declare "peace be" before we enter a building. This is why we seek peace in all that we do, so that we can all be of one mind, having compassion one of another, loving people as brethren, and not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing. Contrariwise to the ways of this world, we render blessing to those who curse us, because when we suffer for righteousness sake, we cannot be troubled, because the Lord has a re-reward for those who are faithful to His Word. This is why the Lord God sanctifies in our hearts (through truth -- Thy Word is truth) and should always be ready to give an answer to every man that asks you to explain the hope that is within you. (John 17:17)
Further, Paul who describes himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of truth which is after godliness --- we are to "put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." (Titus 3:1-10)
There is that word again -- profitable. Where else in the scriptures is profitable used?
In I Timothy -- "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (I Timothy 4:8)
In Acts -- "Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20:18-28)
Perhaps, I am getting ahead of myself here. Other scriptures point to forbearing and forgiving one another, and striving to do more than would ever be expected by the recipient. Indeed, Jesus told us to take heed to ourselves -- "for if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, but if he repents, forgive him." The disciples asked Him, "How many times?" The Lord Jesus said, "And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, "I repent" thou shalt forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4; Matthew 18:15-21; Proverbs 17:10)
Note that the apostles did not respond by rebelling, saying, -- "But Lord!" The disciples said unto Him, "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5) I have to wonder what it would take (within our own hearts) to forgive our brother 490 times, but also, to understand the underlying message of our Lord herein. That is, Lord, increase our faith. And as if those words were not sufficient, Jesus tells His disciples (and us by extension) about the mustard seed. He says,
"If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree -- be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea, and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, "Go and sit down to meat?" And will not rather say unto him, "Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird myself, till I have eaten and drunken, and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?" (Luke 17:6-8; Mark 9:33; Mark 11:23; Luke 12:37)
In another place, Jesus answered them, saying, "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you ... that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be cast into the sea; 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.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:22-26; Matthew 17:30; Matthew 21;21; Matthew 7:7; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:15; Matthew 18:35)
Many lessons to be learned here today. Just remember that our re-reward is in heaven. In the interim, we should continue to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, and to give Him all the glory and honour and praise for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and He deserves all the glory. To Him, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, forever and ever, amen.
Stand in the offering plate.
Yes, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, we are called to go the distance -- that extra mile for those in the body of Christ. In forgiving one another. In sharing His love and mercy and grace with others. In helping one another in their burdens. In standing firm on the Rock so that we are not tossed to and fro by the wiles of this world, and can be counted upon and trusted by those who are seeking the Lord, but have not yet understood why their hearts are wanting.
For believers, this is why we pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore. This is why we declare "peace be" before we enter a building. This is why we seek peace in all that we do, so that we can all be of one mind, having compassion one of another, loving people as brethren, and not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing. Contrariwise to the ways of this world, we render blessing to those who curse us, because when we suffer for righteousness sake, we cannot be troubled, because the Lord has a re-reward for those who are faithful to His Word. This is why the Lord God sanctifies in our hearts (through truth -- Thy Word is truth) and should always be ready to give an answer to every man that asks you to explain the hope that is within you. (John 17:17)
Further, Paul who describes himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of truth which is after godliness --- we are to "put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." (Titus 3:1-10)
There is that word again -- profitable. Where else in the scriptures is profitable used?
In I Timothy -- "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (I Timothy 4:8)
And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more ... wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Perhaps, I am getting ahead of myself here. Other scriptures point to forbearing and forgiving one another, and striving to do more than would ever be expected by the recipient. Indeed, Jesus told us to take heed to ourselves -- "for if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, but if he repents, forgive him." The disciples asked Him, "How many times?" The Lord Jesus said, "And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, "I repent" thou shalt forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4; Matthew 18:15-21; Proverbs 17:10)
Note that the apostles did not respond by rebelling, saying, -- "But Lord!" The disciples said unto Him, "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5) I have to wonder what it would take (within our own hearts) to forgive our brother 490 times, but also, to understand the underlying message of our Lord herein. That is, Lord, increase our faith. And as if those words were not sufficient, Jesus tells His disciples (and us by extension) about the mustard seed. He says,
"If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree -- be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea, and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, "Go and sit down to meat?" And will not rather say unto him, "Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird myself, till I have eaten and drunken, and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?" (Luke 17:6-8; Mark 9:33; Mark 11:23; Luke 12:37)
In another place, Jesus answered them, saying, "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you ... that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be cast into the sea; 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.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:22-26; Matthew 17:30; Matthew 21;21; Matthew 7:7; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:15; Matthew 18:35)
Many lessons to be learned here today. Just remember that our re-reward is in heaven. In the interim, we should continue to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, and to give Him all the glory and honour and praise for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and He deserves all the glory. To Him, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, forever and ever, amen.
Stand in the offering plate.
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