Set Your Affection On Things Above, Not On The Things On The Earth, For Ye Are Dead And Your Life Is His With Christ In God - Part 1981

"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power ..." (Colossians 2:9-10)

These questions emerge from the age old pamphlet entitled, "60 QUESTIONS ON THE GODHEAD WITH BIBLE ANSWERS." It should serve as a starting point for answering some of your questions about who the Lord God is, and the foundational doctrines cited in Hebrews 6:1-2. Most of all, the scriptures used should serve to enlighten us to a little known teaching about the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. That is, the doctrine of Christ. (II John 1:9; Hebrews 6:1-2) For your learning and edification ...

1. Is the word trinity in the Bible? No.
2. Does the Bible say that there are three persons in the Godhead? No.
3. Does the Bible speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? Yes.
4. Do these titles as used in Matthew 28:19 mean that there are three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead? No, they refer to three offices, roles, or relationship to humanity.
5. Does the Bible use the word three in reference to God? Only one verse in the entire Bible does so-I John 5:7. It speaks of the Father, the Word (instead of Son), and the Holy Ghost, and it concludes by saying, "These three are one."
6. Does the Bible use the word one in reference to God? Yes, many times. For example, see Zechariah 14:9; Malachi 2:10; Matthew 23:9; Mark 12:29, 32; John 8:41; 10:30; Romans 3:30; I Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; I Timothy 2:5; James 2:19.
7. Can the mystery of the Godhead be understood? Yes. Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16.
8. Has the Christian only One Heavenly Father? Yes. Matthew 23:9.
9. Then why did Jesus say to Philip, "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9)? Because Jesus is the express image of God's person. Hebrews 1:3. The Greek word for person in this verse literally means "substance."
10. Does the Bible say that there are two persons in the Godhead? No, never.
11. Does the Bible say that all the Godhead is revealed in one person? Yes, in Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:19; 2:9; Hebrews 1:3.
12. Is the mystery of the Godhead/godliness hidden? Yes. Luke 10:21-22.
13. Who is the Father? The Father is the one God, particularly as revealed in parental relationship to humanity. Deuteronomy 32:6; Malachi 2:10.
14. Where was God the Father while Jesus was on earth? The Father was in Christ. John 14:10; II Corinthians 5:19. He was also in heaven, for God is omnipresent. The "fulness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him!"
15. Did the prophet Isaiah say that Jesus would be the Father? Yes. Isaiah 9:6; 63:16.
16. When God said, "Let us make man in our image" (Genesis 1:26), was He speaking to another person in the Godhead? No. Isaiah 44:24; Malachi 2:10.
17. How many of God's qualities were in Christ? All. Colossians 2:9.
18. How may we see the God who sent Jesus into the world? By seeing Jesus. John 12:44-45; 14:9.
19. Does the Bible say that Jesus is the Almighty? Yes. Revelation 1:8
20. Whom do some designate as the first person in the trinity? God the Father.
21. Whom do some designate as the last person in the trinity? The Holy Ghost. But Jesus said that He was the First and Last, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. Revelation 1:17-18
22. How many persons did John see sitting on the throne in heaven? One. Revelation 4:2.
23. If Jesus is the first and the last, why did God say in Isaiah 44:6 that He was the first and the last? Because Jesus is the God of the Old Testament -- the same Lord God who would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)
24. Did Jesus tell satan that God alone should be worshipped? Yes. Matthew 4:10
25. Does the devil believe in more than one God? No. James 2:19.
26. Does the Bible say that God, who is the Word, was made flesh, and dwelt among us? Yes John 1:1, 14.
27. For what purpose was God manifested in the flesh? To save sinners. Hebrews 2:9, 14.
28. Was Jesus God manifested in the flesh? Yes. I Timothy 3:16.
29. Could Jesus have been on earth and in heaven at the same time? Yes. John 3:13.
30. Does the Bible say that there is but one Lord? Yes. Isaiah 45:18; Ephesians 4:5.
31. Does the Bible say that Christ is the Lord? Yes. Luke 2:11.
32. Does the Bible say that the Lord is God? Yes. I kings 18:39; Zechariah 14:5; Acts 2:39; Revelation 19:1.
33. How could the church belong to Jesus (Matthew 16:18) and yet be the church of God (I Corinthians 10:32)? Because Jesus is God in the flesh.
34. Will God give His glory to another? No. Isaiah 42:8.
35. Was there a God formed before the Lord, or will there be one formed after? No. Isaiah 43:10.
36. What is one thing that God does not know? Another God. Isaiah 44:8.
37. What is one thing that God Cannot do? Lie. Titus 1:2.
38. How many Gods should we know? Only one. Hosea 13:4.
39. How many names has the Lord? One. Zechariah 14:9.
40. Is it good to think upon the Name of the Lord? Yes. Malachi 3:16.
41. Does the Bible say that God alone treads upon the waves of the sea? Yes. Job 9:8
42. Why, then, was Jesus able to walk upon the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:25)? Because He is God the Creator. Colossians 1:16.
43. Is God the only one who can forgive sin? Yes. Isiah 43:25; Mark 2:7.
44. Why, then, could Jesus forgive sin in Mark 2:5-11? Because He is God the Savior.
45. Is Jesus the true God? Yes. I John 5:20.
46. If God and the Holy Ghost are two separate persons, which was the Father of Christ? Matthew 1:20 says that the Holy Ghost was the Father, while Romans 15:6, II Corinthians 11:31, and Ephesians 1:3 say that God was the Father. There is no contradiction when we realize that God the Father and the Holy Ghost are one and the same Spirit. Matthew 10:20; Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 3:16.
47. When Paul asked the Lord who He was, what was the answer? "I am Jesus." Acts 9:5.
48. When Stephen was dying, did he call God Jesus? Yes. Acts 7:59.
49. Did Thomas ever call Jesus God? Yes. John 20:28.
50. How could Jesus be the Savior, when God the Father said in Isaiah 43:11, "Beside me there is no Savior?" Because "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." II Corinthians 5:19.
51. Does the Bible say that Jesus was God with us? Yes. Matthew 1:23.
52. Did Jesus ever say, "I and my Father are one?" Yes. John 10:30.
53. Can it be proved scripturally that Jesus and the Father are one in the same sense that husband and wife are one? No. The Godhead was never compared to the relationship of a husband and wife. Jesus identified Himself with the Father in a way that husband and wife cannot be identified with each other. John 14:9-11.
54. Does the Bible say that there is only one wise God? Yes. Jude 25.
55. Does the Bible call the Holy Ghost a second or third person in the Godhead? No. The Holy Ghost is the one Spirit of God, the one God Himself at work in our lives. John 4:24; I Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19; 12:13.
56. Can Trinitarians show that three divine persons were present when Jesus was baptized by John? Absolutely not. The one, omnipresent God used three simultaneous manifestations. Only one divine person was present--Jesus Christ the Lord.
57. Then what were the other two of whom Trinitarians speak? One was a voice from heaven; the other was the Spirit of God descending like a dove. Matthew 3:16-17.
58. What did the voice say at Jesus' baptism? "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Mark 1:11. As the Son of God, Jesus was the one God incarnate.
59. Does the Bible say that God shed His blood and that God laid down His life for us? Yes. Acts 20:28; I John 3:16. God was able to do this because He had taken upon Himself a human body.
60. The Bible says that God is coming back with all his saints (Zechariah 14:5) and also that Jesus is coming back with all his saints (I Thessalonians 3:13). Are two coming back? No. Only one is coming back--our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13.

Indeed, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Jesus was the Only Begotten, who came forth from the Father, and then once again ascended back to the Father, as we read in Acts 1:2. 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) 

Because as Jesus pointed out so often, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30)

If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father, and know Him. (John 14:6-12)

Jesus -- 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.

Jesus Himself Stood In The Midst And Said, "Peace Be Unto You!" - Part 1980

"The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life." (Job 33:4)

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, 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. 

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that [should come] unto you; searching with, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them, did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." (I Peter 1:7-12)

We see this culminating when Jesus appeared to His disciples after His death and resurrection from the tomb. Therein, Jesus opens their eyes that they might fully understand the scriptures. Indeed, Jesus said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:45-49; Acts 16:14; Acts 17:3; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38; Acts 26:18; Acts 1:8, 12; Acts 2:36-47)

It is here in Acts (a continuation from Luke's writings) that the beginning of the New Testament body of Christ church begins -- "beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22)

When Jesus appeared to the eleven, note that they were affrighted supposing they had seen a Spirit. But when Jesus asks them, "Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts?" He also tells them to, "Behold, My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself, handle Me and see; for a Spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see Me have." And when He had thus spoken, He showed them His hands and His feet. 

Jesus also said unto the eleven, "These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning Me." (Luke 24:44) Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures.  Later, in Acts, we learn that "until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen." (Acts 1:2-3)

One Lord, One faith and One baptism. One God and Father of all who is with us all and in us all. (Ephesians 4:5-6) The Word of the Lord was prophetically spoken of as going forth from Jerusalem. In this context, it only makes sense to adopt the scripturally correct version and adhere to the same Word that went forth from Jerusalem. 

Yes, the beginning of the New Testament body of Christ church, wherein His Word is proclaimed to all those who desire everlasting life. "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 4:5-6)

He is the treasure that we refuse to hide under a bushel -- the Light of the world, the Bread of life, the living water, wherein if we taste and see that the Lord is good, we will never thirst again. The King of kings and Lord of lords -- "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:3)

As Jesus points out, "The kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hides, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." (Matthew 13:44)

For the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, "The Lord knows them that are His," And, "let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19; I Corinthians 3:11)

Therefore, "according to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another laid the foundation and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man lay than that is laid -- which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which He hath built thereupon, He shall receive a reward." (I Corinthians 3:10-14; Romans 1:5; I Corinthians 4:15; Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20; Luke 2:35)

If you have not yet found this greatest treasure, ask Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in your heart. Be buried with Him in water baptism -- in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. And receive ye the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21; Revelation 1:8; Colossians 2:12-15)

Set your affection on things above and not on things on the earth, for ye are dead, and now your life is hid with Christ in God, who has now become our life and breath, because we have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created Him. (Colossians 3:10)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Exhort One Another Daily, While It Is Called Today, Lest Any Of You Be Hardened Through The Deceitfulness Of Sin - Part 1979

"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all." (I Timothy 4:13)

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His Name, and they shall be Mine," saith the Lord of hosts, "in that day when I make up My jewels, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not." (Malachi 3:16-18)

In the above passage from Malachi (the last book in the Old Testament), the Lord God -- the Lord of hosts -- the Lord Himself is speaking about a day still off in the future, when believers who fear the Lord and meditate upon His Name will be included in the book of remembrance. A day when those who fear the Lord and speak often of Him, and think continually of His glorious Name -- to them will He hearken and spare them from the wrath that is to come.

This is a beautiful promise to those who believe in the Lord God our Saviour by faith. For as we now know from the scriptures, He must have often suffered since the foundation of the world ... but now, once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9:8, 14-18, 26-28)

The appointed time when God in Christ reconciled the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)

This day, saith the Lord, have I begotten Thee. Thus, we can be assured that the dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) The Word that was with God and was God in the beginning was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18) 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) Yes, indeed, Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 9:8, 14-18, 28)

The question then is this. What will your heart response be to the Lord Jesus the Christ, who willingly shed His precious holy blood on an old rugged cross so that we might freely drink of His living water, wherein we will never thirst again? As Jesus said, "I am the bread of life."

"I am the Light of the world!"

"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life!" (John 14:6-12)

And He is calling you and I today to come unto Him wherein we can stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. Indeed, God's love for His beloved creation knows no boundaries. 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. To that end, "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:14-18; 28)

The same He who hath in due times "manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ..." (Titus 1:3) "For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ..." (I Timothy 2:3)

For He hath said, "from the rising of the sun [even] unto the going down of the same, My Name shall be great among the Gentiles; and every place, incense shall be offered unto My Name, and a pure offering for My Name shall be great among the heathen," saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 1:11)

Thus, to be clear, what should our heart response be? To greatly rejoice in the Lord, our soul being joyful in our God. "For He hath clothed me [us] with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me [us]with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10)

In this current dispensation of grace, He has given us a new name -- His Name -- His precious holy Name -- whereby His Name is above every other Name. (Philippians 2:9; Acts 4:12) Yes, "His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin. ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us!"  (Matthew 1:21-23)

"And in THAT day shall ye say, "Praise the Lord, call upon His Name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His Name is exalted." (Isaiah 12:4) As the Lord saith, "Therefore, My people shall know My Name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold, it is I." (Isaiah 52:6)

But thankfully, we also know who He is, because as Isaiah prophesied afore, "As a beast goes down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest: so didst Thou lead Thy people, to make Thyself a Glorious Name." (Isaiah 63:14)

And now you know too. Stand in the offering plate.

Behold, I Lay In Zion For A Foundation, A Stone, A Tried Stone, A Precious Corner Stone, A Sure Foundation, he That Believes Shall Not Make Haste - Part 1978

"But when He sees His children, the work of Mine hands in the midst of Him, they shall sanctify My Name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in s/Spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine," referring to those who err in vision, and stumble in judgment. (Isaiah 29:23-24; Isaiah 28:7)

Herein, the Lord goes on to ask, "Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that He weaned from the milk, and drawn from the beasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line, here a little, and there a little; for with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, "This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear." (Isaiah 28:9-16)

Note, as Jesus states, these would not hear His Word "because My Word hath no place in you." (John 8:37) 

Continuing in Isaiah, "But the Word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little, that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken and snared and taken. Wherefore, hear the Word of the Lord, ye scornful men that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves." Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste." (Isaiah 28:9-16)

Jesus refers to this same scripture in the temple, when the chief priests and the elders of the people ask Him "By what Authority doest Thou these things? and who gave Thee this Authority?" (Matthew 21:23-24) Note what Jesus said unto them -- "Did ye never read in the scriptures, the Stone which the builders rejected, the Same is become the Head of the corner; this is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes? (Matthew 21:42)

And, in Mark as well, "Have ye not read this scripture? The Stone which the builders rejected is become the Head of the corner? This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" (Mark 12:10-11) 

In Luke too: "What is this then that is written, The Stone which the builders rejected, the Same is become the Head of the corner?" (Luke 20:17)

Note that Peter declares this same message again to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple, and to the Sadducees in Acts, stating, "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY YE MUST BE SAVED." (Acts 4:10-12)

This message further clarified in Romans -- "What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the Law of righteousness, hath not attained to the Law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the Law, for they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written, "Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling Stone and Rock of offence; and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:30-33)

You see, they being ignorant of God's righteousness went about to establish their own righteousness, having not submitted unto the righteousness of God. Granted, as Peter duly notes, they had a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For as the scripture so clearly states, "Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that believes." (Romans 10:4)

Therefore, whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:11) 

"For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) 

It is for this reason that we are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, because through Him we both have access by One Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18-19) 

Through the Name of Jesus, we 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)

To take this full circle, Peter further elaborates in I Peter 2:2-8:

"As newborn babes, desiring the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious, to whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed [rejected] of men, but chosen of God and precious, ye also, as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, wherefore, also, it is contained in the scripture, "Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and He that believes In Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, "the Stone which the builders disallowed, the Same is is made the Head of the corn, and a Stone of stumbling  and a Rock of offence," even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient whereunto also they were appointed." 

But ye who believe in Jesus by faith, ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light, which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2:9-10; Hosea 1:9-10; Hosea 2:23)

The reason God delivered us His free gift of salvation? As Jesus so clearly said, "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:18) 

Yes, to those who believe, Jesus is our all in all, the dayspring from on high who visited His people. 

"I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His Name's sake ... I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one ... " (I John 2:12-14)

Stand in the offering plate. 

"Howbeit The Most High Dwells Not In Temples Made With Hands" As Saith The Prophet: And Without Contradiction, The Less Is Blessed Of The Better - Part 1977

Without contradiction, the less is blessed of the better! (Hebrews 7:7)

From the scriptures, we understand that God stands in the congregation of the mighty, He judges among the gods [those who exalt among themselves into high places] while similarly asking us (those who believe in Him by faith), "How long will ye judge unjustly and accept the persons of the wicked? Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. [For] I [the Lord] have said, "Ye [are] gods; and all of you [are] children of the Most High." But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes." (Psalm 82:1-8)

A similar message conveyed in Acts 6, when the Grecians murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. (Acts 6:1-7; Acts 9:29; Acts 11:20-21, 29-30; Acts 4:35-37) 

All around us, we see a world that is clearly out of kilter. The foundations of the earth and the societies founded therein, wherein moral value used to be based upon the Word of God are all in quick decline. "Out of course" as the scriptures state, with those with evil hearts walking on in darkness, without any understanding of what is right and just and true. Sadly, in this post-modern era, we are also witnessing new lows for those in authority, seeking to serve only themselves. And even more grieving, is that this lack of moral compassion for those less fortunate is now, of late, filtering down as well to the citizenry.

But our Lord God Almighty (through David the psalmist) speaks to this societal situation. Herein, we learn that the Lord still crowns those who believe in Him with His righteousness -- when our hearts remain focused upon Him; when we who believe sing forth the honour of His Name, making His praise glorious for one and all to hear. 

But for those with evil hearts? "The wicked bend their bow, making ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor. (Psalm 10:2) The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made. The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined, for the wicked boasts of his heart's desire and blesses the covetous. 

Moreover the wicked, through the pride of their own countenance, will not seek after God. Indeed, God is not at all in their thoughts. Their ways are always grievous. God's judgments are far from their thoughts. Their mouths full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. They sit in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: their eyes are privily set against the power. 

Further, concerning those individuals with evil hearts --"he lies in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lies in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draws him into his net ... he crouches and humbles himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones because he hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: He hides His face, He will never see." (Psalm 10:2-13)

"Wherefore, doth the wicked contemn [renounce] God?" he hath said in his heart, "Thou wilt not require [it -- an account of our wrongdoings]?" (Psalm 10:13)

But what does the Lord God Almighty say to those whose hope is in Him? 

As for God His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him. For who is God, save the Lord? Or, who is a Rock save our God? It is God that girds me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like hinds feet, and sets me upon my high places. He teaches my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, and Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great." (Psalm 18:30-35)

The question -- "How long will ye judge unjustly and accept the persons of the wicked" -- showing impartiality based on position and riches, is critical. Because, as the psalmist points out, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" 

Still, the Lord is in His holy temple. The Lord's throne is in heaven. His eyes behold; His eyelids try, the children of men. Indeed, the Lord tries the righteous: but the wicked and him that loves violence His soul hates. "Upon the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous Lord loves righteousness; His countenance doth behold the upright." (Psalm 11:2-7) Therefore, then, what should our heart response be, as believers in the Lord Jesus by faith? 

To bless the Lord at all times. His praise continually in our mouth. (Psalm 34:1) Our souls making our boast in the Lord, magnifying the Lord and exalting His Name together. To seek the Lord, and to look unto Him for our instruction and countenance. To taste and see that the Lord is good, and to trust in Him. And to fear the Lord because there is no want to them that fear Him. (Psalm 34:9)

Why? Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their/our cry. The righteous cry the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers them out of them all ... the Lord redeems the soul of His servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate." (Psalm 34:11-22)

This is the promise of the Lord unto His beloved people.

Moreover, "behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord, He is our help and shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy Name. Thus again, our heart desire, our prayer should be -- "Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in Thee." (Psalm 33:18-22)

According to the measure of faith. 

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

Thus, in our hearts, do we put our trust in God, and not be afraid of what man can do unto us. (Isaiah 56:11) 

Because He hides us from the secret counsel of the wicked: from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity, who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even better words, that they may shoot in secret at the perfect [blameless]; suddenly do they shoot at him and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily, they say, "Who shall see them?" 

They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search; both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart is deep. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly they shall be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves; all that see them shall flee away. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of His doing. The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in Him, and all the upright in heart shall glory. (Psalm 64:1-10)

Yes, "let the Lord be glorified: but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed!" (Isaiah 66:5)

Stand in the offering plate.

Thou Art my Hiding Place; Thou Shalt Preserve me From Trouble; Thou Shalt Compass me About With Songs of Deliverance - Part 1976

"The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a reference in times of trouble, and they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou Lord hast not forsaken thee that seek Thee ..." (Psalms 9:9-10)

Interestingly, if we look at the word "oppressed" we learn that there are not a lot of scriptural references in the New Testament side. Perhaps, the reason for this is because Jesus tells us to cast ALL our burdens upon Him and He will give us rest. That, as well, we who are weary and heavy laden no longer have to be oppressed of the devil because He -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- has given us manifold much in this life plus life everlasting in the next. 

Similarly, after He was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost has now filled us with His joy and peace, wherein we can rejoice in persecution and tribulation -- because we are attached to the One and Only Rock who never leaves us nor forsakes us. 

This is why Jesus could say, "I am the Bread of Life!" 

This is why Jesus said, "I am the living water, wherein if ye drink, ye shall never thirst again!"

This is why Jesus declared, "I am the Light of this world."

This is why everything that we as believers in Jesus by faith do in both word or deed, we do in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus, because He is -- when we ask Him to be both Lord and Christ in our hearts -- our all in all. And as we also know, He never fails those who seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.  

And, as apostle Paul writes about being troubled on every side, "... persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed!" (II Corinthians 4:9)

Why? Because we have this treasure in earth vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. Thus, we should be always bearing about 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 alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (II Corinthians 4:7-12)

For God who commanded the Light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. This is why we 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." (II Corinthians 4:14-15)

Be edified in your faith In our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ this day. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Seek Ye The Lord, All Ye Meek Of The Earth, Which Have Wrought His Judgment; Seek Meekness: It May Be Ye Shall Be Hid In The Day Of The Lord's Anger - Part 1975

" ... so in Christ shall all be made alive!" (I Corinthians 15:22)

When the Lord Jesus walked on the earth, He said, "I am the Resurrection, and the Life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Believe thou this?" (John 11:25-26) 

It is a simple question which Jesus asks -- "Believe thou this?" Do you believe that Jesus is the Lord of glory? Do you believe that this same Lord Jesus is the resurrection and the life, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending? Do we truly believe that the risen Jesus is now King of kings and Lord of lords? And do we fully understand that His righteousness cleanses us from all sin and guilt and shame? 

As the scriptures state, God in Christ Jesus gave His own humanity so that we can have life more abundantly. To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them but rather, having committed unto us the Word of Reconciliation because He hath made Him to be sin for us -- He who knew no sin. (II Corinthians 5:19-21)

Indeed, on the cross, the Word made flesh -- God manifest in the flesh -- His Name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace paid the ultimate price once and for all. His blood shed on the cross so that we might have life more abundantly. The Great Shepherd laying down His life for His sheep. And because of His kindness and mercy, God our Saviour toward man appeared. 

However, too often, we tend to listen to the voices around us rather than trusting the Lord God and our blessed Saviour Jesus the Christ by faith for all things day to day, and that hinders us from receiving the many blessings that the Lord Jesus wants to bestow upon us.  This needs to change if we are to become that city on a hill that shines brightly for Jesus, and His love for each and every one of us. And since we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith can also attest to the salvation that leads to everlasting life ... the peace that comes from Him that is so life-giving, we know the answer for the chaos in the world.

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

Therefore, we should always be confident, knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord -- for we walk by faith and not sight. So when we labour, it is so that we are accepted of Him who so willingly shed His holy blood so that we would have life everlasting in Him. 

In the scriptures, apostle Paul takes this perspective even further when he writes to the believers in Corinth. 

"We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain -- (For He saith, "I have heard Thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured Thee; behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation.") -- giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: but in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in tastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report as deceivers and yet true; as unknown and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:1-10) 

In a world that is continually trying to steal our joy, let's meditate upon these things because our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ only wants the best for His people. And His desire is to be a Father unto us, and we His sons and daughters, as saith the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:18) 

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [His] purpose." (Romans 8:28)

God hath said, "I will dwell in them and walk in them, and I will be their God and they shall be My people." (II Corinthians 6:16; I Corinthians 3:16-17; I Corinthians 6:19; Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 31:33; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:26-27)

This is our hope every day, that His love for us is everlasting. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "Ye Judge After the Flesh; I Judge No Man, And Yet, If I Judge, My Judgment Is True!" - Part 1974

In the 8th chapter of John, we learn that Jesus went unto the mount of Olives, and early in the morning, Jesus came again into the temple, and all the people came unto Him. Herein, He sat down and taught them. About the same time, the scribes and Pharisees bring unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto Jesus, "Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act." (John 8:1-4)

Had the Pharisees either trusted or believed that Jesus (who was in the temple teaching the people at the time) knew the Law, the accusation would have stopped right there. That is, "this woman was taken in adultery, the very act." But the scribes and Pharisees did not stop there but continued with their accusations against the woman, saying, "Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest Thou?" (John 8:5)

Note the circumstances herein. Jesus is teaching the people that had gathered together in the temple to hear Him -- a place where the scribes and Pharisees would normally be responsible for teaching the people. But the people in the temple had instead come to hear Jesus and were being taught by Him -- His Word entering into their hearts. And as we know from other scriptures, the people marvelled at His doctrine.

Enter the scribes and Pharisees with the woman caught in adultery -- "the very act" -- as they declared, desiring Jesus to condone their condemnation of the woman so that she would be stoned, according to the law of Moses. As you can imagine, it must have been quite the scene. The scribes and Pharisees even going so far as to tempt Jesus so that they might have justification to subsequently accuse Him too.

Can you imagine how dark their hearts must have been, or how they were envious that the people listened to Jesus rather than to them? After all, the scribes and Pharisees were considered the teachers of the Law, and in their own hearts, the most knowledgeable (the intellectuals) within that society.

Further, at this point, they thought they could tempt Jesus into approving their condemnation of the woman caught in adultery, by telling Jesus what the Law states, and then asking Him, "But what sayest Thou?"

What does Jesus do? Jesus stoops down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not. Throughout, the scribes and Pharisees continue asking Jesus about the woman, picking and picking and picking at Him. What happens? Jesus lifts up Himself, saying unto them, "he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." (John 8:7)

And, once again, He stoops down, writing more on the ground. They which heard it, being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing in the midst. (John 8:6-10)

[As an aside, note that while Jesus physically "wrote" on the ground, the scribes and Pharisees "heard" His message and were convicted in their hearts by their own conscience. This is important because as the scribes and Pharisees were quick to point out to Jesus, one of the commandments given to Moses from the Lord under the old covenant is not to commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14) Note that since Jesus had not yet been crucified or ascended, the law of old (the law given unto Moses for the Israelites) would still have applied to the woman's circumstance, if the letter of the law is/was to be applied.

However, there is yet another part to this very same law, and indeed in the same passage, spoken by the same Lord unto Moses, that was also to be disseminated unto all the congregation of the children of Israel. And in this context, the scribes and Pharisees who were in positions to teach the people should have known this as well.

That is, "thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God; I am the Lord. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty, but in righteousness shall thou judge thy neighbour; thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour. I am the Lord! Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of Thy people but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. I am the Lord!" (Leviticus 20:14-18; Deuteronomy 27:18; Deuteronomy 16:19; Exodus 23:3, 6; Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 18:18; Proverbs 20:19; I Kings 21:7-19; I John 2:9-11; I John 3:15; Deuteronomy 32:35; Mark 12:31)]

As Jesus so oft said, "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost." (Matthew 18:11) "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save." (Luke 9:56)

Thus, we can understand why -- after Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman in the midst, He said unto her, "Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?" She said, "No man, Lord." And Jesus said unto her, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:11)

Until this day, no one has specific insight as to the message Jesus wrote that day, or exactly what the scribes and Pharisees had heard. However, the scripture does say that those who were in attendance were convicted "by their OWN conscience" and went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last. In other words, all the accusers had left because there was not one whose conscience was clear because we have all sinned and fallen short of the righteousness of God. (John 8:11)

Continuing, Jesus tells the woman that He does not condemn her and to sin no more. Before we deal with this instruction to the woman, let's look at what else Jesus had to say to the people who remained.

Jesus 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)

But again, the Pharisees hoping to deride Jesus were still not satisfied. So they said unto Him, "Thou bearest record of Thyself; Thy record is not true." Jesus answered and said unto them, "Though I bear record of Myself, [yet] My record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet, if I judge, My judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am One that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me bears witness of Me." (John 8:13-18)

They replied unto Him, asking, "Where is Thy Father?" Jesus answered, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father; if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as He taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on Him; for His hour was not yet come. Then said Jesus again unto them, "I go My way, and ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come." (John 8:19-21)

The Jews then surmised if Jesus was going to kill Himself, because they did not understand when Jesus said, "Whither I go, ye cannot come." (John 8:23) So Jesus knowing their hearts further clarifies to the Jews, saying, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world, I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I AM [He], ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:22-24)

This caused the Jews to ask, "Who art Thou?" And Jesus saith unto them, "Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say, and to judge of you, but He that sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of Him." Of course, they understood not that He spake to them of the Father.

Then said Jesus unto them, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM [He], and [that] I do nothing as of Myself: but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him."

"To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:19)

What happens next? As Jesus spake these words, many believed on Him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:25-32) "If ye believe on Me," said Jesus, "ye will continue in My Word and know the truth that sets us free."

But the scribes and Pharisees were still not happy, telling Jesus, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, "Ye shall be made free?"

Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin, and the servant abides not in the house forever, but the Son abides ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed, but ye seek to kill Me because My Word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with My Father, and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." They answered and said unto Him, "Abraham is our father."

Jesus said unto them, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God; this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father." Then they said unto Him, "We be not born of fornication; we have One Father, [even] God." Jesus said unto them, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I Myself but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? even because ye cannot hear My Word.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father, ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks, he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not? Which of you convinces Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me? he that is of God hears God's words; ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God." (John 8:33-47)

"Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And 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." (Galatians 4:6-8; Genesis 15:6; John 8:39; Genesis 12:3; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 22:18; Genesis 26:4; Genesis 28:14)

At the very least, these accusing scribes and Pharisees should have wanted their hearts to be right with God. As well, these should have known also from the scriptures, that "as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continues not in ALL things which are written in the book of the Law to do them." But that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident: for; "The just shall live by faith." And the law is not of faith; but, "The man that doth them shall live in them." (Galatians 4:10-12)

Still, these questioned Jesus further, saying, "Say we not well that Thou art a Samaritan and hast a devil?" But Jesus answered and said, "I have not a devil, but I honour My Father and ye do dishonour Me. And I seek not Mine own glory; there is One that seeks and judges. Verily, verily, I say unto you -- If a man keep My saying, he shall never see death." Then said the Jews unto Him, "Now we know that Thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets: and Thou sayest, "If a man keep My saying, He shall never taste of death." Art Thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makes Thou Thyself?"

Then said the Jews unto Jesus, "Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abraham?" Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- before Abraham's was, I AM."

Then took they up stones to cast at Him but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. (John 8:48-59) Certainly, throughout the gospels, the scribes and Pharisees were always seen how they might entangle Jesus in His talk. (Matthew 22:15) In another place, the high priest asked Jesus of His disciples, and of His doctrine, and Jesus said, "I spake openly to the world; I ever taught up in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort: and in secret have I said nothing. "Why asks thou Me? Ask them which heard Me, what I have said unto them; behold, they know what I said." (John 18:19-21)

In yet another, Jesus tells the people, "How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, "The Lord said to My Lord, sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool." David therefore himself calls Him Lord; and whence is he then His son?" And the common people heard Him gladly. (Mark 12:35-37)

This was the difference between those who believed and the scribes and Pharisees. When Jesus told the woman to sin no more, it was because He had set her free from the entanglements of the law, having shared with her the promise that came by faith. Indeed, as Jesus said, "Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw [it] and was glad."

But the scribes and Pharisees, they still wanted the people to be under the tutors and governors, and under the law. In fact, their hearts did not understand that the law was a schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, so that we might be justified by faith. And that, if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 4:24-29)

So much more here to understand but if there is one takeaway, let it be that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ will be given to them that believe in Him by faith, believing on His Name. He is the giver of hope, the giver of life, the Lord of glory who desires our hearts to turn unto Him, the Spirit of the Son dwelling in our hearts, crying out in thankfulness always, "Abba, Father."

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 4:26; John 1:12)

Stand in the offering plate.

"I Have Heard Thee In A Time Accepted, And In The Day of Salvation Have I Succoured Thee" - Part 1973

"Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 2:17-18)

The word "behove" is defined by modern day dictionaries as a duty or responsibility; or incumbent upon someone to do something. From this latter definition, it is easy to understand how it would behove God to be made like unto His brethren. As Titus wrote in his epistle, "After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7)

I have heard God's salvation plan for His beloved creation explained this way. If a man wanted to communicate with an ant in an anthill, how would he go about doing this? Well, first, that man would have to become an ant. It is in this same context that the scriptures tell of the greatest love story ever told. That the same Spirit of the Lord God who moved across the face of the waters in the beginning was also manifest in the flesh so that we might have life. (I Timothy 3:16)

The Word made flesh and dwelt among us, so that we could behold His glory. Indeed, 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) In Him, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. (Colossians 2:9)

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:18-19)
In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) His free gift of salvation, which included shedding His precious holy blood on a cross was intended for us who have sinned against Him to behold His glory. And also, as well, to understand the extent to which He Himself would go to show that He is a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God.

But not as the priests that were under the old covenant because that were only a shadow of the good things to come. We learn more about the taking away of the old to prepare the way into the holiest of all in Hebrews 9. We also learn that at the appointed time, God declared, "This day have I begotten Thee." The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was standing.

"Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 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: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation." (Hebrews 9:6-10)

Note here the "but Christ!" 

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 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 9:11-14)

Thus, the Lord Jesus is not just added to the Old Testament law but rather, our salvation is in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ alone. He paid the price for our transgressions.

"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. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

This has not changed in our day -- a last will and testament does not go into force until the testator is dead. It is the same with salvation. There had to be a purchase, and after the pattern of things in the old, the sacrifice had to be perfect, and with blood. 

This explains why it "was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not 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: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:23-28)

And so, when we who accept Jesus as both Lord and Christ in our hearts, and go forward to be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, wherein we become partakers in His heavenly calling. (Acts 2:36-41) 

"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus ..." (Hebrews 3:1)

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession." (Hebrews 4:14)

"For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins ... so also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an High Priest; but He that said unto Him, "Thou art My Son, to day have I begotten Thee." (Hebrews 5:5-8) As He saith also in another place, "Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec ... called of God an High Priest after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:5-10; Hebrews 7:1-28)

"... whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an High Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 6:20)

"Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an High Priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens." (Hebrews 8:1)

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus is the Great I AM, the Great Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. He is -- which in His times He shall shew, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords." (I Timothy 6:16) The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11)

And He continues to invite us to come to His wedding feast, the most elaborate wedding feast of all time. Because He has a purpose for each and every one of us, which begins when we come unto Him with an inner heart response.

"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)

"(For He saith, "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" (II Corinthians 6:2) 

"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12)

But God wants to clothe us in His righteousness. His right standing in this world wherein we have had our robes washed, and justified, and sanctified by His truth. Thy Word is truth. (Romans 17:17) 

Because when we believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, we can have a total assurance that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)

Praise and honour and glory be to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, for He is truly our all in all. 

Stand in the offering plate.

And They Continued Steadfastly In The Apostles' Doctrine And Fellowship, And In Breaking Of Bread, And In Prayers - Part 1972

"Who conceding the truth have erred ..." (II Timothy 2:18)

Historically, many of the faith statements associated with modern day church organizations are rooted in the 300- 400 AD time period wherein, certain religious declared/established a series of beliefs as statements of faith. However, for those who study to show themselves approved unto God, as workmen that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, these declared statements of faith -- these noted "religious" statements of faith -- are problematic. How can I say this? Because those who teach contrary to the Word, as apostle Paul states, let them be accursed. (II Timothy 2:15; Galatians 1:8-9; )

This is because any statement, including statements of faith (regardless of who authored the words) cannot negate or overrule what the apostles said in the scriptures. The words of men cannot supersede what Jesus said to the apostles, when He Himself opened their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. (Mark 24:45) Nor can Jesus teachings, wherein He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, be cast aside in favour of man's words. (Acts 1:2-3) Indeed, the Word and the Spirit must agree in all things.

After all, wasn't it the apostles that were the foundation of the Church (the body of Christ church) wherein Jesus is the chief cornerstone? Certainly, the apostles were Christ’s chosen witnesses - chosen to bear His WORD to the uttermost parts of the earth. In so doing, God confirmed their Word as being His Word. For they are now, as He was, the temple in which the Spirit of God was and still is pleased to dwell.

This is particularly evident in the book of Acts (a continuation of Mark's writings) wherein we see Jesus appearing to the apostles after His death and resurrection. "And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, "which." saith He, "ye have heard from Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence ... ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:4-8)

This message the same as Luke had written: "Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:45-49; Acts 16:14; Acts 17:3; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38; Acts 26:18; Acts 1:8, 12; Acts 2:36-47; Acts )
Note that when their eyes were opened, as the scriptures state, they knew Jesus. In fact, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of the disciples and said unto them, "Peace be unto you." (Acts 1:2-3; Luke 24:33-36) Note herein that the eleven were affrighted and supposed that they had seen a Spirit. But Jesus asks them, "Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold, My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself, handle Me and see; for a Spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see Me have." And when He had thus spoken, He showed them His hands and His feet. He then took a piece of broiled fish and of an honeycomb, and did eat before them.

And Jesus said unto them, "These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning Me." (Luke 24:44) Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. Then, in Acts, we learn that "until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen." (Acts 1:2-3)
One Lord, One faith and One baptism. One God and Father of all who is with us all and in us all. (Ephesians 4:5-6) The Word of the Lord was prophetically spoken of as going forth from Jerusalem. In this context, it only makes sense to adopt the scripturally correct version and adhere to the same Word that went forth from Jerusalem. And while on this topic, this same premise should also apply to faith statements too. For if the Word that was given to the apostles is indeed the Word of God, then we shouldn't lay the Word aside to embrace statements from so-called church fathers.

We refer specifically here to Matthew 28:19, a controversial topic among established religions because church leaders openly admit to having altered the scriptures. Yes, that is right. Matthew 28:19 (which pertains specifically to water baptism) was altered by those who claimed at the same time to be authorities. Where have we heard that before? But I digress.

As a consequence, the church fathers then adopted the saying, "in the name of the father, son, holy spirit" and in so doing, sought to establish an erroneous teaching that sadly, still exists in most churches today. That is, that the One God who gave His own blood so that we might have life is not One but rather (according to modern day religion) is three, distinct, and separate persons -- a triad, wherein one third of God does/did this, and another third is responsible for another part, etc. You get the point.

Add to this, the others who suggest that water baptism has nothing to do with salvation, and it is easy to see that the scriptures have been pushed aside. My question -- have these church so called leaders forgotten the book of Acts? Or, perhaps, these have never opened Acts, for if they had, they would know and preach that we who believe in Jesus by faith are to continue steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. (Acts 2:42) Certainly, it is within Acts that the church teachings were established!

To this end, God's Spirit and God's Word should agree. That is, if we believe the scriptures to be foundational to our faith. For example, we already know that JESUS was crucified, buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. As JESUS was buried, we are planted together in the likeness of His burial. Our old man is buried with Him. The OLD ADAMIC prone to sin nature is buried. (Romans 6:3-4)

But JESUS did not stay buried. No, JESUS arose from the dead. JESUS the second Adam is the Lord Himself. Our redeemer, Saviour and friend lifts us up out of that watery grave as a new creation which is why we can be confident in our salvation. For now we are totally justified. JESUS was raised for our justification.

This is why an understanding of water baptism and the doctrine of Christ is so vital to those who believe. (Hebrews 6:1-2; II John 1:9; I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23) Because when Jesus died, there went forth from JESUS' side both blood and water. Not just blood alone but water AND blood. The saving grace that covers all sin.

Similarly, as the scriptures state, the forerunning believers were told to save themselves from this untoward generation. And as a consequence, what did they do? As the scriptures state, believers saved themselves by obedience in the apostles (Holy Ghost led teachings) teachings wherein being baptized into the name of JESUS after repentance was critical.

In fact, in every New Testament scriptural example, every one was water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47) And when these did, there was one accord. Therefore, don't let the erroneous teachings and traditions of religious institutions lead you astray. Rather, study to shew thyself approved unto God so that you can rightly divide the Word too. (II Timothy 2:15)

For the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, "The Lord knows them that are His," And, "let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19; I Corinthians 3:11)

"According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another laid the foundation and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man lay than that is laid -- which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which He hath built thereupon, He shall receive a reward." (I Corinthians 3:10-14; Romans 1:5; I Corinthians 4:15; Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20; I Peter 1:7; Luke 2:35)

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, 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. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that [should come] unto you; searching with, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them, did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." (I Peter 1:7-12)

Stand in the offering plate.

For We Being Many Are One Bread, And One Body: For We Are All Partakers Of That One Bread - Part 1971

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world ..." (II Peter 1:2-10)

Throughout the scriptures, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ is bringing us increasingly and forever into the knowledge of Him. Indeed, in both the old and the new, the scripture, "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me" comes to mind. In the beginning, the Lord God created the earth. In the New Testament, the same Lord God is calling us to glory and virtue, partakers of the inheritance of the saints.

The knowledge of the same Lord God whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, so that we who believe in the Lord's prophesied Christ by faith, and are water baptized into His Name -- the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, can be partakers of the divine nature, insomuch as we have now escaped the corruption that is in the world. (Acts 2:36-47)

To offer clarity on this latter point, Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) This caused them to be pricked in their hearts, asking the apostles, "What must we do?" Responding, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38-41)

As an aside, when we are water baptized (which "follows" repentance and not the other way around), "know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4) And that, as a consequence, "even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 3:21)

How? "By one Spirit are we all baptized into One body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into One Spirit" which is the gift of the Holy Ghost. (I Corinthians 12:13; Acts 2:38; Acts 1:5, 8; Acts 2:4) 

"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear ..." (Acts 2:33)

"... that we might be partakers of His holiness ..." (Hebrews 12:10)

"For by ONE offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised) .." (Hebrews:10:14-23)

And He has promised that we will be partakers of the divine nature -- partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; while it is said, "To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts," as in the provocation." (Hebrews 3:7, 14-15) For this reason, we who believe in Jesus by faith can "rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (I Peter 4:13) Because we have understood His Majesty and Glory and Honour that He displayed on the cross for one and all in the world to behold. His kindness and love -- the mercy of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7; Titus 2:13; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:10-11)

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of His dear Son: in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.

For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell; 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." (Colossians 1:13-20)

Therefore, as the scriptures state, we are partakers of the heavenly calling, partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, because we consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus ... giving thanks unto the Father. (Hebrews 3:1; Colossians 1:12)

"Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" (Galatians 1:4 )

Meditate upon these spiritual matters in your day to day. Remain steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. Stand in the offering plate.

Wherefore, When He Cometh Into The World He Saith, " ... But A Body Hast Thou Prepared Me!" - Part 1970

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure." Then said I, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God."

Above when He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool. For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and [having] an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ paid the price for our sin once and for all. Thus, we no longer need a priest or mediator between us and God because after His kindness and love toward His beloved, He willingly became our Saviour.

Stand in the offering plate.

Hear Ye Him Whom I Have Chosen; My Beloved, In Whom My Soul Is Well Pleased; In His NAME Shall The Gentiles Trust - Part 1969

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20)

In another place, Jesus answers saying, "If a man loves Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:23)

And yet another scripture, Jesus tells how He came forth from the Father into the world, and that how once again, Jesus must leave the world and go to the Father -- from whence He came. (John 16:27-28) 

To the casual reader of the scriptures, these verses read together can appear somewhat confusing. What we need to remember is that God is not the Author of confusion, and also, that our clarity and understanding comes when we seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (I Corinthians 14:33; Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) It is from this context, that when our hearts turn to Jesus as both our Lord God and Christ [Messiah], He opens the door to His wisdom and understanding. (Acts 2:36-47) This is why the Lord Jesus often said to the multitudes who followed Him, "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Matthew 13:9, 43)

Our response to the Lord Jesus is a heart response. But there is more. When we who believe in Jesus by faith willingly shed from our lives the bondage and strangleholds of this world, the Lord Jesus fills us with His joy and peace, and His Spirit -- the Comforter, the Holy Ghost will lead and guide us into all truth. (John 14:26; John 15:26)

Please note, however, that His guidance is not done outside the Word. As we read in the first epistle of John -- "there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost and these three are One!" (I John 5:7)

The doctrine of Christ further clarifies this position, stating that he that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (II John 1:9) The doctrine of Christ is foundational. (Hebrews 6:1-2) This is why Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) For salvation to be true, we need to understand that our salvation came through the blood He shed on the cross. Without a perfect sacrifice, we could not have salvation.

Moreover, we are warned to "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)

Thus, to that end, God prepared for Himself a body, wherein God could be in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory. (John 1:1-18) "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)

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

This is why we need to understand that until the day that Jesus was taken up, after that He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) This is why Jesus had to leave (and we would see Him no more, as Jesus told His apostles) before the Holy Ghost could come. Jesus said, "Yet a little while, and the world seeth 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)

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

And, as Peter said on the day of Pentecost, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:36-47; Joel 2:28, 32)

It is for this reason that we who believe through Him -- "we both have access by One Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:18) If we recall, it was the Holy Ghost who overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. The angel said unto Mary, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35) His name called JESUS for "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 forever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:30-34; Luke 2:52; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-25; Luke 2:21)

For clarity, the Holy Ghost is translated 81 times from the Greek to the English in the New Testament. Many revised versions of the Bible have unilaterally changed the use of the Holy Ghost to Holy Spirit, without recognizing that the "doctrine of Christ" is an inherent understanding for believers living in this current dispensation of grace. Therefore, by suggesting that Holy Spirit should be used throughout the new testament as well, they have missed the clear turning point from the old to the new -- wherein the dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) That monumental moment in time when the Lord God Almighty said, "This day have I begotten Thee." (Psalm 2:7)

"I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto Me, "Thou [art] My Son; this day have I begotten thee." (Psalm 2:7) ""God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee." (Acts 13:33) "For unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" (Hebrews 1:5)

"... 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)

From the very beginning, the Spirit of the Lord God knew that He would have to bring forth a plan of salvation, through the death of a testator, if we His beloved creation was to experience salvation. He knew from the beginning that He Himself would have to become our Saviour. The Good Shepherd who would lay down His life for His enemies. (John 10:11-14)

"To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25)

Therefore, as the scriptures so clearly state, there had to come "this day." An appointed time. At this moment in time, wherein God would become to Him a Father, and "He shall be to Me a Son." In the Old Testament, the salvation plan was still in the bosom of the Spirit of the Lord God who moved across the face of the waters in Genesis. But when the angel of the Lord declared that from this point forward, peace and good will toward all men, there was a changing of the guard. 

That holy thing which was to come forth from Mary would be called the Son of God, confirmed to be the Lord's Christ by Simeon in the temple. Elisabeth who was filled with the Holy Ghost asked Mary, "And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:41-43) Even Mary's spirit, by her own admission "hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47)

But as we know, the way into the holiest of all could not be made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing. (Hebrews 9:8, 14-18) Therefore, the appointed time for God robing Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) had to be announced to the world, the angel proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)

John puts it this way. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The SAME was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the Light of men. And the Light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5)

John goes on to state that John the baptizer was not that man but rather the one sent in Malachi to bear witness of that Light -- the true Light which lights every man that comes into the world. "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. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on His Name!" (John 1:6-12)

Indeed, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld HIS GLORY, the glory of the ONLY BEGOTTEN of the Father; full of grace and truth. (John 1:14; Revelation 19:13; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:11; Colossians 2:9; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 40:5; John 8:32; John 14; 6-12; John 18:37) 

He is the Great I AM. The same Word that was God in the beginning, the same Spirit of the Lord God who moved across the face of the waters, is the same God who came forth as a Son, hiding His glory until after the death and resurrection of His humanity. This was His plan of salvation from the very beginning. 

His 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) But because we will see the humanity of God in Jesus no more, because the price of our salvation has been paid once and for all, we can know our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ in the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, the Spirit of the Lord God wherein He never leaves us, nor forsakes us. Our Heavenly Father who dwells within the hearts of those who believe. 

"And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters," saith the Lord Almighty." (II Corinthians 6:18)

Other scriptures, wherein the Father claimed to be the Almighty as well as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last, and wherein He also states His Name -- "I Jesus"?

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loves and makes a lie. I JESUS have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star." (Revelation 22:13-16)

This is why God who became our Saviour prophesied through Isaiah, saying, He "took upon Him the form of a servant" and that "My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He." (Isaiah 43:10) When Jesus walked on this earth, He said the same, "If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:28; John 9:9)  "Whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He" (Isaiah 43:10)

"But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7)

Through Jesus own confirmation of the scriptural prophesies from afore, we can be assured that God is not the Author of confusion. Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life." (John 6:51) I am the Light of this world. (John 8:12) Indeed, while the Jews murmured at His words, Jesus told those with ears to hear, "I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the Bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)

Not another god or a lesser god or one third of a god as the triad/triune/trinity folks will tell you but the ONE and ONLY GOD ALMIGHTY who loved us so much that He would take on the form of a man, a servant, a Son, in order that we might have life everlasting in Him. This is why Jesus said to His disciples, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father" and that "I and My Father are One!" (John 14:6-12; John 10:30; Isaiah 9:6) This also explains why "the only begotten of the Father" referring to the Father could say -- "I have manifested Thy Name unto the men which Thou gavest Me." (John 17:6) 

Jesus said, "Father, glorify Thy Name" (John 12:28) Jesus said, "I have manifested Thy Name unto the men which Thou gavest Me" (John 17:6)

But what about the voice from heaven? Herein, those scriptures. Listen to the words and what is being said -- "Hear ye Him!" On the mount of transfiguration, the disciples lifted their eyes and saw no man, save Jesus only. (Matthew 17:5, 8) The same Jesus who Saul asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" when the bright light shone around him on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:5) Yes the voice is clear -- Hear ye Him!

" ... whom I have chosen; My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased" (Matthew 12:18) "My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17) "My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased" (Matthew 12:18) "whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He" (Isaiah 43:10) Jesus said, "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." (John 13:13)

In prophecy, the Lord of hosts said, "If then I be a Father, where is Mine honour? and if I be a Master, where is My fear?" (Malachi 1:6) There is only one Lord of hosts, and His love for His beloved creation led to tearing the veil from top to bottom, from heaven to earth. In My Name, Jesus told the children to receive Me. (Matthew 18:5) 

Thus, as Jesus said, "O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was" is further clarified by apostle Paul to the saints in Ephesus, wherein he writes, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (John 17:5; Ephesians 5:20)

Jesus said, "he that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me" (John 12:45) Jesus is the visible image of the unseen God. (Hebrews 1:1-12) There is a reason Jesus told the Jews, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above; ye are of this world; I am not of this world." (John 8:23) Because the Son of man is Himself the Lord of glory. He is Himself God our Saviour, for whom we look, even now, for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14)

This is why Jesus said, "All mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them. Holy Father, keep through Thine own Name those whom Thou hast given Me" (John 17:10-11) Jesus said, "I am one that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me" (John 8:18)

"Behold My Servant, whom I've chosen; My Beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased: I will put My Spirit upon Him and He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive [quarrel], nor cry; neither shall any man hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory. And IN HIS NAME shall the Gentiles trust." (Matthew 12:5, 17-21; Isaiah 2:1-4; Matthew 3:17)

"To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ...." (II Corinthians 5:19) "In Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily ..." (Colossians 2:9)

The acknowledging of the truth which God that cannot lie promised to us before the world began; "but hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour." (Titus 1:1-3)

It is for this reason that the Holy Ghost is an accurate translation in the New Testament side, and not Holy Spirit as the revisionists proclaim, because in order to have salvation, we have to "hear ye Him" whom was given ALL power in heaven and in earth ... teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18, 20)

"And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him ..." (Hebrews 5:9)

In the last days, He will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh -- the Holy Ghost, wherein we who abide in the doctrine of Christ, hath both the Father and the Son. Yes, indeed, the Lord said, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)

"Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." (Isaiah 42:9) "... and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." (Hebrews 12:24)

Don't let the modern day religious culture lead you astray from the truth that is in His Word. His love that has given us His seal.  The Word of God is not bound. 

Now, thou too "hast heard, see all this" -- will not ye declare It? The Lord hath said, "I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things ...." (Isaiah 48:6)

Hold fast the form of sound words, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus, that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells within us. (II Timothy 1:13-14) 

Stand in the offering plate.