To The Only Wise God Our Saviour, Be Glory And Majesty, Dominion And Power, Both Now And Ever, Amen Part 2011

"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:" (Jude 1:25)

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:1-19)

What is the ministry of reconciliation?

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:1-21)

Too often, we are led down the garden path because we are not grounded in the Word -- the Word that was with God and was God and was made flesh. (John 1:1-4) And as a consequence, we lose sight of the doctrine of Christ, wherein we can be assured in whom we believe. (Hebrews 6:1-2; II John 1:9) That is, God willingly became our Saviour. (I Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13; Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 9:6)

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope!" (I Timothy 1:1)

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ..." (I Timothy 2:3) "But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ... to Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 1:3-4)

" ... not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ... looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" (Titus 2:10, 13)"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ..." (II Peter 1:1)

And similarly, like the world changing apostles, this should be our heart desire as disciples of the Lord Jesus the Christ as well -- to preach the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ so that others too can understand that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. The greatest love story ever told. The most life-giving salvation plan that God had decided before He even formed the world.

Now that is love! This is why our hearts cry out -- "to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25)

Stand in the offering plate.