"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)
As the Lord saith, today is the day of salvation. Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your heart as many of our fathers did, provoking the Lord to wrath. In other words, do not take it the edge. Do not push your luck. While indeed God is long suffering and patient -- and so not willing that anyone should perish there is always a "but" that we should be aware of -- for God so loved the world! (John 3:16)
Thus, when we turn our hearts toward our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, our real life begins. Our hearts are open to the counsel and instruction and guidance of our Lord God and Saviour. Indeed, we no longer seek the things of this world but instead the heavenly, knowing that we are loved beyond measure. His love abounds in our hearts wherein we too cry "Abba, Father!"
"For ye are the temple of the living God; as 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)
Because of His free gift of salvation, we can rejoice for ever more. But our heart endeavour should not only be salvation, but also -- give us this day our daily bread! Jesus told those who followed Him that He is the Bread of Life. He is the Light of this world. He gives us to drink of the water wherein our hearts will never again quench from thirst.
In fact, one of the most important teachings is to let our eyes peruse the written Word daily. In this context, by reading and discerning the scriptural truths one would have to conclude that many claiming to be Christian -- particularly in light of the Word as delivered by the Lord personally -- greatly errs in comparison to the Scriptures.
For example, the Christian church began at Jerusalem and not in Rome. The 120 disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ were instructed to tarry there in the upper room. Any teaching contradicting the foundational teaching of those chosen of God to be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth would not be established upon the only foundation of Christian Truth -- the apostolic doctrine in which we are instructed to remain steadfast.
Moreover, God’s church is that body of believers earnestly contending for the ONE faith, that was delivered by the holy Spirit of God. Similarly, God's church is presently being built of God upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets of which the Lord Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone and Head. No other foundation can any man lay other than that which is laid.
Historically, at the time of the reformation the roman catholic church in particular was exposed for their erroneous teachings. The light of our Lord God and Saviour shone all around. Enlightenment sprung up from the Seeded Word of God which had taken root in believing hearts. We know that God blesses the Seed of Christ which is the Word of God, for He saith, "In blessing I will bless you!"
The Word is God. (John 1:1-18)
This is why we need to read our New Testament (in particular) because Jesus (as Lord and Christ) has told us that we are cleansed by the Word! We are sanctified by truth -- Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17)
In this context, let's not allow history to repeat itself. Jesus said, "Behold I stand at your heart's door and knock. If you hear me knocking, answer the door, and I will come and dwell in you!"
The modern day religious culture/churches cannot save you but My Word saith the Lord saves! Each and every one of us including you MUST be born again. Acts 2:38-42 responds to the question, "What must I do?" Read it for yourself. And may God richly bless you as you allow the Lord Jesus to have pre-eminence in your mind, heart, and soul.
"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 any thing, 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 fastings; 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 alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:1-10)
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Monday, April 30, 2018
Jesus Said, "... he That Hath My Commandments, And Keeps Them, he It Is That Loves Me!" - Part 2038
"The grass withers, the flower fades: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever." (Isaiah 40:8)
Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that bears not fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples." (John 15:1-8)
At this point, Judas Iscariot has already left to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The Word that Jesus is speaking here, in response to a question from another Judas (not Judas Iscariot) -- as He has stated, "and the Word which ye hear is not Mine but the Father's which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being [yet] present with you." (John 14:21-22)
The Word which we are hearing at this point in the scriptures, as Jesus points out, is not the man Christ Jesus' word but rather the Father's through Him. Remember, the scripture tells us that Jesus is the Word made flesh. (John 1:1, 14) That Jesus is the visible image of the unseen God. (Hebrews 1:1-13) That Jesus was God in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) And that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) God our Saviour! (Titus 2:13)
Thus, when Jesus tells His disciples that the things He is speaking is the Word of the Father, and Jesus is the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us -- the only begotten Son -- Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us -- we need to understand that the Father is being glorified here. That the Word of God -- the seed that is being planted in people's hearts -- is so that you and I can have abundant, everlasting life in Him.
Throughout the Old Testament the Lord God continued to speak His Word through the prophets and the psalmist but the people would not hearken their hearts to listen. How many times did the prophets repeatedly state: "Hear ye the Word of the Lord!" (Isaiah 66:5; Isaiah 1:10; Isaiah 28:14)
From Jeremiah -- "This evil people, which refuse to hear My words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing." (Jeremiah 13:10)
From Peter -- "For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the SAME WORD are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (II Peter 3:5-8)
So much so, in fact, that the Lord God decidedly came forth as a mighty man to bring to us His oh so costly gift of salvation. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) In order to get our attention, God willingly became flesh and dwelt among us. "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, after the kindness and love of God toward man appeared so that His glory and magnificence and everlasting love could be witnessed by one and all. (Titus 3:4-7)
This is why we are called to make a heart decision for Jesus --"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 8:31-32)
What is the truth that shall make us free? Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17) God personally gave us His Word so that we might hear His love resonating in our hearts. But are we listening? Do we understand that when the Word was made flesh, it was God clothing Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we could find our life-long purpose in Him? This is why we can do nothing without Jesus. This is why the Word cleanses those who believe in Him and keep His love commandments.
As Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) We need to understand that if we have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father and know Him. As Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30; John 14:6-12) All authority on earth and in heaven belongs to Jesus, for without Him there is no salvation. (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 1:8) But I digress somewhat.
Do you remember when the Jews sought the more to kill Jesus -- not only because He had broken the law of the sabbath but that He said also that God was His Father making Himself equal with God? Then answered Jesus and said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raises up the dead, and quickens, even so, the Son quickened whom He will." (John 5:18-21)
Indeed, we know at this point in the scriptures, time is short. Soon, the betrayer Judas Iscariot will return with soldiers to take Jesus away. Herein, Jesus is instructing those who love Him that He is the true vine -- "without Me ye can do nothing!" (John 15:5)
Therefore, those who abide in Jesus expect Jesus also to abide in them. Specifically, as Jesus said, "If ye abide in Me and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you. Herein, is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples." (John 15:7-8)
Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that bears not fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples." (John 15:1-8)
At this point, Judas Iscariot has already left to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The Word that Jesus is speaking here, in response to a question from another Judas (not Judas Iscariot) -- as He has stated, "and the Word which ye hear is not Mine but the Father's which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being [yet] present with you." (John 14:21-22)
The Word which we are hearing at this point in the scriptures, as Jesus points out, is not the man Christ Jesus' word but rather the Father's through Him. Remember, the scripture tells us that Jesus is the Word made flesh. (John 1:1, 14) That Jesus is the visible image of the unseen God. (Hebrews 1:1-13) That Jesus was God in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) And that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) God our Saviour! (Titus 2:13)
Thus, when Jesus tells His disciples that the things He is speaking is the Word of the Father, and Jesus is the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us -- the only begotten Son -- Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us -- we need to understand that the Father is being glorified here. That the Word of God -- the seed that is being planted in people's hearts -- is so that you and I can have abundant, everlasting life in Him.
Throughout the Old Testament the Lord God continued to speak His Word through the prophets and the psalmist but the people would not hearken their hearts to listen. How many times did the prophets repeatedly state: "Hear ye the Word of the Lord!" (Isaiah 66:5; Isaiah 1:10; Isaiah 28:14)
From Jeremiah -- "This evil people, which refuse to hear My words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing." (Jeremiah 13:10)
From Peter -- "For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the SAME WORD are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (II Peter 3:5-8)
So much so, in fact, that the Lord God decidedly came forth as a mighty man to bring to us His oh so costly gift of salvation. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) In order to get our attention, God willingly became flesh and dwelt among us. "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, after the kindness and love of God toward man appeared so that His glory and magnificence and everlasting love could be witnessed by one and all. (Titus 3:4-7)
This is why we are called to make a heart decision for Jesus --"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 8:31-32)
What is the truth that shall make us free? Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17) God personally gave us His Word so that we might hear His love resonating in our hearts. But are we listening? Do we understand that when the Word was made flesh, it was God clothing Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we could find our life-long purpose in Him? This is why we can do nothing without Jesus. This is why the Word cleanses those who believe in Him and keep His love commandments.
As Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) We need to understand that if we have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father and know Him. As Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30; John 14:6-12) All authority on earth and in heaven belongs to Jesus, for without Him there is no salvation. (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 1:8) But I digress somewhat.
Do you remember when the Jews sought the more to kill Jesus -- not only because He had broken the law of the sabbath but that He said also that God was His Father making Himself equal with God? Then answered Jesus and said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raises up the dead, and quickens, even so, the Son quickened whom He will." (John 5:18-21)
Indeed, we know at this point in the scriptures, time is short. Soon, the betrayer Judas Iscariot will return with soldiers to take Jesus away. Herein, Jesus is instructing those who love Him that He is the true vine -- "without Me ye can do nothing!" (John 15:5)
Therefore, those who abide in Jesus expect Jesus also to abide in them. Specifically, as Jesus said, "If ye abide in Me and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you. Herein, is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples." (John 15:7-8)
Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
For This Is My Covenant Unto Them, When I Shall Take Away Their Sins - Part 2037
"I say then, "Hath God cast away His people?" God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? How he makes intercession to God against Israel, saying, "Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, and digged down Thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life." But what saith the answer of God unto him? "I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." (Romans 11:1-5)
A covenant made unto them, wherein the Lord God Himself would come forth as a mighty man and take away the sins of the world. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. God in Christ. When God willingly and because of His love for His people took on sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we could find abundant, everlasting life in Him.
However, when we look for faith in our modern day culture, what do we often see? A multiplicity of religions and denominations in the midst. Apostle Paul addresses this phenomena in Corinthians, wherein he is writing to the saints who call upon the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. (I Corinthians 1:1-2)
Therein, Paul writes that we who believe are enriched by Him, in all utterance and in all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ is confirmed in us. Indeed, God is faithful, by whom we were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul writes, "Now I beseech you brethren, by the NAME OF OUR LORD Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly fitted together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (I Corinthians 1:9-10)
Sadly, as Paul acknowledges, there were contentions. One says that they are of Paul. Another states that they are of Apollos. In today's language, we would say that we are of this denomination or that denomination. To such a profession, the scripture would interject that you are yet carnal, and walk and talk as men, apart from the Lord.
Indeed, Paul continues, asking, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:12-13) In other words -- is Christ fractured? No sir. Christ is not fractured.
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified unto the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness: but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God: because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (I Corinthians 1:18-25)
This is why God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.
Why? Because we are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. Thus, when we glory, let us glory only in the Lord. (I Corinthians 1:27-31) It is He that deserves all the honour and glory and praise. The Great Shepherd, who died for you and I whilst we were still His enemies.
Unfortunately, the multiplicity of modern day religious denominations that exist have let go of these apostolic teachings. And, as a consequence, we are missing the wisdom of God, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory. For those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and have been water baptized in His Name -- the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, God does reveal Himself unto us by His Spirit. (Acts 2:36-38)
Therefore, don't get misled by the so-called wise of this world. Rather, take hold of His truths today. Study His Word to show yourself approved unto God, as a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
Why? Because JESUS is the vine! And for us who abide in the vine Jesus bring forth abundant, everlasting, eternal life. This is why we are the Jesus people! Because we know in whom we serve! Yes, Christ has died and risen for our sins so that we might have salvation and manifold much in Him.
Thus, we do not follow a man-made institutional denomination. Instead, we adhere to the written Word of God --"as it is written" -- the Holy Ghost within the Word inspiring believers to continue therein. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Word of God is the sole authority for scriptural teachings.
"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus, that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us." (II Timothy 1:13-14)
Peace be to all, who are earnestly contending for the faith, that was delivered to us of the Lord! Stand in the offering plate.
Therein, Paul writes that we who believe are enriched by Him, in all utterance and in all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ is confirmed in us. Indeed, God is faithful, by whom we were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul writes, "Now I beseech you brethren, by the NAME OF OUR LORD Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly fitted together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (I Corinthians 1:9-10)
Sadly, as Paul acknowledges, there were contentions. One says that they are of Paul. Another states that they are of Apollos. In today's language, we would say that we are of this denomination or that denomination. To such a profession, the scripture would interject that you are yet carnal, and walk and talk as men, apart from the Lord.
Indeed, Paul continues, asking, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:12-13) In other words -- is Christ fractured? No sir. Christ is not fractured.
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified unto the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness: but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God: because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (I Corinthians 1:18-25)
This is why God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.
Why? Because we are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. Thus, when we glory, let us glory only in the Lord. (I Corinthians 1:27-31) It is He that deserves all the honour and glory and praise. The Great Shepherd, who died for you and I whilst we were still His enemies.
Unfortunately, the multiplicity of modern day religious denominations that exist have let go of these apostolic teachings. And, as a consequence, we are missing the wisdom of God, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory. For those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and have been water baptized in His Name -- the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, God does reveal Himself unto us by His Spirit. (Acts 2:36-38)
Therefore, don't get misled by the so-called wise of this world. Rather, take hold of His truths today. Study His Word to show yourself approved unto God, as a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
Why? Because JESUS is the vine! And for us who abide in the vine Jesus bring forth abundant, everlasting, eternal life. This is why we are the Jesus people! Because we know in whom we serve! Yes, Christ has died and risen for our sins so that we might have salvation and manifold much in Him.
Thus, we do not follow a man-made institutional denomination. Instead, we adhere to the written Word of God --"as it is written" -- the Holy Ghost within the Word inspiring believers to continue therein. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Word of God is the sole authority for scriptural teachings.
"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus, that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us." (II Timothy 1:13-14)
Peace be to all, who are earnestly contending for the faith, that was delivered to us of the Lord! Stand in the offering plate.
And Consulted That They Might Take Jesus By Subtilty And Kill Him - Part 2036
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written -- "He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." (I Corinthians 3:19)
" ... but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God." (II Corinthians 4:2)
Far too often, the scribes and Pharisees, the chief priests and respective councils, and the Sadducee's resorted to some form of trickery -- attempting to manipulate the Lord Jesus into saying something wherein they might take Him by subtilty. Most certainly, these did not want to accept Jesus for who He said He was -- I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life! (John 14:6) Neither did these accept what Peter (standing with the eleven apostles) said to them on the day of Pentecost. That is: "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36)
In the audience of all the people Jesus then said unto His disciples, "Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation." (Luke 20:39-47)
" ... but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God." (II Corinthians 4:2)
Yes, indeed, our heart response should be -- "Master, Thou hast well said!"
Far too often, the scribes and Pharisees, the chief priests and respective councils, and the Sadducee's resorted to some form of trickery -- attempting to manipulate the Lord Jesus into saying something wherein they might take Him by subtilty. Most certainly, these did not want to accept Jesus for who He said He was -- I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life! (John 14:6) Neither did these accept what Peter (standing with the eleven apostles) said to them on the day of Pentecost. That is: "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36)
Nevertheless, as the scripture repeatedly states, we are sanctified by truth -- and Thy Word is Truth! (John 17:17) This is why we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith are encouraged to study the scriptures, so that we can show ourselves approved unto God -- a workman that need not to be ashamed; and to rightly divide the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and 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 1:1, 14)
"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)
"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)
When we truly understand the Godhead, we also know why Jesus could not be bought by the powers that be. That He could take the wise in their own craftiness. Even though He knew all the tricks of this world/the enemy, He pressed onward because of the abundance of fruit that would come forth as a consequence of His death, burial and resurrection. Indeed, He knew the rest of the story, and did so from the beginning of the world! He knew the outcome that would change and heal people's broken lives forever, bringing unto them His gift of everlasting life!
"For God so loved the world ...." (John 3:16) ''
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet, peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin: and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him that was to come ..." (Romans 5:6-14)
Who is the figure of Him who is to come? The similitude of Adam's transgression? The same One wherein the gift of righteousness reigns in life -- Jesus Christ. The Rock of ages wherein we stand firm on His foundation. The Bread of life wherein we feed daily from His Word. The living water wherein we will never thirst again.
Yes, Jesus clearly reveals Himself, shining brightly through the trickery and earthly traditions that men without any understanding try to impose. This is evident in the following example, when Jesus is speaking to a certain of the scribes.
And He said unto them, "How say they that Christ is David’s son? And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, "The Lord said unto My Lord, "Sit Thou on My right hand till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool." If David therefore calls Him Lord, how is He then His son?"
Why? Because after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)
Jesus -- Alpha and Omega! Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, April 27, 2018
For We Through The Spirit Wait For The Hope Of Righteousness By Faith - Part 2035
"For He will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." (Romans 9:28; Isaiah 10:23; Isaiah 28:22)
In the book of Revelation, Jesus further clarifies this work short in righteousness when He said, " I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 3:8-9)
This is His promise to those who believe -- that if we keep His Word and do not deny His Name, people around us will know how much He -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- loves us. We know this time is upon us, and that right now, with our little strength, we see the darkness in the world increasing, because those who profess to believe are even less knowledgeable of His Word, or even His Name.
Still, the angel of the Lord announced that His Name shall be called JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. The same Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last who made this world and all creation so that He could call unto Himself a family -- the bride of Christ church wherein He -- Jesus -- is the Head.
I am going to take this one step further, because in the last days, many will come saying they are the Christ. Jesus said we are not to follow them because there is only one Christ, the man Christ Jesus -- the humanity of God displayed for one and all to see -- who willingly gave up His life on the cross so that we might have everlasting life -- abundant life -- a manifold much life when we keep our eyes focused on Him. (John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 9:6)
Who is Him? The same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning. The same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that is the God of the living. The same God who was manifest in the flesh and dwelt among us. And, in this dispensation of grace, His Name is Jesus -- the I AM that was from the very beginning.
And God said unto Moses, "I AM THAT I AM" and He said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14)
Jesus said, " ... have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, "I AM the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:32)
In the New Testament, Jesus said, "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I AM not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Matthew 9:13)
There is only one I AM and we who believe are not the I AM. Let those with ears to hear, hear. Let those with eyes to see, see.
For what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3; Genesis 15:6)
But His promise to us goes further, because when the Spirit of truth dwells within, we are no longer entangled in the bondage of this world. Rather the truth which sanctifies us sets us free. Thy Word is Truth. (John 17:17) Paul makes this very point in Romans.
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)
This is why there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own [begotten] Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 5:1-8)
" ... that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:4)
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8:10)
Stand in the offering plate.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus further clarifies this work short in righteousness when He said, " I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 3:8-9)
This is His promise to those who believe -- that if we keep His Word and do not deny His Name, people around us will know how much He -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- loves us. We know this time is upon us, and that right now, with our little strength, we see the darkness in the world increasing, because those who profess to believe are even less knowledgeable of His Word, or even His Name.
Still, the angel of the Lord announced that His Name shall be called JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. The same Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last who made this world and all creation so that He could call unto Himself a family -- the bride of Christ church wherein He -- Jesus -- is the Head.
I am going to take this one step further, because in the last days, many will come saying they are the Christ. Jesus said we are not to follow them because there is only one Christ, the man Christ Jesus -- the humanity of God displayed for one and all to see -- who willingly gave up His life on the cross so that we might have everlasting life -- abundant life -- a manifold much life when we keep our eyes focused on Him. (John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 9:6)
Who is Him? The same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning. The same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that is the God of the living. The same God who was manifest in the flesh and dwelt among us. And, in this dispensation of grace, His Name is Jesus -- the I AM that was from the very beginning.
And God said unto Moses, "I AM THAT I AM" and He said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14)
Jesus said, " ... have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, "I AM the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:32)
In the New Testament, Jesus said, "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I AM not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Matthew 9:13)
There is only one I AM and we who believe are not the I AM. Let those with ears to hear, hear. Let those with eyes to see, see.
For what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3; Genesis 15:6)
But His promise to us goes further, because when the Spirit of truth dwells within, we are no longer entangled in the bondage of this world. Rather the truth which sanctifies us sets us free. Thy Word is Truth. (John 17:17) Paul makes this very point in Romans.
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)
This is why there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own [begotten] Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 5:1-8)
" ... that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:4)
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8:10)
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
For We Are The Workmanship Created In Christ Jesus - Part 2034
But this man (JESUS) when He had by HIMSELF purged our sin, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high! Note that when He Had by Himself purged our sin, He sat down. The work of salvation - God's plan of salvation - was finished. Complete. As such, there is no penance. There was no confessional box incorporated into God's plan. Indeed, there is nothing that you or I can add to the plan of salvation which was accomplished, on our behalf, by a loving God. A plan of salvation so comprehensive, so detailed, and so actioned that in spite of all our fiery darts of evil, God (because He is a long suffering God) loved us to HIS death.
God's love is not just in words alone, but in deed. If any man or woman sins, we have an advocate (one that pleads the cause of another) with the Father in Jesus Christ. The only righteous One. As the scriptures state, there is only One Mediator between God and man. That is, the man Jesus the Christ!
As Jesus said, "I AM the way!" (John 14:6) Yes, Jesus is the door! He is the bread of life. He is the living water that quenches your thirst day in and day out. And that same Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father but by Me." Why? Because all power is given unto Me -- Jesus-- in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
Jesus -- both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8) He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
So where does that leave us? Certainly, there is no pope. No priest. No Mary standing between us and God. For if we confess our sins to the God who loves us, Jesus is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. This is why the scriptures state that there is no salvation in any other! "Come unto Me," Jesus said, "ALL ye who are weak and heavy laden (with sin) and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
This is why we study our Bible so that we can be equipped when we learn of Him -- for His yoke is easy and His burden light.
Also, when we gladly receive His Word, we will learn that being sprinkled with water cannot remove sin. For if water alone were to remove sin, then taking a shower should suffice. But it does not. Neither does being baptized into titles save you for titles are not a name but rather descriptive titles. Think of what Peter standing with the apostles said to the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost That is, "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." (Acts 2:38)
And when we study the apostolic doctrine, we will also know that being given the last rites by man is only a religious order imposed upon people who have never taken time to read the written Word of God, resulting in an unnecessary adherence to man’s religious fanciful imaginations!
We would also learn that there has never been a man who spoke like this man. Jesus said, "Destroy this body, and in three days I will raise it up." And it happened! The consequence is that the world is faced with the historical fact that this man turned the world on its axis -- changing so much including our own calendar time lines. Everything in our world revolves around Jesus. His time on earth. His plan of salvation, first predicted in the Old Testament and then fulfilled in the New Testament.
But from the original get up and go, the religious world of business could not handle, that someone who looked like an ordinary man was capable of performing miracles, and mighty signs and wonders. For when you see Him there is no beauty that you should or would desire Him which might explain to some extent why they despised and rejected Him!
Today, we robe the Ecclesiastes in fashion. They have a form of worship but God has observed that "in vain they do worship Me, teaching as commandments the doctrines of men." What formalized religion is still to understand is that truly God desires honest worship, emanating from the innermost being of man.
Worship that is in Spirit and in truth! My Word is Spirit and is Truth! Jesus. God Himself as a Son, by His walk and talk, manifest all of God as a Son, and we are admonished to walk even as He walked. He is our life!
Stand in the offering plate.
God's love is not just in words alone, but in deed. If any man or woman sins, we have an advocate (one that pleads the cause of another) with the Father in Jesus Christ. The only righteous One. As the scriptures state, there is only One Mediator between God and man. That is, the man Jesus the Christ!
As Jesus said, "I AM the way!" (John 14:6) Yes, Jesus is the door! He is the bread of life. He is the living water that quenches your thirst day in and day out. And that same Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father but by Me." Why? Because all power is given unto Me -- Jesus-- in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
Jesus -- both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8) He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
So where does that leave us? Certainly, there is no pope. No priest. No Mary standing between us and God. For if we confess our sins to the God who loves us, Jesus is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. This is why the scriptures state that there is no salvation in any other! "Come unto Me," Jesus said, "ALL ye who are weak and heavy laden (with sin) and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
This is why we study our Bible so that we can be equipped when we learn of Him -- for His yoke is easy and His burden light.
Also, when we gladly receive His Word, we will learn that being sprinkled with water cannot remove sin. For if water alone were to remove sin, then taking a shower should suffice. But it does not. Neither does being baptized into titles save you for titles are not a name but rather descriptive titles. Think of what Peter standing with the apostles said to the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost That is, "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." (Acts 2:38)
And when we study the apostolic doctrine, we will also know that being given the last rites by man is only a religious order imposed upon people who have never taken time to read the written Word of God, resulting in an unnecessary adherence to man’s religious fanciful imaginations!
We would also learn that there has never been a man who spoke like this man. Jesus said, "Destroy this body, and in three days I will raise it up." And it happened! The consequence is that the world is faced with the historical fact that this man turned the world on its axis -- changing so much including our own calendar time lines. Everything in our world revolves around Jesus. His time on earth. His plan of salvation, first predicted in the Old Testament and then fulfilled in the New Testament.
But from the original get up and go, the religious world of business could not handle, that someone who looked like an ordinary man was capable of performing miracles, and mighty signs and wonders. For when you see Him there is no beauty that you should or would desire Him which might explain to some extent why they despised and rejected Him!
Today, we robe the Ecclesiastes in fashion. They have a form of worship but God has observed that "in vain they do worship Me, teaching as commandments the doctrines of men." What formalized religion is still to understand is that truly God desires honest worship, emanating from the innermost being of man.
Worship that is in Spirit and in truth! My Word is Spirit and is Truth! Jesus. God Himself as a Son, by His walk and talk, manifest all of God as a Son, and we are admonished to walk even as He walked. He is our life!
Stand in the offering plate.
Count It All Joy; That Good Thing Which Was Committed Unto Thee Keep By The Holy Ghost Which Dwells In Us - Part 2034
For the prophet came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost ..." (II Peter 1:21)
Indeed, as the Lord of hosts said in another place -- "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit." (Zechariah 4:6)
In fact, in Romans, apostle Paul writes, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or, who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things; to whom be glory for ever, amen." (Romans 12:33-36)
This is the mighty God we serve wherein we know that His wisdom and mercy surpasses all human understanding. Still, the Lord is reaching out for us with His love, His arms extended so that we can present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. (Romans 12:1) It is in this context that we are not conformed to this world, but rather, transformed by the renewing of our mind, "that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)
Moreover, "blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than 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 what, 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 1:3-11)
Yes, He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:3-5)
This explains why "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." (James 1:17-18)
The same Word that John states was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. And we do so for the hope which is laid up for you and I in heaven, whereof we heard before in the Word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto us as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth! (Colossians 1:5-6)
Jesus said, "I told you, and ye believed not the works that I do in My Father's name; they bear witness of Me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall any [man] pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are One!" (John 10:25-30)
As apostle Paul said, "I say the truth in Christ. I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 9:1) You see, God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Jesus is our Lord God and Saviour. He paid the ultimate price for our sins once and for all at the cross.
When we worship Him, the God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. We have come full circle. Meditate upon these heavenly thoughts in the day to day. Be richly blessed in the Word of God, through mighty signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. (Romans 15:19)
Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
To Them Who By Patient Continuance In Well Doing Seek For Glory And Honour And Immortality, Eternal Life - Part 2033
"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, "Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on Him shall not be confounded." (I Peter 2:6) Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." (John 14:6)
Jesus said, "I AM -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (John 14:6)
Let those with ears to hear, hear and understand what the Word of the Lord has to say to His beloved chosen. In this passage, Jesus goes on to tell Philip that he who has seen Jesus has seen the Father. Specifically, Jesus said, "Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not know Me Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father, and how sayest thou then, "Show us the Father?" (John 14:6-9)
In relaying this scripture, we need to understand that God is One! (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) He cannot be divided into thirds, as the modern day religious culture likes to do, reducing the doctrine of Christ to a triune god/a triad /a trinity -- or God in three co-existent, co-eternal persons. (II John 1:9; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 9:6) We need to recognize that this religious teaching is false, and has sadly led far too many astray. How? Because in this current dispensation of grace, JESUS is the ONLY Name whereby we MUST be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Matthew 1:21-23)
There is an interesting example from the Old Testament that is telling of how the worldly spirit, the enemy who is currently running to and fro to deceive and destroy whom he can is increasingly twisting scripture so that it is becoming difficult for believers to find the truth. Similar to Joshua's time -- when Jericho was straitly shut up against the children of Israel -- the Word of God is being straightly (tightly) shut up, to the point where the Bibles read in many churches has become hardly recognizable to the original Word Jesus delivered.
Let me explain. In this day and age, when time is short, we see the devil more diligently running to and fro, seeking to devour whom he can. We see this in the constant proliferation of "revised" scriptures, wherein with each new revision, the traditions of men become even more deeply entrenched, and the original Word of God less recognizable. Certainly, the power or His Word in this world is diminishing to the point where the believing community that should stand out as that city on a hill for Jesus is dimming.
But what did Jesus say? "For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do." (Mark 7:8)
Sadly, the enemy that tells people that these revisions are easier to understand is selling a lie. And now, more than ever, the world is becoming darker as a consequence. Those who profess to believe in Jesus by faith struggle with finding the spiritual truths that are given to us to proclaim to the world, preaching and teaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to one and all.
Jesus told us we are sanctified by truth -- Thy Word is Truth! (John 17:17)
Herein, I am reminded of the child's game wherein a number of people sit in a circle and secretly pass on to one another some trinket of information. Usually, when we get to the end of the circle, this same statement has been significantly changed. Relate this same example to the constant revisions of the scriptures and we can wholly understand the Word of the Lord to the prophet Hosea -- "My people perish for lack of knowledge!" (Hosea 4:6)
It is for this reason that we should be zealously guarding the Word of God as originally TRANSLATED from the Greek (word for word) and not falling for those revisions upon revisions that have deleted meaningful scriptural truths, and changed the meaning that was originally intended from our Lord God and Saviour.
What did Jesus say? "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:5)
Jesus said unto the multitudes, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me." (John 8:42)
"Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (II John 1:9)
Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus said, "I AM -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (John 14:6)
Let those with ears to hear, hear and understand what the Word of the Lord has to say to His beloved chosen. In this passage, Jesus goes on to tell Philip that he who has seen Jesus has seen the Father. Specifically, Jesus said, "Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not know Me Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father, and how sayest thou then, "Show us the Father?" (John 14:6-9)
In relaying this scripture, we need to understand that God is One! (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) He cannot be divided into thirds, as the modern day religious culture likes to do, reducing the doctrine of Christ to a triune god/a triad /a trinity -- or God in three co-existent, co-eternal persons. (II John 1:9; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 9:6) We need to recognize that this religious teaching is false, and has sadly led far too many astray. How? Because in this current dispensation of grace, JESUS is the ONLY Name whereby we MUST be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Matthew 1:21-23)
There is an interesting example from the Old Testament that is telling of how the worldly spirit, the enemy who is currently running to and fro to deceive and destroy whom he can is increasingly twisting scripture so that it is becoming difficult for believers to find the truth. Similar to Joshua's time -- when Jericho was straitly shut up against the children of Israel -- the Word of God is being straightly (tightly) shut up, to the point where the Bibles read in many churches has become hardly recognizable to the original Word Jesus delivered.
Let me explain. In this day and age, when time is short, we see the devil more diligently running to and fro, seeking to devour whom he can. We see this in the constant proliferation of "revised" scriptures, wherein with each new revision, the traditions of men become even more deeply entrenched, and the original Word of God less recognizable. Certainly, the power or His Word in this world is diminishing to the point where the believing community that should stand out as that city on a hill for Jesus is dimming.
But what did Jesus say? "For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do." (Mark 7:8)
Sadly, the enemy that tells people that these revisions are easier to understand is selling a lie. And now, more than ever, the world is becoming darker as a consequence. Those who profess to believe in Jesus by faith struggle with finding the spiritual truths that are given to us to proclaim to the world, preaching and teaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to one and all.
Jesus told us we are sanctified by truth -- Thy Word is Truth! (John 17:17)
Herein, I am reminded of the child's game wherein a number of people sit in a circle and secretly pass on to one another some trinket of information. Usually, when we get to the end of the circle, this same statement has been significantly changed. Relate this same example to the constant revisions of the scriptures and we can wholly understand the Word of the Lord to the prophet Hosea -- "My people perish for lack of knowledge!" (Hosea 4:6)
It is for this reason that we should be zealously guarding the Word of God as originally TRANSLATED from the Greek (word for word) and not falling for those revisions upon revisions that have deleted meaningful scriptural truths, and changed the meaning that was originally intended from our Lord God and Saviour.
What did Jesus say? "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:5)
Jesus said unto the multitudes, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me." (John 8:42)
He is presenting this same good news gospel message to us today but the truth is becoming harder to find. This is why we should be diligent about remaining steadfast in the doctrine of Christ, the apostolic doctrine that was clearly established on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47) But I have digressed somewhat.
In returning to Joshua 6, we read:"Now Jericho was straitly shut up BECAUSE OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL: none went out, and none came in. And the Lord said unto Joshua, "See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him."
And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord." And he said unto the people, "Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the Lord." (Joshua 6:1-7)
We are again at that pivotal point in history. We know that the Lord Jesus has a short work to be done, according to Revelation 3:8-9. Are we going to continue on in His Word -- as it is written -- or are we going to let the enemy continue to deceive those who are called by His Name, by constantly changing the very Word that He so willingly gave so that we who believe might have abundant life in Him?
Remember, Jesus said about this time, "... for false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect." (Mark 13:22)
Jesus also said, "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:22)
And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord." And he said unto the people, "Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the Lord." (Joshua 6:1-7)
We are again at that pivotal point in history. We know that the Lord Jesus has a short work to be done, according to Revelation 3:8-9. Are we going to continue on in His Word -- as it is written -- or are we going to let the enemy continue to deceive those who are called by His Name, by constantly changing the very Word that He so willingly gave so that we who believe might have abundant life in Him?
Remember, Jesus said about this time, "... for false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect." (Mark 13:22)
Jesus also said, "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:22)
If we are going to run the race, we need to return to the Word as delivered -- the apostolic doctrine, and that means giving up the revised scriptural commentaries of others, and asking the Lord Jesus to fill our hearts with His Word. We need to understand that when Jesus said that His disciples would (future tense) receive another Comforter -- the Holy Ghost -- that He may abide with you and in us, that we would then be receiving the Spirit of truth. The same Spirit of Truth that was from the very beginning, when the Spirit of the Lord God moved upon the face of the waters. (John 14:26; John 15:26; Acts 1:2-3, 8; Genesis 1:2) The Holy Ghost wherein we now can have both the Father and the Son dwelling within us as ONE Spirit!
For clarity, note what Jesus said before the cross -- "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- he that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater [works] than these shall he do, because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14: 12-13)
Don't let the false religious teachings lead you astray from willing obeying the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rather, as Jesus said, "If you keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love." (John 15:10)
Herein is love displayed, when the same God who created the world clothed Himself in flesh so that our sins could be washed clean once and for all, because of the precious holy blood He shed on the cross for you and I.
Remembering too, as Jesus told His disciples, "If ye had known Me, ye would have known My Father also; and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:7)
Herein is truth -- the love of God displayed for one and all to behold! He is our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ and one day very soon He is coming back for those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Meditate upon these truths ... "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!" (Titus 2:13)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, April 23, 2018
But thou, O Man Of God, Flee These Things; And Follow After Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Patience, Meekness - Part 2032
"... the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon Him ..." (Ezekiel 18:19)
I have oft said that when we repent and are water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and consequently receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we become clothed in His righteousness. And that we receive His Spirit -- the Spirit of the same Lord God who created this world, and then was manifest in the flesh so that we could have abundant life in Him -- the Comforter, the Holy Ghost dwelling within.
But in this particular passage, that understanding is offered differently, in that the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon Him. I think of Peter when he got out of the boat to walk on water. While his eyes remained focused on Jesus (as Lord and Christ), Peter could walk on the water. However, when Peter's eyes wandered elsewhere, he began to sink. Many of us can relate to the turbulent times we have faced when we move away from the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Still, the idea of the righteousness of the righteous being upon Him (a prophecy of the Lord relayed through Ezekiel referring to a future occurrence) adds to the understanding believers have -- that He bore all our sins when He hung on that cross, shedding His precious blood for you and I. Indeed, that Jesus also bore the righteousness of the righteous upon Himself also.
You see, the Lord knew that all -- each and every one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and that He Himself would have to take upon Himself the sins of the world if He were to receive His bride. And in our hearts, we know in whom we have believed and why. But when we consider also that the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon Him -- He who became the mediator of the New Testament so that the veil could be ripped from top to bottom -- from heaven to earth, our hearts should be glad with His joy. We should be rejoicing because the same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning already knew us by name -- even before the world was formed. And He was willing to patiently wait for our hearts to turn to Him -- our Lord God and Saviour whose name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS!
Yes, the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon Him for He loved the world so much that He gave Himself (as a Son) so that we would have abundant life in Him. His grace unto us a gift that He willingly bestowed upon those whose hearts turn to Him day in and day out.
Jesus -- the only name in this current dispensation of grace wherein we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus -- the name above every other name. (Philippians 2:9)
The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon Him. Wow! Are you excited? Indeed, this is the reason the scripture burns in our hearts -- when we see His abundance of love from a brand new perspective. Meditate upon this thought as you move forward this day.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
Stand in the offering plate.
Let Not The Oppressed Return Ashamed: Let The Poor And Needy Praise Thy Name - Part 2031
"Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not ..." (Job 20:19)
"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise," saith the Lord; "I will set [him] in safety [from him] that puffeth at him." (Psalm 12:5)
" ... looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!" (Titus 2:13)
Stand in the offering plate.
We understand these scriptures more effectively when we study His Word daily, beyond one or two scriptures, with all readiness of mind, ensuring that when we hear someone speak, that we can from the scriptures know whether those things are so. (Acts 17:11) Too often, we believe what we have been told rather than searching the scriptures ourselves for His wisdom and knowledge and truth. As Jesus clearly stated, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" Thus, when He returns to gather His people to Himself, let us be found doing His work, and bringing souls to salvation.
Ezekiel, a priest in the Old Testament would see visions of God -- "the hand of the Lord was there upon him" -- and he would diligently scribe when the Word of the Lord "expressly" would come upon him. (Ezekiel 1:1-3) The following is from Ezekiel 18, wherein the question is asked, "What mean ye that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?" (Ezekiel 18:2)
But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, and hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, and hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; he that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in My statutes, and hath kept My judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live," saith the Lord God.
"If he beget a son [that is] a robber, a shedder of blood, and [that] doeth the like to any one of these things, and that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour’s wife, hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination, hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.
Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father’s sins which he hath done, and consider, and doeth not such like, that hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment, that hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live. As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.
Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon Him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" saith the Lord God: "and not that he should return from his ways, and live?"
But when the righteous turn away from His righteousness, and commit iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
Yet ye say, "The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?"
"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," saith the Lord God. "Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth," saith the Lord God, "wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." (Ezekiel 18:1-32)
As Ezekiel stated, the Word of the Lord came unto me again, saying, "What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?" As I live," saith the Lord God, "ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are Mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine: the soul that sins, it shall die."
But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, and hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, and hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; he that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in My statutes, and hath kept My judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live," saith the Lord God.
"If he beget a son [that is] a robber, a shedder of blood, and [that] doeth the like to any one of these things, and that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour’s wife, hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination, hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.
Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father’s sins which he hath done, and consider, and doeth not such like, that hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment, that hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live. As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.
Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon Him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" saith the Lord God: "and not that he should return from his ways, and live?"
But when the righteous turn away from His righteousness, and commit iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
Yet ye say, "The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?"
When a righteous man turns away from His righteousness, and commits iniquity, and dies in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considers, and turns away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, "The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not My ways equal? are not your ways unequal?"
"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," saith the Lord God. "Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth," saith the Lord God, "wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." (Ezekiel 18:1-32)
Stand in the offering plate.
The Lord Jesus Is Still A Refuge For The Oppressed, A Refuge In Times Of Trouble. - Part 2030
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" If you are burdened by the cares of this world this day, ask Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in your heart, God and Saviour in your very being. On the day of Pentecost, the first 3,000 souls saved asked Peter (standing with the apostles) what they should do to be saved.
That is, to repent and be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that you too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38)
But don't stop there. Know that when you make a decision to serve the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, the enemy will come and try to distract you from spiritual things. It is for this reason that I encourage each and every one to study the New Testament scriptures, and let His Word -- the Word of the Lord God Almighty -- fill our hearts with joy. Let His love embrace you and teach you all things in the day to day.
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He said, "Give us this day our daily bread!"
Therefore, just like we eat physically to sustain our bodies, we need to also be fed spiritually so that our souls can be sustained in those times of oppression when the enemy specifically comes seeking to destroy. Nevertheless in Christ Jesus, we are over comers of this world. We are conquerors against the enemy plans because of His precious holy blood shed on the cross, and His resurrection and triumph, when He overcame death, and our willingness to believe that nothing will stand between our own hearts and the Lord Jesus Christ.
He is our mediator. But He is also the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. His love for us displayed from the beginning of the world, even when we ourselves ask -- what is man that our Lord God and Saviour -- our Creator and Comforter and All in all would be so mindful of us. This is why we hazard our lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ -- because whilst we were still His enemies, He willingly laid down His life for us.
Jesus -- the Great Shepherd who still to this day searches the world with His eyes for those hearts who willingly and diligently turn to Him. We can know His promises to be true.
Interestingly, the prophets of old said that in that day the Lord said He "will raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close the breaches thereof: and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old. That they may possess the remnant of Edom and of all the heathen, which are called by My Name," saith the Lord that doeth this." (Amos 9:11-12; Acts 15:16-18)
This is why we can wholly believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, even as they. Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life!" Gladly receive His Word today, in all readiness of mind, and search the scriptures daily, whether the things you are told are so. (Acts 17:11)
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
His Banner Over Me Is Love ... Rejoice In My Salvation, Saith The Lord - Part 2029
"Thou hast given a banner to them that fear Thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah." (Psalms 60:4)
"He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." (Song of Solomon 2:4)
"We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the Name of our God we will set up (our banners:) the Lord fulfill all thy petitions." (Psalm 20:5)
"He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." (Song of Solomon 2:4)
"We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the Name of our God we will set up (our banners:) the Lord fulfill all thy petitions." (Psalm 20:5)
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we who have come to know Jesus as both our Lord and Saviour will remember the Name of the Lord our God in everything we do. And while the kings of this earth joy in their own strength, the Lord is raising up a standard against the enemy -- and those who have (and are still) opposing the Lord of glory with him. Those whose fruit is only intent on destroying from the earth, and intending evil against Thee and those who believe.
But Jesus said He would not leave us comfortless, but that He would come to us, and dwell within, and lead us into all truth. It is for this reason that we who believe in our Lord God and Saviour declare Thy Name -- the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus -- to one and all. This is why we fear our Lord, and praise Him with all thanksgiving and praise. Because we recognize that the kingdom is the Lord's and only He can make our hearts glad.
Yes, give ear to His words and hearken unto the voice of our King and our God, for unto Thee do we pray. For Thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness; neither shall evil dwell with Thee. The foolish shall not stand in Thy sight; Thou hates all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing and falsehoods. (Psalm 5:1-6)
But as for me, and my household we will welcome in the multitude of Thy mercy, and in my fear will I continue to worship Thee. Lead us O Lord in Thy righteousness and let us rejoice, ever shouting for joy. For Thou Lord wilt and hast blessed the righteous; with favour wilt Thou compass us with your shield.
And we will do so because we understand only too well -- blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. He is the Rock of all ages.
Stand in the offering plate.
I Will Direct Their Work In Truth, And I Will Make An Everlasting Covenan t With Them - Part 2028
"The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee." (Jeremiah 31:3)
In no one else can salvation be found. Only Jesus! And thus, He is directing our work in truth, and making an everlasting covenant with those who would believe in Him. This is why the council called the apostles together and commanded them, and in fact, dictated to them that they were not to speak to anyone at all about Jesus. Not even to mention His Name because as the authority for society, they knew that if the people followed Jesus as their Lord God and Saviour, there would be nothing left for them to do.
Continuing, we learn that Peter's response to the council was simple. Peter told them to decide for themselves whether it would be right before God to obey individuals rather than God. And as we know, Peter is not alone in asking that question. Later, Paul also confirmed this same truth when he said that it was the God of our fathers who had appeared to Him as He journeyed on the road to Damascus. Thankfully, the Lord had another mission for Saul, and soon, S/Paul would learn His will. When the light shone around him, Saul became blind. Still, Paul had seen the just one and heard His voice speaking directly to his heart.
"I am Jesus whom ye persecute."
Yes, the Name of Jesus is ABOVE every other name in both heaven and on earth. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus the Christ is Lord. As Christians, we are renewed, justified, and sanctified in Him -- Jesus the Christ. He alone is the True God that gives eternal life.
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Lord came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) And this same Lord is Jesus who Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost identified as both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.
Therefore, don't be shifted by the armies of this world. Instead, put on the whole armour of God, filled with His Holy Spirit, utilizing the gifts that were given for our strength and edification. Similarly, don't forget that being water baptized in your faith journey (in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ) is also critical to our faith journey, because when we take on the Name of the Lord Jesus in baptism, we are announcing to the devil that we are already taken. Our hearts belong to the Lord Jesus, and He fills s with peace and joy that surpasses all human understanding.
Be not weary in well doing either.
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus who loves you with an everlasting love. In blessing, He will bless you.
"Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." (II Thessalonians 2:16-17)
We have so much to be thankful for. Indeed, we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you; the beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth; whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you remember when Saul, on his way to Damascus fell to his knees when a blind light shone all around him. Saul asked, "Who are you Lord?" Jesus said unto him, "I am Jesus!" The same Jesus who shall save His people from their sin. Call His name Immanuel, which interpreted means, "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23) Neither is there salvation in any other Name. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)
In no one else can salvation be found. Only Jesus! And thus, He is directing our work in truth, and making an everlasting covenant with those who would believe in Him. This is why the council called the apostles together and commanded them, and in fact, dictated to them that they were not to speak to anyone at all about Jesus. Not even to mention His Name because as the authority for society, they knew that if the people followed Jesus as their Lord God and Saviour, there would be nothing left for them to do.
Continuing, we learn that Peter's response to the council was simple. Peter told them to decide for themselves whether it would be right before God to obey individuals rather than God. And as we know, Peter is not alone in asking that question. Later, Paul also confirmed this same truth when he said that it was the God of our fathers who had appeared to Him as He journeyed on the road to Damascus. Thankfully, the Lord had another mission for Saul, and soon, S/Paul would learn His will. When the light shone around him, Saul became blind. Still, Paul had seen the just one and heard His voice speaking directly to his heart.
"I am Jesus whom ye persecute."
Yes, the Name of Jesus is ABOVE every other name in both heaven and on earth. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus the Christ is Lord. As Christians, we are renewed, justified, and sanctified in Him -- Jesus the Christ. He alone is the True God that gives eternal life.
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Lord came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) And this same Lord is Jesus who Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost identified as both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.
Therefore, don't be shifted by the armies of this world. Instead, put on the whole armour of God, filled with His Holy Spirit, utilizing the gifts that were given for our strength and edification. Similarly, don't forget that being water baptized in your faith journey (in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ) is also critical to our faith journey, because when we take on the Name of the Lord Jesus in baptism, we are announcing to the devil that we are already taken. Our hearts belong to the Lord Jesus, and He fills s with peace and joy that surpasses all human understanding.
Be not weary in well doing either.
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus who loves you with an everlasting love. In blessing, He will bless you.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Jesus Said To Take Heed And Beware Of The Leaven Of The Pharisees And Of The Sadducees - Part 2027
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken [it]." (Isaiah 40:3-5)
"How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in a few words) whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men; as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit ... that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel ..." (Ephesians 3:3-6)
Apostle Paul did not receive the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ from man's wisdom but rather, instead, by the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:12; I Corinthians 15:1) As Paul further notes, he was not only called to be an apostle but "separated" unto the gospel of God. (Romans 1:1) It is important to note that S/Paul had the best of the best education. Indeed, Paul was (by his own admission) the Pharisee of Pharisees.
Nevertheless, the drastic change in Saul (wherein he no longer desired to imprison believers after meeting the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus) was not welcomed by one and all. Not many days were fulfilled after he received meat and was water baptized before the Jews were taking counsel to kill him. (Acts 9:22-26) But not just the Jews but also when S/Paul spoke boldly in the Name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Grecians, these also wanted to slay him too. (Acts 9:28-29)
In another place, Paul is earnestly beholding the council. (Acts 23:1) "But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducee's, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducee's: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducee's say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor Spirit, but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, "We find no evil in this man: but if a Spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God." (Acts 23:6-9)
However, in spite of Paul's troubles and imprisonments, Paul is often found encouraging believers, those who were workers together with him to strive not to give offence in anything they do -- so that the ministry would not be blamed. Paul writes, "But in all [things] approving [commending] ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience [endurance], in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in tastings." (II Corinthians 6:1-5)
How does this happen? Because as many of us recognize, it is difficult to move beyond the things of this world -- even when encouraged to do so for the betterment of the ministry. Indeed, this may explain why Paul tells us not to trust to ourselves but in Christ -- "even so [are] we Christ's." (II Corinthians 10:7) And herein is our counsel.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your [our] obedience is fulfilled." (II Corinthians 10:4-6)
"Therefore, I write these things, being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction." (II Corinthians 13:10)
Being perfect, being of good comfort, being of one mind, living in peace -- the God of love and peace being with you.
"By pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, but 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 alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:6-10)
"By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations -- for His Name; among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ ..." (Romans 1:5-6)
Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
And Whatsoever Ye Do, Do Heartily As To The Lord And Not Unto Men, Knowing That Of The Lord Ye Shall Receive The Reward - Part 2026
"Grace [be] to you and peace from God the Father and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from the present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." (Galatians 1:2-3)
Note that this scripture does not state that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are two separate persons, as in "themselves" but rather -- that He [God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ] gave Himself. Singular. As in One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism -- wherein One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all is both our Lord and Christ. (Ephesians 4:5-6; Acts 2:36-41)
Malachi said it clearly when he asked, "Have we not all One Father? Hath not One God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother by profaning the covenant of our fathers?" (Malachi 2:10)
You see, in the covenant of the fathers, God always described Himself as One God. For example, in the beginning, God! (Genesis 1:1) "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters ..." (Genesis 1:2) Indeed, throughout the Old Testament, the doctrine of the Lord thy God as One Lord is clear.
"Behold, the Lord our God hath showed us His glory and His greatness ..." (Deuteronomy 5:24)
Moreover, the same Lord thy God which had brought them out of the land of Egypt -- "I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage" -- said, "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One Lord! (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Deuteronomy 4:29, 31; Mark 12:29-31; I Corinthians 8:4, 6)
"Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations." (Deuteronomy 7:9)
When we seek Him, we shall find Him. Did Jesus not tell us that He was the Way, the Truth and the Life? (John 14:6) Immediately following, how does Jesus rationalize that He is who He says He is? Jesus tells His disciples that if you have known Him -- Jesus, and have seen Him -- Jesus, you would also have seen the Father. (John 14:7-12)
So why is it, that from the New Testament we so readily accept a false modern day religious teaching that reduces the same God who created this world into three persons. Does the scriptures state anywhere that God is divided into thirds? Does the scriptures speak of a trinity, or a triad, or a tri-une g/God? Is the scripture vague on who we are to worship in this dispensation of grace? The answer is no.
But the foundational doctrines cited in Hebrews 6:1-2 and II John 1:9 does speak of the doctrine of Christ. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) That God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) That the Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord of glory. (James 2:1) The life manifested that the apostles have seen, their own hands having handled the Word of life. (I John 1:1-3) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-3, 10-11, 14)
And we are to hear ye Him! The only begotten of the Father who willingly came forth to bring us salvation. The Lord God giving His right arm so that we might be redeemed in His love. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. (I John 3:5)
"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins should live unto righteousness, by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (I Peter 2:24-25)
Is there two Shepherds of your soul? Is there two Bishops of your soul? Again, no. There is only One Good Shepherd and He laid down His life for His sheep. You and I who He was calling from the very beginning. This is why we can attest to every book of the Bible pointing to Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
"Behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!"
It is for this reason that we sanctify the Lord God in our hearts, and are ready always to give an answer to every man that asks us for a reason of the hope that is within us.
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit, by which He also went up and preached unto the spirits in the prison." (I Peter 3:18-19)
Not another but the One and Only God who was so willing to prepare for Himself a body so that we might have abundant life in Him. He is the Light of the world. He is the Bread of Life. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
"How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in a few words) whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men; as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit ... that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel:" (Ephesians 3:3-6)
It is for this reason that we hold "fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9)
Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Who Concerning The Truth Have Erred, Saying That The Resurrection Is Past Already; And Overthrow The Faith Of Some - Pat 2025
Jesus answered and said unto them, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29)
And Jesus answering said unto them, "Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? ... He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err." (Mark 12:24-27)
Most certainly, the authorities responsible for crucifying Jesus erred. Indeed, these commanded "that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, "He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first." (Matthew 27:64)
Most certainly, the authorities responsible for crucifying Jesus erred. Indeed, these commanded "that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, "He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first." (Matthew 27:64)
For the authorities to know that Jesus would be raised the third day, the first day of the week, these must have had some understanding beforehand of what Jesus was saying, and too, the prophecies that would come to pass. If not, why else would these decidedly command that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day? But these are not alone. Both Jesus and the apostles warned those who believe about false prophets and teachers who would be in the midst, seeking to destroy those who are not grounded in His Word. Sadly, this happens more often than we care to admit.
Still, Jesus continually told the people that by reason of their teachers, these greatly erred. At that particular point in time, note that the holy Ghost had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been crucified, buried, and resurrected. It was only when Jesus was resurrected and glorified that His precious holy Spirit was poured into believers' innermost being, wherein we see the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost.
Why is this important? Because the Holy Ghost, the Comforter leads and guides believers into all truth. It is the holy Spirit of Jesus that brings all things to believers' minds. In other words, whatsoever was said by Him when He walked among men on earth would be similarly taught to those of us who believe in the promises of God.
"To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:19)
God who previously was on the outside has now taken permanent residence in the innermost being of the believer. When someone asks Jesus into their life, Jesus becomes an integral part of the believers heart, now cleansed by the pure shed blood of the holy Spirit. This refers to a new bloodline and not an Adamic blood line - see earlier posts. This new blood line, which flowed within the veins of Jesus -- the conceived child and seed of God’s holy Spirit -- veiled within a sin prone body taken from Mary. His surrogate virgin mother’s sin prone body.
It is here that the Spirit of God was clothed with sin prone flesh enabling the manifestation in the flesh of God as a Son. Jesus' flesh now capable of being tempted, tried in all points and yet not succumbing to sins temptations.
"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, in reality, Jesus was not guilty of any crime, even though He was submitted to a satanic kind of justice. A non-justice if you will, because the condemnation against Jesus contravened all that was righteous and true. Still, He placed Himself into the hands of sinful men to be crucified because He knew that this was the only way we could experience salvation, and abundant life in Him.
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" (I Peter 3:18)
Scripture similarly declares that when the fullness of time was come, then God would send forth His Son. This day have I begotten Thee! In other words, at a time when darkness covered the face of the earth, and gross darkness covered the eyes of the people, satan and his demonic hordes had taken the upper hand. In this context, men had no hope. One and all were deceived by the religious leaders that abounded everywhere, requiring subjection unto them. People were reduced to trampling the grapes whilst others drank the wine. Many of us could compare these former times with today's entitlement mindset but that is another issue.
However, in the dead of night when not one hope was in sight, then God sent His only begotten Son so that we would believe in Him. His only begotten son to rescue His earthy image and likewise man, from their captivator satan. Yes, Jesus paid the price with His own precious holy blood so that we would have abundant life in Him -- the plan of salvation decided before the foundation of the world was even formed.
But right from the get go, satan hastened to defend his kingdom of wicked darkness, appearing as light. It is no wonder that Jesus asked that if the so-called light that you is in you is in reality darkness, then really how great is that darkness? It is an important question, given that eternity is forever. If for no other reason, understanding and examining our own faith journey from this perspective should force us to our knees.
Therefore, the good news is that God is about to open a can of worms. God's eye is on the sparrow. He is watching you. He cares for you. His hand is not short that He cannot save. Neither is His ear heavy that He cannot hear you. In fact, He is attentive to our cry, even when satan attempts to obscured the truth.
All around us, we see the powers that be presenting another God, of which we should note that our forefathers fled from. We recognize their actions through the motto on every coin -- In God we trust -- the motto referring to Jesus the Christ.
In the Old Testament, the Lord said, "Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, "They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known My ways." (Hebrews 3:10) In the New Testament, wherein the Holy Ghost this signified that the first had to go in order that the new plan of salvation be ushered in. (Hebrews 9:8, 14-18)
Why is this important? Because the Holy Ghost, the Comforter leads and guides believers into all truth. It is the holy Spirit of Jesus that brings all things to believers' minds. In other words, whatsoever was said by Him when He walked among men on earth would be similarly taught to those of us who believe in the promises of God.
"To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:19)
God who previously was on the outside has now taken permanent residence in the innermost being of the believer. When someone asks Jesus into their life, Jesus becomes an integral part of the believers heart, now cleansed by the pure shed blood of the holy Spirit. This refers to a new bloodline and not an Adamic blood line - see earlier posts. This new blood line, which flowed within the veins of Jesus -- the conceived child and seed of God’s holy Spirit -- veiled within a sin prone body taken from Mary. His surrogate virgin mother’s sin prone body.
It is here that the Spirit of God was clothed with sin prone flesh enabling the manifestation in the flesh of God as a Son. Jesus' flesh now capable of being tempted, tried in all points and yet not succumbing to sins temptations.
"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, in reality, Jesus was not guilty of any crime, even though He was submitted to a satanic kind of justice. A non-justice if you will, because the condemnation against Jesus contravened all that was righteous and true. Still, He placed Himself into the hands of sinful men to be crucified because He knew that this was the only way we could experience salvation, and abundant life in Him.
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" (I Peter 3:18)
Scripture similarly declares that when the fullness of time was come, then God would send forth His Son. This day have I begotten Thee! In other words, at a time when darkness covered the face of the earth, and gross darkness covered the eyes of the people, satan and his demonic hordes had taken the upper hand. In this context, men had no hope. One and all were deceived by the religious leaders that abounded everywhere, requiring subjection unto them. People were reduced to trampling the grapes whilst others drank the wine. Many of us could compare these former times with today's entitlement mindset but that is another issue.
However, in the dead of night when not one hope was in sight, then God sent His only begotten Son so that we would believe in Him. His only begotten son to rescue His earthy image and likewise man, from their captivator satan. Yes, Jesus paid the price with His own precious holy blood so that we would have abundant life in Him -- the plan of salvation decided before the foundation of the world was even formed.
But right from the get go, satan hastened to defend his kingdom of wicked darkness, appearing as light. It is no wonder that Jesus asked that if the so-called light that you is in you is in reality darkness, then really how great is that darkness? It is an important question, given that eternity is forever. If for no other reason, understanding and examining our own faith journey from this perspective should force us to our knees.
Therefore, the good news is that God is about to open a can of worms. God's eye is on the sparrow. He is watching you. He cares for you. His hand is not short that He cannot save. Neither is His ear heavy that He cannot hear you. In fact, He is attentive to our cry, even when satan attempts to obscured the truth.
All around us, we see the powers that be presenting another God, of which we should note that our forefathers fled from. We recognize their actions through the motto on every coin -- In God we trust -- the motto referring to Jesus the Christ.
In the Old Testament, the Lord said, "Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, "They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known My ways." (Hebrews 3:10) In the New Testament, wherein the Holy Ghost this signified that the first had to go in order that the new plan of salvation be ushered in. (Hebrews 9:8, 14-18)
And it is in this context that James writes, "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20)
But we do not err because "we are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." (I John 4:6)
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
God Hath Revealed Them Unto Us By His Spirit: For The Spirit Searches All Things, Yea, The Deep Things Of God - Part 2024
"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:2)
Jesus said, "God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship [Him] in Spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; "To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7)
To this end -- abundant grace and salvation plus everlasting life -- the Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead. We die in a natural body but believers will be raised in a spiritual body. God is the Father of Spirits - the first man of the earth was earthy but the second Adam is a sweet Spirit - God Himself as a Son coming into this world to seek and to save that which is /was lost. Then Jesus, having accomplished His predestined mission, ascended into Heaven with a resurrected body, changed from the natural into a spiritual.
Indeed, when we search the scriptures, we learn that He was sown as a seed of the Holy Ghost. On the inside God and on the outside flesh covered in Mary’s sinful Adamic fallen flesh. His flesh became cursed at Calvary. He took on this fleshly role in order to bring us -- the now redeemed (but previously condemned sinners) -- to a lively hope. He took upon Himself the penalties of all our sin. He died the Just for the unjust. The Spirit of God which indwelt Jesus had previously said that if man were to destroy (kill) His body that in three days He would raise it up again.
In this case, the Spirit of God not only raised Him from the dead (not in the old natural body) but His body is now quickened. Still appearing in manly fashion yet now incapable of dying. Still, this new body was a tangible body, as we witness from His frequent appearances in various forms to His disciples. This was the case, as the scriptures describe for a period of forty days. At the end of this period, He ascended into heaven, blessing them, until a cloud hid Him from their sight. (Acts 1:1-4)
"Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God ..." (Acts 1:2-3)
After His ascension (10 days after) the man Jesus was glorified. We, being His redeemed chosen people and the true Israel of God -- the non, people now called the children of God -- the people who were birthed by Jesus seed with He being the seed that fell into the ground and died. Well, we are the resulting offspring. And as a consequence of God's salvation, now we are collectively the body of the Christ. As such, we are made partakers of the same Spirit who promised us that He would abide with us and in us always, even to the end of the age.
This same holy Spirit (on the New Testament side -- the Comforter, the Holy Ghost) is now indwelling believers. It is not another or different Spirit but the very same Spirit of Jesus -- resurrected/glorified/quickened. His glorified brightness being much brighter than the noonday sun. His love for us equally bright.
Yes, God is One Spirit, and at the death of His own natural body the veil of the old temple was rent in twain. From heaven to earth. And for us, the veil torn so that we might have life in Him. Not them but Him. For God so loved the world that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Whosoever believes in Him. Indeed, God has glorified His son Jesus. God has declared that Jesus who we crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)
And to the Son, the Spirit of God declares, "Your throne O’ God is forever and forever. Let all the angels of God worship Him." Consequently, Jesus is the One written of in the book of Revelation (the unveiling) of Jesus the Christ. Where it is said, I AM
He that IS, and WAS, and is to come -- the ALMIGHTY!
Meditate upon these things this day, and be blessed by His abundant love for His beloved. Stand in the offering plate.
To this end -- abundant grace and salvation plus everlasting life -- the Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead. We die in a natural body but believers will be raised in a spiritual body. God is the Father of Spirits - the first man of the earth was earthy but the second Adam is a sweet Spirit - God Himself as a Son coming into this world to seek and to save that which is /was lost. Then Jesus, having accomplished His predestined mission, ascended into Heaven with a resurrected body, changed from the natural into a spiritual.
Indeed, when we search the scriptures, we learn that He was sown as a seed of the Holy Ghost. On the inside God and on the outside flesh covered in Mary’s sinful Adamic fallen flesh. His flesh became cursed at Calvary. He took on this fleshly role in order to bring us -- the now redeemed (but previously condemned sinners) -- to a lively hope. He took upon Himself the penalties of all our sin. He died the Just for the unjust. The Spirit of God which indwelt Jesus had previously said that if man were to destroy (kill) His body that in three days He would raise it up again.
In this case, the Spirit of God not only raised Him from the dead (not in the old natural body) but His body is now quickened. Still appearing in manly fashion yet now incapable of dying. Still, this new body was a tangible body, as we witness from His frequent appearances in various forms to His disciples. This was the case, as the scriptures describe for a period of forty days. At the end of this period, He ascended into heaven, blessing them, until a cloud hid Him from their sight. (Acts 1:1-4)
"Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God ..." (Acts 1:2-3)
After His ascension (10 days after) the man Jesus was glorified. We, being His redeemed chosen people and the true Israel of God -- the non, people now called the children of God -- the people who were birthed by Jesus seed with He being the seed that fell into the ground and died. Well, we are the resulting offspring. And as a consequence of God's salvation, now we are collectively the body of the Christ. As such, we are made partakers of the same Spirit who promised us that He would abide with us and in us always, even to the end of the age.
This same holy Spirit (on the New Testament side -- the Comforter, the Holy Ghost) is now indwelling believers. It is not another or different Spirit but the very same Spirit of Jesus -- resurrected/glorified/quickened. His glorified brightness being much brighter than the noonday sun. His love for us equally bright.
Yes, God is One Spirit, and at the death of His own natural body the veil of the old temple was rent in twain. From heaven to earth. And for us, the veil torn so that we might have life in Him. Not them but Him. For God so loved the world that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Whosoever believes in Him. Indeed, God has glorified His son Jesus. God has declared that Jesus who we crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)
And to the Son, the Spirit of God declares, "Your throne O’ God is forever and forever. Let all the angels of God worship Him." Consequently, Jesus is the One written of in the book of Revelation (the unveiling) of Jesus the Christ. Where it is said, I AM
He that IS, and WAS, and is to come -- the ALMIGHTY!
Meditate upon these things this day, and be blessed by His abundant love for His beloved. Stand in the offering plate.
Watch Ye Therefore And Pray Always; For Your Redemption Draweth Nigh - Part 2023
"Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:5)
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple." (Psalm 27:4)
And when they had found Him [Jesus], they said unto Him, "All men seek for Thee." (Mark 1:37) And the multitude sat about Him, and they said unto Him, "Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren without seek for Thee." (Mark 8:11) "And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him." (Luke 2:45)
"Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." (Acts 11:23)
Too often, we rely on the wisdom and knowledge of this world. Sadly, this applies to not only those who are in the world, but to those also who profess to believe. Somehow, we have swallowed the myth that in order to succeed in this world, we must seek the accreditations and certifications that attaches letters to our name. What does our Lord God and Saviour say about this? The Lord Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
Not just some things, but rather, ALL of these things, and more! Unlike the powers that exist in the world, whose desire oft hinges on seeking a kingdom for themselves, the Lord is willing to lift us out of the miry clay and move us into the heavenly, changing our focus from the things of this world to the heavenly.
Indeed, when we think of the very first commandment in both the old and confirmed again by Jesus in the new -- "Hear ye O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord" and we are to love the Lord thy God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength, we have to ask -- what is left? If we are giving 100% of ourselves to the Lord Jesus, and in so doing, becoming that city on a hill to the dark world around us, we learn quite quickly that there isn't anything else left to pursue.
Why? Because like so many named within the scriptures, we have decided in our hearts and minds to seek His wisdom and knowledge. And, as a consequence, we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, are learning how to become a disciple of the Most High King. Each step being a new step in faith, wherein, as James points out, we begin working toward perfection. His purposes for our life becoming our purpose on this earth going forward.
Perhaps, this is why apostle Paul instructs us, writing, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)
Because we who believe can be so easily be led away from the Word that sanctifies us. The Word that was with God and was God and was made flesh, dwelling among us so that we could behold His glory. Yes, 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; John 1:1-18)
Our hope and joy and peace that surpasses all human understanding. Yes, this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) This same Jesus whom ye have crucified -- having been taken up, after that through the Holy Ghost giving commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, has declared that He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending! (Revelation 1:8)
He -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ being the King of kings and Lord of lords, wherein His love and kindness toward man led to the shedding of His precious holy blood on the cross. Once and for all, He paid the price for our sins to be cleansed. And thus, He should be our all in all.
But to get there, we have to first say yes to Jesus as both Lord and Christ in our hearts. Not as another, or a lesser god, or one third of an omnipresent God, but rather that He -- as our Lord and God, as Thomas points out when he saw Jesus after He rose from the dead -- wants to wholly commune with us. This is why God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)
The mystery of godliness -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13)
So again, in example after example, we learn that those who admitted to a void existing in their heart sought after Jesus, so that they could worship Him in Spirit and in truth. The following scriptures should serve as a starting point for us as well to seek after His wise counsel and guidance in everything we do. His leading through the Holy Ghost, so that we could fulfill His purpose in us.
You see, when one seeks Jesus, He becomes their all in all.
And as Jesus said unto you, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened." (Luke 11:9-10)
"That the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:12)
Stand in the offering plate.
Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Receiving The End Of Your Faith, Even The Salvation Of Your Souls, Grace Be Unto You And Peace Be Multiplied!- Part 2022
"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you ..." (I Peter 1:10)
"As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things!" (II Corinthians 6:10)
The good news for those who believe in Jesus as both Lord and Christ, and are water baptized in His Name -- the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, because we know in whom we believe. (Acts 2:36-41) We know from whence comes our salvation. And, as the scriptures dictate, we are saved according to His abundant mercy wherein He has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (I Peter 1:3-4)
"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)
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 9:28) "But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ..." (Titus 1:3) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18)
The good news for those who believe in Jesus as both Lord and Christ, and are water baptized in His Name -- the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, because we know in whom we believe. (Acts 2:36-41) We know from whence comes our salvation. And, as the scriptures dictate, we are saved according to His abundant mercy wherein He has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (I Peter 1:3-4)
What is this abundant life? An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you and I -- who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:4-5) And now, as noted, we are the elect according to the "foreknowledge" of God the Father THROUGH sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:2)
In writing the first epistle, Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia greets us by saying: "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (I Peter 1:3)
Who overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son? Luke tells us the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary. (Luke 1:35) Indeed, the Holy Ghost fathered the "holy thing" which was in Mary. The same Lord God that moved upon the face of the waters in the very beginning f/Fathered the child that Mary herself rejoiced in saying, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:45-46)
Thus, as a consequence of believing in Him -- for whosoever believes in Him -- we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, wherein we can greatly rejoice. (John 3:16) So that in the trials of our 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 Him, ye love, in whom though now ye see not, yet believing, ye continue to rejoice with joy unspeakable.
This is why we willingly gird up the loins of our mind, and are sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning ourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance, but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversing. Because it is written -- "Be ye holy for I am holy." (I Peter 1:16; Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7; II Corinthians 7:1; Romans 12:2)
"And in your patience, possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19)
But there is another understanding here that we should also look at herein, which was alluded to earlier. That is, we are blessed because the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again. (Note: the scripture does not say "their" abundant mercy but "His" abundant mercy -- God is One Lord -- Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)
As Jesus said to Nicodemus, ye must be born again-- not just of water but of the Spirit too. (John 3:1-24; John 3:3, 7) "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God ... marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again." (John 3:5-8)
It is for this reason that now -- in this current dispensation of grace, Christ risen from the dead has "become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming." (I Corinthians 15:20-23)
Yes, Jesus was the Lord from heaven, the Son of man as well the Lord of glory. He became the first fruits of them that slept. This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ, as Peter (standing with the eleven) preached on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:!6; Isaiah 9:6; II Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 1:8; Acts 20:28)
"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)
Indeed, Jesus Himself said, "If ye had known Me, ye would have known My Father also; from henceforth, ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:6-7) Jesus also told His disciples, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) And that also, "verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)
"And I will dwell in them ... and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters," saith the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:16-18; I Corinthians 3:16-17; I Corinthians 6:19; Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 31:33; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:26-27; Isaiah 52:11; II Samuel 7:14; Romans 8:14)
All the way through the scriptures, both in the old and the new, we understand that "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me." This is why all the angels of God worship Him, because Jesus was the brightness of glory and the express image of His person, being made so much better than the angels, who hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent NAME than they. (Hebrews 1:3-5; Hebrews 1:1-13)
In the scriptures, there is never any reference to God the Son (always the Son of God) or God the Holy Spirit. Why? Because there is only ONE GOD and He loved us enough to become our Saviour. "After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared!" (Titus 3:4)
God is not divided into thirds as the modern day religious culture proclaims but the One and Only Lord God Almighty (who in His love for His blessed people) decided that He would become our salvation too. Thus, when the Lord God declared, "This day have I begotten Thee" -- He did so to signify to us who believe that the the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing. (Hebrews 9:8; Psalm 2:7; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5) In other words, the guard had to change (from the old to the new) if we were to obtain life everlasting in Him.
Therefore, when the Holy Ghost this signified, we see the unfolding of the new covenant, in which He hath made the first old. (Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 9:8) The dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) Thus, "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father THROUGH sanctification of the Spirit" we become His elect -- His Spirit -- the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost dwelling within. (John 14:26; John 15:26; Luke 24:49)
"Ad it is the Spirit that bears witness because the Spirit is truth." (I John 5:6)
The Spirit here is the same Holy Ghost which overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:21-23) The same Spirit of the Lord God that moved upon the face of the waters in the very beginning. (Genesis 1:2) By his own blood He entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us, and if this be the priests of old, then 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 9:12, 14)
Remember, until the day 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 same Jesus -- both Lord and Christ!
The doctrine of Christ which is foundational for us who believe to understand and know in whom we have believed. "To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)
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 9:28) "But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ..." (Titus 1:3) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18)
And yes, His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Stand in the offering plate.
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