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.
No comments:
Post a Comment