"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.
No comments:
Post a Comment