"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (I John 1:1-4)
Remember the song entitled, "Give tomorrow's children one more chance?"Just because the world as a collective affirms that they believe in God does not necessarily mean that they have a personal relationship with God Almighty. Indeed, throughout the ages, man has always practiced some form of religion, demonstrated in all sorts of unimaginable rituals, and in some cases, even shameful practices. This may explain why our preference is to assert that we are a Christian nation. After all, who would want to be called heathen?
It was the same in Bible times. Paul, an apostle of the Lord Jesus also thought in his previous life (before meeting Jesus as his Lord and Saviour) that he was a God fearing man. Certainly, as Saul, he was very zealous in propagating his religious traditions from his upbringing in the Jewish religion. That is, until the God of his fathers met him on the road to Damascus. It is here that Paul was transformed from a zealot into a totally new person. Put in simple terms, Paul had his heart circumcised. His life was transformed, as we can see from reading the scriptures.
For example, when Paul later entered a city, he observed all sorts of statues with inscriptions. One inscription in Mars Hill said -- "To the unknown God." The inscription had such an impact that the words became Paul’s launching pad to preach. In this context, Paul remarked to listeners that he was going to reveal to them this God that was unknown so that their ignorant teachings would be dispelled. What did Paul do? He preached to them Jesus. Why would Paul preach Jesus? Because Jesus is the unseen God seen. In Jesus, all the fullness of God dwells.
To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.
If you believe in Jesus, you are believing in the same God who created the world in the beginning! Jesus is the express image of God as a Son. Unlike the world's message, God is not three persons anymore than you are three persons. Those who preach that God is three persons are still in ignorance of God. They have not read the scriptures that state that if you have seen Jesus, you have likewise seen the Father. Jesus is God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son -- the one Spirit of God in the man Christ Jesus -- for the express purpose of reconciliation.
The first man, earthy, but the second, the Lord from heaven. The Lord coming forth as a mighty man so that we who were lost could find salvation in Him. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8)
We are not in old covenant times. We are no longer under the law as outlined in the Old Testament. This is a new testament message of God in Christ! Those who preach another message are void of the truth, because Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" (John 14:6)
Similarly, if they contradict the teachings of the Author of the New Testament -- that author being none other than Jesus -- they have become akin to all the landmarks of a former generational faith which our Christian believing ancestors embraced but are in ignorance as to what motivates them.
Rather than dress up and present ourselves as being squeaky clean, we need to recognize that as humans we are poor, wretched and miserable on the inside. But when we walk the talk but find it impossible to walk the walk, this is the time we need to meet Jesus. This is why God veiled Himself in a body of sin prone flesh on the outside fleshy covering, while the child within was the only begotten child of the Holy Ghost, who f/Fathered the child in Mary's womb. Yes, God loves His creation so much that He created a plan of salvation, and did so before the world was formed.
As the scriptures state, "Nothing shall separate us from the love of God being manifested in Jesus." God loves us. The question is do we love Him?
It is here that we need to come to terms with our relationship with God. Here was God purposely clothing Himself in sin prone flesh, sacrificing His pure flesh to pay for man’s redemption. God took our sin upon Himself and as a result His sinless body became sin so that we the sinner became pure in God’s eyes. Come to God in Christ and be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. This is your call! And read Acts 2, wherein the first 3,000 souls saved came to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.
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
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Jesus, The Beginning and The Ending, The First and The Last, The Alpha and Omega, The King of kings and Lord of lords - Part 2061
This same Jesus who was taken from them shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go. As a cloud received Him out of their sight, according to the scriptures, and likewise, so shall Jesus return. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. It is in Him that we live and move and have our being. Indeed, He never changes. Jesus is the one who was and is to come. He is the Almighty. He Himself led captivity captive and in turn gave the free gift of salvation to men.
Jesus the holy child, conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of Mary, and clothed with earthly fleshy garments. This holy child receiving nourishment from her natural fallen sinful flesh inherited from Eve - the mother of all living. (For more on this point, review previous blogs) Here it is desired to present the life walk of this only begotten son of the Holy Spirit, humbling Himself to be veiled in fleshly fashion, even as fallen sinful men. What condescension that it behoved Him to be made like unto men. He enters into His own created world with one mission. That mission - to seek and to save those which were initially totally lost. Man needed a Saviour. In response, God became our Saviour. For most of us, the thought of God loving us so much is totally beyond our comprehension.
Still, God had a plan. He, being totally clothed in sin was tempted and tried. He was tempted and tried in all ways, with all temptations common to man. We have all heard the expression, "I was tempted and did not mean to do it." Jesus was not only tempted, but He resisted sin. He overcame evil with good. He did not start a new religion. He simply said that man ought to have faith in God. That man should simply believe that God had a plan of salvation. Only believe, He said. All things are possible to those that believe.
Indeed, Jesus went about doing good, healing people that were oppressed with a range of afflictions. He said it was not that sinful veil of flesh that enabled Jesus to minister these liberating blessings. Rather, as stated in the scriptures, He said "it is not me that is performing these miracles, it is the Spirit of God within me that is doing this work."
This is why, in the scriptures, it is stated that within Him is life. Jesus is the Author of eternal life. He is the creator of eternal life. And now, God extends this same gift of eternal life to man even though it was purchased in such a humiliating manner by the Lord God almighty. Such extreme punishment for sin, openly displaying man's depravity and God’s righteous judgement against sin. Man’s depravity being weighed against God’s righteousness. Man's depravity being weighed against Jesus' sinless life. With this weighed measure of judgement, the scale is more than balanced. One man's sin enslaved us. One man’s righteous walk liberates man freely. Yes, that measurement ought to have sufficed as far as redemption is concerned.
So then, what about sin? The response is simple. Jesus' suffering took care of our sin. His blood was shed so that all of our sins, past, present, future could be wiped clean from the slate. He sacrificed Himself. There are no more sacrifices for sin.You are totally complete in what He finished. We are free by what He has already done. It is finished! Jesus became cursed for our sin. Wow! Truly this was the son of God. God Himself as a son. Fathered us who believe. We now know Him who was the Son of God as a Father going further. He breathed on us His spirit. And of His spirit, have we believers received. God conceived all His redeemed children in a son's body. This is why we that have the Son has the Father also.
We walk in His one spirit enjoying fellowship divine. What a Saviour! Stand in the offering plate. He stands at the door of your heart. The door may be locked on the inside. However, you can unlock the door and ask Jesus into your heart. Then beloved, we can become the sons of God. We can find peace in knowing that God loved us so much that He would take on an earthly form to provide salvation. Peace in Jesus' name. Having now the same Spirit as was dwelling in Jesus within our hearts. Let us walk the walk and talk the talk.
Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus the holy child, conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of Mary, and clothed with earthly fleshy garments. This holy child receiving nourishment from her natural fallen sinful flesh inherited from Eve - the mother of all living. (For more on this point, review previous blogs) Here it is desired to present the life walk of this only begotten son of the Holy Spirit, humbling Himself to be veiled in fleshly fashion, even as fallen sinful men. What condescension that it behoved Him to be made like unto men. He enters into His own created world with one mission. That mission - to seek and to save those which were initially totally lost. Man needed a Saviour. In response, God became our Saviour. For most of us, the thought of God loving us so much is totally beyond our comprehension.
Still, God had a plan. He, being totally clothed in sin was tempted and tried. He was tempted and tried in all ways, with all temptations common to man. We have all heard the expression, "I was tempted and did not mean to do it." Jesus was not only tempted, but He resisted sin. He overcame evil with good. He did not start a new religion. He simply said that man ought to have faith in God. That man should simply believe that God had a plan of salvation. Only believe, He said. All things are possible to those that believe.
Indeed, Jesus went about doing good, healing people that were oppressed with a range of afflictions. He said it was not that sinful veil of flesh that enabled Jesus to minister these liberating blessings. Rather, as stated in the scriptures, He said "it is not me that is performing these miracles, it is the Spirit of God within me that is doing this work."
This is why, in the scriptures, it is stated that within Him is life. Jesus is the Author of eternal life. He is the creator of eternal life. And now, God extends this same gift of eternal life to man even though it was purchased in such a humiliating manner by the Lord God almighty. Such extreme punishment for sin, openly displaying man's depravity and God’s righteous judgement against sin. Man’s depravity being weighed against God’s righteousness. Man's depravity being weighed against Jesus' sinless life. With this weighed measure of judgement, the scale is more than balanced. One man's sin enslaved us. One man’s righteous walk liberates man freely. Yes, that measurement ought to have sufficed as far as redemption is concerned.
So then, what about sin? The response is simple. Jesus' suffering took care of our sin. His blood was shed so that all of our sins, past, present, future could be wiped clean from the slate. He sacrificed Himself. There are no more sacrifices for sin.You are totally complete in what He finished. We are free by what He has already done. It is finished! Jesus became cursed for our sin. Wow! Truly this was the son of God. God Himself as a son. Fathered us who believe. We now know Him who was the Son of God as a Father going further. He breathed on us His spirit. And of His spirit, have we believers received. God conceived all His redeemed children in a son's body. This is why we that have the Son has the Father also.
We walk in His one spirit enjoying fellowship divine. What a Saviour! Stand in the offering plate. He stands at the door of your heart. The door may be locked on the inside. However, you can unlock the door and ask Jesus into your heart. Then beloved, we can become the sons of God. We can find peace in knowing that God loved us so much that He would take on an earthly form to provide salvation. Peace in Jesus' name. Having now the same Spirit as was dwelling in Jesus within our hearts. Let us walk the walk and talk the talk.
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Jesus Said, The Words That I Speak To You, They Are Spirit, and They Are Life - Part 2060
"For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." (Proverbs 4:22)
Note that Jesus had just finished telling His disciples about the end of the world, and the signs in the world that will help those who believe to understand the times in which they live -- so that the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, when He returns for His people, will not come as a surprise. Herein, now Jesus is sharing the parable of the ten virgins.
Jesus is saying, "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
Note that Jesus had just finished telling His disciples about the end of the world, and the signs in the world that will help those who believe to understand the times in which they live -- so that the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, when He returns for His people, will not come as a surprise. Herein, now Jesus is sharing the parable of the ten virgins.
Jesus is saying, "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
And at midnight there was a cry made, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, "Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out." But the wise answered, saying, "Not so;lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves."
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But He answered and said, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not."
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 25:1-12)
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But He answered and said, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not."
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 25:1-12)
For the most part, we have moved away from oil lamps, so some explanation may be necessary. A lamp is considered trimmed when the wick is turned either up or down. In so doing, it regulates the amount of flame. However, if a lamp has no oil, it can't be trimmed. Why? Because the lamp goes out when the oil is consumed.
The parable that Jesus shared should serve as a reminder for believers to keep oil in their lamp all the time so that the Light which dwells within them -- the Comforter and Holy Ghost, can lead and guide them into all truth. Jesus told us that He is the Light of the world. Jesus said He is the Bread of Life -- the Living Water whereby the well never runs dry.
Therefore, the scriptural message this day is to ensure the oil in your lamp is full at all times. Be prepared to have His Word instilled inside you. Study His Word to prove yourself approved unto God in all things. Because Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. But most of all, He loves you and desires to give to you His Kingdom.
More to come. Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Earnestly Contending For The Faith: Keep Looking Upward For Our Lord Jesus Is Drawing Nigh - Part 2059
According to the scriptures, the gospel of the Kingdom of God must first be preached in all the world before the end would come. But of course this criteria is referring to the world as a whole. There is another future that is somewhat closer to home. This is the end for individuals - the inevitable moment of death and the hopelessness - if you do not know Jesus as your saviour - of the grave!
Indeed, no man knows the day nor the hour in which the Lord may come. However, the times and the seasons we are not ignorant of. We know when the seasons are changing. The same is for the prophecies that foretell of events occurring in the world that would indicate that the end is near. The scriptures put it this way. For when you see these things come to pass, then you will know that summer (or the day of the Lord) is at hand. And as Matthew chapter 24 reiterates, these prophesies shall surely come to pass.
So what are these signs that we should be aware of. One - the scriptures state that in the end times, many shall come in my name saying, "Here is the Christ or there is the Christ." The scriptures warn us not to believe these false prophets and false teachers because their purpose in the world is to deceive many. In fact, they will compass land and sea endeavouring to recruit multitudes of converts if they could. The problem is that even believers, who have not taken the time to search the scriptures - the unadulterated Word of God - many are led into the captivity of religion.
Still, God has a glorious gospel and that gospel message was delivered to mankind in the face of Jesus the Christ. There is in God’s eyes only One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism.
Unfortunately, even though God delivered His Word at no charge to man, the price that was demanded of Jesus for the redemption of man was horrific. He purchased equal accessibility to salvation for all men (and women) so that they could partake of the tree of Life - which He Himself was and is - the tree of life.
But along comes institutionalized religion and turns life into a systemizing of error. Instead of preaching the gospel as instructed in the scriptures, there are those that have laid aside the word of God. In short, they whitewashed themselves transforming themselves as messengers of light. This is why the scriptures state that they went out from among us. Why? Because they were not of us for if they were of us, then no doubt they would have continued with us. But they did not. Instead, they left so that it may be made manifest that they were not of us.
The scriptures state to save yourself from this perverse generation. The wolves are amongst the sheep, and they keep on preaching church - institutionalized religion - over the gospel as revealed in the scriptures. But a church or religion cannot save, deliver or heal you. What do the scriptures state? Well, first and foremost, there is no other name under heaven given of God to man whereby we can be saved other than the name of Jesus the Christ. He alone is the Good Shepherd that laid down His sinless life for our Redemption.
He has declared, "Look to me all people and be saved for I AM God and beside me there is No Saviour." Yes, Jesus is the door that every man and woman must pass through if he /she feels the calling. Light of the Spirit of God drawing them to Himself. Come -- just as you are -- burdened down and heavy laden -- and tell it to JESUS, the God who cares for YOU!
In this place, wherever you might be, you are not coming to a wooden altar or a idol. You are not being asked to join anything. Rather, you are coming to the same God who made you. He is touched with the feelings of all your infirmities. Give your life to Jesus for He alone is able to completely save.
Yes, Jesus -- the Bread of life, the Living Water wherein we will never thirst again, the Light of the world and the Saviour who breathes abundant life into our hearts every day. He is our all in all!
Stand in the offering plate!
Indeed, no man knows the day nor the hour in which the Lord may come. However, the times and the seasons we are not ignorant of. We know when the seasons are changing. The same is for the prophecies that foretell of events occurring in the world that would indicate that the end is near. The scriptures put it this way. For when you see these things come to pass, then you will know that summer (or the day of the Lord) is at hand. And as Matthew chapter 24 reiterates, these prophesies shall surely come to pass.
So what are these signs that we should be aware of. One - the scriptures state that in the end times, many shall come in my name saying, "Here is the Christ or there is the Christ." The scriptures warn us not to believe these false prophets and false teachers because their purpose in the world is to deceive many. In fact, they will compass land and sea endeavouring to recruit multitudes of converts if they could. The problem is that even believers, who have not taken the time to search the scriptures - the unadulterated Word of God - many are led into the captivity of religion.
Still, God has a glorious gospel and that gospel message was delivered to mankind in the face of Jesus the Christ. There is in God’s eyes only One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism.
Unfortunately, even though God delivered His Word at no charge to man, the price that was demanded of Jesus for the redemption of man was horrific. He purchased equal accessibility to salvation for all men (and women) so that they could partake of the tree of Life - which He Himself was and is - the tree of life.
But along comes institutionalized religion and turns life into a systemizing of error. Instead of preaching the gospel as instructed in the scriptures, there are those that have laid aside the word of God. In short, they whitewashed themselves transforming themselves as messengers of light. This is why the scriptures state that they went out from among us. Why? Because they were not of us for if they were of us, then no doubt they would have continued with us. But they did not. Instead, they left so that it may be made manifest that they were not of us.
The scriptures state to save yourself from this perverse generation. The wolves are amongst the sheep, and they keep on preaching church - institutionalized religion - over the gospel as revealed in the scriptures. But a church or religion cannot save, deliver or heal you. What do the scriptures state? Well, first and foremost, there is no other name under heaven given of God to man whereby we can be saved other than the name of Jesus the Christ. He alone is the Good Shepherd that laid down His sinless life for our Redemption.
He has declared, "Look to me all people and be saved for I AM God and beside me there is No Saviour." Yes, Jesus is the door that every man and woman must pass through if he /she feels the calling. Light of the Spirit of God drawing them to Himself. Come -- just as you are -- burdened down and heavy laden -- and tell it to JESUS, the God who cares for YOU!
In this place, wherever you might be, you are not coming to a wooden altar or a idol. You are not being asked to join anything. Rather, you are coming to the same God who made you. He is touched with the feelings of all your infirmities. Give your life to Jesus for He alone is able to completely save.
Yes, Jesus -- the Bread of life, the Living Water wherein we will never thirst again, the Light of the world and the Saviour who breathes abundant life into our hearts every day. He is our all in all!
Stand in the offering plate!
Thursday, May 24, 2018
He Was In The World And The World Made By Him But The World Knew Him Not - Part 2058
God has declared that this same JESUS who we crucified is BOTH Lord and the Christ. (Acts 2:36)
God descended and man ascended. The Word - the wisdom was veiled in flesh. The Word or Wisdom was and is God. (John 1:1) When God spoke, lo it came to pass. Therefore, it is by faith that we believe the worlds were framed by the Word / Wisdom of God. The Word / Wisdom was always with God and never apart from God. Now that Word / Wisdom is to be made manifest in creation.
Yes, the unseen Spirit of God showing forth Himself in visible spiritual form. And in visible spiritual form God is going to call into visible created form all things that were previously invisible. Things existing in the unseen spiritual world. God is going to rule and reign over His own visible creation for the visible creation is God Himself in visible form.
Initially God steps out of the spiritual world and shows forth Himself in visible spiritual form. No God was not pregnant. God Himself came forth from the spiritual realm stepping into another dimension previously unknown. Not as another God but the SAME God previously UNSEEN, now revealling Himself in spiritual visible form.
Not created but begotten. Not begat. The Spirit of God who fills all things is now appearing in visible spiritual form. We are created earthly images. Created in the likeness of God’s now visible spiritual form! God breathed into man and man became a living soul, who God called sons of God. A perfect earthly image of God.
However, the devil showed up and deceived man into disobeying God’s Word. The result was man and woman were banished from the garden of Eden! As a consequence of man’s removal from the Garden man entered into the school of hard knocks -- life. In the days ahead, even until now, man is tempted and tried. Kind of like being on a roller coaster ride. Man messes up really bad until the flood takes man away. The exception is one man named Noah who by the grace of God was found to be righteous in the eyes of the Lord!
God having prepared an ark of safety (which ark typifies the Ark of the New Testament whereby the Lord JESUS the Christ and our baptism into His death saves us). Note: the SEED of promise (Christ) implanted first into Eve was now indwelling Noah and so the genealogy of the SEED of Christ continued.
God's redemptive promise in the midst of all the turmoil down through the ages continued in most part as an unknown. Hid from man’s wisdom. Abraham received a promise like Eve had -- that in him and in His SEED will all the nations of the earth be blessed. Of course, even though Abraham was given the promise he was in the dark as to the meaning. Abraham then thought that the promise pertained to his natural seed.
However, that was not the promise. The promised SEED (Christ) continued passing from generation to generation -- from Abraham into Isaac to Jacob.
Man once again messed up so bad that God added a Law by His servant Moses. Note that the Law was added 430 years after God gave Abraham the Promise of a SEED wherein all nations would be blessed. But the law was not an addition to the promise terminating with the entrance of the SEED of promise. No the law failed miserably. Indeed, if it had not been for God stepping in to provide a means of salvation, mankind would cease to be.
So at the time called the fullness of times ‘which is the time when the SEEDS of promise to EVE and Abraham should be brought forth together by the Holy Spirit whose SEEDS they both were, are now brought together into the womb of a young surrogate girl. Therein, the child is clothed in sin prone flesh inasmuch, as Mary’s sin prone flesh was incapable of doing otherwise. The child's given name was and is JESUS.
JESUS being the Son of the Holy Spirit was God with Us, veiled in sin prone flesh and appearing in fashion as a man. Of course, within the sin prone flesh did dwell the spiritual humanity of God Himself who will -- within that body -- FULFILL all the requirements of the Law. He would do so whilst being tempted and tried in all points like as we and yet never succumbing to the temptation.
Now the law was added UNTIL the SEED should come. Then JESUS, offered Himself as a sin offering virtually undoing the penalties imposed upon man by Adam and Eve’s initial disobedience. JESUS the lamb of God! Yes indeed He most certainly was, being the only begotten Son of the Holy Spirit. JESUS willingly sacrificed His own Son body so that we may now inherit freedom and grace from all penalties, returning to that place where our ancestors Adam and Eve had fallen from.
Within this context, we are now being declared to be adopted sons and daughters of God by Redemption. GOD DESCENDED AND MAN ASCENDED! Through faith in the FINISHED work of redemptive salvation purchased for us by JESUS the Christ who is God manifest in the flesh as a Son.
Thank GOD in Christ today, for it was God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)
Yes, the unseen Spirit of God showing forth Himself in visible spiritual form. And in visible spiritual form God is going to call into visible created form all things that were previously invisible. Things existing in the unseen spiritual world. God is going to rule and reign over His own visible creation for the visible creation is God Himself in visible form.
Initially God steps out of the spiritual world and shows forth Himself in visible spiritual form. No God was not pregnant. God Himself came forth from the spiritual realm stepping into another dimension previously unknown. Not as another God but the SAME God previously UNSEEN, now revealling Himself in spiritual visible form.
Not created but begotten. Not begat. The Spirit of God who fills all things is now appearing in visible spiritual form. We are created earthly images. Created in the likeness of God’s now visible spiritual form! God breathed into man and man became a living soul, who God called sons of God. A perfect earthly image of God.
However, the devil showed up and deceived man into disobeying God’s Word. The result was man and woman were banished from the garden of Eden! As a consequence of man’s removal from the Garden man entered into the school of hard knocks -- life. In the days ahead, even until now, man is tempted and tried. Kind of like being on a roller coaster ride. Man messes up really bad until the flood takes man away. The exception is one man named Noah who by the grace of God was found to be righteous in the eyes of the Lord!
God having prepared an ark of safety (which ark typifies the Ark of the New Testament whereby the Lord JESUS the Christ and our baptism into His death saves us). Note: the SEED of promise (Christ) implanted first into Eve was now indwelling Noah and so the genealogy of the SEED of Christ continued.
God's redemptive promise in the midst of all the turmoil down through the ages continued in most part as an unknown. Hid from man’s wisdom. Abraham received a promise like Eve had -- that in him and in His SEED will all the nations of the earth be blessed. Of course, even though Abraham was given the promise he was in the dark as to the meaning. Abraham then thought that the promise pertained to his natural seed.
However, that was not the promise. The promised SEED (Christ) continued passing from generation to generation -- from Abraham into Isaac to Jacob.
Man once again messed up so bad that God added a Law by His servant Moses. Note that the Law was added 430 years after God gave Abraham the Promise of a SEED wherein all nations would be blessed. But the law was not an addition to the promise terminating with the entrance of the SEED of promise. No the law failed miserably. Indeed, if it had not been for God stepping in to provide a means of salvation, mankind would cease to be.
So at the time called the fullness of times ‘which is the time when the SEEDS of promise to EVE and Abraham should be brought forth together by the Holy Spirit whose SEEDS they both were, are now brought together into the womb of a young surrogate girl. Therein, the child is clothed in sin prone flesh inasmuch, as Mary’s sin prone flesh was incapable of doing otherwise. The child's given name was and is JESUS.
JESUS being the Son of the Holy Spirit was God with Us, veiled in sin prone flesh and appearing in fashion as a man. Of course, within the sin prone flesh did dwell the spiritual humanity of God Himself who will -- within that body -- FULFILL all the requirements of the Law. He would do so whilst being tempted and tried in all points like as we and yet never succumbing to the temptation.
Now the law was added UNTIL the SEED should come. Then JESUS, offered Himself as a sin offering virtually undoing the penalties imposed upon man by Adam and Eve’s initial disobedience. JESUS the lamb of God! Yes indeed He most certainly was, being the only begotten Son of the Holy Spirit. JESUS willingly sacrificed His own Son body so that we may now inherit freedom and grace from all penalties, returning to that place where our ancestors Adam and Eve had fallen from.
Within this context, we are now being declared to be adopted sons and daughters of God by Redemption. GOD DESCENDED AND MAN ASCENDED! Through faith in the FINISHED work of redemptive salvation purchased for us by JESUS the Christ who is God manifest in the flesh as a Son.
Thank GOD in Christ today, for it was God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)
Peace to one and all! Stand in the offering plate.
O LORD My God, I Cried Unto Thee, And Thou Hast Healed Me.- Part 2057
"LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee." (Psalm 41:4)
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23:5)
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:13-16)
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus healed those who were sick and lame. He forgave them their sins. Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and along the way, continually healed the multitudes. In one place, Jesus used mud made from spittle to heal a blind man. (John 9:1-7) In another example, Jesus only used spittle for healing. (Mark 8:22-26) Elsewhere, Jesus laid His hands directly on the sick and those who were infirm. And in yet another situation, the woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowds to the point of crawling on the ground in hope of just touching His garment. (Luke 8:43-48; Matthew 8:1-3; Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40; 13:11-13)
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus not only preached the good news gospel, but also healed "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." (Matthew 4:23) There was nothing that Jesus could not do, because He was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) God in Christ, performing the miracles, signs and wonders so that those who did not believe would see, and understand that Jesus is both Lord and the promised Christ. (Acts 2:36)
Repeatedly, "great multitudes came unto Him [Jesus], having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and He healed them ..." (Matthew 15:30)
"And great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there." (Matthew 19:2)
"And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple; and He healed them." (Matthew 21:14)
Jesus told His disciples to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:1, 8)
"And He healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him." (Mark 1:34)
Sometimes, Jesus only spoke a word and the person needing healing was completely restored. (Matthew 8:5-13; Matthew 9:1-7; Luke 7:1-3; Matthew 27:54; Luke 8:43-48; Luke 18:35-43)
More specifically, "when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying, "Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented." And Jesus saith unto him, "I will come and heal him." The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the Word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, "Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it]".
When Jesus heard [it], He marvelled, and said to them that followed, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." And I say unto you, "That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." And Jesus said unto the centurion, "Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." (Matthew 8:5-13)
"For He had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon Him for to touch Him, as many as had plagues" (Mark 3:10-15)
There is only one place in the scriptures wherein Jesus could not do a mighty work, except to lay His hands upon a few sick folk so that they could be healed. Jesus explained why this was -- because "a prophet is not without honour but in His own country, and among His own kin, and in His own house." For clarity here, note that Jesus marvelled because of their unbelief. (Mark 6:4-6) But did this stop Jesus from preaching the Kingdom? Not a chance!
What did Jesus do? He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth two and two, and gave them power over unclean spirits; and commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only, no scrip, no bread, no money in [their] purse, but be shod with sandals and not put on two coats. And He said unto them, "In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them ..." (Mark 6:7-11)
"And they went out and preached that men should repent and they cast out many devils and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed [them]. (Mark 6:12-13)
There is also an example in Luke 5:17-39 worth including here because it prioritizes the need for one's sins to be forgiven. Jesus is teaching on this certain day, and there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem, and as the scripture states, "the power of the Lord was present to heal them."
In another place, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with palsy tried to get him to Jesus. When they could not (because of the multitude) they let the man down through the tiling from the housetop, "into the midst before Jesus." And when He saw their faith (because an abundance of faith these men must have had to let a man down through the roof, Jesus said, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." (Luke 5:20) Of course, as we know, this caused a stir among the scribes and Pharisees who accused Jesus of blasphemies, stating that only God alone can forgive sins.
But Jesus, always perceiving their thoughts asked them, "What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say: "Thy sins be forgiven thee" or, to say, "Rise up and walk." But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." (Luke 5:22-24) He then said to the sick of the palsy, "Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house." And the man did, glorifying God as he went back to his house.
The reason I cite so many examples of Jesus healing the sick is that today, in some circles, we have come to rely on olive oil from a bottle for healing, rather than the mercy and grace of the Lord God Himself. These oft cite James 5:13 as support for doing so. But as the psalmist David asked, "Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases ...?" (Psalms 103:3)
Yes, "He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." (Psalms 107:20)
And we know also, that after the day of Pentecost, the sick only had to have Peter's shadow fall on them as he passed by to be fully restored. Likewise, for apostle Paul, who either spoke a word, or performed miracles while passing through the multitudes. (Acts 5:12-16; Acts 9:32-35) The point is that rather than getting hung up on olive oil, press into the Lord Jesus, for it is He who "heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds." (Psalms 147:3)
For it was He who was wounded for our transgressions. "He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
"Then shall Thy light break forth as the morning ... the glory of the LORD shall be thy re-reward." (Isaiah 58:8)
And indeed, His Word "shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (Proverbs 3:8)
Much more to come on this subject. Stand in the offering plate.
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23:5)
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:13-16)
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus healed those who were sick and lame. He forgave them their sins. Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and along the way, continually healed the multitudes. In one place, Jesus used mud made from spittle to heal a blind man. (John 9:1-7) In another example, Jesus only used spittle for healing. (Mark 8:22-26) Elsewhere, Jesus laid His hands directly on the sick and those who were infirm. And in yet another situation, the woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowds to the point of crawling on the ground in hope of just touching His garment. (Luke 8:43-48; Matthew 8:1-3; Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40; 13:11-13)
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus not only preached the good news gospel, but also healed "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." (Matthew 4:23) There was nothing that Jesus could not do, because He was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) God in Christ, performing the miracles, signs and wonders so that those who did not believe would see, and understand that Jesus is both Lord and the promised Christ. (Acts 2:36)
Repeatedly, "great multitudes came unto Him [Jesus], having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and He healed them ..." (Matthew 15:30)
"And great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there." (Matthew 19:2)
"And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple; and He healed them." (Matthew 21:14)
Jesus told His disciples to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:1, 8)
"And He healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him." (Mark 1:34)
Sometimes, Jesus only spoke a word and the person needing healing was completely restored. (Matthew 8:5-13; Matthew 9:1-7; Luke 7:1-3; Matthew 27:54; Luke 8:43-48; Luke 18:35-43)
More specifically, "when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying, "Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented." And Jesus saith unto him, "I will come and heal him." The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the Word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, "Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it]".
When Jesus heard [it], He marvelled, and said to them that followed, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." And I say unto you, "That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." And Jesus said unto the centurion, "Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." (Matthew 8:5-13)
"For He had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon Him for to touch Him, as many as had plagues" (Mark 3:10-15)
There is only one place in the scriptures wherein Jesus could not do a mighty work, except to lay His hands upon a few sick folk so that they could be healed. Jesus explained why this was -- because "a prophet is not without honour but in His own country, and among His own kin, and in His own house." For clarity here, note that Jesus marvelled because of their unbelief. (Mark 6:4-6) But did this stop Jesus from preaching the Kingdom? Not a chance!
What did Jesus do? He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth two and two, and gave them power over unclean spirits; and commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only, no scrip, no bread, no money in [their] purse, but be shod with sandals and not put on two coats. And He said unto them, "In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them ..." (Mark 6:7-11)
"And they went out and preached that men should repent and they cast out many devils and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed [them]. (Mark 6:12-13)
There is also an example in Luke 5:17-39 worth including here because it prioritizes the need for one's sins to be forgiven. Jesus is teaching on this certain day, and there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem, and as the scripture states, "the power of the Lord was present to heal them."
In another place, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with palsy tried to get him to Jesus. When they could not (because of the multitude) they let the man down through the tiling from the housetop, "into the midst before Jesus." And when He saw their faith (because an abundance of faith these men must have had to let a man down through the roof, Jesus said, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." (Luke 5:20) Of course, as we know, this caused a stir among the scribes and Pharisees who accused Jesus of blasphemies, stating that only God alone can forgive sins.
But Jesus, always perceiving their thoughts asked them, "What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say: "Thy sins be forgiven thee" or, to say, "Rise up and walk." But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." (Luke 5:22-24) He then said to the sick of the palsy, "Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house." And the man did, glorifying God as he went back to his house.
The reason I cite so many examples of Jesus healing the sick is that today, in some circles, we have come to rely on olive oil from a bottle for healing, rather than the mercy and grace of the Lord God Himself. These oft cite James 5:13 as support for doing so. But as the psalmist David asked, "Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases ...?" (Psalms 103:3)
Yes, "He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." (Psalms 107:20)
And we know also, that after the day of Pentecost, the sick only had to have Peter's shadow fall on them as he passed by to be fully restored. Likewise, for apostle Paul, who either spoke a word, or performed miracles while passing through the multitudes. (Acts 5:12-16; Acts 9:32-35) The point is that rather than getting hung up on olive oil, press into the Lord Jesus, for it is He who "heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds." (Psalms 147:3)
For it was He who was wounded for our transgressions. "He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
"Then shall Thy light break forth as the morning ... the glory of the LORD shall be thy re-reward." (Isaiah 58:8)
And indeed, His Word "shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (Proverbs 3:8)
Much more to come on this subject. Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, May 20, 2018
The Gift Of God Is Eternal Life For Those Who Believe He Was In The World Reconciling You And I Back To Him - Part 2056
In the New Testament, we learn that the church is not made of wood, hay, stubble, brick or concrete construct. Neither does traditional religious paraphernalia have anything to do with worshipping the Lord God Almighty, who loved us so much that He Himself would become our Saviour.
Indeed, all of these ceremonial add-ons are man-made inventions. In many ways, these additional forms of worship are an effort on the part of some religious folks to appease their own conscience, and by extension yours too. Why? Because they cannot entertain the thought that God is not amused by their inability to accept the salvation message as God intended. In fact, God has said to these religious stakeholders ... "Away with this. My soul has no pleasure in your ceremonies nor in your sacrifices." In so doing, the Lord has once again reinforced that the true worshippers of Him will worship Him in Spirit and truth.
Consider the above example from a different viewpoint. If, from the day of our birth, we were held as prisoners of sin and often curtailed to generational habits, we would not have the foggiest idea nor even a notion of escaping to something? We would be lost. And even if we did recognize that there is more to life, what would that something that we were searching for be?
Fly me to the moon? Swing upon a star? Well, in reality we got to the moon. And technologically, we advanced (or at least we think we have). Was it the fulfillment of prophesy that man would accomplish the moon walk prior to the coming of the Lord that provides the foundation for this "something" objective. After all, according to the scriptures, man did walk on the moon and the moon was turned into blood before the coming of the Lord. Or, is this one of the birth pains of those who are in this earthly womb? Certainly, references such as the sun will be heated up seven times should be an indication of the prophesies that are being fulfilled. In fact, we may be there already. How many times do we hear, "Don’t stay out too long without sunscreen." Or the latest updates on climate change?
Jesus spoke of these things which would occur just before He comes for His beloved church, wherein He is the ONE AND ONLY HEAD. What we are witnessing these days is the fulfilling of prophecy after prophecy. Jesus said that when we see these things happening, to look up for our salvation draws nigh! He is our hope and joy and peace. Don't let this moment to be saved in Him pass you by. His only intent to reconcile the world back unto Himself. Our hearts in His and His Spirit dwelling within us. But I digress.
Sadly, there has not only been a great forsaking of God’s Word in the midst of the lands but a famine. In this example, we are there. As it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah so shall it also be in the last days - the scriptures declare. We are there too. Men as lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. And the religious world thinking that by killing people who are not of their own religious persuasion that they are doing God a service. We are there. But there is more.
"Peace - peace" is the chant even when, as the scriptures suggest, there is no peace to be found in this world. Trying to make peace at the end of a gun and burning Bibles that talk of the prince of Peace only lead to further conclusions that yes oh yes ... we are deep in trouble. Further, men have begun calling light darkness and darkness light. If light offends to the point where we are walking on the street called Broadway, we are there. Certainly, our oceans are empty. While many search for answers, the question remains -- is it possible to deplete such a vast sea of a harvest that we did not plant? What happened to the idea of giving tomorrow's children one more chance? We are there.
So, if, at the end of the day, you were told that your time is up and your life over, what would your life have been worth? Are you acquainted with your Creator and your only Saviour? You won't find the message of salvation among the religious ceremony. Where you will find the good news gospel message intended to save your soul and provide you with manifold much in this dispensation of grace is in the scriptures. The Bible tells us to search the scriptures so that we will know of Him.
He was in the world so that we could know Him. Stand in the offering plate.
Indeed, all of these ceremonial add-ons are man-made inventions. In many ways, these additional forms of worship are an effort on the part of some religious folks to appease their own conscience, and by extension yours too. Why? Because they cannot entertain the thought that God is not amused by their inability to accept the salvation message as God intended. In fact, God has said to these religious stakeholders ... "Away with this. My soul has no pleasure in your ceremonies nor in your sacrifices." In so doing, the Lord has once again reinforced that the true worshippers of Him will worship Him in Spirit and truth.
Consider the above example from a different viewpoint. If, from the day of our birth, we were held as prisoners of sin and often curtailed to generational habits, we would not have the foggiest idea nor even a notion of escaping to something? We would be lost. And even if we did recognize that there is more to life, what would that something that we were searching for be?
Fly me to the moon? Swing upon a star? Well, in reality we got to the moon. And technologically, we advanced (or at least we think we have). Was it the fulfillment of prophesy that man would accomplish the moon walk prior to the coming of the Lord that provides the foundation for this "something" objective. After all, according to the scriptures, man did walk on the moon and the moon was turned into blood before the coming of the Lord. Or, is this one of the birth pains of those who are in this earthly womb? Certainly, references such as the sun will be heated up seven times should be an indication of the prophesies that are being fulfilled. In fact, we may be there already. How many times do we hear, "Don’t stay out too long without sunscreen." Or the latest updates on climate change?
Jesus spoke of these things which would occur just before He comes for His beloved church, wherein He is the ONE AND ONLY HEAD. What we are witnessing these days is the fulfilling of prophecy after prophecy. Jesus said that when we see these things happening, to look up for our salvation draws nigh! He is our hope and joy and peace. Don't let this moment to be saved in Him pass you by. His only intent to reconcile the world back unto Himself. Our hearts in His and His Spirit dwelling within us. But I digress.
Sadly, there has not only been a great forsaking of God’s Word in the midst of the lands but a famine. In this example, we are there. As it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah so shall it also be in the last days - the scriptures declare. We are there too. Men as lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. And the religious world thinking that by killing people who are not of their own religious persuasion that they are doing God a service. We are there. But there is more.
"Peace - peace" is the chant even when, as the scriptures suggest, there is no peace to be found in this world. Trying to make peace at the end of a gun and burning Bibles that talk of the prince of Peace only lead to further conclusions that yes oh yes ... we are deep in trouble. Further, men have begun calling light darkness and darkness light. If light offends to the point where we are walking on the street called Broadway, we are there. Certainly, our oceans are empty. While many search for answers, the question remains -- is it possible to deplete such a vast sea of a harvest that we did not plant? What happened to the idea of giving tomorrow's children one more chance? We are there.
So, if, at the end of the day, you were told that your time is up and your life over, what would your life have been worth? Are you acquainted with your Creator and your only Saviour? You won't find the message of salvation among the religious ceremony. Where you will find the good news gospel message intended to save your soul and provide you with manifold much in this dispensation of grace is in the scriptures. The Bible tells us to search the scriptures so that we will know of Him.
He was in the world so that we could know Him. Stand in the offering plate.
For The Son Of Man Is Come To Save That Which Was Lost - Part 2055
" ... and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant!" (Matthew 20:27; Matthew 23:11)
"And whoso shall receive one little child in My Name receives Me!" (Matthew 18:5)
In this passage, the disciples are mirroring much of the goings on that are currently taking place within our own societies. That is, one desires to be better than the other, doing what each can to be successful in their own right. In many cases, it can be a cut-throat journey to the top, and once there, not such a happy place to be at all. In fact all the money in the world cannot undo the critical lessons that Jesus taught us to believe while He walked this earth.
In his writings, Luke describes the same incident this way. "Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by Him, and said unto them, "Whosoever shall receive this child in My Name receives Me: and whosoever shall receive Me receives Him that sent Me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great." (Luke 9:46-48)
In this passage, the disciples are mirroring much of the goings on that are currently taking place within our own societies. That is, one desires to be better than the other, doing what each can to be successful in their own right. In many cases, it can be a cut-throat journey to the top, and once there, not such a happy place to be at all. In fact all the money in the world cannot undo the critical lessons that Jesus taught us to believe while He walked this earth.
Herein is a perfect example. On the surface, it appears the disciples had bought into that worldly competition, and have come to Jesus asking Him, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
As we know, however, the risen Jesus -- our Holy Ghost and Comforter -- desires for all our hearts to be set upon the heavenly, the spiritual, the second man who is indeed the Lord God from heaven. He wants us to rise above the things of this world and look upon Him for our sustenance and direction. His Name is JESUS, as the angel declared, for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23)
As we know, however, the risen Jesus -- our Holy Ghost and Comforter -- desires for all our hearts to be set upon the heavenly, the spiritual, the second man who is indeed the Lord God from heaven. He wants us to rise above the things of this world and look upon Him for our sustenance and direction. His Name is JESUS, as the angel declared, for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23)
Thus, we come to this point in the scriptures. How does Jesus respond to the disciples shifting one another for position?
Jesus takes a little child unto Him and sets him in the midst of them. And Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you -- except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My Name receives Me." (Matthew 18:1-5)
Jesus takes a little child unto Him and sets him in the midst of them. And Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you -- except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My Name receives Me." (Matthew 18:1-5)
In another place, Jesus called them [unto Him], and said, "Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:16)
And yet in another place of scripture, we learn that there was strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And Jesus said unto them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sits at meat, or he that serves? [is] not he that sits at meat? but I am among you as He that serves." (Luke 22:24-27)
You see, when God clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet always without sin) so that He could bring us into the abundant life in Him that He intended from the very beginning, He did so as a servant. This is why God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)
As John wrote, "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18)
Yes, the same God who made man and woman in the beginning came to the earth He created as a servant so that we could have salvation. He came to save that which was lost. Just like the parable Jesus told when the shepherd left the 99 sheep to go find the one that was lost? So did Jesus come to bring us back to Him, all of us who had gone astray.
"And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoices more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray." (Matthew 18:13)
Yes, He came where no other would go to rescue His sheep, showing beyond measure His over abundance of mercy and love for His beloved creation. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) And His plan of salvation, decided before the world was formed. He knew that He would have to put a little child within the midst to remind us of how much He loves us. As Jesus said so clearly, it was never the will your Father which is in heaven that any one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14)
Don't miss the greatest love story ever told. Ask Jesus to become Lord and Christ in your heart today. Find a New Testament translation (not a revision!) and begin reading what Jesus has to say to your heart today. As my father used to say, "Read the red" because these are the precious words of God our Saviour. His love forever displayed in the heavens and all around us too. We have so much to be thankful for in our hearts, that the becoming as little children in our hearts toward the Lord should be easy, for before we became a servant for His purposes, He first became a servant for us.
As Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6)
He is the ONLY way to heaven. As for those who reject Jesus as the chief cornerstone of our faith, Jesus said, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (Matthew 15:14)
Meditate upon these things this day, and know too that nothing is going to happen to you that the Lord Jesus has not already taken care of. This is why Jesus -- both Lord and Christ -- is our all in all, for He is all in all. The beginning and the ending, the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega.
Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
But After That The Kindness And Love Of God Our Saviour Toward Man Appeared! -- Part 2054
In the last post, we learned that the apostles renounced the hidden things of dishonesty and those who walk in craftiness. Those who handled the Word of God deceitfully and did not point to the truth, that God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ!
" ... but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (II Corinthians 4:2)
As we know, God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) To wit, God was in the world reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) God willingly became our Saviour so that we might have abundant life in Him. The I AM that was from the beginning -- He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11; John 1:1-14; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8)
Thus, we too (as believers in Jesus -- He is both Lord and Christ, the first man earthy, but the second, the Lord from heaven) are also instructed to renounce the hidden things of dishonesty and those who handle the Word of God deceitfully. To this end, there needs to be a renouncing of the mode of water baptism that emanated from Rome in the 3rd century. That is, how those who deceitfully handle the Word of God have changed the scriptural Name of the Lord Jesus baptism into the phrase used in Matthew 28:!9, which they willingly admit doing.
But what is the truth? Jesus said, "Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17)
And therein, in Him we will find abundant life, when we (like the apostles) understand that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) That Jesus is the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. But instead of using the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost's actual NAME in water baptism, some have distorted the scriptural Jesus' Name baptism and began using the phrase of Matthew 28:19. These ignore that every single person water baptized in the New Testament scriptures were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, there has emerged a desire within the modern day religious community to accommodate Rome's 3rd Century development of the trinity (a multi-personality God), a triad, a one God in three persons false teaching that is not supported anywhere in the scriptures.
Nevertheless, if Thy Word is truth, then we need to seek His Truth in the scriptures. We need to stop just getting wet when we are water baptized, but rather, become clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus, our consciences cleared because we have been buried with Jesus (into the water) and resurrected (rising up out of the water) according to Romans 6:3-4 and I Peter 3:21.
Further, the New Testament Church's baptism can be found in the Book of Acts. The point to remember also is that the same Matthew who is attributed as having wrote Matthew 28:19 is one of the same apostles who stood with Peter and the others when he delivered the Acts 2:38 message.
What is the Acts 2:38 message?
Then Peter said unto them, "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 2:36-41)
In other scriptures:
"They were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:16)
"They were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5).
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48).
"Be baptized...calling on the Name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
"So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ..." (Galatians 3:27)
"Buried with Him [Christ] in baptism..." (Colossians 2:12).
Notably, not even one of these New Testament scriptures reflects a triune god, or God in three persons. If these did, the apostles would have clearly wrote "names -- plural" (and not singular) when it comes to the "Name" of the Lord God Almighty. But they did not, because these understood that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) That Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) That He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11)
What else doesn't align with the apostolic doctrine that we have been instructed to remain steadfast in? The fact that Rome's reliance on Matthew 28:19 was never adopted by the apostles who walked with Jesus (day in and day out for more than three years) in the New Testament Church. In fact, that deceitful development came centuries later during the dark ages and during the Reformation period in which religious denominations sprang out of her, taking with them her trinity doctrine.
It is no wonder we are instructed by the Lord to "come out of HER My people" so that we do not suffer their plagues. And sadly, over time, that trinitarian error that deceives people into thinking they know God (but not in the face of Jesus Christ, He being the visible image of the unseen God) has been adopted as truth in our modern day religious circles. And as a consequence, many who profess to believe are being deceived by those who walk in craftiness, not handling the Word of God as truth.
In this context, it is important for us to look at how water baptisms were being performed prior to the Dark Ages. Indeed, we should search the scriptures, as Jesus said, "for lo, the volume of the book is written of Me!"
Yes, look to the New Testament Church example, the Apostles who fully understood that Jesus is our Heavenly Father. Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) Jesus said, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him." (John 14:6-12) Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6)
Indeed, the Apostles understood that Jesus is the Name the Father gave so that we might be saved from our sins. "And ye shall call His Name JESUS!" (Matthew 1:21-23) The apostles understood that the Name of the Son was JESUS, and this is why they preached Christ Jesus the Lord to one and all! And yes, the Apostles understood that Jesus is the Spirit within the believer -- the treasure within earthen vessels, regenerating us spiritually. The Holy Ghost, the Comforter, wherein Jesus said He would come, never leaving us nor forsaking us.
Even apostle Paul (who received His understanding of the gospel by revelation, as one born out of due time) understood that Jesus is the Spirit within the believer. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you..." (II Corinthians 13:5)
This message the apostles received from Jesus in Matthew 28:19 is clearly reflected and acted upon in Peter's message on the day of Pentecost when the first 3,000 souls born again into the New Testament body of Christ Church (wherein Jesus is the Head of the Church) were saved. (Acts 2:38)
Therefore, don't be fooled by those who choose to handle the Word of God deceitfully. Don't be blinded by the god of this world which hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, "lest the Light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them." (Ii Corinthians 4:4)
Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world!"
" ... but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (II Corinthians 4:2)
As we know, God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) To wit, God was in the world reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) God willingly became our Saviour so that we might have abundant life in Him. The I AM that was from the beginning -- He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11; John 1:1-14; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8)
Thus, we too (as believers in Jesus -- He is both Lord and Christ, the first man earthy, but the second, the Lord from heaven) are also instructed to renounce the hidden things of dishonesty and those who handle the Word of God deceitfully. To this end, there needs to be a renouncing of the mode of water baptism that emanated from Rome in the 3rd century. That is, how those who deceitfully handle the Word of God have changed the scriptural Name of the Lord Jesus baptism into the phrase used in Matthew 28:!9, which they willingly admit doing.
But what is the truth? Jesus said, "Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17)
And therein, in Him we will find abundant life, when we (like the apostles) understand that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) That Jesus is the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. But instead of using the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost's actual NAME in water baptism, some have distorted the scriptural Jesus' Name baptism and began using the phrase of Matthew 28:19. These ignore that every single person water baptized in the New Testament scriptures were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, there has emerged a desire within the modern day religious community to accommodate Rome's 3rd Century development of the trinity (a multi-personality God), a triad, a one God in three persons false teaching that is not supported anywhere in the scriptures.
Nevertheless, if Thy Word is truth, then we need to seek His Truth in the scriptures. We need to stop just getting wet when we are water baptized, but rather, become clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus, our consciences cleared because we have been buried with Jesus (into the water) and resurrected (rising up out of the water) according to Romans 6:3-4 and I Peter 3:21.
Further, the New Testament Church's baptism can be found in the Book of Acts. The point to remember also is that the same Matthew who is attributed as having wrote Matthew 28:19 is one of the same apostles who stood with Peter and the others when he delivered the Acts 2:38 message.
What is the Acts 2:38 message?
Then Peter said unto them, "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 2:36-41)
In other scriptures:
"They were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:16)
"They were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5).
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48).
"Be baptized...calling on the Name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
"So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ..." (Galatians 3:27)
"Buried with Him [Christ] in baptism..." (Colossians 2:12).
Notably, not even one of these New Testament scriptures reflects a triune god, or God in three persons. If these did, the apostles would have clearly wrote "names -- plural" (and not singular) when it comes to the "Name" of the Lord God Almighty. But they did not, because these understood that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) That Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) That He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11)
What else doesn't align with the apostolic doctrine that we have been instructed to remain steadfast in? The fact that Rome's reliance on Matthew 28:19 was never adopted by the apostles who walked with Jesus (day in and day out for more than three years) in the New Testament Church. In fact, that deceitful development came centuries later during the dark ages and during the Reformation period in which religious denominations sprang out of her, taking with them her trinity doctrine.
It is no wonder we are instructed by the Lord to "come out of HER My people" so that we do not suffer their plagues. And sadly, over time, that trinitarian error that deceives people into thinking they know God (but not in the face of Jesus Christ, He being the visible image of the unseen God) has been adopted as truth in our modern day religious circles. And as a consequence, many who profess to believe are being deceived by those who walk in craftiness, not handling the Word of God as truth.
In this context, it is important for us to look at how water baptisms were being performed prior to the Dark Ages. Indeed, we should search the scriptures, as Jesus said, "for lo, the volume of the book is written of Me!"
Yes, look to the New Testament Church example, the Apostles who fully understood that Jesus is our Heavenly Father. Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) Jesus said, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him." (John 14:6-12) Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6)
Indeed, the Apostles understood that Jesus is the Name the Father gave so that we might be saved from our sins. "And ye shall call His Name JESUS!" (Matthew 1:21-23) The apostles understood that the Name of the Son was JESUS, and this is why they preached Christ Jesus the Lord to one and all! And yes, the Apostles understood that Jesus is the Spirit within the believer -- the treasure within earthen vessels, regenerating us spiritually. The Holy Ghost, the Comforter, wherein Jesus said He would come, never leaving us nor forsaking us.
Even apostle Paul (who received His understanding of the gospel by revelation, as one born out of due time) understood that Jesus is the Spirit within the believer. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you..." (II Corinthians 13:5)
This message the apostles received from Jesus in Matthew 28:19 is clearly reflected and acted upon in Peter's message on the day of Pentecost when the first 3,000 souls born again into the New Testament body of Christ Church (wherein Jesus is the Head of the Church) were saved. (Acts 2:38)
Therefore, don't be fooled by those who choose to handle the Word of God deceitfully. Don't be blinded by the god of this world which hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, "lest the Light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them." (Ii Corinthians 4:4)
Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world!"
And it is to Him that we look -- "Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ... who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works!" (Titus 2:13-14)
Stand in the offering plate.
Stand in the offering plate.
If Our Gospel Be Hid, It Is Hid To Them That Are Lost! -- Part 2053
"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake ..." (II Corinthians 4:5)
This scripture, for me, is at the heart of becoming a flow through for the Lord Jesus, wherein we only preach Christ Jesus the Lord, being servants and fainting not, for His sake. It is for this reason that we renounce the 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.
" ... not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." (Titus 1:14)
So then, what is the truth?
Jesus said, "Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17)
Who is the Word? JESUS. For 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. (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. He is the great I AM. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8)
To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)
It is in this context that Jesus could say, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6)
Paul, an apostle, alludes to the same when preaching the gospel. That is, "for this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not as the word of men, but as it is in Truth, the Word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)
"For God, who commanded the Light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)
Jesus said, "I AM -- the Light of the world!" Jesus said, "I AM -- the Bread of Life!" And before Abraham was, Jesus said, "I AM!"
What did Jesus pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, when most of His disciples were sleeping? His humanity, the visible image of an invisible God, knowing that He was soon to endure the cross?
"And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them THY Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." (John 17:13-19)
Later, after the crucifixion, after the tomb was found empty, after Jesus appeared numerous times to His disciples, the women, and the 500, and then to Saul who later became Paul (as one born out of due time) Jesus was taken up ... and now, Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost - the Spirit of Jesus as both Lord and Christ -- is now the treasure that dwells within our earthly vessels.
The excellency of His power -- and ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people frothier sins -- His Spirit now dwells within us and comforts us, leading us into His wisdom and truth. He is our all and all. And it is for this reason that we having the SAME SPIRIT of faith, as the apostles did, can now declare also -- that all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God, for which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward is renewed day by day.
Thus, we faint not, because we look not at the things which are seen and temporal but to God who loved us enough to robe Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin!) so that you and I might find abundant life in Him. Stand in the offering plate.
This scripture, for me, is at the heart of becoming a flow through for the Lord Jesus, wherein we only preach Christ Jesus the Lord, being servants and fainting not, for His sake. It is for this reason that we renounce the 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.
" ... not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." (Titus 1:14)
So then, what is the truth?
Jesus said, "Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17)
Who is the Word? JESUS. For 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. (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. He is the great I AM. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8)
To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)
It is in this context that Jesus could say, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6)
Paul, an apostle, alludes to the same when preaching the gospel. That is, "for this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not as the word of men, but as it is in Truth, the Word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)
"For God, who commanded the Light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)
Jesus said, "I AM -- the Light of the world!" Jesus said, "I AM -- the Bread of Life!" And before Abraham was, Jesus said, "I AM!"
What did Jesus pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, when most of His disciples were sleeping? His humanity, the visible image of an invisible God, knowing that He was soon to endure the cross?
"And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them THY Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." (John 17:13-19)
Later, after the crucifixion, after the tomb was found empty, after Jesus appeared numerous times to His disciples, the women, and the 500, and then to Saul who later became Paul (as one born out of due time) Jesus was taken up ... and now, Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost - the Spirit of Jesus as both Lord and Christ -- is now the treasure that dwells within our earthly vessels.
The excellency of His power -- and ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people frothier sins -- His Spirit now dwells within us and comforts us, leading us into His wisdom and truth. He is our all and all. And it is for this reason that we having the SAME SPIRIT of faith, as the apostles did, can now declare also -- that all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God, for which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward is renewed day by day.
Thus, we faint not, because we look not at the things which are seen and temporal but to God who loved us enough to robe Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin!) so that you and I might find abundant life in Him. Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, May 14, 2018
In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was With God And Was God - Part 2052
If the people which are called by MY NAME will ...!
Who declared this promise? Of course, it was God. But as we discussed in earlier posts, God is not a name. God is a descriptive title. But what happens when some people suggest that both name and descriptive title are one and the same? That both terms really mean the same thing? The only legitimate response would be that it could only be the same because these folks want it to be.
And why would anyone want to adhere to such a belief? Well, perhaps to console themselves from their own misdirection. Rather than admit that the traditional beliefs that they have adhered to might be wrong, they prefer to keep on deceiving others, and unfortunately, being deceived themselves. Indeed, what would people think if we were to recant their original position? Even when people (and likewise institutions) have changed their positions from time to time.
Certainly, the Word of God should be and is much more precious than silver and gold. Early believers were known to seek after the truths of the Word of God to the point that the Word of God became more important than their necessary sustenance. I’m sure most believers understand the depth and breadth of the Christian born again experience.
This is why in response to the question, "What is the name of the church you attend?" I can happily reply "The JESUS people." In fact, is there anything else? The scriptures make the question of "who" Jesus is abundantly clear. For example, when Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" they replied saying, some say this and some say that. Jesus then said to disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter was first out the gate saying to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus then replied, "Peter, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father which is in Heaven has revealed this to you."
Yes, Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, God manifest in the flesh as a Son. God with us. Conceived of the Holy Ghost. "This day have I begotten Thee!"
In Jesus did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. So all of these, Jesus assuredly was. But still, what was His name? This is the question. Of course JESUS is the name.
"And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins!" (Matthew 1:21-23)
The angel of the Lord said to call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin! Other scriptures confirm this fact. For instance -- "There is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9) The Name is JESUS! Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. What is the Name? JESUS! Believe on the LORD JESUS the Christ and you shall be saved. Look to Me all you people -- Jesus said -- even to the ends of the earth and be saved. Why?
Because I AM GOD and beside Me there is no Saviour. I AM the Good Shepherd, the same Good Shepherd that gives His life for His sheep. Tell me again - who was the Good Shepherd? There is only one Good Shepherd and His name is JESUS. The Name of JESUS is ABOVE every other name in Heaven and Earth. God (eternal Spirit) has glorified His Son JESUS, declaring that JESUS is both LORD and CHRIST. (Acts 2:36)
And let ALL the angels of GOD WORSHIP HIM! And you shall WORSHIP the LORD your GOD and HIM only shall you serve! And further, what do the scriptures state? Yes, that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus the Christ is Lord. The scriptures also state that repentance and remission of sin should be preached among all nations -- IN HIS NAME -- beginning at Jerusalem.
Therefore, repent, and be water baptized into the Name of JESUS for the remission of sin so that you shall receive the gift of His holy Spirit. The Comforter. The Spirit of Jesus dwelling within. Yes, JESUS breathed on them saying, "Receive you the Holy Ghost"
And then He said, So what [or who] hinders you from being baptized? See here is water! More to follow ... stand in the offering plate!
Who declared this promise? Of course, it was God. But as we discussed in earlier posts, God is not a name. God is a descriptive title. But what happens when some people suggest that both name and descriptive title are one and the same? That both terms really mean the same thing? The only legitimate response would be that it could only be the same because these folks want it to be.
And why would anyone want to adhere to such a belief? Well, perhaps to console themselves from their own misdirection. Rather than admit that the traditional beliefs that they have adhered to might be wrong, they prefer to keep on deceiving others, and unfortunately, being deceived themselves. Indeed, what would people think if we were to recant their original position? Even when people (and likewise institutions) have changed their positions from time to time.
Certainly, the Word of God should be and is much more precious than silver and gold. Early believers were known to seek after the truths of the Word of God to the point that the Word of God became more important than their necessary sustenance. I’m sure most believers understand the depth and breadth of the Christian born again experience.
This is why in response to the question, "What is the name of the church you attend?" I can happily reply "The JESUS people." In fact, is there anything else? The scriptures make the question of "who" Jesus is abundantly clear. For example, when Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" they replied saying, some say this and some say that. Jesus then said to disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter was first out the gate saying to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus then replied, "Peter, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father which is in Heaven has revealed this to you."
Yes, Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, God manifest in the flesh as a Son. God with us. Conceived of the Holy Ghost. "This day have I begotten Thee!"
In Jesus did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. So all of these, Jesus assuredly was. But still, what was His name? This is the question. Of course JESUS is the name.
"And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins!" (Matthew 1:21-23)
The angel of the Lord said to call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin! Other scriptures confirm this fact. For instance -- "There is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9) The Name is JESUS! Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. What is the Name? JESUS! Believe on the LORD JESUS the Christ and you shall be saved. Look to Me all you people -- Jesus said -- even to the ends of the earth and be saved. Why?
Because I AM GOD and beside Me there is no Saviour. I AM the Good Shepherd, the same Good Shepherd that gives His life for His sheep. Tell me again - who was the Good Shepherd? There is only one Good Shepherd and His name is JESUS. The Name of JESUS is ABOVE every other name in Heaven and Earth. God (eternal Spirit) has glorified His Son JESUS, declaring that JESUS is both LORD and CHRIST. (Acts 2:36)
And let ALL the angels of GOD WORSHIP HIM! And you shall WORSHIP the LORD your GOD and HIM only shall you serve! And further, what do the scriptures state? Yes, that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus the Christ is Lord. The scriptures also state that repentance and remission of sin should be preached among all nations -- IN HIS NAME -- beginning at Jerusalem.
Therefore, repent, and be water baptized into the Name of JESUS for the remission of sin so that you shall receive the gift of His holy Spirit. The Comforter. The Spirit of Jesus dwelling within. Yes, JESUS breathed on them saying, "Receive you the Holy Ghost"
And then He said, So what [or who] hinders you from being baptized? See here is water! More to follow ... stand in the offering plate!
Saturday, May 12, 2018
But Jesus Yet Answered Nothing So That Pilate Marvelled, Saying, "Will I Release Unto You the King of the Jews?" - Part 2051
"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:19)
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine. And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine OWN NAME those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be ONE, as we are.
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in THY Name: those that Thou gave Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." (John 17:6-12)
These words spake Jesus as He lifted up His eyes to heaven. He knew the hour had finally come, when the Father would glorify the Son and that Thy Son also may glorify Thee. (John 17:1)
These words spake Jesus as He lifted up His eyes to heaven. He knew the hour had finally come, when the Father would glorify the Son and that Thy Son also may glorify Thee. (John 17:1)
This was the moment in time when the same God who was in Christ (soon to become our Saviour) would bring forth His plan of salvation for all those whose hearts yearn for His purposes to be fulfilled in their life too. However, sometimes, when we read John 17, we forget that Jesus had made similar references to His earthly future prior to praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. We fall short of studying the scriptures, as doth a workman approved unto God, and so that we can rightly divide the Word. (II Timothy 2:15) In so doing, we will come to the understanding that God is never the Author of confusion.
An example of this is when the Pharisees were upset because "the world is gone after Him," referring to Jesus. And now certain Greeks among them, who had come up to worship at the feast had gone to Philip (which was of Bethsaida of Galilee) desiring to see Jesus as well. When Philip relays the Greek's desire to Andrew who later tells Jesus, He said, "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified! Verily, verily, I say unto you -- except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit." (John 12:19-24)
Note that Jesus did not stop there. He went on to say that he who loves his life shall lose it, and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. "If any man serve Me, let him follow Me, and where I am, there shall also My servant be; if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour. Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify Thy Name!" (John 12:25-28)
At this particular moment, a voice did come from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified [it] and will glorify [it] again." Indeed, as these scriptures point out, the voice thundered. Some who were there thought an angel had spoken to Jesus. What did Jesus say? Jesus answered and said, "This voice came not because of Me, but for "your" sakes. Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto Me." (John 12:28-32) This, Jesus said, signifying what death He should die, but also so that we who believe in our hearts would know that nothing was going to happen that had not already been foreordained from the very beginning.
How did the people respond? The people answered Jesus, "We have heard out of the law that Christ abides forever; and how sayest Thou: "The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?" Jesus said unto them, "Yet a little while is the Light with you. Walk while ye have the Light; lest darkness come upon you; for He that walks in darkness knows not whither He goes. While ye have the Light, believe in the Light; that ye may be the children of Light!" (John 12:33-36)
You see, even though Jesus had performed many miracles before the people, there were those who believed not on Him. Pharisees and chief priests (a council) who gathered and said, "What do we? for this man doth many miracles. If we let Him thus alone, and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."
And they did not believe, so that the prophecy spoken by Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled -- "Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart,, that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." (John 12:38-40; Isaiah 53:1; Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 13:14; John 11:47)
Who is the arm of the Lord? JESUS! Who did Pilate say was the King of the Jews? JESUS. And what Name did the angel of the Lord declare when the angel said, "And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23) Indeed, we are supposed to be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, so that He can clothe us fully in His righteousness. (Acts 2:36-41)
Why? Because as Peter pointed out on the day of Pentecost, this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If ye have seen Jesus, ye have seen the Father which is why we are instructed to hear ye Him.
Jesus said, "I have manifested Thy Name ..."
The I AM of the old is the JESUS in the New Testament. No other name. The only Name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; John 14:6)
Jesus knew that in order for the fruit to come forth -- those who believe in the Light of life that can only be found in the Lord Jesus, that He had to endure the cross first, There had to be a perfect sacrifice -- a purchase made, including the shedding of His precious holy blood if we were to find abundant and everlasting life in Him.
This is why Jesus said you will see Him no more, but that we had to believe in His Name .. because the arm of the Lord has been revealed for those with eyes to see, and ears to hear. As for John 17, Jesus is asking, "Do ye now believe?" (John 16:31)
Jesus was not alone because the Father was with Him and in Him. God manifest in the flesh. The Lord coming forth as a mighty man. And as Jesus so clearly said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30; John 14:6-12; I Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13; Revelation 1:8)
"As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him ... and this is life eternal, that they might know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." (John 17:1-3)
His Name is JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, May 11, 2018
What A Friend We Have In Jesus, He Never Fails, He Never Leaves Us Nor Forsakes Us - Part 2050
I came across this post written by Jason Dulle and I thought it may be edifying for readers of this blog too. Although the author frames his academic type argument in a oneness vs trinitarian model, I believe his understanding is much deeper, and although not stated specifically herein, he does understand that the Father and the Son is why we refer to the Holy Ghost in this current dispensation of grace. (II John 1:9) Meditate on the scriptures cited, and ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for His guidance and instruction. Let those with eyes to see, see, and ears to hear, hear.
If you do not understand the totality of the Acts 2:36-47 day of Pentecost message when those who gladly received His Word and were water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ received the Holy Ghost, please ask the Lord to reveal Himself and His abundant love for you as you read these particular scriptures.
Right now, the Lord wants so much to pour out His Spirit -- His abundant love -- His overwhelming mercy upon all flesh! Are we ready? Revelation 3:8-9 still stands, even when far too many churches within the modern day religious culture have turned their back on the truth.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6)
And later, as Peter (standing with the eleven clearly declared) -- this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ! (Acts 2:36) The first man, earthy but the second the Lord from heaven. Yes, God did become our Saviour. (II Corinthians 5:19; Acts 20:28) Yes, the Lord did come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) I sincerely hope you are edified by these teachings.
If you do not understand the totality of the Acts 2:36-47 day of Pentecost message when those who gladly received His Word and were water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ received the Holy Ghost, please ask the Lord to reveal Himself and His abundant love for you as you read these particular scriptures.
Right now, the Lord wants so much to pour out His Spirit -- His abundant love -- His overwhelming mercy upon all flesh! Are we ready? Revelation 3:8-9 still stands, even when far too many churches within the modern day religious culture have turned their back on the truth.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6)
And later, as Peter (standing with the eleven clearly declared) -- this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ! (Acts 2:36) The first man, earthy but the second the Lord from heaven. Yes, God did become our Saviour. (II Corinthians 5:19; Acts 20:28) Yes, the Lord did come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) I sincerely hope you are edified by these teachings.
Writings by Jason Dulle below - the notes in square brackets added by me.
"The New Testament regularly makes a distinction between the Father and Son. Trinitarians interpret those distinctions personally, whereas Oneness adherents interpret them incarnationally. There are a few passages, however, in which plural personal pronouns (1 see footnote below) are used to refer to Jesus and the Father. Indeed, they come from the lips of Jesus Himself:
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My Word, and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and take up residence with him.” (John 14:23)
Jesus said, “I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in Me through their testimony, that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in Me and I am in You. I pray that they will be in us, so that the world will believe that You sent Me. The glory you gave to Me I have given to them, that they may be one just as we are One.” (John 17:11, 20-22)
Trinitarians argue that Jesus’ use of plural personal pronouns makes it clear that two persons are in view. How should a Oneness believer respond? Let’s look at each passage in order.
Regarding John 14:23: Undoubtedly, this is one of the most difficult passages to explain from a Oneness perspective. On the face of it, it sounds as if Jesus is saying two people will indwell the believer. How can this duality be understood from a Oneness perspective?
One possibility is that Jesus is referring to the Spirit of God and Christ’s human spirit dwelling us. But how could Christ’s human spirit indwell us since His human spirit is localized rather than omnipresent? Perhaps the hypostatic union would allow us to speak of Jesus’ human spirit indwelling us, but only in a very loose sense. I see no grounds, however, for thinking that Jesus meant for us to understand His indwelling of the believer in such a diluted manner.
The fact that these plural pronouns and verbs only appear on the lips of Jesus may offer a clue to the proper explanation. Jesus was self-conscious of His divine identity, so when He spoke of the Father coming to indwell the believer, He was cognitive of the fact that He was describing something that He Himself would do in His Spirit form, as Father. Given the fact that Jesus is the active agent who indwells believers, it would have been inappropriate for Jesus to exclude Himself from the act of indwelling.
And yet, since Jesus would not do so in His human mode of existence, it was only appropriate that He should speak of the Father indwelling believers as well. Jesus needed both to identify Himself as the active indwelling agent, and yet also specify the mode in which He would do so (as Spirit/Father). How else could Jesus have expressed both of these truths apart from the use of plural language? To make it clear that Jesus will personally indwell believers, and to make it clear that He would do so in His cosmic mode of existence, Jesus spoke of the indwelling of believers as something that both He and the Father do. By the conventions of language, Jesus is forced to use plural language.
Linguistic limitations even govern how Oneness believers speak of the Father and Son. When I want to speak of the Father and Son together using a personal pronoun, I am forced by linguistic conventions to use “them” and “they.” I do not thereby commit myself to believing the Father and Son are two divine persons. The same is true of Jesus. He used plural pronouns and verbs when referring to both modes of His existence simultaneously because linguistic conventions require the use of a plural pronoun in such a context. This linguistic restrain should not be invested with ontological significance such that the mere use of plural language commits Jesus to believing that He is a distinct person from the Father.
Plural pronouns are called for whenever we refer to two or more distinct entities together. Since there is a real distinction between God’s cosmic and human modes of existence, plural pronouns (2 see footnote below) must be used when referring to both modes of His existence together in a single sentence. The plurality in view, however, is not a plurality of persons, but a plurality of modes in which the one divine person exists.
A similar explanation applies to John 17:20-22. Unlike John 14:23, the problem here is not so much in understanding how the Father and Son could both be involved in some act X without being two persons, but in the fact that Jesus speaks to the Father as if the Father is a distinct person from Him – even using plural language when referring to Himself and the Father together.
Linguistic limitations and God’s dual mode of existence explain what is going on in John 17 only in part. What still needs to be accounted for is the obvious psychological distinction between Father and Son. Jesus is speaking to the Father as though the Father is “other,” and in other passages the Father even speaks back to the Son as though the Son is “other.” (3 see footnote below) Cementing this appearance of two persons is Jesus’ use of plural language “us” and “our.” How can this be explained given the Oneness view that God is uni-personal, and Jesus is the incarnation of that one personal God?
The human nature God assumed in the incarnation [when God was manifest in the flesh -- I Timothy 3:16] allowed Him to be conscious of Himself and to function in a fully human way, even psychologically. And yet God continued to function and be conscious of Himself in a fully divine way according to His divine nature transcendent to the incarnation in His cosmic mode of existence. There is, then, a genuine psychological distinction between Jesus and the Father. One person is conscious of Himself in two distinct ways, in two distinct modes of existence, because of His possession of two distinct natures. This psychological and modal distinction allows for genuine communication between Father and Son that, for all intents and purposes, is functionally equivalent to the communication of two distinct persons. Though the distinction between Father and Son is modal rather than personal, given the psychological distinction between God’s two modes of existence, we would expect for Jesus to use plural pronouns when speaking about both himself and the Father together.
What about singular pronouns?If plural pronouns and verbs used to describe the Father and Son imply that the Father and Son are two divine persons, then what should we make of singular pronouns used to describe the Father and Son? Consider the following passages:
"Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct [singular verb] our way to you." (1 Thessalonians 3:11 NET)
[From the KJV - "Now God Himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you." (I Thessalonians 3:11)]
"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved [singular participle] us and by grace gave [singular participle] us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage [singular verb] your hearts and strengthen [singular verb] you in every good thing you do or say. " (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NET)
[From the KJV -- " 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)]
Both Jesus and the Father are the subject in each passage, and yet the authors use singular verbs and participles to describe them. If we adopt the Trinitarian’s principle that the number of the pronoun/verb/participle carries ontological significance, then these passages should lead us to conclude that the Father and Son are the Same divine person. Since we come up with contradictory conclusions when we invest the number of a pronoun/verb/participle with ontological significance, we either need to abandon the notion that there is any ontological significance to the number of a pronoun/verb/participle (in which case the Trinitarian argument falls apart), or we need to decide which category of pronouns/verbs/participles carry ontological significance.
While I am open to abandoning the idea that the number of a pronoun/verb/participle tells us anything about the number of persons in the Godhead, if there is some ontological significance to be derived, I find the use of singular verbs/participles that have both the Father and Son as the subject to be more instructive.
Jesus’ use of plural pronouns and verbs to refer jointly to Himself and the Father can be explained by the constraints of language. We would expect for plural language to be used when referring to both modes of God’s existence, even if God is only one person. We would not expect, however, an author to violate the norms of language by using singular verbs/participles to describe a joint action of Father and Son if the Father and Son are two distinct persons. Doing so not only violates the rules of grammar, but unnecessarily gives the false impression that the Father and Son are one and the same person. There was no reason for Paul to use singular verbs/participles to describe actions involving both the Father and Son. The only reason to do so was because it reflected his belief that the Father and Son are One and the Same [person].
If there is any argument to be made from the number of a pronoun or verb, it is best made for the unipersonal nature of God. [The Holy Ghost -- the Comforter wherein Jesus said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee! Stand in the offering plate!]
(Footnotes)
1. I am referring to the part of speech in English. In Greek, it could be a plural pronoun or the plural form of a verb. 2. Given the fact that the Father and Son are personal in nature, it is only appropriate to use personal plural pronouns.
3. I have in mind passages such as Matthew 3:17 n which God says at Jesus’ baptism, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Father speaks of Jesus in the third person as though Jesus were someone other than the Father.
"The New Testament regularly makes a distinction between the Father and Son. Trinitarians interpret those distinctions personally, whereas Oneness adherents interpret them incarnationally. There are a few passages, however, in which plural personal pronouns (1 see footnote below) are used to refer to Jesus and the Father. Indeed, they come from the lips of Jesus Himself:
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My Word, and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and take up residence with him.” (John 14:23)
Jesus said, “I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in Me through their testimony, that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in Me and I am in You. I pray that they will be in us, so that the world will believe that You sent Me. The glory you gave to Me I have given to them, that they may be one just as we are One.” (John 17:11, 20-22)
Trinitarians argue that Jesus’ use of plural personal pronouns makes it clear that two persons are in view. How should a Oneness believer respond? Let’s look at each passage in order.
Regarding John 14:23: Undoubtedly, this is one of the most difficult passages to explain from a Oneness perspective. On the face of it, it sounds as if Jesus is saying two people will indwell the believer. How can this duality be understood from a Oneness perspective?
One possibility is that Jesus is referring to the Spirit of God and Christ’s human spirit dwelling us. But how could Christ’s human spirit indwell us since His human spirit is localized rather than omnipresent? Perhaps the hypostatic union would allow us to speak of Jesus’ human spirit indwelling us, but only in a very loose sense. I see no grounds, however, for thinking that Jesus meant for us to understand His indwelling of the believer in such a diluted manner.
The fact that these plural pronouns and verbs only appear on the lips of Jesus may offer a clue to the proper explanation. Jesus was self-conscious of His divine identity, so when He spoke of the Father coming to indwell the believer, He was cognitive of the fact that He was describing something that He Himself would do in His Spirit form, as Father. Given the fact that Jesus is the active agent who indwells believers, it would have been inappropriate for Jesus to exclude Himself from the act of indwelling.
And yet, since Jesus would not do so in His human mode of existence, it was only appropriate that He should speak of the Father indwelling believers as well. Jesus needed both to identify Himself as the active indwelling agent, and yet also specify the mode in which He would do so (as Spirit/Father). How else could Jesus have expressed both of these truths apart from the use of plural language? To make it clear that Jesus will personally indwell believers, and to make it clear that He would do so in His cosmic mode of existence, Jesus spoke of the indwelling of believers as something that both He and the Father do. By the conventions of language, Jesus is forced to use plural language.
Linguistic limitations even govern how Oneness believers speak of the Father and Son. When I want to speak of the Father and Son together using a personal pronoun, I am forced by linguistic conventions to use “them” and “they.” I do not thereby commit myself to believing the Father and Son are two divine persons. The same is true of Jesus. He used plural pronouns and verbs when referring to both modes of His existence simultaneously because linguistic conventions require the use of a plural pronoun in such a context. This linguistic restrain should not be invested with ontological significance such that the mere use of plural language commits Jesus to believing that He is a distinct person from the Father.
Plural pronouns are called for whenever we refer to two or more distinct entities together. Since there is a real distinction between God’s cosmic and human modes of existence, plural pronouns (2 see footnote below) must be used when referring to both modes of His existence together in a single sentence. The plurality in view, however, is not a plurality of persons, but a plurality of modes in which the one divine person exists.
A similar explanation applies to John 17:20-22. Unlike John 14:23, the problem here is not so much in understanding how the Father and Son could both be involved in some act X without being two persons, but in the fact that Jesus speaks to the Father as if the Father is a distinct person from Him – even using plural language when referring to Himself and the Father together.
Linguistic limitations and God’s dual mode of existence explain what is going on in John 17 only in part. What still needs to be accounted for is the obvious psychological distinction between Father and Son. Jesus is speaking to the Father as though the Father is “other,” and in other passages the Father even speaks back to the Son as though the Son is “other.” (3 see footnote below) Cementing this appearance of two persons is Jesus’ use of plural language “us” and “our.” How can this be explained given the Oneness view that God is uni-personal, and Jesus is the incarnation of that one personal God?
The human nature God assumed in the incarnation [when God was manifest in the flesh -- I Timothy 3:16] allowed Him to be conscious of Himself and to function in a fully human way, even psychologically. And yet God continued to function and be conscious of Himself in a fully divine way according to His divine nature transcendent to the incarnation in His cosmic mode of existence. There is, then, a genuine psychological distinction between Jesus and the Father. One person is conscious of Himself in two distinct ways, in two distinct modes of existence, because of His possession of two distinct natures. This psychological and modal distinction allows for genuine communication between Father and Son that, for all intents and purposes, is functionally equivalent to the communication of two distinct persons. Though the distinction between Father and Son is modal rather than personal, given the psychological distinction between God’s two modes of existence, we would expect for Jesus to use plural pronouns when speaking about both himself and the Father together.
What about singular pronouns?If plural pronouns and verbs used to describe the Father and Son imply that the Father and Son are two divine persons, then what should we make of singular pronouns used to describe the Father and Son? Consider the following passages:
"Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct [singular verb] our way to you." (1 Thessalonians 3:11 NET)
[From the KJV - "Now God Himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you." (I Thessalonians 3:11)]
"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved [singular participle] us and by grace gave [singular participle] us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage [singular verb] your hearts and strengthen [singular verb] you in every good thing you do or say. " (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NET)
[From the KJV -- " 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)]
Both Jesus and the Father are the subject in each passage, and yet the authors use singular verbs and participles to describe them. If we adopt the Trinitarian’s principle that the number of the pronoun/verb/participle carries ontological significance, then these passages should lead us to conclude that the Father and Son are the Same divine person. Since we come up with contradictory conclusions when we invest the number of a pronoun/verb/participle with ontological significance, we either need to abandon the notion that there is any ontological significance to the number of a pronoun/verb/participle (in which case the Trinitarian argument falls apart), or we need to decide which category of pronouns/verbs/participles carry ontological significance.
While I am open to abandoning the idea that the number of a pronoun/verb/participle tells us anything about the number of persons in the Godhead, if there is some ontological significance to be derived, I find the use of singular verbs/participles that have both the Father and Son as the subject to be more instructive.
Jesus’ use of plural pronouns and verbs to refer jointly to Himself and the Father can be explained by the constraints of language. We would expect for plural language to be used when referring to both modes of God’s existence, even if God is only one person. We would not expect, however, an author to violate the norms of language by using singular verbs/participles to describe a joint action of Father and Son if the Father and Son are two distinct persons. Doing so not only violates the rules of grammar, but unnecessarily gives the false impression that the Father and Son are one and the same person. There was no reason for Paul to use singular verbs/participles to describe actions involving both the Father and Son. The only reason to do so was because it reflected his belief that the Father and Son are One and the Same [person].
If there is any argument to be made from the number of a pronoun or verb, it is best made for the unipersonal nature of God. [The Holy Ghost -- the Comforter wherein Jesus said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee! Stand in the offering plate!]
(Footnotes)
1. I am referring to the part of speech in English. In Greek, it could be a plural pronoun or the plural form of a verb. 2. Given the fact that the Father and Son are personal in nature, it is only appropriate to use personal plural pronouns.
3. I have in mind passages such as Matthew 3:17 n which God says at Jesus’ baptism, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Father speaks of Jesus in the third person as though Jesus were someone other than the Father.
Are We Ready To Die For The Name of the Lord Jesus? This Is A Good Question - Part 2049
To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)
What did Jesus say? It is not Me that is doing the work but rather the Father who dwells within Me, He is doing the work! Even as a young child, we see Jesus saying, "I must be about My Father’s business." This same Jesus, later crucified on a cross -- He is both Lord and Christ! (Acts 2:36)
And the angel answered and said unto Mary, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
In various posts, we have endeavoured to express that the bones of the fetus of the Holy Spirit child were not to be broken inasmuch as the fetus was without sin. Similarly, the blood that indwelt the fetus was likewise exempt. For in the fetus veins, dwelt the life giving blood of God’s own holy Spirit. This is why the precious innocent blood was poured onto the earth, fulfilling all the scriptural prophecies.
Indeed, without the shedding of blood, there could be no remission of sin. The only remedial atoning blood was that holy undefiled blood of the Holy Ghost that was sacrificed freely, and yet, with agonizing torture, administered by the hands of fallen, unbelieving and religious fanatics. In their ignorance, and intent on crucifying the Lord of glory, the judicial system, at the conclusion of their proceeding had issued a verdict that stated, "I find no fault in Him."
The judge then proceeds to wash his hands as if soap and water were capable of removing him from any awareness of conscious guilt. Passing his authoritative power into the hands of a premeditative murderous multitude, who were more than willing to rid the earth of an alternative positive way of life, and, exposing their yokes of bondage. Being imposed by religious leaders upon men, the so-called shepherds feeding themselves, not caring for the sheep.
Today, the so-called shepherds, responsible for administering the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ are still fleecing the flock. Unfortunately, the sheep seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are being milked into poverty. That is the reason the Lord Himself carries us into His sheepfold. We were totally lost, and how! But He found us and gave to us the gift of eternal life. It is up to us to accept His free gift of salvation that God Himself has so graciously provided.
How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?
This salvation, being purchased not with silver or gold, but rather by one who is called the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood poured forth from the veins of the holy Spirit on earth. In this case, the earth being the womb of mankind. This redemptive blood is the remedy for all sin, offered freely to everyone, including those sinning willfully in ignorance.
It is for this reason that whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The "whosoever" can receive redemption now! What is the name of the Lord? The Name of JESUS. You will recall that the angel of the Lord declared that the child’s name was to be JESUS.
"For He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) The Name of JESUS that is above every other name in heaven and on earth. (Philippians 2:9) The ONLY name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Many descriptive title names have been advanced as if they were actual names. Such is not the case, because the are not names but rather descriptive titles. In this context, it does not matter how beautifully rendered they may be, they are still not names.
Jacob of old wrestled all night with an angel. In so doing, Jacob was determined to obtain the angel's name. He stated, "I will not let you go until you bless me. Tell me your name." If one is desirous to be blessed from the top of your head to the soles of your feet, I urge you to embrace the Name of Jesus. Your heart will burn within you as He talks to you and guides you into the path of righteousness.
The Lord of Glory's name is JESUS! (Acts 2:36) He introduced Himself as being JESUS. The early believers went everywhere preaching JESUS. Unlike today. where YHWH with its inserted vowels are advanced as being God’s so called name, whereas in fact it is nothing other than the incommunicable name of a Hebrew God. If it be incommunicable, then why are so many running everywhere endeavouring to communicate that which is inconceivable. This is a good question!
Nevertheless, peace be in Jesus name! Stand in the offering plate.
What did Jesus say? It is not Me that is doing the work but rather the Father who dwells within Me, He is doing the work! Even as a young child, we see Jesus saying, "I must be about My Father’s business." This same Jesus, later crucified on a cross -- He is both Lord and Christ! (Acts 2:36)
And the angel answered and said unto Mary, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
In various posts, we have endeavoured to express that the bones of the fetus of the Holy Spirit child were not to be broken inasmuch as the fetus was without sin. Similarly, the blood that indwelt the fetus was likewise exempt. For in the fetus veins, dwelt the life giving blood of God’s own holy Spirit. This is why the precious innocent blood was poured onto the earth, fulfilling all the scriptural prophecies.
Indeed, without the shedding of blood, there could be no remission of sin. The only remedial atoning blood was that holy undefiled blood of the Holy Ghost that was sacrificed freely, and yet, with agonizing torture, administered by the hands of fallen, unbelieving and religious fanatics. In their ignorance, and intent on crucifying the Lord of glory, the judicial system, at the conclusion of their proceeding had issued a verdict that stated, "I find no fault in Him."
The judge then proceeds to wash his hands as if soap and water were capable of removing him from any awareness of conscious guilt. Passing his authoritative power into the hands of a premeditative murderous multitude, who were more than willing to rid the earth of an alternative positive way of life, and, exposing their yokes of bondage. Being imposed by religious leaders upon men, the so-called shepherds feeding themselves, not caring for the sheep.
Today, the so-called shepherds, responsible for administering the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ are still fleecing the flock. Unfortunately, the sheep seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are being milked into poverty. That is the reason the Lord Himself carries us into His sheepfold. We were totally lost, and how! But He found us and gave to us the gift of eternal life. It is up to us to accept His free gift of salvation that God Himself has so graciously provided.
How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?
This salvation, being purchased not with silver or gold, but rather by one who is called the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood poured forth from the veins of the holy Spirit on earth. In this case, the earth being the womb of mankind. This redemptive blood is the remedy for all sin, offered freely to everyone, including those sinning willfully in ignorance.
It is for this reason that whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The "whosoever" can receive redemption now! What is the name of the Lord? The Name of JESUS. You will recall that the angel of the Lord declared that the child’s name was to be JESUS.
"For He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) The Name of JESUS that is above every other name in heaven and on earth. (Philippians 2:9) The ONLY name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Many descriptive title names have been advanced as if they were actual names. Such is not the case, because the are not names but rather descriptive titles. In this context, it does not matter how beautifully rendered they may be, they are still not names.
Jacob of old wrestled all night with an angel. In so doing, Jacob was determined to obtain the angel's name. He stated, "I will not let you go until you bless me. Tell me your name." If one is desirous to be blessed from the top of your head to the soles of your feet, I urge you to embrace the Name of Jesus. Your heart will burn within you as He talks to you and guides you into the path of righteousness.
The Lord of Glory's name is JESUS! (Acts 2:36) He introduced Himself as being JESUS. The early believers went everywhere preaching JESUS. Unlike today. where YHWH with its inserted vowels are advanced as being God’s so called name, whereas in fact it is nothing other than the incommunicable name of a Hebrew God. If it be incommunicable, then why are so many running everywhere endeavouring to communicate that which is inconceivable. This is a good question!
Nevertheless, peace be in Jesus name! Stand in the offering plate.
In That Day, We Shall Know That This Jesus Whom Ye Have Crucified Is Both Lord And Christ - Part 2048
"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of supplications and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn ... In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. And it shall come to pass in that day," saith the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 13:1-2; Joel 2:28-29)
"Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:7-8)
He did not send another to pay the price for our sins. Rather, He came Himself -- willingly -- a plan that He decided when the world was still without form! To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. (II Corinthians 5:19) Why? "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour!" (I Timothy 2:3)
"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)
"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 9:14)
" ... looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!" (Titus 2:13)
"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 9:14)
Sadly, we have forgotten that the Lord God Himself purchased us with His own blood. That He, God Himself -- the same God who created this world in the beginning -- He came forth as a mighty man to save us from our sins. (Isaiah 42:13) That 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)
How do we know? Because "he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knows that he saith true, that ye might believe." (John 19:35)
But because we have allowed a modern day religious culture to reduce God's free gift of salvation to us (but extremely cost to Him) to a false trinity, a false triad god -- and not God Himself clothed in flesh as a Son, we have missed the very understanding that comes from knowing personally this same One God who was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13)
And now He is no longer with us, as Jesus said, but dwelling within -- the Spirit of grace and of supplications -- the Holy Ghost. The One and Same Comforter in which Jesus (after He was taken up, THROUGH the Holy Ghost giving commandments to the disciples whom He had chosen) dwells now within us. (Acts 1:2-3)
Think about the religious lies you have been told. Can a man well within another man? And yet that same Jesus who is both Lord and Christ who was with the disciples and told them He would dwell within their temples inhabits His people. God came to this world as a Son so that the devil would not know who He was, until that precious price for our sins was paid. Yet, who has fallen for the lie? Us, and we have done so even when the Word Himself saith the devil knows there is ONE GOD and shudders.
What have we done to the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? We need to stop believing the lies that the religious culture propagates and understand that Jesus is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth, and the ONLY life, and that he who hath seen Jesus hath seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) And He -- Jesus -- is coming back very soon to rescue His people. Not as a man because again the scripture saith, we will be like Him.
"Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:7-8)
Then saith He [Jesus] to Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it into my] side: and be not faithless, but believing." And Thomas answered and said unto Him, " ... my Lord and my God." Jesus saith unto him, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:27-29)
On that cross, when the earth shook and the sky was darkened was our Lord God and Saviour calling us unto Him -- before the Ghost was given up so that His fleshly body -- His humanity could die. We need to understand who we see when we look upon Him whom they pierced. We need to understand who wore that crown of thorns so that our hearts could find abundant life in His mercy and grace.
On that cross, when the earth shook and the sky was darkened was our Lord God and Saviour calling us unto Him -- before the Ghost was given up so that His fleshly body -- His humanity could die. We need to understand who we see when we look upon Him whom they pierced. We need to understand who wore that crown of thorns so that our hearts could find abundant life in His mercy and grace.
"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, "It is finished!" and He bowed His head, and gave up the Ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they brake not His legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, "A bone of Him shall not be broken." And again another scripture saith, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (John 19:30-37)
And He said unto me, "It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely ... he that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son." (Revelation 21:6-7)
Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they brake not His legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, "A bone of Him shall not be broken." And again another scripture saith, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (John 19:30-37)
And He said unto me, "It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely ... he that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son." (Revelation 21:6-7)
"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you." (Ezekiel 36:25)
Come out from among them, Jesus said, so that ye do not suffer her plagues. Before the cross, the disciples knew Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. After the cross, these same disciples knew that this same Jesus is both Lord and Christ. Now that is love, that the Good Shepherd would lay down His life for His sheep, even whilst we were still His enemies. Make Him -- our Lord God and Saviour -- both Lord and Christ in your heart today!
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His Name." (John 20:30-31)
Stand in the offering plate.
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His Name." (John 20:30-31)
Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
O Earth, Earth, Earth, Hear The Word Of The Lord! Speak The Word Faithfully! - Part 2047
"For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard His Word? Who hath marked His Word, and heard?" (Jeremiah 23:18)
Continuing from the previous blog, please read and understand prophecy -- as it points to false prophets and teachers in Jeremiah 23. In the last blog, we pointed specifically to the spiritual gifts freely given of the Holy Ghost, the prophecies of Joel, and our faith journey. Herein, this day, we will learn of our Lord God and Saviour -- "The Lord Our Righteousness" -- and how He shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and justice in the earth. Given the many signs that are coming to pass, the time of the Lord coming for His people is not that far away.
Please, please, please, if you have not asked Jesus to become your Lord God and Saviour in your heart, now is the time. Do not forsake everlasting life for anything this world has to offer. The Lord Jesus has a calling and purpose in your life, and when He is at the reign, it is amazing how so many things fall into place. Like the puzzle that was missing a single piece is now complete.
Remember too that in this current dispensation of grace, there is only ONE NAME whereby we must be saved. There is ONLY ONE NAME that is above every other name. That is, the precious holy Name of JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Matthew 1:21-23; II Corinthians 5:17-19; Isaiah 9:6) Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8) Give Him all the honour and glory and praise forever and ever amen.
The Lord's teaching about FALSE prophets and pastors and teachers from Jeremiah 23:1-40 -- as it is written:
"Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!" saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed My people; "Ye have scattered My flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings," saith the Lord.
"And I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking," saith the Lord.
"Behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, "The Lord our Righteousness."
Therefore, behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "that they shall no more say, "The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;" but, "The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land."
"Mine heart within Me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the Lord, and because of the words of His holiness. For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourns; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right. For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in My house have I found their wickedness," saith the Lord.
"Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation," saith the Lord. "And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused My people Israel to err.
I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah." Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets; ?Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land."
Thus saith the Lord of hosts, "Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise Me, "The Lord hath said, ?Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, no evil shall come upon you.
For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard His Word? who hath marked His Word, and heard it? "Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord shall not return,
until He have executed, and till He have performed the thoughts of His heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.
"I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. Am I a God at hand," saith the Lord, "and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him?" saith the Lord.
"Do not I fill heaven and earth?" saith the Lord. I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in My Name, saying, "I have dreamed, I have dreamed." "How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; which think to cause My people to forget My Name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten My Name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath My Word, let him speak My Word faithfully.
"What is the chaff to the wheat?" saith the Lord. "Is not My Word like as a fire? " saith the Lord; "and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets," saith the Lord, "that steal My words every one from his neighbour."
Continuing from the previous blog, please read and understand prophecy -- as it points to false prophets and teachers in Jeremiah 23. In the last blog, we pointed specifically to the spiritual gifts freely given of the Holy Ghost, the prophecies of Joel, and our faith journey. Herein, this day, we will learn of our Lord God and Saviour -- "The Lord Our Righteousness" -- and how He shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and justice in the earth. Given the many signs that are coming to pass, the time of the Lord coming for His people is not that far away.
Please, please, please, if you have not asked Jesus to become your Lord God and Saviour in your heart, now is the time. Do not forsake everlasting life for anything this world has to offer. The Lord Jesus has a calling and purpose in your life, and when He is at the reign, it is amazing how so many things fall into place. Like the puzzle that was missing a single piece is now complete.
Remember too that in this current dispensation of grace, there is only ONE NAME whereby we must be saved. There is ONLY ONE NAME that is above every other name. That is, the precious holy Name of JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Matthew 1:21-23; II Corinthians 5:17-19; Isaiah 9:6) Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8) Give Him all the honour and glory and praise forever and ever amen.
The Lord's teaching about FALSE prophets and pastors and teachers from Jeremiah 23:1-40 -- as it is written:
"Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!" saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed My people; "Ye have scattered My flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings," saith the Lord.
"And I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking," saith the Lord.
"Behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, "The Lord our Righteousness."
Therefore, behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "that they shall no more say, "The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;" but, "The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land."
"Mine heart within Me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the Lord, and because of the words of His holiness. For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourns; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right. For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in My house have I found their wickedness," saith the Lord.
"Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation," saith the Lord. "And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused My people Israel to err.
I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah." Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets; ?Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land."
Thus saith the Lord of hosts, "Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise Me, "The Lord hath said, ?Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, no evil shall come upon you.
For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard His Word? who hath marked His Word, and heard it? "Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord shall not return,
until He have executed, and till He have performed the thoughts of His heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.
"I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. Am I a God at hand," saith the Lord, "and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him?" saith the Lord.
"Do not I fill heaven and earth?" saith the Lord. I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in My Name, saying, "I have dreamed, I have dreamed." "How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; which think to cause My people to forget My Name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten My Name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath My Word, let him speak My Word faithfully.
"What is the chaff to the wheat?" saith the Lord. "Is not My Word like as a fire? " saith the Lord; "and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets," saith the Lord, "that steal My words every one from his neighbour."
"Behold, I am against the prophets," saith the Lord, "that use their tongues, and say, "He saith." Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams," saith the Lord, "and do tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all," saith the Lord.
"And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, "What is the burden of the Lord? thou shalt then say unto them, "What burden?" I will even forsake you," saith the Lord. "And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, "The burden of the Lord, I will even punish that man and his house. Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, "What hath the Lord answered?" and, "What hath the Lord spoken?"
"And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God. Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, "What hath the Lord answered thee?" and, "What hath the Lord spoken?" But since ye say, "The burden of the Lord" -- therefore thus saith the Lord; "Because ye say this Word, the burden of the Lord, and I have sent unto you, saying, "Ye shall not say, The burden of the Lord; therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of My presence: and I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten." (Jeremiah 23:1-40)
Do not be deceived. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. Let those with eyes to see, and ears to hear, both see and hear, knowing that the Lord God Almighty loved us so much that He robed Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) so that we could have abundant and everlasting life in Him. Yes, His Name is JESUS in this current dispensation of grace -- The Lord of Righteousness -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; I Timothy 3:16)
Stand in the offering plate.
"And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, "What is the burden of the Lord? thou shalt then say unto them, "What burden?" I will even forsake you," saith the Lord. "And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, "The burden of the Lord, I will even punish that man and his house. Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, "What hath the Lord answered?" and, "What hath the Lord spoken?"
"And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God. Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, "What hath the Lord answered thee?" and, "What hath the Lord spoken?" But since ye say, "The burden of the Lord" -- therefore thus saith the Lord; "Because ye say this Word, the burden of the Lord, and I have sent unto you, saying, "Ye shall not say, The burden of the Lord; therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of My presence: and I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten." (Jeremiah 23:1-40)
Do not be deceived. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. Let those with eyes to see, and ears to hear, both see and hear, knowing that the Lord God Almighty loved us so much that He robed Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) so that we could have abundant and everlasting life in Him. Yes, His Name is JESUS in this current dispensation of grace -- The Lord of Righteousness -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; I Timothy 3:16)
Stand in the offering plate.
Be Strong In The Grace That Is In Christ Jesus; Desire Spiritual Gifts - Part 2046
"For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” (Acts 1:5)
Thus, when Jesus was taken up for the last time, the disciples (all 120 of them) continued in the upper room -- in one accord, in prayer and supplication -- tarrying in Jerusalem waiting for the promise of the Father "which," Jesus said, "ye have heard of Me!" (Acts 1:4, 14) The Comforter which would lead and guide those who believe into all truth.
When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rising mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-15)
We know from the scriptures that this was not just a random one-time occurrence. Indeed, the prophet Joel prophesied in advance of this particular time to come.
"And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:17-21; Joel 2:28-32)
There are other instances too wherein the Lord poured out His Spirit upon those who believed. For example, "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 10:45) There is the man who had four daughters who prophesied. (Acts 21:9) On numerous occasions, the apostles laid hands on people and they were healed, the demons cast out, and the people's hearts and lives restored. We know too that when Peter's shadow fell upon the sick, the Lord healed them.
We also know of John the baptizer's father Zacharias -- filled with the Holy Ghost -- who prophesied, saying "Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; as He spake by the mount of His holy prophets which have been since the world began ..." (Luke 1:67-70; Psalms 132:17; Romans 1:2; Acts 3:21)
Even before the angel of the Lord announced His Name was to be called JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins, the prophets of old looked forward to the time when grace should come unto His people. As Peter wrote, "... 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 1:9-11)
The day of Pentecost was the turning point, the beginning of the New Testament church, wherein the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit are given His gift of salvation, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
To what, you ask? 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. (I Peter 1:1-5)
When? As the scripture saith, "by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven ... that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 1:12-13) You see, when we repent (and come to the realization that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ) and are then water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38) The Spirit of the risen/resurrected Jesus now dwells in our hearts. As Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you!"
Thus, we are not redeemed with corruptible things (as silver and gold) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. Our souls now purified in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren. It is here that we begin to understand how we become functioning members of the body of Christ church. Jesus is the Head of the church, the chief cornerstone.
As for us -- "being born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible -- by the Word of God which lives and abides forever." (I Peter 1:23)
But there is more to spiritual gifts. First, Apostle Paul would not have us ignorant of our calling, and our need as believers for spiritual gifts. (I Corinthians 12:1-4)
As Paul relates, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (I Corinthians 12:1-4)
Note that Paul also clarified -- "I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." (I Corinthians 14:5)
In another place, when twelve men were water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus, "Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19:6)
Surprisingly, we learn from similar accounts in the Old Testament.
"And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints ..." (Jude 1:14)
"And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp." (Numbers 11:25-26)
"Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the Name of the God of Israel, even unto them." (Ezra 5:1)
Some include unforgettable encounters. One such example can be found in II Chronicles 18:7, 9, 11; II Chronicles 20:37):
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, "There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same [is] Micaiah the son of Imla." And Jehoshaphat said, "Let not the king say so."
And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, "Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king."
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the Lord hath broken thy works." And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish." (II Chronicles 20:37)
And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, "Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king."
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the Lord hath broken thy works." And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish." (II Chronicles 20:37)
There is another message that the Lord saith against false prophets, which we will look at in the next blog.
For now, know that the Lord gives us a heart to know Him -- "that I am Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return unto Me with their whole heart." (Jeremiah 24:7)
This is the promise that was given from before the foundation of the world. Stand in the offering plate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)