Knowing That A Man Is Not Justified By The Works Of The Law, But By The Faith Of Jesus Christ - Part 2087

"And I will give him the morning star." (Revelation 2:28)

"I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." (Revelation 22:16)

" ... who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of [His] person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:3)

Who is He then -- who after purging Himself for our sins -- sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high? The Great I AM. How do we know? Because Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)  If Jesus had only been 33 years of age, as the modern day religious culture suggests, then how could He have been before Abraham was? 

Still, this was not the only time Jesus refers to I AM. In John 6, Jesus declares, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life! No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) Jesus then goes onto tell His disciples that if they had seen Jesus, they had seen the Father. Of course, Philip struggles with Jesus' identity, and asks how this can be? From John 14:

"Thomas saith unto Him, "Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the Way?" Jesus saith unto him, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:5-8)

So, then Philip saith unto Jesus, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffices us." Jesus saith unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believes thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, he doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. (John 14:9-11)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you -- he that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. f ye shall ask any thing in My Name, I will do [it]." (John 14:12-15)

Jesus then goes on to say: "If ye love Me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you ...

Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I AM in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love Him, and will manifest myself to Him." (John 14:16-21)

Still, Jesus is not finished yet. Indeed, there is so much more to say. Herein, Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto Him, "Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loves Me not keeps not My sayings: and the Word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being [yet] present with you. But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:22-26)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, "I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence." (John 14:27-31)

The Holy Ghost -- the Comforter, which as we know, Jesus after He was taken up, He -- Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. The same Holy Ghost which overshadowed Mary so she could bring forth a son. In essence, the Holy Ghost fathered the son that came forth, and here, Jesus is telling the apostles that He must first go away before coming again. 

Why? Because God's plan of salvation was unfolding, when He Himself became our Saviour. God manifest in the flesh. His Name shalt be called Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins, Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us.

This great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken of by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him. At the same time, God willingly confirmed this witness with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of His holy Spirit.

Remember that the law was added 430 years AFTER the promise was given? Therefore, the law cannot undo the promise. Neither can the law cannot be tagged on to the promise. Those first 300 years of the gospel, sent the fallen angels into a tailspin. Indeed, if one were to use a cliche, you could say that the cat was out the bag. It required immediate damage control, and spin artists working tirelessly 24/7 to stop the leaks. It took 300 years before they had established a foothold. It took 300 years before satan could transform himself into a messenger of light, replacing the head of the church with an impostor asserting infallibility. 

These so called church authorities in turn sat down and hammered out their own version of the gospel. They introduced to the then generation that God was three distinct and separate persons -- all in one. In fact, their fabricated gospel was so entrenched that woe to them who dared to contradict their darkened minds. The decline in the gospel message was swift. From light into darkness -- at the flip of a switch. From a primitive church exposing demonic practices to the establishment of another gospel, totally adverse to the gospel which had been personally delivered by the Lord.

The good news gospel message as proclaimed to the world, in which He Himself was more than willing to die, so that we -- His beloved creation -- could be redeemed in Him. This is one reason we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith stand fast in the liberty that was given to us by the Lord. As it is written, "I marvel that you are so soon removed from the gospel which was delivered to you. Why are you so soon shaken from it?" The God in Christ meant what He said and said what He meant. This promise of God is not a slippery slope. It is impossible for God to lie. God wants to speak to us. As such, we need to listen.

In Hebrews 6:13, God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater. Therefore, He swore by Himself, saying, surely with My blessing I will bless you. In multiplying, I will multiply you. Verse 16 of the same chapter reads that men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end to all strife. God, willing to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath. These two immutable characteristics include (1) it is impossible for God to lie and (2 ) we have a strong consolation that we who have fled for refuge, laying hold upon the hope set before us, the hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, will enter into that within the veil.

Jesus our one and only high priest forever. After the Order of Melchisedec. Not like other priests, or imposters who ought to confess their sin, their folly and error to the One who alone can forgive sin. They ought to know better. The only one that can forgive sin is Jesus. He is the Word of the oath which existed before the law. He is the Word which brought forth the seed of promise, the son of the Holy Spirit and the one who is consecrated for evermore. For if we confess our sins to Him, who alone is the High priest, our sins will be forgiven. Jesus is more than willing to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

It is for this reason that Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice -- for you and I -- so that we can have His hope and oil of gladness in our hearts. Yes, the gospel provided a way for men and women to go directly to the throne of grace. Peace to all who are in Jesus. 

Stand in the offering plate.

And Thou Shalt Have Joy And Gladness; And Many Shall Rejoice At His Birth - Part 2086

"Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." (Acts 14:17)

It came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews wanted nothing to do with the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, having made their minds evil against the brethren. Thus, in this frame of mind, the unbelieving Jews set out to stir up the Gentiles. (Acts 14:1-2)

"Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the Word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use [them] despitefully, and to stone them, they were ware of [it], and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lies round about: and there they preached the gospel." (Acts 14:3-7)

There sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked before. This same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on thy feet." And he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, "The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." (Acts 14:8-11)

But the message from the apostles was that God Himself had come down in the likeness of men to bring us salvation. To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:17) God manifest in the flesh, and dwelling among us, leaving His own salvation message as a witness, confirming that He was in the world and the world was made by Him even though the world knew Him not. "He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) 

Still, herein, the people thought Paul was one of multiple gods who had come from heaven, with the power to heal. But as we know, God is One Lord, who willingly became our Saviour, and He (as repeatedly stated through the prophet Isaiah) does not share His glory with another. God became our Saviour, so that we might have abundant life and gladness in Him.

In fact, the Lord God saith, "I, even I, [AM] the Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11)

"Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me." (Isaiah 45:21)

"Yet I [AM] the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for there is no saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)

" ... the God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; thou savest me from violence." (II Samuel 22:3)

" ... and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47)

Of course, even the unbelieving Jews should have understood that God is One, because throughout the scriptures, we are informed that "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" (Hebrews 10:7; Psalms 40:7; Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31; Revelation 1:8; I Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13)

Nevertheless, apostle Paul knew in whom he served, and was not about to waver in his faith because others worshipped multiple gods. No, indeed, Paul and the others were going to declare this One and Only true God who loved us beyond measure, enough to come in the likeness of men -- fulfilling His own redemption plan that was from the very beginning of the world. But I digress somewhat.

So, what happens next? They called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. [Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, "Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." (Acts 14:12-17)

Yes, that we should turn to the living God who not only created this world, and all things within, but clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet always without sin) to bring us His free gift of salvation. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)

So, with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the Word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: and thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples. (Acts 14:18-28)

This is why the scripture reminds us often that whosoever -- "when they have heard the Word, [can] immediately receive it with gladness ..." (Mark 4:16)

This is also why we "receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation ..."  because the Lord has a plan for us, as we see in the words of the prophet Jeremiah, who speaks about the coming end of the age, as we know it. (Philippians 2:29)

Because we know in whom we believe, and nothing is hid from them whose hearts are focused on His goodness and grace and mercy. Yes, His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins.

For thus saith the Lord, "Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Lord, save thy people, the remnant of Israel." (Jeremiah 31:7)

" ... the voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, "Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for His mercy endures forever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first," saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 33:11)

"For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; "Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride." (Jeremiah 16:9)

We have a hope and it is not in gods that have come down from the heavens but rather, in the One God, the Living God, the Comforter who leads us into all truth, establishing our steps in the day to day -- He is the Bread of life, He is the Light of the world, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords - Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. 

And although I am not personally in favour of renting our clothes to make a point, it shows how far we in this current society have ventured from willingly sharing the good news gospel message that the Lord has placed in our hearts -- to one and all -- regardless of the costs to us personally. Pulling people from the fire, as apostle Paul once wrote. 

Lots to consider this day. Most of all, let our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ fill your very being with His joy and gladness and rejoice -- as did the apostles -- even in times of tribulation. Think on these things this day.

Stand in the offering plate.

Hear Ye Every Man In Our Own Tongue, Speaking The Wonderful Works of God - Part 2085

"Light is sown for the righteous,and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness." (Psalm 97:11-12)

"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart ..." (Acts 2:46)

In Acts, chapter 2, we see the events that transpired at the tower of Babel in the Old Testament (wherein confusion of man’s tongue into various languages was introduced) now reversed.  Even though the scenario reversal was only temporary, God used language to purposely retarded man’s purpose. 

You will recall that man’s agenda, at the tower of Babel, was to build a tower that reached high into the Heavens. The fallen angels were homesick and their entrance visa into heaven had been cancelled  because of their collective terrorist activities and destruction. As a consequence, the most that they could do was to hopefully peer into the Heavens. But God would not allow that to happen, as stated in the Old Testament scriptures.

In the New Testament, however, the multitudes that gathered together at Jerusalem, according to Acts 2, were able to witness God's spin on the tower of Babel. Indeed, something strange to their eyes and ears occurred, one that was possibly as equally strange as the previous Babel event. That is, men who had previously been conversing with one another in normal everyday language suddenly entered into a state of total confusion.

"And 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 rushing 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 2:1-4)

In the midst, observers looking on thought they had possibly lost it, and may have even been drunk.  As the scriptures record, "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" (Acts 2:5-8)

These included men from Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians.

What these observers heard was them speaking "in our tongues the wonderful works of God." And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, "What meaneth this?" Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine." But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, "Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel:

"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 the 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 2:5-21)

But the good news gospel message does not end there. I Corinthians 12, for example, effectively links the correlation and purpose together. Here, Peter standing with the eleven apostles noted that the Lord had given to Peter (and the others) the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Also note that it was Peter who preached God’s reconciliatory words of truth to this initially Jewish audience, and then later in Acts 10, presented the same reconciliatory gospel to the Gentiles. It is this preaching of the gospel that opens the door to Heaven thereby allowing the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Christ to shine into individual’s believing hearts.

It is at this point that we are introduced to the first message preached by the Spirit of God through the mouths of His newborn adopted sons and daughters. Recall that Jesus, after He ascended on high still, through the Holy Ghost directed His apostles whom He had chosen.  (Acts 1:2-3) God was still in charge. God's plan of salvation was still unfolding. Acts chapter 2:14-36 expands upon this message, providing further detail into the events that had transpired. This might be a good time to refresh yourself in these scriptures before proceeding.

Indeed, the scriptures state, “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has declared that this same Jesus, whom you crucified, is both Lord and the Christ “ In the next scripture, "The people, hearing this holy Spirit -- Holy Ghost -- delivery and confirmation of these aforementioned things were pricked in their heart." Asking Peter and the other apostles, the people "What shall we do?" It is obvious that these people were between a rock and a hard place.

Heaven presented this first message, a message that was delivered personally by the administrator of the new covenant. This New Covenant, in case you wondered, is none other than the Spirit of Jesus, who had said prophetically through Joel the prophet, that God would pour out His spirit upon all flesh. But that is not all. This pouring out of His Spirit upon all flesh would cause your sons and your daughters to prophesy as well.

Perhaps, at this point, each one of us should take some time to meditate on this holy Spirit message, remembering that as God said in Acts 15, He would build again the tabernacle of David which had fallen down,  replacing the formerly destroyed temple with living stones. Undoubtedly, as revealed here, God is building a triumphant building. Not a building made with brick and mortar.

This is the temple in which His Spirit is pleased to dwell. Peace to all in Jesus.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "If Ye Seek, Ye Shall Find" The Treasures Of The Heart - Part 2084

"Now upon the first [day] of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus." (Luke 24:1-3)

"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men." (Matthew 28:1-4)

"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, "Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?" And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great." (Mark 16:1-4)

"The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and see the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runs, and comes to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid Him." (John 20:1-3)

If you read just one of the gospels, and not the accounts of the three other witnesses, you would only have received a partial glimpse of the resurrection event, wherein the women went to the tomb with spices. However, two points that are consistent throughout is that first, Jesus is no longer in the tomb, and second, that He rose from the dead before the women arrived on the first day of the week. 

Who were the women? Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. Most have heard of Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James but Salome? Upon further investigation, we learn that Salome was one of the women looking upon Jesus on the cross, albeit from afar off. Indeed, as the scripture states, "There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; (who also, when He was in Galilee, followed Him, and ministered unto Him;) and many other women which came up with Him unto Jerusalem." (Mark 15:40)

In another scripture, Joanna, the wife of Chuza Herod's steward is mentioned. For clarity, "and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance." (Luke 8:3) "It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles." (Luke 24:10)

What happens next?  The women, upon entering into the sepulchre, saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were frightened. But he saith unto them, "Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him. But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you." And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any [man]; for they were afraid." (Mark 16:5-8)

In Matthew's account, we learn that the angel said unto the women, "Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you." And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word.

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "All hail" or "rejoice!" And the women came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, "Be not afraid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me." (Matthew 28:1-9)

Luke describes what happened this way: "And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, "The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." And they remembered His words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. 

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. But to the apostles, the women's words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass." (Luke 24:4-12)

From Mark's account: "Now when Jesus was risen early the first [day] of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that [Jesus] appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told [it] unto the residue: neither believed they them. Afterward [Jesus] appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen." (Mark 16:9-14)

By now, we know that Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled because Judas had already betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This meant the twelve who had followed Jesus in the day to day for more than three years were now eleven. We also understand that these had closed themselves inside a house (indeed, locking the doors) because of the persecution against those who walked with Jesus. Let's not forget what happened when the disciples started to believe all the accounts -- from the women and the two that Jesus met on the road to Emmaus.

"Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and [looking in], saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then comes Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeing two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, "Woman, why weepest thou?" She saith unto them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus saith unto her, "Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, "Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus saith unto her, "Mary." She turned herself, and saith unto Him, "Rabboni; which is to say, Master."

Jesus saith unto her, "Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, "I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and [to] My God, and your God." Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] He had spoken these things unto her.

Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you." And when He had so said, He shewed unto them [His] hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Then said Jesus to them again, "Peace [be] unto you: as [My] Father hath sent Me, even so send I you." And when He had said this, He breathed on [them], and saith unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:3-23)

"Afterward, He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen. And He said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; "In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen." (Mark 16:14-20)

But the resurrection evidence does not end there. In Luke's account, we learn how the scriptures should burn within us -- filling us with His joy and gladness, that we too can know this same Lord Jesus who death could not keep captive. And it is herein, that we can assuredly know that 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. That the Lord God Himself was manifest in the flesh -- Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us -- so that He clothed as a Son could freely offer to us His free gift (but more than costly to Him) -- salvation -- for He shall deliver His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 1:8; John 1:1-18; Isaiah 9:6) But I digress somewhat.

"And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. 

And He said unto them, "What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?" And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto Him, "Art Thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?" And He said unto them, "What things?" And they said unto Him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him ... we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; and when they found not His body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that He was alive. 

And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but Him they saw not. Then He said unto them, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" 

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and He made as though He would have gone further. But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight. 

And they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?" 

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon." And they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread. [Remember, Jesus had earlier said, "I AM the Bread of Life!"]

Thus, as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you." But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a Spirit. And He said unto them, "Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a Spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have."

And when He had thus spoken, He shewed them His hands and His feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, "Have ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took it, and did eat before them. And He said unto them, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me." 

Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:1-53)

Where do we go from here? Straight into Acts, wherein we know and should understand that this SAME JESUS who was crucified was taken up, and now through the Holy Ghost gives commandments to those He has chosen. 

"Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God ... " (Acts 1:2-3)

Think on these things and understand too that Jesus is alive, and He wants to dwell within your heart as well. Search the scriptures for yourself so that you too will seek and as Jesus said, "Ye shall find!"

Stand in the offering plate.

O Lord our God, But By Thee Only Will We Make Mention Of Thy Name. - Part 2083

"And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered Me, nor laid [it] to thy heart? Have not I held My peace even of old, and thou fear Me not?" (Isaiah 57:11)

"Help, Lord; for the God-ly man ceases; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things: who have said, "With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is Lord over us?"

In another place, the psalmist asks the Lord directly -- "Why stand Thou afar off, O Lord? Why hide Thou Thyself in times of trouble? The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and blesses the covetous, whom the Lord abhors. The wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God. Indeed, God is not in all his thoughts.

Thus, his ways are always grievous, and his judgments are far from above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffs, and as we know from our society around us, he hath said in his heart, "I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity." And yet, his mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. 

And he sits in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent; his eyes are privily set against the poor. Likewise, he lies in with secretly as a lion in his den; he lies in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draws him into his net; he crouches and humbles himself that the poor may fall by his strong ones. And as the scriptures state, "he hath said in his heart, God has forgotten: He hides His face, He will never see." (Psalm 10:1-10)

But as we know, the eyes of the Lord searches the entire earth, looking for hearts who are focused on Him, displaying the same mercy and grace as He has toward others. From the very beginning, the Lord is King forever and ever, and He hears the desire of the humble who prepare their heart. It is in this context that God had to become our Saviour, so that the fatherless and the oppressed would be set free, and to heal the broken hearted. His promises forevermore true. 

As the prophet foretold in advance of God being manifest in the flesh -- "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ..." (Isaiah 61:1)

Jesus repeated the same good news gospel message when He -- The Word made flesh dwelling among us -- walked this earth. He said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised ..." (Luke 4:18)

Yes, saith the Lord -- "For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise," saith the Lord, "I will set him in safety from him that puffs at him." (Psalm 12:1-5)

How do we know this to be true? Because the Lord is our Rock and our fortress, our delivery -- our God, and when we call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, good things happen, including that we are saved from our enemies. Plus, as we who believe in God our Saviour also recognize -- the words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. His Word is preserved forever. 

"O Lord our God, other lords beside Thee have had dominion over us: but by Thee only will we make mention of Thy Name." (Isaiah 26:19)

Meditate on these things this day, and let the Word flourish in your hearts, knowing that there is nothing going to happen to you that the same Lord who bowed the heavens and also came down, putting darkness under His feet hasn't already parted the waters so you can safely walk through. Abide in Me, Jesus said, Abide in Me!

Stand in the offering plate.

As Christ Also Loved The Church And Gave Himself For It, That He Might Sanctify And Cleanse It With The Washing Of Water By The Word - Part 2082

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself.

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." (Ephesians 5:25-27)

" ... that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish ..." (Ephesians 5:25-30)

As we know from the Old Testament, almost all things are purged with blood, and without the shedding of blood is no remission. This is why there had to be a purchase, in order for you and I to be redeemed. The pattern of the old replicated, but not the shedding of blood every year, but the final shedding of blood -- once and for all -- by our Lord God and Saviour. The Word made flesh, dwelling among us, so that we could believe on Him, and His mercy, and kindness, and grace. (Titus 3:4-7; John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8; Acts 20:28; II Corinthians 5:17)

"For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This [is] the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you ...

Moreover, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry, and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. [It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:20-26)

Thus, we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. (I John 1:7) Further, as Ephesians 5:26 tells us, we are cleansed with the washing of water by the Word.

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure where unto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him." (I Peter 3:18-21)

The like figure where unto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

You see, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He came to redeem us from our sin. But God did not send a "Son" as the devil would have us believe, but instead clothed Himself as a Son, so that His salvation plan would come to fruition. Indeed, from the beginning of time, God's plan was to bring together a people -- sons and daughters of the Most High King - that would worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

This is why Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

And who is the Father? Jesus went onto say to His disciples -- "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father." (John 14:6-12; John 10:30)

It is for these reasons that we must repent, believing that this same Jesus whom we have crucified is BOTH LORD AND CHRIST, and to be water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins so that we too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)

Don't let anyone lead you astray from the apostolic doctrine which was preached unto us -- through the New Testament. So much to learn but this needs to be your starting point for salvation. As such, I encourage you to understand the Name that is above every other name, and the ONLY NAME whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Acts 2:38)

Stand in the offering plate.

Repent And Turn Yourselves From Your Idols and Turn Away From All Your Abominations - Part 2081

"Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. And the Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, "Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? 

Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, "Thus saith the Lord God -- "Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;" that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from Me through their idols." (Ezekiel 14:1-5)

You see, in this current dispensation of grace, we are instructed to love our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and from His abundant love -- to love one another. We see this first commandment under the old covenant and Jesus repeating the same, when He summarized the 10 commandments to the rich man in Mark 12:29-31.

Sadly, we in this generation have gone our own way, adoring/marvelling at the art and stone carvings within church buildings, and doing so without any understanding or wisdom regarding the Lord's gospel message. And this is the point being made here. Those stone carvings that you pray to cannot answer (or even hear) one's prayer. Those man-made images that hang on walls can never effectively mirror the original in God's creation -- wherein He created a world full of sustenance and meat for His people. The stained glass carvings -- far too often -- are void of any scriptural content, being constructed from the imaginations of men. And the rituals -- the double crossing of oneself, for example, amount to nothing more than gestures without any substance, in much the same way as the historic symbolism of voodoo dolls.

Nevertheless, the Lord God commanded us to be good stewards, adopting His wisdom and knowledge in everything that we ask or do. And this is where we are failing, because we believe that our ways are much more edifying than the Lord's ways. It is for this reason that all of creation is groaning, because we have ignored our Lord God and Saviour in our day to day. We have ignored His handiwork displayed for one and all to see, and more recently, as a collective are denying the existence of a Creator. This is why the Lord's instruction through Ezekiel is critical, because the prophecies that were dictated so many years ago are being fulfilled with increasing frequency. But I digress.

Continuing in Ezekiel 14:

"Therefore say unto the house of Israel, "Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourns in Israel, which separates himself from Me, and sets up his idols in his heart, and puts the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and comes to a prophet to enquire of him concerning Me; "I the Lord will answer him by Myself: and I will set My face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people; and ye shall know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 14:6-8)

"And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the Lord have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out My hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him; that the house of Israel may go no more astray from Me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be My people, and I may be their God," saith the Lord God." (Ezekiel 14:9-11)

As you can see, the Lord continues to know those who are this -- "that they may be My people, and I may be their God" -- saith the Lord God. As an aside, one should know that from the beginning of time, there has always been a people who would not waver when it came to the Lord. For these know in whom they trust, and that He indeed is the Rock -- the Rock of ages cleft for me. And this is His promise to those who believe in Him by faith, that even in persecution and despair, we have a Comforter -- the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of the Father and Son as one dwelling within.

His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. And as we see here, that even in the worst of times, He shall deliver the souls of those who believe because of their right-standing that comes from His Righteousness -- wherein God willingly became our Saviour on the cross. He bridged the gap when His Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14; I Timothy 3:16)

Continuing again in Ezekiel 14:

"The Word of the Lord came again to me, saying, "Son of man, when the land sins against Me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out Mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it: though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness," saith the Lord God."

And "if I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts: though these three men were in it, as I live," saith the Lord God, "they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, "Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it: though these three men were in it, as I live," saith the Lord God, "they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves."

Are you beginning to understand from herein, how much the Lord God Almighty loves those who put their trust in Him? We should be marvelling at His goodness and grace, His mercy that whilst He takes care of the sparrows, He is watching our every step, to the point that regardless of what is happening around us, the Lord God will deliver us. But He doesn't stop there.

"Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out My fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast: though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live," saith the Lord God, "they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness." For thus saith the Lord God; "How much more when I send My four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?"

"Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it. And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it," saith the Lord God.

We who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith are the remnant -- the vehicle wherein the Lord God is able to obtain His family -- both sons and daughters. Thus, we can know with blessed assurance that He will deliver our souls in times of trouble, and comfort us in times of tribulation. This is why we lean on Him, letting Him establish our steps in our day to day.

Again, in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) Trust in His goodness and grace this day.

Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. And He has a purpose and mandate just for you, wherein like Noah, Daniel and Job, the Lord will deliver us from the evil doings of this world.

Stand in the offering plate.

Step Into The Winning Side With Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, For There Is No Other Way For Salvation - Part 2080

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." (Hebrews 11:7)

It is such a blessing being born again. Born not of corruptible seed as one might imagine, but of incorruptible seed, and by the Word of God. This is the Word of the Lord which by the gospel is delivered to you. Indeed, it is this same gospel in which the Word of the Lord endures forever.

In Noah's day, as you will recall from the scriptures, people watched, scoffed and mocked the ark that Noah was building. Still, Noah kept on working because he knew that God was in charge. Throughout the 100 years that the ark was under construction, Noah worked while God directed the project. Noah also worked as unto the Lord, preparing an ark of safety - a haven. 

Throughout that time, Noah continued also to preach to the people of God's purposeful plan for their lives -- the same people "which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." (I Peter 3:20)

" ... and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly." (II Peter 2:5)

"For this [is] as the waters of Noah unto Me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee." (Isaiah 54:9)

As we know, the then generation carried on living as if the world as they knew it would last forever. They were completely oblivious to the fact that men and women are only one heart beat away from eternity. Considered a different way, we at least recognize that when we are going on a long journey, we will need to allow some time to pack a suitcase. It is the same scenario in our human life. At the end of our life road is God. And eternity is eternity. We are on a one way ticket and as such, only we can choose the direction we take.

Still, this same God remains on the long suffering sideline, being ignored as if this wonderful created intelligent world was created by dumb matter, or a sudden blast out of nothingness. Rather than understand God's unique purpose for our lives, they willingly put God on the back burner. In fact, let's party - eat, drink, sex, leaving the natural use of a woman preferring to substitute their perverted orgies - all the time pretending to have a good time. As it was society in Noah's time, so it is now. 

Noah, heeding God’s warning that a catastrophe was imminent was preparing an escape route. Preparing an ark. Looking back historically, we know that the flood did happen even if people of that generation refused to recognize the writing on the wall. As instructed by the Lord, Noah loaded the ark with creatures of every size. He rounded up 7 pairs of domestic animals, 1 pair of wild animals and he put them on board along with his family. His family consisted of eight persons. When everyone was on board, God Himself closed the ark door. The rain started. And did it rain. It rained so much that all earth and the life therein was destroyed. Indeed, for forty days and forty nights it rained.

The point worth noting here is this. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The scripture saith that the ark is Jesus, and the door or entrance into the ark is accomplished when our being is buried or baptized into His death. When we are buried/baptized under the water, our old sinful past life is drowned. When we arise out of the water, we are resurrected to a new life. For when we are resurrected with Him, not only are we resurrected, but we arise totally justified from all our sins.

Further, water baptism is similar to the time when the children of Israel in the old covenant crossed the river. It is said that in so doing, they were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. Reaching the other river bank in safety, while the Egyptians endeavouring to do the same all drowned in the water. It is evident that they were not in the ark of safety.

Today, believers are baptized into the death of Jesus. He is the covenant of promise, the ark of safety where believers are saved by God. Not because they were deserving of salvation and neither was it because that they had cleaned up their fleshly conduct. Rather, it was because they reverently feared and believed that God had prepared an ark of safety for them. As believers then, their faith was expressed by their baptism into the death of Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost. Again, the ark of safety. These believers simply put their lives into the hands of a faithful, loving Saviour. They trusted in Him as young children believe and trust their earthly parents.

Additionally, when the believers were baptized, they knew in whom they had faith, and as a consequence, they were not baptized in any other name. They were not baptized into Peter, Paul or the name of another. And most certainly never into the titles that so many churches declare. Rather, as every example of water baptism in the scriptures prove, their salvation is secure in the precious, holy Name of Jesus. As such, they passed from the old covenant of death and entered into the grace of God - and into an abundant life. You can come and be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus too. 

As apostle Peter (standing with the eleven) said to the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost, "This same JESUS whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

Yes, He will wash away your sins. Yes, He will make you anew. Yes, He will sanctify you in His precious blood. His Word. Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17)

Thus, call on His name this day - the name of JESUS so that you also can become a recipient of God's grace and receive the gift of God’s holy Spirit dwelling within. His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS. 

"I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" (John 14:6)

Peace to all who are in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

Him Declare I Unto You, God That Made the World And All Things Therein, Seeing That He Is Lord Of Heaven And Earth, Dwells Not In Temples Made With Hands - Part 2079

And S/Paul said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am/AM Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (Acts 9:5)

And I [S/Paul] answered, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said unto me, "I am/AM Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest." (Acts 22:8)

And I [S/Paul] said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest." (Acts 26:15)

Paul, an apostle of the Lord Jesus was the last person declared in the scriptures to have seen the Lord Jesus. (I Corinthians 15:1-8) Here, the Lord Jesus instructed Paul to continue on his journey into the city and to remain there awaiting further instructions. As we read, Paul remained there in prayer for three days.

A disciple instructed by the Lord Jesus went to the place that Paul was, saying to Paul - "The Lord JESUS who appeared to you hath sent me to instruct you." So arise Paul and be baptized in water, and in so doing, wash away all your sin whilst calling upon the Name of the Lord Jesus ... and be filled with the promised gift of JESUS breath -- His holy Spirit.

For those who may not know, this man Saul (soon to be renamed Paul) was chosen of the Lord Jesus to be His apostle to the Gentiles. We see this specifically in the example in Mars Hill, wherein Paul, upon entering noticed an abundance of monumental statues bearing various inscriptions. In reference to one in particular, Paul said,

"For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD" -- whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you." (Acts 17:12)

Well that inscription became the text for Paul’s next message to the people within that city! Paul opened his message by saying that this unknown God to whom you in ignorance worship - it is this “unknown" God that I am going to tell you of. So, who was this unknown God that Paul spoke about? Yes, as we know from the scriptures, Paul immediately preached to the people about the God who was none other than the Lord JESUS!

The I AM, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

In another place, "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) But I digress.

Nevertheless, this is the true gospel message that we need to reflect upon today. The good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ that was spoken of from the very beginning. And to preach to our children and to their children and to all those that are afar off this same message of redemption.

This earth was walked upon by a man who spoke a different language than that which was the norm of earth’s inhabitants. Further, this man went about doing good things - healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, opening blind eyes and deaf ears. Indeed, He made the crippled to walk again, cast out demonic spirits, and raised the dead. He even fed the multitudes when food appeared scarce. As well, this man spoke to the raging wind and sea, calming the storm all about. All good things so that we could understand how much God loved us.

Is it any wonder that the powers that existed at the time wanted this man dead? This man would have caused a complete collapse of man’s seated institutions and systems - the whole political, judicial, religious, medical system would become as bandages. In fact, this man so revolutionised man's historical records that regardless of which nation we are born into, society is dated and governed with BC (before Christ) and AD (after Christ's death).

Yes, Paul preached JESUS to the people. Why? Because JESUS is the unknown God that Paul wanted everyone to know about. No man could ever do the aforementioned wonders except God was with Him and in HIM. Thus the message is simple - "RETURN to Me," saith the Lord, "for I have REDEEMED YOU!"

As Paul asked (before his conversion) -- "WHO ARE THOU LORD?"

The answer -- I AM JESUS! And this answer has not changed over time. His Name is still JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Praise His precious holy Name this day. Stand in the offering plate.

From Acts 17:1-34 -- for your edification and learning:

"Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: and Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
 
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Cæsar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the Word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, "What will this babbler say?" other some, "he seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection."

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bring certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean." (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing).

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, "Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD" - whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us ...

... for in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, "For we are also His offspring." Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all [men], in that He hath raised Him from the dead."

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, "We will hear thee again of this matter." So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them."

If Ye Continue In My Word, Then Are Ye My Disciples Indeed, And Ye Shall Know The Truth That Makes You Free - Part 2078

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Sadly, even when Jesus walked this earth, there were those who refused to continue in "My Word!" We see an example of this in John 8, wherein the scribes and Pharisees respond to Jesus, saying, "We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, "Ye shall be made free?" Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever." (John 8:31-35)

Leading up to this dialogue, we learn that the scribes and Pharisees had just brought unto Jesus a woman taken in adultery. When these had set her in the midst, they said unto Jesus, "Master, this woman was taken in adultery -- in the very act." But they did not stop there in their accusation, but continued, saying, "Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest Thou?"

Of course, herein, we are privy to the intents of their hearts because the scripture confirms the scribes and Pharisees were "tempting Him, that they might have [reason] to accuse Him." But Jesus stooped down, and with [His] finger wrote on the ground, [as though He heard them not]. So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, "he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."

Again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" She said, "No man, Lord." And Jesus said unto her, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:1-12)

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

The Pharisees were not satisfied, and most certainly not going to accept that Jesus was the Light of the world. Therefore, the Pharisees said unto Him, "Thou bearest record of Thyself; Thy record is not true." So Jesus answers, saying unto them, "Though I bear record of Myself, [yet] My record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, My judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am One that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me beareth witness of Me."

Then said they unto Him, "Where is Thy Father?" Jesus answered, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also."

These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as He taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on Him; for His hour was not yet come. Then said Jesus again unto them, "I go My way, and ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come." Then said the Jews, "Will He kill Himself?" because He saith, "Whither I go, ye cannot come." And He said unto them, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM/am [He], ye shall die in your sins."

Then said they unto Him, "Who art Thou?"

And Jesus saith unto them, "Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge of you: but He that sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of Him."

[As the scriptures declared, these] understood not that He spake to them of the Father. Then said Jesus unto them, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM [He], and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." (John 8:1-30)

Something Jesus said was making an impact, for as Jesus spake these words, many believed on Him. You see, the scribes and Pharisees should have understood what Jesus was saying here, because they were considered the learned within society. But they did not. And their lack of understanding led them to ask Jesus, "Who art Thou?" Imagine condemning another person, and not knowing who they are. In essence, this is what was happening here. But there is more.

First, they bring a woman caught in the act of adultery -- to tempt Him so they could bring forth accusations against Him. These inward heart desires, even when the scribes and Pharisees, by virtue of their societal positions, were supposed to be spiritually focused. Heaven bound, understanding the breadth and depth of the old covenant, including the psalms and prophecies, nd His grace and mercy therein. Yet, Jesus had to say unto them, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM [He] ..."

Indeed, if they had been true scholars of the scriptures, they should have understood the prophecies of Ezekiel and Isaiah, and David the psalmist's writings -- wherein, the Son of man is mentioned repeatedly, but also that the Lord God would come forth as a mighty man -- to become our Saviour. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)

"I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11)

"Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me." (Isaiah 45:21)

"Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no God but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)

Second, it is critical for us to understand that Jesus is the same I AM of the old. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) This is why Jesus could say to them, "The Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." Moreover, the reason that these would die in their sins is because they would not accept that Jesus was He -- the Great I AM -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour ..." (Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 1:8)

Third, Jesus did not hide His identity from them. Indeed, when they said unto Him, "Where is Thy Father?" Jesus answers, saying, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." This is very similar to the dialogue in John 14, wherein Jesus tells His disciples that "if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father." (John 14:6-12) Again, Jesus clearly stating the same message that was from the very beginning. That is, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" (John 14:6) In yet another place, Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)

Finally, through this example, we should be very thankful that we know in whom we serve. And that His mercy and grace is everlasting for those who love Him. Indeed, continue in His Word and then we will be His disciples indeed. And recognize too, like the woman caught in adultery, that the Lord has given each and every one of us His purpose, to be fulfilled when we follow after Him, believing the Word that He has spoken.

So again, "Who art Thou, Lord? "

We only have to turn to Saul/Paul's later encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus to determine the answer -- "Who art Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (Acts 9:5) And I [Paul] answered, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said unto me [Paul], "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest." (Acts 22:8) And I [Paul] said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest." (Acts 26:15)

The disciples also knew the answer when Jesus walked along side them after the resurrection. Indeed, Jesus saith unto them, "Come and dine." And none of the disciples durst ask Him, "Who art Thou? knowing that it was the Lord." (John 21:12)

From the very beginning, as well -- "Thou [art] the Lord the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham ..." (Nehemiah 9:7)

Yes, He has not hid His identity from those who continue in "My Word." And in this current dispensation His Name is JESUS, the Great I AM, having robed Himself in flesh so that we might experience abundant salvation in Him. Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And as Peter (standing with the eleven) said on the day of Pentecost, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36)

Thus, "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)

Stand in the offering plate.

Now Unto Him That Is Able To Keep you From Falling, And To Present you Faultless Before The Presence Of His Glory With Exceeding Joy - Part 2077

" ... that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:7-9)

Thankfully, we are no longer waiting in anxious anticipation for "the ages to come." (Ephesians 2:7) 

Instead, we are privileged to live in this "current dispensation of grace" because herein the Lord has proved the exceeding riches of His grace and kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. "After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... (Titus 3:4-7)

But even more so, He took our place on the cross -- "and for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament [is] of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

Thus, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who THROUGH the eternal Spirit offered Himself without sot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. (Hebrews 9:14) He made the purchase -- Christ once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28)

This is why must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26; Acts 20:28)

 

[As an aside, and similarly for clarity, this is not to suggest that the Lord God was not merciful and gracious from the beginning of time, but rather that we who live in this dispensation have received the very promise that those who obtain a good report through faith did not. (Hebrews 11:1-40) I refer specifically to Exodus 34:6-7 which states, "The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin ..." (Exodus 34:6-7)] 

So, continuing, how is the Lord's exceeding riches toward us displayed? Those exceeding great and precious promises that is spoken throughout the New Testament? Let's look at the scriptures -- the Word of God -- and understand what He is saying to us this day. And how we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith are to "rejoice, inasmuch as ye/[we] are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (I Peter 4:12)

For additional understanding, you might want to study I Corinthians 12:1-12, and the gifts that the One and Selfsame Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of Jesus now dwelling within -- divides severally to every man as He will -- the diversities of gifts, differences of administrations, and diversities of operations -- are elaborated upon. But there is manifold much more when it comes to His great and precious promises -- which allows us to be partakers of the heavenly, as members of the body of Christ church.

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (II Peter 1:4)

To the churches in Ephesus, apostle Paul went further, expounding on the exceeding greatness of His power, so that we might come to a place wherein we truly understand the greatest love story ever told, "and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe according to the working of His mighty power." (Ephesians 1:19)

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us ..." (Ephesians 3:20)

Indeed, "the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 1:14)

Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever, -- King of kings and Lord of lords. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He is our all in all! It is He that is able to keep us from falling and to present flawless before the presence of His glory. And this is true even when we face trials and tribulations, and become weary from the drudgery in this world. 

As apostle Paul points out, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory..." (II Corinthians 4:17) And again, as Paul writes, "I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation." (II Corinthians 7:4)

Remember, the apostles were often taken before magistrates, and the powers that be for exceedingly and repeatedly "troubling our cit[ies]." (Acts 16:20) And what happened? The Lord continued to part the waters for them so that they could preach the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to one and all.

" ... and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you." (II Corinthians 9:14)

Thus, "let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice." (Psalms 68:3)

This is our hope! So many examples throughout the scriptures, proving the Lord and His goodness and grace for those who love Him and keep His commandments. Certainly, if we can use the wise men as an example, we know that they not only saw the star in the east, but"rejoiced with exceeding great joy" as they ventured far distances to find Jesus -- to worship the King of the Jews. (Matthew 2:1-6)

Therefore, be patient in all things, and most particularly "unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until He receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the Name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." (James 5:7-12; Matthew 5:34-37)

Thus, as James writes -- "blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him." (James 1:12)

Remember too, as did the apostles, "we are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds ... " (II Thessalonians 1:3)

Rejoice, I say, rejoice for our salvation drawers nigh. Stand in the offering plate.

And Gave Himself For It, That He Might Sanctify And Cleanse It With The Washing of Water By The Word - Part 2076

"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation!" (Isaiah 12:3)

As the scripture saith, "He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by His understanding!" (Jeremiah 10:12; Jeremiah 51:15) In another place, "He was in the world and the world made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) And as Isaiah wrote, "it shall be said in that day, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." (Isaiah 25:9)

Moreover, in that day we will know "the Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:10) That appointed time when the Lord Himself shall come forth as a mighty man to redeem His people from their sins. (Isaiah 42:13)

His Name called JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us!" (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16) Jesus -- the only Name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus -- the Name above all names. (Philippians 2:9) 

It is for this reason that "after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7)

For those who may not know, Isaiah was one of the prophets from the old covenant side, who diligently looked forward to the appointed time when God would robe Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet perfect and without sin) to become our Saviour -- speaking in advance of the promised Christ -- the prophesied Messiah. That day when the Lord God would say, "This day have I begotten Thee!" (Psalm 2:7; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5) 

" ... the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." (Hebrews 9:8) 

Thus, the timing of the Lord coming forth as a mighty man was not by chance. This is confirmed in the testimony of Simeon -- when he saw Jesus in the temple -- the Lord's Christ, and said,  "For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2:25-35)  

Likewise Zacharias, full of the Holy Ghost said, "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 mouth of His holy prophets which have been since the world began: that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us ... the dayspring from on high hath visited His people." (Luke 1:67-78) 

The greatest love story ever told -- truly intentional. That He knew from the very beginning that He Himself would have to prepare for Himself a body (when there was no one in the world who was worthy) so that we might have abundant life in Him. Everlasting life because He paid the ultimate price for you and I on the cross -- when He shed His precious holy blood.

" ... who being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands -- that is to say, not of this building, neither by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:11-12)

Thus, "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)

"In Him dwelleth the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) 

Within the scriptures, there are so many markers pointing us toward the I AM -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) The One who said, "Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58) This same Jesus who told His disciples that if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) And that "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) 

The first man, earthy, and the second, the Lord from Heaven. (I Corinthians 15:47)  

"Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." (Psalm 100:3)

"The Lord [is] my Rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2)

"For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods." (Psalm 95:3)

" ... by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:11-12)

This is the mystery of godliness, that God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) That after Jesus was taken up, Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost would give commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) Holy is His Name, and His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation.

But not everyone will take hold of His goodness and grace, recognizing that He fills the hungry with good things, and hath holpen His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy. This may explain why Apostle Paul said to the saints in Corinth, "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory." (I Corinthians 2:7) 

And likewise Paul again to the churches in Ephesus, "... according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love!" (Ephesians 1:4) 

" ... who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." (II Timothy 1:9) 

The "hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began!" (Titus 1:2) 

It is for this reason, and manifold much more, that we who believe in Him by faith can be glad for His free gift of salvation in Jesus -- who now risen (resurrected) can be worshipped as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8) And, as well, that we can rejoice in every moment of ever day, waiting upon the Lord for our day-to-day sustenance  and direction, wherein our souls are now right (again!) with our Creator.

Certainly, Peter knew in whom he believed, when He told the first 3,000 souls saved on the New Testament side -- that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And so should we too, for we have not only the benefit of His Word but the Holy Ghost dwelling within -- His Spirit -- leading and guiding us into all truth. 

It is for this reason that we bless the Lord before all the congregation, and beyond ... because He gave Himself so that He might sanctify and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Thus, like the psalmist David, let's join our hearts together and sing, "Blessed be Thou, O Lord God of Israel, our Father forever and ever. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power, and the glory and the victory, and the Majesty for all that is in the heaven and the earth is Thine -- Thine is the Kingdom O Lord, and Thou art exalted as Head above all!" (I Chronicles 29:10-11)

Yes, O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusts in Thee. 

Indeed, "happy [is] that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy [is that] people, whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 144:15)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all! (Ephesians 4:5-6) 

Stand in the offering plate.