"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching ..." (Hebrews 9:19-25)
"After the kindness of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 9:6)
In the last days, believers in Jesus by faith should expect persecution and religious deception within congregations, from those who collectively speak against the One and Only Lord God of the new covenant, the King of kings and Lord of lords -- His Name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace. Why? Because these do not believe Jesus has risen. Neither do these believe that the One and Only Lord God who created man and woman in the beginning, went on to willingly robe Himself in sin-prone flesh -- as a Son -- but without sin so that we who believe can have everlasting, abundant life in Him.
Sadly too, these won't admit that He paid the ultimate price with His own precious, holy blood on a cross. (Acts 20:28; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16) Or that this same JESUS -- who said, "I AM -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life" and "if you have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him" -- is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36; John 14:6) Neither will these share the greatest love story ever told -- that "after the kindness of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 9:6)
This should not come as a surprise because the prophets warned against false prophets and teachers -- the mockers and scoffers in the last time, who walk after their own ungodly lusts, and who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (Jude 1:18-19)
I will add to the list those churches that repeat some man-made, apostle's creed after the traditions of men but know not the apostles' doctrine in which we who believe are to remain steadfast. (Acts 2:1-47) The apostolic doctrine which includes the very same commandments which Jesus through the Holy Ghost gave to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)
Still, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-18) Thus, we can know in whom we believe. We can be assured of our salvation because we repented and were baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus -- like every single person water baptized in the New Testament after the cross.
It is for this reason that we who believe give thanks and sing from our hearts -- "O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned." (Revelation 11:17-18)
Yes, Jesus is still on the throne, and He continues to be victorious in all things. Even when the nations get angry, we who believe know to "take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)
Thus, our ministry? To be conquerors and overcomers in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- loving not our lives unto death, but overcoming the evil by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11)
So we "that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever ..." (Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43; James 5:19-20; I Corinthians 15:41) As the scripture saith, the "people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many ..." (Daniel 11:32)
So, where do we start? For God so loved the world. (John 3:16)
The greatest love story ever told to mankind -- the love story of a God who not only created us in the beginning, but decidedly mapped out a plan of redemption for those who turn their eyes upon His goodness and grace, and worship Him as their Lord God and Saviour. Yes, the I AM that was before Abraham -- who in this dispensation the angels declared -- And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23)
The dayspring from on high who visited His people, and loves us as His bride!
Stand in the offering plate.
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