Whosoever Looks Into The Perfect Law Of Liberty Is Free Indeed! - Part 2272

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [Therefore,] let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:1-26)

In another place, the scripture saith, "If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5:18)

Is this contradictory? What about the Ten Commandments? Well, on this side of the cross, wherein the Lord Jesus shed His precious, holy blood for our sins, having made the purchase for you and I, paying the price in full, the laws (including the Ten Commandments) that were formally written on tablets of stone are now scribed within our hearts. As such, we are wholly able to discern the difference between right and wrong. We know what is truth. And as Jesus said, we should know by love how to serve one another. To love our neighbours. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4)

As well, we should remember the context in Galatians 5, which begins by telling those who believe in Jesus as Lord of lords and King of kings -- by faith -- to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ. Why? Again, because of His sacrifice on an old rugged cross, we have been set 100% free. Thus, when we believe in the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ, we should no longer be in bondage as captives to the things of this world. (Acts 2:36-38) In fact, Apostle Paul is clear on this point, when he said:

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ, neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of Him that calls you.
[Still,] a little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubles you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you." (Galatians 5:1-12)

So, when we attempt to do the whole law, we make Christ of none effect because we stand on our own right/righteousness and works, rather than relying on the Lord of hosts. There is more to this point but I want to say this. According to the New Testament, the law was intended to be a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. 

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." (Galatians 3:24) Therefore, before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster because we have been called unto liberty. (Galatians 3:23-25)

Does this mean we can do what we like? Apostle Paul takes the time to offer clarity herein as well. That is, we are not to use “liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." 

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:1-26)

Enter into His peace and love and kindness and mercy today. Take hold of the joy that bubbles up until our hearts overflow. And in the day, become like Jesus preaching good tidings unto the meek, binding up the broken-hearted, opening the prisons of those who are bound, and proclaiming liberty to the captives.

Most of all, stand in the offering plate wherein you have been called -- to become a world changer for the Lord Jesus -- the Great Shepherd, who willingly laid down His life for His sheep!

Ye Have Been Called Into Liberty So Continue Therein, Being A Doer Of The Work - Part 2271

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable [are] His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)

Taken in isolation, some might assume this scripture means it impossible for us to discover the wisdom and knowledge of God. For me, I use a different lens. That is, when we don't seek the Lord's wisdom and knowledge, and rely on His judgments, His beloved people will perish. We read this in Hosea 4:6, wherein the Lord continually reaches out to His chosen, and yet the Israelites rejected His goodness and mercy in grace. 

Thankfully, however, from the beginning of time, the same Spirit of the Lord God that created the earth, looked to this present time in history -- the last days -- so that He could pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, those hearts who desire to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Indeed, when God willingly tore the veil from top to bottom to bring us salvation, He was speaking "peace and good will" for all. 

Sadly, there are those who will not come to the Lord, even though the depth of the riches of His wisdom and knowledge is beyond anything available in the world. Instead, these prefer spiritual ignorance, unaware of the mercy and kindness of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. (Titus 3:4-7) That He loved us so very much that He willingly took on a body, and became a sacrifice so that we might have abundant and everlasting life in Him. (I Timothy 3:16) 

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19) 

And He, the Giver of Life, the Bread of Life, the Light of this world, the King of kings and Lord of lords wants to bestow upon His beloved body of Christ church, His blessings and gifts. But our hearts need to accept that God became our Saviour, and that He shed His precious holy blood for you and I. (Acts 20:28) 

And then, as an answer of a good conscience toward God, we are to be water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can receive His gift -- the gift of the Holy Ghost! (Acts 2:36-41; I Peter 3:21)

"For so is the will of God ... " (I Peter 2:15-17)

Stand in the offering plate. 

For It Hath Been Declared; Jesus Is Lord Of All - Part 2270

"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke [cloak] of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King." (I Peter 2:15-17)

How do we put to silence the ignorance of foolish men? By preaching the good news gospel, as servants of the Most High, set free from bondage, flowing through His love to one another, edifying those who are within the body of Christ church, fearing God, yet honouring Him as our King. Indeed, as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

For further clarity, apostle Paul writes it this way.

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that ye] be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." 

Is Christ divided? 

Was Paul crucified for you? 

Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (I Corinthians 1:10-18) 

In other words, we who believe are to be in one accord, perfectly joined together in the sane mind and in the same judgment -- as the first 3,000 souls saved were on the day of Pentecost. This means no contentions among us, or division but rather understanding that it was Jesus the Christ who died for us. Not an apostle or a minister, but indeed the promised Messiah, the prophesied Christ, who paid the price once and for all -- on the cross, so that we might find life in Him.

Likewise, Paul instructs the saints at Corinth that as well, they are to be water baptized in His Name -- the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41; Acts 10:44-48) 

It is herein that "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty ..." (I Corinthians 1:27) Because those who believe in the risen Jesus do so from the heart. Their very essence giving all the glory and the honour to the Saviour who took their place.

So then, as the scriptures state, "where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (I Corinthians 1:20) 

As we learn, these questions are quickly answered. That is, His wisdom resides in those who preach Christ crucified, and continue to do so even though the Name of Jesus to Jews is a stumbling block and to Greeks foolishness. In fact, it pleases God that by the foolishness of preaching is His gift of salvation to them that believe. (I Corinthians 1:21)

Meditate upon these treasures this day. Stand in the offering plate. 

Saul Asks Jesus, "What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do?" - Part 2269

Jesus said to Ananias -- "Go thy way; for he [Saul] is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel ... for I will shed him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16)

Remember, Saul had just been blinded by a bright light, and not just him, but those who accompanied him on the road to Damascus as well. Herein, Saul asks, "Who art Thou, Lord?" How does the Lord respond? He tells Saul, "I AM JESUS whom thou persecutes; [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks."

Trembling and astonished both, he asks the Lord. "What wilt Thou have me to do?" And the Lord said unto Saul, "Arise, and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do." (Acts 9:1-8)

Of course, by this time, the men which journeyed with Saul stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. Saul arises from the earth, and when his eyes were opened, he too saw no man, but they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For the record, Saul was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

I will stop there and ask -- how many of us who profess to believe ask the Lord to establish our steps, or even the question that Saul asked of Jesus, "What wilt Thou have me to do?" Now we know that Saul goes to see Ananias, and is water baptized, and strengthened by the Word. Why? Because he had received meat. Therein Saul stayed with the disciples which ere at Damascus for certain days.

And immediately there all from his eyes, as it had been scales, and he received sight forthwith. And straightway, as the scripture saith, Saul preached Christ in the synagogues -- that He was the Son of God. All that heard him speak were amazed because Saul's reputation for persecuting the believers went before him. Indeed, these asked, "Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this Name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?"

But as we see, Saul increased there in strength, confounding the Jews which dwelt in Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. (Acts 9:22) Later, as Saul continues to be strengthened, he becomes known as Paul, and pressed in the spirit, testifies to the Jews that Jesus is/was the Christ. (Acts 18:5) "For he mightily convince the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ." (Acts 18:28)

Again, when passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there 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 he preached to them is Christ. (Acts 17:1-4)

This same Saul who wouldn't pass a police check in modern day churches today was preaching to people who worshipped an unknown god -- that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, even though he be not far from everyone 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." (Acts 17:16-34)

We see in Saul to apostle Paul a complete transformation. Why? Because he had a ready heart to accept and carry out whatever the Lord Jesus instructed him to do. Remember the question? S/Paul asked the Lord Jesus, "What wilt Thou have me to do?" It's a good question, and certainly one that would make the Lord's heart merry if more of us would do the same. According to His good pleasure, as the scripture states.

Meditate and think upon these things this day. Stand in the offering plate.

If Ye Are Led Of The Spirit, Ye Are Not Under The Law - Part 2268

"In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry [did enter] into His ears." (II Samuel 22:7)

"But My people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would none of Me ..." (Psalm 81:11)

When Jesus walked on earth, He further clarified to the Jews, saying, "Nevertheless I must walk today, and tomorrow, and the [day] following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kills the prophets, and stones them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, "Ye shall not see Me, until [the time] come when ye shall say, "Blessed [is] h/He that comes in the Name of the Lord." (Luke 13:33-35)

Throughout the scriptures, the Lord God is continually discerning the hearts of men, determining where they are at, in terms of either accepting or rejecting His Word -- Jesus -- the Word made flesh. (John 1:1-14; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) Two thousand years later, this discerning of our hearts and thoughts by the Lord Jesus has not changed. He is still reaching out to each and everyone of us with His love and mercy, saying, "hearken to the voice of My words!" (Job 34:16) And, "today, if ye shall hear My voice, harden not your hearts!"

For those who may not know, there was 400 years plus of silence between God and the Israelites, between the old and the new, because the latter would not turn and hearken unto His voice. But as the Lord God had foreordained before the beginning of the world, the destined day did come when the Holy Ghost signified -- "that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing; which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [which] stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

But Christ 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.] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh ... how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

For this cause [then], 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 liveth. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:8-18)

In so doing, the playing field was levelled, and every man, woman and child now had an opportunity to declare the risen Lord Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour. He made the way, purchasing our salvation with His own blood. The Good Shepherd who laid down His own life for His sheep.

What did Jesus say?

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be One fold, [and] One Shepherd." (John 10:16) And too, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27) Thus, when wee are led of His Spirit, we are no longer under bondage, but standing alway in the liberty wherewith is Christ. (Galatians 5:19)

Hear ye Him -- the Lamb of God! Stand in the offering plate. 

Ye Had Done Right In My Sight, Saith The Lord, In Proclaiming Liberty Every Man To His Neighbour - Part 2267

"And I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts." (Psalm 119:45)

"And ye were now turned, and had done right in My sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before Me in the house which is called by My Name ..." (Jeremiah 34:15)

So what happened? As the Lord God saith, we turned and polluted His Name. And thus, as a consequence of not walking at liberty, always seeking His precepts, we caused every man to become servants -- bringing them into subjection. In other words, we forgot the liberty and freedom that was His to give, having set us free. By the way, after the cross wherein God willingly became our Saviour, the price for our freedom was purchased once and for all -- paid for by His precious, holy blood. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 9:14-18; I Timothy 3:16; Galatians 5:1; II Corinthians 5:19; Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 9:6)

The "what happened" is answered in the "but" ...

" ... but ye turned and polluted My name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids." Therefore, thus saith the Lord; "Ye have not hearkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you," saith the Lord, "to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth." (Jeremiah 34:16-17)

Indeed, in the scriptures, how many times and in how many ways has the Lord said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge!" (Hosea 4:6) How oft has the Lord desired to wrap His loving arms around us, and bring us into that place wherein His love and Holy Ghost comfort abounds? Yet, instead we venture our own way, taking our counsel from a world void of the truth and life. And in so doing, we have lost our way.

Nevertheless, after the kindness and love of God our Saviour, He made a way for us -- when there was no way. He parted the waters so that we could enter in, and partake/commune with Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour. In fact, for you and I, He ripped the veil from top to bottom, from heaven to earth so that we might have salvation, and grace, and life everlasting.

How? Because God prepared for Himself a body for sacrifice so that we might be saved. He purchased you and I with His own precious blood.

It is for this reason that we "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)

Too often, however, we turn to the things of this world for our counsel, which may explain why we are witnessing such darkness all around. Trusting instead that earthly inventions and artificial intelligence can settle the heart yearning within -- the soul which desires to commune again with our Creator Lord God and Saviour. Still, the madness of this world cannot continue. At some point, we need to return to the same Lord God who loved us from the very beginning, and as the scripture saith, even before the world was formed. 

As Jesus declared, " I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

And there is no other beside Him. Therefore, it's time to do what is right in the sight of the Lord, including loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and as well, flowing through His love to one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:29-31) Meditate upon these things, and His precious Word today. 

Stand in the offering plate.

The Lord Jesus Is Our Refuge, Will We Only Turn To Him For His Saving Grace? - Part 2266

Jesus said to us -- "Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world."

It is for this reason that we can be assured that we are a nation of believers, brought into existence in one day. Who would have possibly thought that a desolation of destruction would suddenly become a garden of Eden, where the desert could blossom like a rose? Surely, words are incapable of expressing these feelings that were non existing in aforetimes. But now, in the centuries afterward, we can actually say that we sit in Heavenly [places] because of these totally unforeseen blessings. 

In this context then, we have become partakers of the aforegiven promise of God. "In blessing" ... God said, "I will bless you."

So what really did happen? Essentially, the Lord of Glory had a plan. A previously concealed plan now revealed not only in word form, but a plan being launched in real life. The star of this real life drama is the Lord Himself, appearing in like form as a son of man. The Lord Himself born as we were born, of a young girl who was in the genealogical chain which commenced with God's promise to Eve. The mother of all living. 

The promise that would change destiny? Certainly. The seed of woman would bruise the head of the same one who had deliberately lied to them in the Eden garden. The Lord deliberately allowed His own Seed to be clothed in Mary’s womb with the only clothing that a woman’s womb could furnish. In this case, the Lord was clothed in human clothing, totally prone to sin. This holy child named Jesus was born of a willing surrogate mother in God's plan of salvation. 

Still, this child was, and still is man’s only Saviour. As the scriptures state, I, the Lord your God have become your Saviour. This man named Jesus came with one purpose, and that is to redeem man from his fallen state. 

Even though this man Jesus was tempted, and tried in all ways, even as we are, He never succumbed to sin in any form. The reason for this? His only parent was God conceived by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, being parented by God Himself, who is Spirit -- then the Spirit indwelling in Jesus is God. He is the Lord of glory, both Lord and Christ, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Acts 2:36-41; Revelation 1:8; I Timothy 3:16)

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:19) 

All the vials of our sin, being poured out on Jesus, who drank the cup, right down to the last dregs willingly, knowing that death was imminent. And being man's only hope for salvation, He endured like a lamb being brought to the slaughter. He opened not His mouth. He loved us so much that He became cursed for us. “For cursed is everyone that is hung/nailed on a tree.”

Indeed, this body of Jesus was the only body, inhabited by God. Jesus body now accursed, leaving God with no fleshly earthly body to indwell. His own body was now cursed because of sin so that we were reconciled in His now cursed body. In reality, we were made alive - quickened - because He took our place. Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and dies, it abides alone. But if the seed dies (as He died) it brings forth much fruit. In other words, Jesus was the only "begotten" son of God. And now, because of His sacrifice, we also can become the sons of God having received of God the same Spirit that was in Jesus.  

In fact, that same Spirit now abides with us forever. Jesus walked the earth in that sin prone and fallen estate body so that now, His spirit can indwell in our prone to sin bodies. Jesus knows all about our frailties. That is why He is our High priest. Surely, He is touched with feelings of our infirmities, He knows how to succour us. He is more than able to quicken. His ear will always be attentive to our call. This is His covenant (the New Covenant) brought into the now by the shedding of the blood of His own holy Spirit or better translated -- the Spirit of the holy!

Indeed, the Spirit of God has a ghostly presence. This is why we are instructed to "Be still and know that I AM God." And when He says -- this is My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it -- He means it. And Jesus is the Head!

Peace to all those who are now walking in the same Spirit that previously inhabited the man Jesus, the Christ. Stand in the offering plate.

If The Son Therefore Shall Make You Free, Ye Shall Be Free Indeed - Part 2265

David the psalmist writes, “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts …” (Psalm 119:45) 

The Lord through Jeremiah prophesies, “And ye were now turned, and had done right in My sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before Me in the house which is called by My Name!” (Jeremiah 34:15)

Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Apostle Paul to the saints in Corinth — “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty.” (II Corinthians 3:17)

Beginning in the old covenant and into this current dispensation known as the new testament/fullness of times, we see the Lord’s liberty as an underlying thread weaved throughout the scriptures — that Rock which was Christ — ensampling for those who believe in the Lord Jesus — the Christ by faith — a liberty so encompassing that we are no longer bound by the enslaving entanglements of this world. (I Corinthians 10:1-4; Galatians 5:1; II Peter 2:18-20; Psalm 106:1-48)

Jesus’ parable in Luke 16 offers further insight, explaining why we should stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ, Herein, we understand that when we firmly believe in the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ, and are attached in our hearts to the One and Same Rock that followed the Israelites through the Red Sea, we are no longer willing to render our hearts to another master. (Galatians 5:1; Acts 2:36; Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:24)

As the first commandment states, “Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord … love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength!” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) In this realm, we who believe become firmly planted in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ — who has set us 100% free — “though [our] sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

As the Lord saith, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:17) And in another place, “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.” (Hebrews 10:2)

The difficulty emerges when (as Jesus’ points out in the parable) we are willing to allow a little leaven (false teachings/legal entanglements) to bring us back into worldly bondage. In this specific parable (what the religious culture oft refers to as the parable of the unjust steward) Jesus shares wisdom that is imperative to understand in our faith walk.

That is, “there was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And He called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.” Then the steward said within himself, “What shall I do? for my Lord takes away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.”

So he called every one of his Lord’s debtors [unto him], and said unto the first, “How much owe thou unto my Lord?” And he said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And he said unto him, “Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.” Then said he to another, “And how much owe thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And he said unto him, “Take thy bill, and write fourscore.” And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:1-8)

By way of explanation, please note that the rich man herein is the Lord God, who had a steward (satan), forced to give an account, because he had wasted his goods. Of course, what we know too is the devil is too proud to beg and doesn’t want to work. So what does he do instead? What he has always done from the beginning of time. To obtain a suitable compromise from the believing community.

So he calls out the Lord’s debtors one by one, whom notably the Lord has set free from ALL bondage, and asks them how much they owe. What do they do? As Jesus explains in the parable, they quickly compromise their liberty and freedom in Him, writing a check to satan for the portion they thought they owed.

What is the outcome? We who initially repented and believed quickly become beholden to two masters. But what does the Lord of glory say? That He has set us free. In part? No. We are fully justified in Him, being wholly sanctified by the Word! (John 17:17) “Justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is [in Him] — in Christ Jesus!” (Romans 3:24) Being “made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)

But as Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warn us against — “false brethren unawares brought in, who come in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might [too!] bring us into bondage …” (Galatians 2:4) Just like satan always desiring that our hearts be divided between the One who sets us free, and the entanglements of this world.

Apostle Paul (who admits receiving his spiritual understanding by revelation) takes this principle further when he writes in Galatians about the bondwoman and the free. A worthy read for all of us who profess Christianity — but admittedly a teaching for another day.

Still, Paul’s point is clear. We who believe in Jesus by faith are instructed to “stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free AND to not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Two inextricably intertwined messages that are life-giving, life sustaining, life altering, because we who profess to believe have come to personally know the Bread of Life.

“And ye shall call His Name JESUS, FOR HE SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.” (Matthew 1:21)

All our sins forgiven — past, present and future. Not partially as the lying satan wants us to believe, but rather the understanding, as Paul states, that if our hearts be circumcised, Christ profits us nothing. “For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole Law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:3)

Harsh? Perhaps, but the Lord is warning us against compromising our liberty in Him, or as Jesus says in Luke 16, selling half of our heart, soul, and mind to the things of this world. Compromising in essence our salvation wherein He paid the price in full, once and for all — it is finished! —so that we who desire only to believe half-heartedly can keep one foot in the world.

It is no wonder Jesus warned His disciples to “take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees,” which He later explains to be their doctrine because it is intended to lead us astray from the same Jesus who said, “I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!” (Matthew 16:6-12; John 14:6-12)

The same Jesus whom John the baptizer identified as the Lamb of God.

Or, more pointedly, as the risen Jesus states to the church of Philadelphia in Revelation, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” (Revelation 3:8-9)

Therefore, to us that are not Jews — “we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.” (Galatians 1:7)

You see, when we make our faith walk about legal entanglements, burdensome regulations, and paranoia about worldly authorities that might persecute us because we believe in the Most High, “then is the offence of the cross ceased” because we who are supposed to be like “a city on a hill that cannot be hid” have become as the world. (Galatians 1:11; Matthew 5:14)

Nevertheless, for those who are truly set free, we understand what Jesus meant when He read from Isaiah: “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; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

The same example from Luke — “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, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:17-19)

Thus, as believers in the risen Jesus — our Lord God and Saviour, who Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) identified as both Lord and Christ — we are similarly instructed to preach deliverance to the captives, heal the broken-hearted, and set at liberty them that are bruised. (Acts 2:36; Galatians 5:1)

Why? Because the Lord has proclaimed an unprecedented liberty for those who repent, and are water baptized in His precious holy Name - the Name of the Lord Jesus — and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21; Acts 8:16; Acts 9:15,17, 27; Acts 22:16; Colossians 3:17; Philippians 2:11)

“If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the Law.” 

And “if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:1-26)

Stand in the offering plate.

Praise Ye The Lord; O Give Thanks Unto The Lord; For He Is Good, And His Mercy Endures Forever - Part 2264

" ... that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee ... And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that He had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped." (Exodus 4:5-31)

The question today is this -- what does it take for others around us to understand our faith? For those we deal with in the day to day to know that we believe in the Most High, and trust Him to establish our steps in all things? That He visits us with His salvation. And that our trust in the Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ is the One and Only Rock wherein we stand, and that, as a consequence, we are no longer desirous for the things of this world. As an aside, note that this same Rock was the same Christ who followed the Israelites through the Red Sea.

As apostle Paul shared, when speaking to the saints at Corinth -- "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)

If you are aware of the circumstances of Moses, you will know that his concern was that the people would not believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob had appeared unto him. (Exodus 4:6-31) Thus, it should not come as a surprise that only two reached the Promised Land, after wandering in the desert for forty years. But I digress somewhat.

In retelling the situation of Moses, the psalmist David begins by informing us of the importance of praising the Lord first -- in all things. That we are to "praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endures for ever."

As David asks, "Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can shew forth all His praise? Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that does righteousness at all times." And then also, to ask the Lord to "remember me, O Lord, with the favour that Thou bear unto Thy people: O visit me with Thy salvation; that I may see the good of Thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Thy nation, that I may glory with Thine inheritance." (Psalm 106:1-5)

In other words, we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to give Him the honour and glory in all things. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) Both the psalmist and apostle continue to share the example of Moses, because there are takeaways that we also should understand in this current dispensation of grace. Beginning with psalmist David's writings:

"We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not Thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of Thy mercies; but provoked Him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless, He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known. He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And He saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy." (Psalm 106:6-10)

What was the miracle? "And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Then believed they His words; they sang His praise." But sadly, as we also know, they soon forgot His works; they waited not for His counsel: but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

Why? Because "they envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord. The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God their Saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red Sea. Therefore, He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy them."

But there is more. "Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not His Word: but murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord. Therefore, He lifted up His hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness: to overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.

They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. Thus, they provoked Him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. They angered Him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: because they provoked His Spirit, so that He spake unadvisedly with His lips.

They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them: but were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, and shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred His own inheritance. And He gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. Many times did He deliver them; but they provoked Him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry: and He remembered for them His covenant, and repented according to the multitude of His mercies. He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

"Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto Thy Holy Name, and to triumph in Thy praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen." (Psalm 106:47-48)

And apostle Paul -- what does he say? As cited above, Paul begins, saying, "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 10:1-5)

And then comes the but -- so that these become ensembles to us, written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

"But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are One bread, [and] One body: for we are all partakers of that One Bread." (I Corinthians 10:1-17)

What did Jesus say? "I AM the Bread of Life." (John 6:33-51)

Jesus said, "For the Bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world." (John 6:33)

And Jesus again said unto them, "I AM the Bread of life: he that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

"I AM that Bread of life." (John 6:48)

"I AM the living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever: and the Bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)

You see, when we focus on the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ, we begin to understand that the nourishment that He gives is life sustaining, and forever everlasting. How do we know? Because the Lord Jesus never fails those who turn their hearts and minds to Him! Meditate on these scriptures as our ensample this day, for there is so much herein that we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith need to understand -- so that we are not spiritually ignorant.

As Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM!" Stand in the offering plate.

Behold, The Lamb Of God, Who Loved Us So Much That He Willingly Shed His Precious Holy Blood For You And I - Part 2263

Thomas (often referred to as doubting Thomas), having discarded his unbelief concerning the resurrection of Jesus exclaimed, "my Lord and My God." Even though we have known Jesus after the flesh, from henceforth, we no longer know Him in His manifested human form. Yes, Jesus had been put to death in the flesh but after His death was quickened by the Spirit. 

The first Adam, the Adam in the Garden of Eden was first created and then made a living soul. The miracle that is God's predestined plan is that the second Adam was the Lord Himself. The Lord of Glory! To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6) 

Not a created being but the Lord Himself out of heaven, who is a quickening Spirit. Jesus veiled Himself in a natural body, delivering to us the glorious gospel of the unseen God. He was the visible image of the invisible God. (Hebrews 1:1-12) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

Jesus, upon completing the work of His preordained plan of redemption, sat down. At the finish of the work of creation, it is recorded that God rested from all His works. Here it is recorded that Jesus, God Himself as a Son sat down. Paul, the apostle said that if any man were to come and preach any other gospel to us, other than that which He had delivered, that one is the same as accursed. He then went on to say that if any angel from heaven were to come and preach any other gospel to us, "Let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

But note that Thomas’s eyes were opened wide when suddenly He, who was nailed to a tree now appears with all the scars of the battle of the ages standing right before him. Indeed, there was this same Jesus talking to him, and suggesting that he should reach forth and touch His hand. Topping it off, Jesus said that perhaps he should also reach forth his hand and thrust it into His side. Hence the exclamation, "... my Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)

The Spirit that dwelt in Jesus during His earthly walk, being His Father the holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, had seeded the fetus who was born to be Saviour of all men. The very same Holy Ghost who, in this world’s darkest hour withdrew His eternal life from indwelling in the fleshly veil, allowing Jesus' body to succumb to death. He -- the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep, for He could have at any time reversed the situation by simply calling legions of angels to His side. His holy Spirit would not allow this sinless body to see corruption. This is the reason why, after three days and three nights in the bowels of the earth, He was raised to life in a spiritual body. It also offers a rational for the commencement of a new ministry - a spiritual ministry wherein we are now circumcised in our hearts.

For it is written, after He died and was raised again, that He, through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to His apostles -- the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) He also, through His holy Spirit confirmed their words with mighty signs and wonders, thereby adding to His temple of believers, living stones. Living stones that form a temple without spot or wrinkle. A new house in which He is pleased to dwell. His plan being unveiled. His predetermined purposes accomplishing the ultimate mission of bringing man to the place of his unforeseen destiny.

For eye has not seen, neither has ear heard of the blessings which God has in store for those people that love Him. Jesus, our great High Priest. Remember, that by necessity, whenever there is a change in the priesthood, there must also be a change in the law. Jesus administers the law of the spirit of life which, as a consequence of the resurrection is now a new covenant. It is not the old covenant that genders people to bondage. The new is not an addition or addendum to the old, but the Lord Himself doing a new thing -- the dayspring from on high visiting His people.

As a consequence, we are the JESUS people. We are the people who are called by His name - He being the Rock of ages. Unto the Son it is said and previously prophesied by His Spirit -- "Thy Throne O God is forever and ever." Let all the angels worship Him - Jesus - our Lord and our God. And forever, may there be peace in Jesus Name!

Stand in the offering plate.

Have You Heard The Call? Send The Light, Send The Light; There Are Souls To Rescue! - Part 2262

“ … be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12)

From Acts 2:36-41, we have a beginning foundation for understanding repentance/forgiveness, water baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Herein, was the day of Pentecost, and Peter (standing with the eleven) preached the gospel to people from every nation. These were convicted from what Peter said — that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. They asked what must they do. Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said unto them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.” And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:36-41)

How are we to be water baptized? By immersion, which means to be totally immersed in water — after we are old enough to make a heart decision for the Lord, and in His precious, holy Name -- JESUS! (Matthew 1:21-23)

“And Jesus when He was baptized went up straightway out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)

“And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:38)
“Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death.” (Romans 6:4)

Baptism is a type of the burial of our sins. It is also an answer of a good conscience toward God. “The like figure whereunto [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 …” (I Peter 3:21)

Every person who was ever baptized in the new testament (after the cross) were ALL BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 8:14-17)

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” (Acts 10:48)

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” And they said unto him, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” And he said unto them, “Unto what then were ye baptized?” And they said, “Unto John’s baptism.” Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard [this], they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:3-6)

If you check Peter's teaching, and also Paul's teaching (Paul was also an apostle), you will see that both taught and practised baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. There was “one accord” between them on salvation — repent, be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, receive the Holy Ghost.

Why is it is essential to go by the Scripture, rather than traditions of man? First, the Word made flesh is Jesus; God manifest in the flesh. (John 1:1-3; John 1:14, I Timothy 3:16; I Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 1:8)

Second, Paul writes, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9)

Third, Paul continues, writing, “But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ … to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” (Galatians 1:11-12, 16)

But there are those who say they would rather obey Jesus than the apostles, relying on Jesus’ words in Matthew 29:19 without the surrounding context of this particular scripture. What does Jesus say herein? To baptize in the Name. Father is not a name. Neither is son, or spirit. These are titles. If Jesus wanted us to be baptized in the titles, He would have said — in the names — plural. But He did not.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 1:19-20)

The comparison scriptures for these verses, wherein Jesus clearly states, “in My Name” include:

Jesus said, “And whoso shall receive one such little child in My Name receiveth Me.” (Matthew 18:5)

Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Jesus said, “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” (Matthew 9:29)

Jesus said, “For many shall come in My Name, saying, “I AM Christ” and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:5) 

Jesus said, “Whosoever shall receive one of such children in My Name, receives Me: and whosoever shall receive Me, receiveth not Me, but Him that sent Me.” (Mark 9:37)

But Jesus said, “Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My Name, that can lightly speak evil of Me … For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My Name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” (Mark 9:39-41) 

Jesus said, “ … for many shall come in My Name, saying, “I AM Christ; and shall deceive many.” (Mark 13:6)

Jesus said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues …” (Mark 16:17)

Jesus said unto them, “Whosoever shall receive this child in My Name receives Me: and whosoever shall receive Me receives Him that sent Me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.” (Luke 9:48)

And Jesus said, “Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in My Name, saying, “I AM Christ” — and the time draws near: go ye not therefore after them.” (Luke 21:8)

Jesus said, “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My Name’s sake.” (Luke 21:12) 

Jesus said, “I am come in My Father’s Name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” (John 5:43)

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in My Father’s Name, they bear witness of Me.” (John 10:25)

Jesus said, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My Name, I will do [it].” (John 14:13-14)

Jesus said, “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 14:26)

Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained [you], that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My Name, He may give it you.” (John 15:16)

Jesus said, “And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give [it] you ... Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My Name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23)

Jesus said, “At that day ye shall ask in My Name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you …”  (John 16:26)

“For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, “Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew My power in thee, and that My Name might be declared throughout all the earth.” (Romans 9:1)

“For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee. And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again, “Behold I and the children which God hath given Me.” (Hebrews 2:11-13)

“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where satan’s seat [is]: and thou holdest fast My Name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where satan dwelleth.” (Revelation 2:13)

“ … he that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels … him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the Name of my God, and the Name of the city of My God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God: and [I will write upon him] My new Name.” (Revelation 3:5, 12)

After Jesus resurrection, and the forty days He spent with the apostles and other believers, we see “Jesus through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen” — also having given the keys of the kingdom to Peter. (Acts 1:2-3; Matthew 16:19) This same Peter commanded the people to be baptized in the NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. (Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-48)

Jesus said, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now, Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself, but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.” (John 16:12-13)

More to come. Stand in the offering plate.

How Beautiful Are The Feet Of Them Who Preach The Gospel Of Peace - Part 2261

"After this He [Jesus] went down to Capernaum, He, and His mother, and His brethren, and His disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when He had made a scourge of small cords, He drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, "Take these things hence; make not My Father’s house an house of merchandise."

And His disciples remembered that it was written, "The zeal of thine house hath eaten Me up." Then answered the Jews and said unto Him, "What sign shewest Thou unto us, seeing that Thou doest these things?" Jesus answered and said unto them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Then said the Jews, "Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days?" But He spake of the temple of His body.

When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said.

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in His Name, when they saw the miracles which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all [men] and needed not that any should testify of man: for He knew what was in man." (John 2:12-25)

But in today's world, how many understand what Jesus did here? Even among the believing community? Herein, Jesus went into the temple and turned the tables. Indeed, He drove them out. He poured out the changer's money. He overthrew the tables. And Jesus said to those who sold doves, " "Take these things hence; make not My Father’s house an house of merchandise."

Why is this important to understand? Because the same thing is happening again. The churches who are supposed to be doing the Lord's work, and creating disciples (labourers) who will go forth and bring in His harvest through the preaching of the good news gospel, and His Name, have lost their way. Instead of empowering the congregation with His Word -- as it is written, many have joined forces with the world.

But as the Lord said in Luke 16, ye cannot serve two masters. Our hearts have to become totally committed to the things of the Lord. Not divided in heart, as were the money changers, who wanted to be blessed monetarily from the worldly currency, but rather knowing that the Lord Jesus has a unique purpose for each and everyone of us -- when we willingly step out in faith, believing on Him for our sustenance and life. It is in this context that we need to begin standing in the offering plate.

In fact, the Lord says to prove Him faithful in all things. Just like the boy who willingly gave up the five loaves and two fishes, knowing in his heart that his measly offering could not feed the multitudes of 5,000, but he believed enough to understand that the Lord Jesus was able to pick up the shortfall.

Let's begin to recognize that our measly offerings are just that -- measly, but that the Lord of glory picks up the shortfall. He is the One who multiplies the measly, and blesses those who honour and love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. It is the Lord who makes the stream within the desert so that we can drink from His living water.

Thus, pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest would send forth labourers into His harvest. Why? Because the harvest truly is plenteous but the labourers are few. Indeed, there are multitudes of people who need to hear the saving gospel of the Lord Jesus the Christ.  Multitudes are in the valley of decision, awaiting the message that only He can give. The question is this. How can they hear the gospel of Jesus without a preacher or preach this gospel except they be sent?

Because, as the scripture saith, "How beautiful are the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace."

Meditate on these things this day. Open your New Testament and understand the love of Jesus that surpasses all understanding. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Is A Mighty King, Alpha And Omega, The Beginning And Ending Of All Things, Amen - Part 2260

What future is there when people vainly conspire against the Almighty God? When nations choose to create futile plans? And these same foolish nations plan their little plots against Almighty God? The global turmoil that emerges should be apparent, particularly when the kings and rulers of the earth assemble themselves together with a common cause against the Lord Jesus -- who is God in Christ. 

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:19)

Yes, these haters of the Lord God Almighty mustered together against Thy holy child Jesus whom was anointed and consecrated and marked out as the Messiah (or God with us -- Emmanuel!). (Matthew 1:21-23) But it was not only Herod and Pontius Pilate that conspired with the nations. The people of Israel also conspired! 

Indeed, all unredeemed men and women at one time or another plotted to carry out what Thy hand and Thy will had destined from the beginning. That is, in order to remit the sins that had entered the world by one man Adam in the Garden, the Lord provided a way of redemption. In fact, if we think about it, the people (in their ignorance) still accomplished all that Thy power and wisdom had already decreed.

Thus, Lord, hear our prayer. Give attention to their threat. Enable your servants to speak Thy Word with freedom of utterance, with all fearless courage, and to continue preaching Thy message of deliverance! Lord, stretch forth Thy hand to heal so that mighty signs and wondrous marvels may be performed by Christ Jesus who indwells You -- Almighty God. Lord, we wait with expectancy as our enemies -- Thy enemies -- are put to flight by the preaching and delivery of Thy redeeming Word and power.

This is why Jesus is referred to in the scriptures as the First and the Last. The Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending. Yes, Jesus is the Light brighter than the noon day sun. God has decreed that in all things, Jesus who is God manifest in flesh as a Son, shall have the pre-eminence. All things were made by Him and for Him and through Him. He is before all things and without Him, there is nothing made that is made.

This is why our hope can be found in Christ Jesus, for He paved the way for our salvation.

As a result of laying aside the counsel of God as His directive to His beloved creation, men and women have sadly become enemies of God. Separate from God devising all sorts of hopeless plans but outside of the will of God. Indeed, even those remedial plans that may sound good and are endorsed by eloquent orators become akin to the analogy of more hot air being espoused. 

Why? Because the bottom line has always been that nations who choose not to serve God do not prosper, just like the cake in the oven fails when the right ingredients are missed.

Still, in spite of man's initial response to God our Saviour and His blessings and kindness to one and all, God in Jesus the Christ by His wisdom and power devised a plan of salvation whereby men and women could be reinstated into fellowship with the Creator. The same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1-2) 

But we need to also recognize, like the cake illustration, that Jesus is the missing ingredient for each and every one of our lives. It is for this reason that we need to acknowledge the God who was in Christ --- Christ in God. For God has glorified His only begotten Son Jesus. God has declared that Jesus not only was in the Christ, but that He (being Jesus) is also the Lord over all things. This explains why the angels of God worship Him - Jesus. It also offers a rational as to why men and women (and nations) fall.

But it does not have to be this way. When we personally make our own individual personal declaration that this man Jesus is the Wisdom and the Glory of the Spirit of God, we are no longer blowing hot air. Just like the scriptures in John 3:16, God is not willing that any should perish. He wants to converse with each and every one of us. He wants us to know that JESUS is the Resurrection and the Life. 

His desire is to hear ye Him. This is why we who believe look to JESUS for He Alone is God! Christ in God will save us from the deceptive promises of unredeemed men. If you have a New Testament Bible, open it up and begin reading. Ask the Lord Jesus to establish your steps in all things for He is able and willing. As well, pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore, because you have made the best decision ever.

Stand in the offering plate.

Disciples Remembered What Jesus Had Said, Believed the Scripture And The Word Which Jesus Spake - Part 2259

"These things understood not His disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things unto Him." (John 12:16)

"When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said." (John 2:22)

How many times have we heard that we are disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, and yet, refuse to believe on the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said? And yet the disciples did believe on the scripture, and indeed, their hearts rejoiced. In one example, the Lord Jesus expounded on the scriptures, and as the two attest, the Word burned within their hearts. 

From Luke 24:

"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 ...

But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day 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." (Luke 24:13-24) 

Then Jesus 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." (Luke 24:13-35)

So many life lessons here in which we can be edified knowing that Jesus is indeed the Lord of glory -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life, because He has risen. The mystery held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning has brought life and salvation to those who were lost, and without hope. 

But the point of focus for this day is that all which was prophesied to occur in the Old Testament did actually come to fruition -- as it is written. Even still, it took Jesus walking beside the two men to understand that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) It took Jesus "beginning at Moses and all the prophets" expounding unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself -- for them to recognize the resulting redemption plan that came from Jesus shedding His precious, holy blood on the cross.  

His suffering bringing unto His beloved abundant life. 

What is the outcome? That similar to the two that Jesus walked beside, the scriptures -- "give us this day our daily bread" -- can burn within our heart too when we delve into His Word for our day to day sustenance. 

Why is this important? Because Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" Indeed, Jesus is the Bread of life. He is the living water from which we can drink and never thirst again. The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And in these, Jesus should also be our all in all!

Thus, meditate upon our own heart response to His Word. Do our hearts burn within us knowing that our beloved Creator loved us enough to suffer on a cross for you and I? To willingly become our Saviour? That His love clothes us in His righteousness when we devote our hearts and minds and souls and strength to His purposes?

If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour, please do so today. It will be the best life decision that you will ever make. Stand in the offering plate. 

To This End Was I Born, And For This Cause Came I Into The World - Part 2258

And God said unto Moses, "I AM THAT I AM: and He said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14)

Pilate therefore said unto Jesus, "Art Thou a k/King then?" Jesus answered, "Thou sayest that I AM - a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:37)

And for the record, how does Jesus define truth? "Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17) Indeed, we are sanctified and strengthened by His wondrous truth. It is for this reason that we study the scriptures -- for "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Corinthians 3:16)

We should also note here that the Lord God is not the Author of confusion. Every scripture has a balancing verse for clarity -- in agreement with one another. We most certainly see this from written prophecies in the Old Testament, wherein these prophecies are later fulfilled (satisfied!) in the New Testament. This is important to understand so that we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith are not misled or deceived by familiar spirits and charmers, and/or wizards, their respective images and idols, and other abominations-- who are clearly acting without any knowledge of His Word. (Isaiah 19:3; Isaiah 8:19; II Kings 23:24; II Kings 21:6; I Samuel 28:1, 9; Deuteronomy 18:11; Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6)

Moreover, this agreement is certainly witnessed in the prophetic writings of Zechariah. For those who may not know, the Lord God spoke through the prophet Zechariah about the things that were yet to occur -- when Jesus, the Great Shepherd would lay down His life for the sheep. Note that the prophecies spoken by Zechariah are considered very similar to the prophecies in Old Testament Haggai so again, continued agreement in setting the stage for that particular future moment in time -- when the Lord would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:!3)

In other words, the appointed time when the Holy Ghost this signified -- "This day have I begotten Thee!" (Psalm 2:7; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 9:8) 

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant ..." (Hebrews 13:20)

 Thus, from Zechariah 13: "And one shall say unto Him, "What are these wounds in Thine hands?" Then He shall answer, "Those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends ..." (Zechariah 13:6)

This prophecy later confirmed when the risen Jesus appears to Thomas (doubting Thomas!) who needed to put his hand in Jesus' side, before He would believe. When Thomas did, what did he say to Jesus? "... my Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)

Another prophecy from Zechariah fulfilled when Jesus was in the mount of Olives with His disciples. Therein, Jesus tells His disciples they would be offended because of this night, when Judas with the guards come to arrest Jesus -- to smite the Shepherd, who had come into this word for His sheep.

The scripture from Matthew: "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them, "All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, "I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad." But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee." (Matthew 26:30-32)

The scripture from Mark: "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, "All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, "I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee." (Mark 14:26-28)

But didn't we just witness the people rejoicing because their King had come unto them in Jerusalem? And, as the scriptures describe -- a just King, possessing the key to salvation, lowly and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.  

Indeed, "Behold, thy King! His dominion shall be from sea, even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth." We understand this to be true now, when we learn that this same Jesus whom we have crucified in our hearts is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41) And also, that He is risen! 

"When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said." (John 2:22; John 21:14)

Yes, we who believe are so fortunate to know the greatest love story ever told to mankind. But I digress somewhat.

Again, from Zechariah 9: "And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of Him that passeth by, and because of Him that returns: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King comes unto thee; He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and He shall speak peace unto the heathen: and His dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth" (Zechariah 9:8-10)

Herein, Zechariah is speaking of Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem -- later fulfilled in Matthew 21 and John 12. In the former, "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, "Tell ye the daughter of Sion, "Behold, thy King comes unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." Matthew 21:4-5)

In the latter, John writes: "And Jesus, when He had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King comes, sitting on an ass’s colt." These things understood not His disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of Him, and [that] they had done these things unto Him." (John 12:14-16)

This prophecy written prior to Jesus telling His disciples that they would be offended this night, when Judas along with the guards came to arrest Him in the mount.

Again, from Zechariah: "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man [that is] My fellow," saith the Lord of hosts, "smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn Mine hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land," saith the Lord, 'two parts therein shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left therein." (Zechariah 13:7-8)

As we now know, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He came to redeem you and I from our sins, and to set us free. This was the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. But like satan, too many want to demote the Great Shepherd to heir status -- even when Jesus said, that He is the Lord of glory.

Thus, the sheep were scattered, and to this day, many offended by the Name of the Lord Jesus. Still, as the Lord saith, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world. that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:37)

As Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) Take hold of His truth this day, asking the Light of this world, the Bread of life, the Living Water wherein if we drink, we will never thirst again -- to fill us with His very being. His Name JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Stand in the offering plate.

We Ought To Obey God Rather Than Men. The God Of Our Fathers Raised Up Jesus, Whom Ye Slew And Hanged On A Tree - Part 2257

"And last of all He [Jesus] was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (I Corinthians 15:8-10)

As I read these scriptures, a question came to me. That is, if apostle Paul (formerly Saul) as he admits, is the "least" of all apostles, where are we (who profess to believe) at in our own lives? For those who may not know, Saul persecuted the believing body of Christ church of God. Indeed, Saul made persecuting believers his life mission. But on the road to Damascus, Saul was blinded by a bright light. Falling to his knees, Saul asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" Jesus said, "I AM JESUS, who ye persecute." (Acts 9:5)

From Acts 9: " ... and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecute: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks." And he trembling and astonished said, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" And the Lord [said] unto him, "Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." (Acts 9:4-6)

As we know, the renamed Saul went on to write the majority of the new testament scriptures we know today. Paul also preached the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ while fulfilling his tent-making obligations. Paul traveled for days on end, sharing his testimony with others, and telling of the goodness and grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Prior to his conversion, Saul was known among peers as the Pharisee of Pharisees, being very well educated.  After his encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul was instructed to visit with Ananias, who later led him forward in the Word, baptizing him in the Name of the Lord Jesus. In his writings, apostle Paul speaks of the many types of persecution he faced.

"... but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned ..." (II Corinthians 6:4-6) 

Indeed, apostle Paul knew the manifold mercies of the Lord Jesus. From his writings, we know that he was forever faithful in His mission. For example, when the priest of Jupiter was before the city, preparing to make a sacrifice. Paul (with Barnabas) rent his clothes, asking the people, "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 ..." (Acts 14:13-16)

When there was no small dissension about the subject of circumcision, the people determined that they should send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, to respond to the question. (Acts 15:1-3) 

Indeed, one of the attributes we should know about Paul is that he was not only called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, but also a "servant of God" separated unto the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1; I Corinthians 1:1; II Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1;1; Colossians 1:1) 

"Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; but hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ..." (Titus 1:1-3)

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope ..." (I Timothy 1:1) And according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. (II Timothy 1:1) 

You see, in all things, apostle Paul praised his Saviour Jesus the Christ, including the time he and Silas sang praised to God in prison. (Acts 16:25-27; Acts 23:18: Acts 25:27) In references, Paul calls himself a willing prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 4:1; II Timothy 1:9; Philemon 1:9) 

But in all things, Paul was also humble, having repeatedly considered himself a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philemon 1:1; Philemon 1:9) 

So, the original question is this. We understand why Paul considered himself the "least" of the apostles -- because before he met Jesus (as both Lord and Christ!), he persecuted the believing saints and body of Christ church. To the natural way of thinking, Saul would be saved for his heart conversion, and for knowing who the Lord Jesus was, but herein, as we are witnesses, this same Saul, now Paul was also called to be an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

How can this be? Because God ordained Paul from the beginning to preach the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ -- the Word of God -- to the Gentiles. (Acts 11:1) Never did Paul waver in his calling, nor did he deny the Lord. In fact, Paul preached boldly at Damascus in the Name of Jesus Christ, having gladly received the Word, as the first 3,000 did on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 9:27) Although I am not ready to formulate an answer to the question, I firmly believe the following scriptures offer valuable insights that can't be cast aside, for we know apostle Paul was diligent in becoming all things in this world -- that he might save some. 

"Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." (Acts 2:36-47)

"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold ..." (Acts 4:32-34)

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His Name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1-8)

To the churches in Corinth, Paul writes, "Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We [are] fools for Christ’s sake, but [ye are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and [are] the offscouring of all things unto this day.

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church." (I Corinthians 4:8-17)

The answer may be in Paul's further response: "Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord ..." (I Corinthians 9:1-3)

" ... for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord!" 

In other words, there was fruit being brought forward -- because ye are in the Lord. 

"Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." (II Corinthians 12:12)

"For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children ..." (I Thessalonians 2:5-7)

And finally, Paul encourages us to "be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 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, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: where unto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." (II Timothy 1:6-12)

More to come on this subject, but for now, meditate on these scriptures. Stand in the offering plate.