"But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:14-16)
Herein, apostle Paul is sharing a number of points regarding wisdom. For example, Paul answers the question -- from whence comes wisdom? Second, that true wisdom does not come with excellency of speech or enticing words of man's wisdom but from declaring unto others the testimony of God, and in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Therefore, as Paul concludes, our faith does not stand in the wisdom of men, but rather, in the power of God. (I Corinthians 2:1-5)
Paul uses examples to support his conclusion.
In one place, Paul reemphasizes that 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 1:18) This same point is further emphasized ... "For after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (I Corinthians 1:21)
For the Jews require a sign and the Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness but unto them which are called -- both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
This is why ye should see our calling -- how that many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called -- but 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; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in His presence.
Thus, of Him who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and are water baptized in His precious, holy Name, are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. Why? So that, according as it is written, he that glorieth, let him/her glory in the Lord. (I Corinthians 1:21)
It is for this reason that we are not ashamed of the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith." (Romans 1:16-17; Mark 8:38; Romans 2:9; Hebrews 2:4; Romans 3:21; Galatians 3:11)
In Jesus!
This same Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour, that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man ... for it became Him, for whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings ... 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. (Hebrews 2:9-11)
Thus, put your trust in the Lord Jesus this day. Declare His Name unto the brethren, and in the midst of the church, sing praises unto Thee.
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Is Any Merry? Does Your Cup Runneth Over With The Joy Of The Lord? Let Them Sing Psalms - Part 2415
"The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said, "I AM the bread which came down from heaven." And they said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that He saith, "I came down from heaven?" Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, "Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is written in the prophets, "And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I AM that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 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)
As we learn here, this discourse was problematic for the Jews because these did not want to believe that Jesus was the I AM from the Old Testament. Indeed, they pointed to Joseph the carpenter as support. "Is not this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?" How often do we do the same, when we refuse to understand that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ? (Acts 2:36) God Himself clothed in sin-prone flesh (as a Son) but without sin. (I Timothy 3:16)
"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
Is this not what was happening here in John 6, when the Jews would not accept that Jesus was the bread of life -- which came down from heaven? If we continue in this chapter -- John 6, we see Jesus the Christ elaborating about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Towards the end, Jesus says to His audience, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
But not everyone could accept Jesus' teachings here. In fact, so much so that Jesus asks His disciples -- will you leave also? Remember, these were the same people who were diligent enough to go searching for Jesus -- when their bellies were hungry. Or, in today's terms -- when there is a specific need. But doesn't Jesus want us to cleave to Him every day; searching the Word for this living bread which came down from heaven? This same living bread who loved His creation so very much that He would endure the cross so that we could have abundant life in Him!
"Hear ye Him!"
For when we eat of this bread -- Jesus, the bread of life -- we eat thereof and not die -- because He gave His life for the world. His arms outstretched so that we would willingly respond to His love and mercy -- the Light of the world.
Indeed, in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Stand in the offering plate.
As we learn here, this discourse was problematic for the Jews because these did not want to believe that Jesus was the I AM from the Old Testament. Indeed, they pointed to Joseph the carpenter as support. "Is not this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?" How often do we do the same, when we refuse to understand that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ? (Acts 2:36) God Himself clothed in sin-prone flesh (as a Son) but without sin. (I Timothy 3:16)
"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
Is this not what was happening here in John 6, when the Jews would not accept that Jesus was the bread of life -- which came down from heaven? If we continue in this chapter -- John 6, we see Jesus the Christ elaborating about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Towards the end, Jesus says to His audience, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
But not everyone could accept Jesus' teachings here. In fact, so much so that Jesus asks His disciples -- will you leave also? Remember, these were the same people who were diligent enough to go searching for Jesus -- when their bellies were hungry. Or, in today's terms -- when there is a specific need. But doesn't Jesus want us to cleave to Him every day; searching the Word for this living bread which came down from heaven? This same living bread who loved His creation so very much that He would endure the cross so that we could have abundant life in Him!
"Hear ye Him!"
For when we eat of this bread -- Jesus, the bread of life -- we eat thereof and not die -- because He gave His life for the world. His arms outstretched so that we would willingly respond to His love and mercy -- the Light of the world.
Indeed, in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, September 20, 2019
The Promise Of Life - Part 2414
Continuing forward from the last blog -- the Spirit leading and guiding us into all truth.
Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Jesus told His disciples that if they had seen Him, they had seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
When we study the scriptures, we begin to understand that the Holy Ghost is that One Spirit of God, who is the Father Himself, and also the very Same Spirit that was manifest in the flesh as a Son, in the man Christ Jesus. The very power and authority that was given to the Son was the Holy Ghost! The very Spirit of God who is the Father Himself that He gave to that man His only begotten Son without measure.
God [the Father] manifest in the flesh." (1 Timothy 3:16)
For there is One God [Father], and one mediator between God [Father] and men, the man Christ Jesus [Son]; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Thus, there is only One True Lord God Almighty and Father of us all. He is above all, and through all, and He is in us all that are truly born again. And, HIS NAME IS JESUS!!
"Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!"
You see, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, having been water baptized in His Name, and similarly, having received the gift of the Holy Ghost, a desire to search the scriptures for His knowledge and wisdom should be part and parcel of our day to day. Just as we would pursue a boy/girlfriend in our earthly world, we should desire to walk in the cool of every afternoon with the King of kings and Lord of lords in the heavenly. And thus, in everything that we do in the Name of Jesus, it should be evident also that He is our all in all -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. (Titus 3:4-7; Acts 2:36-47)
But when we do not continually search the scriptures for His truth, we end up tossed to and fro by the whims of this world. We become unable to stand firmly against the principalities and powers that seek to destroy. But it does not have to be this way. As believers, having first began our faith journey in Jesus, we need to return to our first love, knowing that those who overcome, will Jesus grant to sit with Him in His throne -- "even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." (Revelation 3:21)
This is why Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and knocks, and that He said, "If any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20)
Jesus encourages us to seek the Kingdom of God so that all these things shall be added unto you. "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom ... let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord; when He will return for the wedding; that when He comes and knocks, they may open unto Him immediately ... blessed are those servants!" (Luke 12:31-38)
The One TRUE LIVING LORD ALMIGHTY GOD AND FATHER CREATED ALL THINGS BY HIMSELF and for HIMSELF. HE MADE ALL THINGS For HIS very own pleasure BY SPEAKING ALL THINGS into existence, and HE RECONCILED ALL THINGS unto HIMSELF, BY HIS Son; the man Christ Jesus born of a virgin woman; IN WHOM HE was manifest [Revealed] IN THE FLESH OF in RECONCILING the world back unto HIMSELF!
"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:190
Indeed, all things were made by Him ( The Father) and we are in Him [The Father], And He reconciled all things unto Himself by His Son (the Man Christ Jesus), and we by Him (are reconciled back unto our God and Father).
There is only One God the Father, and One mediator between the One God and Father and all men, the man Christ Jesus [the Son] , made of woman, born under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons, and because we are the sons of the Father, GOD [The Father] sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba, Father."
Wherefore, we are. no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God [The Father] through Christ Jesus who as a Son is the visible image of the invisible God.
The man Christ Jesus; The Son Is the express image of the God the Father's person manifested in human flesh!
All the fullness of God dwelling bodily in Christ Jesus. Manifest in bodily form so that He could purchase us with His precious holy blood. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God; who is the Father Himself and is also the very selfsame Spirit that was manifest in the flesh of the Son - as the man Christ Jesus. The very Power and Authority that was given to the Son was the Holy Ghost! The very Spirit of God who is the Father Himself that He gave that man His Son by no measure!
God [the Father] manifest in the flesh. (1 Timothy 3:16)
For there is One God [Father], and one mediator between God [Father] and men, the man Christ Jesus [Son]; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Therefore, there is only One True Lord Almighty God and Father of us all and He is above all, and through all, and He is in us all that are truly born again!
HIS NAME IS JESUS!!
Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Jesus told His disciples that if they had seen Him, they had seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
When we study the scriptures, we begin to understand that the Holy Ghost is that One Spirit of God, who is the Father Himself, and also the very Same Spirit that was manifest in the flesh as a Son, in the man Christ Jesus. The very power and authority that was given to the Son was the Holy Ghost! The very Spirit of God who is the Father Himself that He gave to that man His only begotten Son without measure.
God [the Father] manifest in the flesh." (1 Timothy 3:16)
For there is One God [Father], and one mediator between God [Father] and men, the man Christ Jesus [Son]; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Thus, there is only One True Lord God Almighty and Father of us all. He is above all, and through all, and He is in us all that are truly born again. And, HIS NAME IS JESUS!!
"Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!"
You see, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, having been water baptized in His Name, and similarly, having received the gift of the Holy Ghost, a desire to search the scriptures for His knowledge and wisdom should be part and parcel of our day to day. Just as we would pursue a boy/girlfriend in our earthly world, we should desire to walk in the cool of every afternoon with the King of kings and Lord of lords in the heavenly. And thus, in everything that we do in the Name of Jesus, it should be evident also that He is our all in all -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. (Titus 3:4-7; Acts 2:36-47)
But when we do not continually search the scriptures for His truth, we end up tossed to and fro by the whims of this world. We become unable to stand firmly against the principalities and powers that seek to destroy. But it does not have to be this way. As believers, having first began our faith journey in Jesus, we need to return to our first love, knowing that those who overcome, will Jesus grant to sit with Him in His throne -- "even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." (Revelation 3:21)
This is why Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and knocks, and that He said, "If any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20)
Jesus encourages us to seek the Kingdom of God so that all these things shall be added unto you. "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom ... let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord; when He will return for the wedding; that when He comes and knocks, they may open unto Him immediately ... blessed are those servants!" (Luke 12:31-38)
The One TRUE LIVING LORD ALMIGHTY GOD AND FATHER CREATED ALL THINGS BY HIMSELF and for HIMSELF. HE MADE ALL THINGS For HIS very own pleasure BY SPEAKING ALL THINGS into existence, and HE RECONCILED ALL THINGS unto HIMSELF, BY HIS Son; the man Christ Jesus born of a virgin woman; IN WHOM HE was manifest [Revealed] IN THE FLESH OF in RECONCILING the world back unto HIMSELF!
"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:190
Indeed, all things were made by Him ( The Father) and we are in Him [The Father], And He reconciled all things unto Himself by His Son (the Man Christ Jesus), and we by Him (are reconciled back unto our God and Father).
There is only One God the Father, and One mediator between the One God and Father and all men, the man Christ Jesus [the Son] , made of woman, born under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons, and because we are the sons of the Father, GOD [The Father] sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba, Father."
Wherefore, we are. no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God [The Father] through Christ Jesus who as a Son is the visible image of the invisible God.
The man Christ Jesus; The Son Is the express image of the God the Father's person manifested in human flesh!
All the fullness of God dwelling bodily in Christ Jesus. Manifest in bodily form so that He could purchase us with His precious holy blood. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God; who is the Father Himself and is also the very selfsame Spirit that was manifest in the flesh of the Son - as the man Christ Jesus. The very Power and Authority that was given to the Son was the Holy Ghost! The very Spirit of God who is the Father Himself that He gave that man His Son by no measure!
God [the Father] manifest in the flesh. (1 Timothy 3:16)
For there is One God [Father], and one mediator between God [Father] and men, the man Christ Jesus [Son]; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Therefore, there is only One True Lord Almighty God and Father of us all and He is above all, and through all, and He is in us all that are truly born again!
HIS NAME IS JESUS!!
Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus Said, "If A man loves Me ..." - Part 2413
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." (I Corinthians 12:7-12)
What does Paul mean when he refers to ONE SPIRIT? The SAME SPIRIT?
In the Old Testament, we understand that God is Spirit. From the very beginning, we learn that the Spirit of the Lord moved across the waters. More aptly put, the Spirit of the holies. In the New Testament, the Holy Ghost thus signifies that the new cannot occur until the old is past. (Hebrews 9:8) Not another Spirit or a third person as the modern day religious culture would have us believe -- but the ONE and SAME Spirit which moved across the face of the waters in Genesis.
In this last testament, this same Jesus -- "this day, have I begotten Thee" -- now leads and guides us into all truth. The SAME Holy Ghost which we receive when we repent and are baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- the ONLY NAME given whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace. (Acts 2:36-38; Titus 3:4-7)
Of late, believers are sensing that the Lord will perform a (short?) work, wherein "these things," saith He that is holy; He that is true; He that opens and no man shuts, and shuts and no man opens," will come to pass. Moreover, as Jesus (when He walked on this earth) stated, "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; I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 3:8-9)
Why? Because as Jesus spoke "being yet present with you" -- "If a man loves Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him and we will come into him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:23)
Who is the we expressed herein? The Comforter, as Jesus said, "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 14:24-26)
In order for the Holy Ghost to come, Jesus first had to ascend. We understand this from Acts 1:2-3:
"Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)
Indeed, Jesus told His disciples, " ... Ye have heard how I said unto you -- I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice because I said, I go unto the Father; for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you BEFORE it come to pass, that when it IS come to pass, ye might believe." (John 14:27-29)
"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
One Lord ... One God and Father of us all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6)
I realize that there is a lot to learn about the Godhead within the scriptures-- Jesus being God manifest in the flesh, the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him, God in Christ, God our Saviour, and thus, suggest that you spend additional time reading and studying John 14 through 17. As well, perhaps, in the interest of understanding the doctrine of Christ more fully -- I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18; John 10:30; John 14:6-12; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 6:1-2; and Revelation 1:8, 11.
Why? As Jesus declared to those who look for Him -- "because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly! Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man can take thy crown ..." (Revelation 3:10-11)
Stand in the offering plate.
What does Paul mean when he refers to ONE SPIRIT? The SAME SPIRIT?
In the Old Testament, we understand that God is Spirit. From the very beginning, we learn that the Spirit of the Lord moved across the waters. More aptly put, the Spirit of the holies. In the New Testament, the Holy Ghost thus signifies that the new cannot occur until the old is past. (Hebrews 9:8) Not another Spirit or a third person as the modern day religious culture would have us believe -- but the ONE and SAME Spirit which moved across the face of the waters in Genesis.
In this last testament, this same Jesus -- "this day, have I begotten Thee" -- now leads and guides us into all truth. The SAME Holy Ghost which we receive when we repent and are baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- the ONLY NAME given whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace. (Acts 2:36-38; Titus 3:4-7)
Of late, believers are sensing that the Lord will perform a (short?) work, wherein "these things," saith He that is holy; He that is true; He that opens and no man shuts, and shuts and no man opens," will come to pass. Moreover, as Jesus (when He walked on this earth) stated, "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; I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 3:8-9)
Why? Because as Jesus spoke "being yet present with you" -- "If a man loves Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him and we will come into him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:23)
Who is the we expressed herein? The Comforter, as Jesus said, "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 14:24-26)
In order for the Holy Ghost to come, Jesus first had to ascend. We understand this from Acts 1:2-3:
"Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)
Indeed, Jesus told His disciples, " ... Ye have heard how I said unto you -- I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice because I said, I go unto the Father; for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you BEFORE it come to pass, that when it IS come to pass, ye might believe." (John 14:27-29)
"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
One Lord ... One God and Father of us all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6)
I realize that there is a lot to learn about the Godhead within the scriptures-- Jesus being God manifest in the flesh, the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him, God in Christ, God our Saviour, and thus, suggest that you spend additional time reading and studying John 14 through 17. As well, perhaps, in the interest of understanding the doctrine of Christ more fully -- I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18; John 10:30; John 14:6-12; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 6:1-2; and Revelation 1:8, 11.
Why? As Jesus declared to those who look for Him -- "because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly! Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man can take thy crown ..." (Revelation 3:10-11)
Stand in the offering plate.
He That Is Holy; He That Is True; He That Opens And No Man Shuts And Shuts And No Man Opens - Part 2412
"Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God; he that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed; for he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face -- that our joy may be full ..." (II John 1:9-12; III John 1:13-14)
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving ... for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power .." (Colossians 2:6-9)
Question -- when was the last time you heard the "doctrine of Christ" expressed within the modern day religious community? It seems like the false teaching of a triune god has become entrenched in the religious systems, even when there is no scriptural basis for a three-headed god. Indeed, from the very first commandment -- "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One Lord" -- the scriptures continue to point to the One and Same God who willingly became our Saviour.
"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared!" (Titus 3:4-7)
Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) God prepared for Himself a body so that He could redeem His chosen people --- those who reach out to Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, desiring His will and purpose be fulfilled in our lives. Indeed, His Name in this current new dispensation of grace is JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. It is for this reason that Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
Did Jesus stop there? As we see from the scriptures, Jesus continued, explaining to His disciples/apostles, that if they have seen Jesus, they have seen the Father. In another place, Jesus tells His disciples. "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30)
Thus, He is the same Christ that followed the Israelites through the Red Sea. The same Christ who Peter states on the day of Pentecost -- "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36) The same Jesus who is the Bread of Life, the Living Water wherein once you have tasted, will understand that the Lord is good.
Too often, we settle for the religious dogma and the traditions of men, but the Lord Jesus is calling us to study the scriptures for ourselves so that we understand firsthand how much He loved His people from the very beginning. And consequently, how much He wants to dwell within our hearts, leading and guiding us into all truth.
"And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved." (Acts 2:46-47)
It's time for believers to stand up and do the same.
Stand in the offering plate.
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving ... for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power .." (Colossians 2:6-9)
Question -- when was the last time you heard the "doctrine of Christ" expressed within the modern day religious community? It seems like the false teaching of a triune god has become entrenched in the religious systems, even when there is no scriptural basis for a three-headed god. Indeed, from the very first commandment -- "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One Lord" -- the scriptures continue to point to the One and Same God who willingly became our Saviour.
"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared!" (Titus 3:4-7)
Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) God prepared for Himself a body so that He could redeem His chosen people --- those who reach out to Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, desiring His will and purpose be fulfilled in our lives. Indeed, His Name in this current new dispensation of grace is JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. It is for this reason that Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
Did Jesus stop there? As we see from the scriptures, Jesus continued, explaining to His disciples/apostles, that if they have seen Jesus, they have seen the Father. In another place, Jesus tells His disciples. "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30)
Thus, He is the same Christ that followed the Israelites through the Red Sea. The same Christ who Peter states on the day of Pentecost -- "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36) The same Jesus who is the Bread of Life, the Living Water wherein once you have tasted, will understand that the Lord is good.
Too often, we settle for the religious dogma and the traditions of men, but the Lord Jesus is calling us to study the scriptures for ourselves so that we understand firsthand how much He loved His people from the very beginning. And consequently, how much He wants to dwell within our hearts, leading and guiding us into all truth.
"And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved." (Acts 2:46-47)
It's time for believers to stand up and do the same.
Stand in the offering plate.
Foundational Truth -- Jesus Said, "I AM ..." - Part 2411
“I, [even] I AM — He that blots out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put Me in remembrance ….” (Isaiah 43:25-26)
“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, [he is] a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation … to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us; we pray [you] in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him [to be] sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (II Corinthians 5:17-21)
If you think of a young child engaged in constructing a tall building with blocks, you will begin to understand how apostle Paul is presenting a similar building analogy to the saints at Corinth. Paul begins with a foundational truth — that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Paul then continues, bringing us next to that pivotal place whereby we understand being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. And similarly, that if any man be in Christ, he/she is a new creature. Translated further, this means old things — the things of this world have passed away, and all things are become new.
In speaking about being born again to Nicodemus, Jesus conveys a similar message. That is, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God!” (John 3:3) Does this mean returning to our mother’s womb to be born again? Of course not. Rather, what Jesus is saying is that if we want to see the Kingdom of God, and enter therein, we must be born of the water and of the Spirit.
As Jesus said, “that which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, “Ye must be born again.” (John 3:1-21)
Thus, when we repent and are water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus, we are clothed in His righteousness, having received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)
To as many as receive this same Jesus (who is both Lord and Christ), “to them gave He power to become the sons of God — to them that believe on His Name, which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13; Acts 2:38)
In other words, God made a way of salvation, by reconciling us (His body of Christ church) to Himself, shedding His own precious, holy blood so that we might have abundant, everlasting life in Him. (Acts 20:28)
“After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared …” (Titus 3:4-7)
But the good news gospel message does not stop there. When the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a Son — God having robed Himself in flesh — He did so in order that you and I might have abundant life in Him. (Luke 1:35)
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son. and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6)
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Romans 5:10-11)
“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, [I say], whether they be things in earth or things in heaven, and you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and un-blameable and un-reprovable in His sight. If ye continued in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel …” (Colossians 1:20-23)
As a result of God willingly becoming our Saviour — His salvation plan hid in His bosom from the very beginning, we now have “an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous, and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.” (I John 2:2)
“But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption that, according as it is written, “he that glories, let him glory in the Lord!” (I Corinthians 1:30-31; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 9:23-24; II Corinthians 10:17)
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17; Hebrews 2:4; Romans 3:21; Galatians 3:11)
Even so are we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith — Christ’s. (II Corinthians 10:7)
Stand in the offering plate.
“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, [he is] a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation … to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us; we pray [you] in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him [to be] sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (II Corinthians 5:17-21)
If you think of a young child engaged in constructing a tall building with blocks, you will begin to understand how apostle Paul is presenting a similar building analogy to the saints at Corinth. Paul begins with a foundational truth — that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Paul then continues, bringing us next to that pivotal place whereby we understand being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. And similarly, that if any man be in Christ, he/she is a new creature. Translated further, this means old things — the things of this world have passed away, and all things are become new.
In speaking about being born again to Nicodemus, Jesus conveys a similar message. That is, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God!” (John 3:3) Does this mean returning to our mother’s womb to be born again? Of course not. Rather, what Jesus is saying is that if we want to see the Kingdom of God, and enter therein, we must be born of the water and of the Spirit.
As Jesus said, “that which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, “Ye must be born again.” (John 3:1-21)
Thus, when we repent and are water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus, we are clothed in His righteousness, having received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)
To as many as receive this same Jesus (who is both Lord and Christ), “to them gave He power to become the sons of God — to them that believe on His Name, which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13; Acts 2:38)
In other words, God made a way of salvation, by reconciling us (His body of Christ church) to Himself, shedding His own precious, holy blood so that we might have abundant, everlasting life in Him. (Acts 20:28)
“After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared …” (Titus 3:4-7)
But the good news gospel message does not stop there. When the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a Son — God having robed Himself in flesh — He did so in order that you and I might have abundant life in Him. (Luke 1:35)
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son. and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6)
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Romans 5:10-11)
“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, [I say], whether they be things in earth or things in heaven, and you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and un-blameable and un-reprovable in His sight. If ye continued in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel …” (Colossians 1:20-23)
As a result of God willingly becoming our Saviour — His salvation plan hid in His bosom from the very beginning, we now have “an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous, and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.” (I John 2:2)
“But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption that, according as it is written, “he that glories, let him glory in the Lord!” (I Corinthians 1:30-31; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 9:23-24; II Corinthians 10:17)
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17; Hebrews 2:4; Romans 3:21; Galatians 3:11)
Even so are we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith — Christ’s. (II Corinthians 10:7)
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Have Ye Put On Christ -- Part 2410
Have you put on Christ? Or even more so, have you so learned Christ? Have you heard Him and been taught by Him — “as the truth is in Jesus!” (Ephesians 4:21)
This same Jesus - “in whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.” ((Ephesians 1:13-14)
In the epistles, apostle Paul is giving instruction to the Jesus believing communities to the saints in Galatia, and the faith community in Ephesus. (Galatians 4:1-19; Ephesians 4:20) To the first, Paul is concerned about the Galatians willingness to return to bondage. Indeed, Paul says, “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” (Galatians 3:1)
Paul goes on to ask, “Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law? Or, by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain?” (Galatians 3:1-4)
These are valid questions, particularly to those who are non-Jews, that like the Jews have become so entrenched in the law and pompous religious ceremony, that they have forgotten the freedom and liberty that is in Christ. (Galatians 5:1) Indeed, Paul is so adamant on this point that he tells us to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1; Acts 15:10; I Corinthians 16:13)
Note that Paul does not stop there. In fact, Paul writes, “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage; to who we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” (Galatians 2:4-5; II Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 4:16)
As he writes repeatedly, the law was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. For clarity, note that in the traditional sense, a mediator is a go-between but God is excepted from this definition. “Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.” (Galatians 3:20; Deuteronomy 6:4; I Timothy 2:5)
Thus, in the context, the law should not make the promised Seed of none effect. “For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. This is why the scripture hath concluded that all are under sin, so that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
And when we believe in Jesus — as both Lord and Christ by faith, we want to hear His voice, and be taught by Him. In our hearts, our desire is to so learn Christ — the truth that can only be found in the I AM — Jesus — who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) The One and Only God manifest in the flesh, who redeemed us who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:5; John 1:12; Galatians 3:26)
So when we answer Paul’s question, have we put on Christ — he is asking have we made Jesus the Christ our all in all. Have we been water baptized in His precious name — the Name of the Lord Jesus, wherein we become clothed in His garment of righteousness — in answer of a good conscience toward God? (Acts 2:36-41; I Peter 3:21) Wherein we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost — who leads and guides us into all truth.
If you have not repented and been water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins, today is the day to do so! For He has a purpose for each and every one of us — who have turned from the weak and beggarly elements of this world to a much higher calling in His mercy and goodness and grace. Paul travailed in instructing us — until Christ be formed in you. (Galatians 4:19)
This same good news gospel message remains true to this day.
Stand in the offering plate.
This same Jesus - “in whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.” ((Ephesians 1:13-14)
In the epistles, apostle Paul is giving instruction to the Jesus believing communities to the saints in Galatia, and the faith community in Ephesus. (Galatians 4:1-19; Ephesians 4:20) To the first, Paul is concerned about the Galatians willingness to return to bondage. Indeed, Paul says, “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” (Galatians 3:1)
Paul goes on to ask, “Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law? Or, by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain?” (Galatians 3:1-4)
These are valid questions, particularly to those who are non-Jews, that like the Jews have become so entrenched in the law and pompous religious ceremony, that they have forgotten the freedom and liberty that is in Christ. (Galatians 5:1) Indeed, Paul is so adamant on this point that he tells us to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1; Acts 15:10; I Corinthians 16:13)
Note that Paul does not stop there. In fact, Paul writes, “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage; to who we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” (Galatians 2:4-5; II Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 4:16)
As he writes repeatedly, the law was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. For clarity, note that in the traditional sense, a mediator is a go-between but God is excepted from this definition. “Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.” (Galatians 3:20; Deuteronomy 6:4; I Timothy 2:5)
Thus, in the context, the law should not make the promised Seed of none effect. “For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. This is why the scripture hath concluded that all are under sin, so that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
And when we believe in Jesus — as both Lord and Christ by faith, we want to hear His voice, and be taught by Him. In our hearts, our desire is to so learn Christ — the truth that can only be found in the I AM — Jesus — who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) The One and Only God manifest in the flesh, who redeemed us who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:5; John 1:12; Galatians 3:26)
So when we answer Paul’s question, have we put on Christ — he is asking have we made Jesus the Christ our all in all. Have we been water baptized in His precious name — the Name of the Lord Jesus, wherein we become clothed in His garment of righteousness — in answer of a good conscience toward God? (Acts 2:36-41; I Peter 3:21) Wherein we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost — who leads and guides us into all truth.
If you have not repented and been water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins, today is the day to do so! For He has a purpose for each and every one of us — who have turned from the weak and beggarly elements of this world to a much higher calling in His mercy and goodness and grace. Paul travailed in instructing us — until Christ be formed in you. (Galatians 4:19)
This same good news gospel message remains true to this day.
Stand in the offering plate.
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