Blessed Be The Lord God Of Israel For He Hath Visited And Redeemed His People - Part 2433

Jesus said, " ... [even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also.

At that day ye shall know that I [AM] in my Father, and ye in Me, and I in you; he that hath My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him."

Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, "Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him ...he that loves Me not keeps not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you." (John 14:17-21)

Note that just prior to this dialogue, Jesus has just told Philip (and the other disciples) that if they have seen Him -- this same Jesus who spoke to them herein -- they have (now) both seen the Father and know Him. (John 14:6-12) To the others listening, Jesus reiterates that He is -- I AM -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no man can come unto the Father but by Me. (John 14:6) 

He does not stop here. In fact, Jesus provides further insight regarding the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth and what happens when the Comforter comes into your life. Note that Jesus is not speaking about a third entity here because Jesus tells us that He will abide with you and I who believe in Him forever. This same Holy Ghost that the world cannot receive because the world sees Him not, and thus, neither (as the scripture states) do they know Him.

If Jesus had stopped the teaching/doctrine at this point, it may have left us with questions about whom we worship, particularly given that the first commandment in both the old and the new begins with the statement, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) It does not. Indeed, Jesus adds the "but" -- which stops us from erring from the truth.

That is, Jesus says, "... but ye know Him" - for He dwells with you and shall be in you. As Jesus then goes on to state, "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you!" 

And because we see Jesus, He has confirmed to us -- "Because I live, ye shall live also."

"At that day, ye shall know that I AM in My Father and ye in Me and I in you."

" ... he that hath My commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves Me." 

So much to learn here, but let this serve as a starting point to understanding Peter's message on the day of Pentecost. That is, this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is (now!) both Lord and Christ. And He -- Jesus -- through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:8) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Thou Hast Forgiven The Iniquity Of Thy People; Thou Hast Covered All Their Sin - Part 2432

"To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ..." (Ephesians 1:6-7)

According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love ... (Ephesians 1:4)

According to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:5)

According to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7) 

"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself ..." (Ephesians 1:9)

According to His eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:11) 

"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." (Ephesians 4:7)

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

" ... that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light!" (Colossians 1:10-12)

Thus, "... the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set [Him] at His own right hand in the heavenly [places]" (Ephesians 1:19)

"Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ who works all things after the counsel of His own will; that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ ..." (Ephesians 1:8-12)

"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 ..." (II Timothy 1:8-10) 

Stand in the offering plate.

So That They Which Are Called Might Receive The Promise Of Eternal Inheritance - Part 2431

"And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

There was a quote that went like this -- "Redemption is God’s recycle bin." Well, technically it is not. Redemption is not a recycling bin. Why? Because the Adamic race cannot be recycled. In fact, that is part of the issue. More often than not, the formal institutionalized religious culture is endeavouring to impinge its viewpoint upon the human race without aligning with scripture.

One such example is grace versus good works. While good works in itself is honourable, it retains no inward spiritual significance in terms of salvation. Good works definitely cannot replace a heart that is deceitful and wicked! As the scriptures clearly state, "You must be born again." That means -- every single individual must make their own personal decision to be born again. Indeed, all of Adam's sinful race must die to the world. No-one is exempt if we desire to inherit eternal life.

It is for this reason that worshipping God is critically important. But it is equally important that believers know "who" it is that they are worshipping. JESUS, who is the ONE TRUE GOD came forth from the bosom, which is the innermost being of the unseen eternal Spirit of the Almighty. He came with one purpose and that purpose was to seek and to save you and I - who are of Adam's offspring.

Unfortunately, religious ideology and sacraments (in whatever form it project) gets in the way of people being set free. Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

But as we also know, the modern day religious culture has gotten in the way of the Christian faith. In fact, religion in many cases has put itself in the place of the mediator -- which according to scripture is "the man Christ Jesus."

Within the scriptures also, we see the so-called church fathers have imposed their 'Simon the sorcery" religion, and in so doing, endeavoured to retard and alter that which the Lord God Himself had delivered. To set us free from the bondage; to heal the broken-hearted; to fill us with His abundant peace and joy which surpasses all human understanding.

And in so doing, the Lord emphatically upholds the apostolic scriptural truth, establishing scriptural authenticity by laying down His own natural life. God established that His work concerning man’s redemption is forever complete. As the scriptures note, the Lord, upon completion of this redemption mission ascended into Heaven and SAT down.

The Lord commenced a further work by confirming the Word that He had delivered! The Lord delivered His Word directly to chosen individuals, and it this Word now spoken by those chosen individuals that He confirms with signs and wonders. As a consequence, the Word disqualifies alternative presentations such as the ideology put forward by the Roman church fathers who desired their own man-made institutional church. Apostle Paul was quick to say that if any man preach another gospel then he is to be accursed.

Thankfully, we don't need to be in religious or worldly bondage because the Lord Jesus has set us free. The Christian church established by the Holy Ghost outpouring, as recorded in Acts 2. This outpouring of the Spirit fulfilled the afore prophetic utterance - that the Word of the Lord would go forth from Jerusalem. 

There the Lord added to His church - the body of Christ believing Church. And He still ministers to His believing body of Christ church today.

The difference is that now, when someone boldly states that they are Catholic, we do not need to fret. They have chosen to follow the Roman church fathers in preference to the confirmed Word of the Lord. Fortunately, we are not obligated to make the same choice. Instead, as the scriptures state, "Let God be true and every man a liar."

There is definitely more to come on this subject. Stand in the offering plate.

And For This Cause, He Is The Mediator Of The New Testament - Part 2430

"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14)

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [Him] ..." (Hebrews 2:3)

"For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:10)

" ... and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him!" (Hebrews 5:9) 

"But,  beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak." (Hebrews 6:9) 

"But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 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?

And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.

Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you." Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:1-28)

Let's repeat that once again ... "So, Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28)

The Lord Jesus be praised! Stand in the offering plate.

Can We Say -- "I Have Waited For Thy Salvation, O Lord!" - Part 2429

Salvation -- an interesting term, but what does it mean? Today, we will examine some of the New Testament scriptures regarding salvation - for your edification and learning! To begin, we need to understand that "Salvation is of the Lord." (Jonah 2:9) On the Old Testament side, it was good to wait on the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:26) "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." (Zechariah 9:9)

"Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me." (Micah 7:7)

"Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it." (Isaiah 45:8)

On the New Testament side, the scriptures attest that we shall "with joy ... draw water out of the wells of salvation." (Isaiah 12:3) We will see the promise from the prophets from afore ... when we witness the Lord God of the old becoming our Saviour. After the kindness and mercy of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16)

In the gospel according to Luke, salvation is referred to five times. The first is in prophesy " ... and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David." (Luke 1:69); "... to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins ..." (Luke 1:77) " ... for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation." (Luke 2:30) "... and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Luke 3:6) And Jesus said unto him, "This day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham." (Luke 19:9)

This is the turning point between the two dispensations -- the old and the new. As we learn from Jesus speaking to the woman at the well in John 4, there comes a day when we shall worship Him in Spirit and in truth. This day is now. The prophesied Messiah has come to save the sins of His people. Thus, the dispensation in which we live now is the dispensation of grace, wherein our Lord God and Saviour declares peace and good will toward men.

At the well, Jesus saith unto her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour comes, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him." (John 4:21-23)

Moving into the book of Acts -- we see the apostles put into action the words of Jesus. Herein, there are five references to salvation. In the first scripture, we see that there is only ONE NAME whereby we must be saved -- the Name of JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. In the second and third, an insight that the Word of this salvation was sent to the children of the stock of Abraham as well as the Gentiles. The fourth scripture clarifies that the apostles were indeed servants of the Most High God --which were chosen to shew unto us the way of salvation. In the last, further clarification that the salvation message is sent unto those among the Gentiles who will hear the gospel.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fears God, to you is the Word of this salvation sent." (Acts 13:26)

"For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, "I have set Thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that Thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." (Acts 13:47)

" ... the same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, "These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation." (Acts 16:17)

"Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it." (Acts 28:28)

In Romans, we learn not to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ -- for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (including the Jew and the Greek). (Romans 1:16) But what is salvation? Romans 10:10 states, "For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

In another place, we learn the difference between godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world. That is, "godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death." (II Corinthians 7:10)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men ..." (Titus 2:11) "After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7)

"(For He saith, "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation). (II Corinthians 6:2)

"... that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. in whom ye also trusted, after that 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 1:12-14)

"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation ... for God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ," (I Thessalonians 5:8-9)

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)

Important to note also that because of the fall of the Israelites, salvation is come unto the Gentiles, and as the scripture states -- "for to provoke them to jealousy." (Romans 11:11) 

In terms of comfort -- "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." (Romans 13:11) "And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." (II Corinthians 1:6)

"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:" (II Thessalonians 2:13)

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints ..." (Ephesians 6:16-18) "For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ ..." (Philippians 1:19) " ... and in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God." (Philippians 1:28)

"Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." (II Timothy 2:10)

And did you know -- salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus makes you wise?

"...and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (II Timothy 3:15)

That salvation prepares us?

" ... who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:5) " ... receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you." (I Peter 1:9-10)

That the long suffering of our Lord is salvation ... "account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation!" (II Peter 3:15)

"For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:10) " ... and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." (Hebrews 5:9; Acts 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6)

That we have a hope because of our salvation!

"... is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." (Revelation 12:10)

So, why is salvation so important?

"For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [Him]; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?" (Hebrews 2:2-4)

And just in case you don't know how to become saved, here's Peter's instruction (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost, when the first 3,000 souls were saved into the New Testament body of Christ church.

"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)

"Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God!" (Revelation 19:1)

Stand in the offering plate.

Have Ye So Learned Christ; This Same Jesus In Whom Ye Trust, After Hearing The Word Of Truth - Part 2428

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.

And All Flesh Shall See The Salvation Of God; His Wondrous Salvation For You And I - Part 2427

"This day is salvation come to this house, [insomuch] as He also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:9-10; Galatians 3:7; Luke 13:16; Matthew 18:11; Matthew 1:21-23)

The scene opens with Jesus sitting upon the mount of Olives, over against the temple with some of His disciples. Peter, James, John and Andrew privately ask Jesus about the events that would take place in the last day. Toward the end of the conversation, Jesus repeats an analogy that He refers to various times before and after. That is,"[For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left His house, and gave authority to His servants, and to every man His work, and commanded the porter* to watch. Watch ye therefore, for ye know not when the Master of the house comes, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning ... lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping." (Mark 13:34-37) * (a porter can be equated to a doorkeeper)

In another place, Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to a man travelling into a far country, calling the servants together, and delivering unto them His goods. And, in yet another scripture, a certain householder, or a certain nobleman who tells his servants to occupy therein till He returns.

"For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called h/His servants, and delivered unto them h/His goods." (Matthew 25:14) Or, as a certain householder; which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country ..." (Matthew 21:33) "Or, like a certain nobleman that went into a far country to receive for h/Himself a kingdom, and h/He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds and said unto them, "Occupy till I come." (Luke 19:12-27; Luke 20:9-19)

These references highlight some of the parables Jesus used to reveal His hidden identity, and the mystery that was hidden in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. The mystery that is godliness -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Lord God coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) He Himself who knew no sin becoming sin for us. But I digress.

For this day, let's focus on the Son of man -- leaving His house [heaven] to take a faraway journey, fully knowing that He would be opposed by those citizens who would not have Him reign over them.

But h/His citizens hated h/Him and sent a message after h/Him, saying, "We will not have this [man] to reign over us." (Luke 19:27) Indeed, they reasoned among themselves, as Jesus relates in another parable, saying about the son -- "This is the heir; come, let us kill Him, that the inheritance may be ours." (Luke 20:9-19)

Interestingly, David puts Jesus' words into perspective, when the psalmist asked the Lord so many decades before, "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man that Thou visits him? For Thou hast made Him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned Him with glory and honour. Thou made Him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all [things] under His feet; all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea [and whatsoever] passes through the paths of the sea. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent [is] Thy Name in all the earth." (Psalm 8:4-9; I Corinthians 15:27; Hebrews 2:6-8)

Thankfully, in this current dispensation of grace, we are no longer at a disadvantage, looking forward to the promised Christ/Messiah, as were the prophets from afore, inquiring and searching diligently, who could only prophesy of the grace that would come unto us. "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow ..." (I Peter 1:10-11; II Peter 1:21)

Indeed, the living Word of God is readily available. And, as such, we can rightly divide the Word of truth, while searching to understand what Jesus meant when He referred to the Son of man in parables. (John 1:1-18; II Timothy 2:15) The only begotten. (John 3:16) We have ample opportunity to give diligence to His Word make our calling and election sure. (II Peter 1:10)

[As an aside, how sad it will be when this realization hits home -- how we fell short of His calling, and His willingness to reason with us daily through His Word, and yet, we chose to do other things! O, how the Lord must grieve!]

Still, herein, Jesus is attempting to reveal Himself to His disciples. "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:6-18) And to the others who were afar off -- "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father; if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19)

Who is the Son of man? This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. The King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8, 11) "I am He that lives and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:18)

Jesus the promised Christ -- made of the seed of David according to the flesh. (Romans 1:3) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) "And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His Name is called -- The Word of God." (Revelation 19:13) "I am the Lord; that is My Name, and My glory will I not give to another ..." (Isaiah 42:8)

"... therefore, Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me ..." (Isaiah 63:5; Isaiah 41:28) " ... therefore, His arm brought salvation unto Him, and His righteousness, it sustained Him." (Isaiah 59:16) "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken [it]." (Isaiah 40:5)

As David again points out, "O, sing unto the Lord a new song. For He hath done marvelous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory. The Lord hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered His mercy and His truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." (Psalm 98:1-3, 6; Isaiah 40:5, 10, 18, 25; Isaiah 52:10; Isaiah 53:1; Isaiah 59:16; Isaiah 62:2; Isaiah 63:5)

"And all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Luke 3:6)

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people and He hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David ...) (Luke 1:67-77) " ... through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the "dayspring" from on high hath visited us." (Luke 1:78) "for unto us is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour -- which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

"For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings ..." (Hebrews 2:10-11)

For this cause came He into the world, "that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:37; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 20:28; Isaiah 55:4; John 10:27)

"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28; John 13:34; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:27; Isaiah 53:10-12; Romans 5:15, 19; Daniel 9:24, 26)

"Sacrifice and offering Thou would not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me; in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure. then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book, it is written of Me,) to do Thy will." (Hebrews 10:5-7; Psalm 40:6-8; The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18)

And, as apostle Paul adds, "... which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22)

In this context, the Lord God prepared for Himself a body, so that He Himself who knew no sin could become the perfect sacrifice on a cross, and thus, as a consequence provide His free gift of salvation to you and I. (Philippians 2:4-11)

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men ... looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14)

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the "body" of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:10; John 17:19; Hebrews 9:2)

"After the second veil, which is called the Holiest of all ..." (Hebrews 9:2)

But while the first tabernacle was yet standing, "the Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest ..." (Hebrews 9:8; John 14:6)

Only when He did come, as was foretold by the prophets of old, would He give authority to His servants to continue the work which He began while in the world -- to remain steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:36-47)

Yes, "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)

And then, to come full circle with Jesus' parables, we --on that blessed day, when the Lord finds His servants doing His work according to His will, then shall He say, "Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when He comes, shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that He will make him ruler over all that he hath ..." (Luke 12:42-46)

Then will the Lord say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:21)

Yes, even before the world was formed, the Lord was thinking of you and I, when He being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made "Himself" of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men ... and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross -- wherefore, God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every other name." (Philippians 2:4-11)

" .. and she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)

This is why Jesus could say -- "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Because Jesus was the Father who loved us enough to become our Saviour. It was He who left that faraway place so that He could redeem His beloved people.

If you haven't already, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and be water baptized (and clothed) in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)

Stand in the offering plate.

He Is Highly Exalted And Worthy To Be Praised ... JESUS Who Is Both Lord And Christ! - Part 2426

The book of Philippians expands on the message found in earlier posts. In part, the scriptures reveal the 'who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God.' But He made Himself of no reputation and took upon Himself the form of a servant. In so doing, He was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross.

Wherefore, God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name. It is this name that the scriptures state is above every other name. It is upon hearing the name of JESUS that the scriptures state that every knee should bow. Indeed, every tongue should confess that JESUS the Christ IS LORD -- to the glory of God forever.

God is also, according to the scriptures, ONE SPIRIT. God upon counselling with Himself determined that He was going to show Himself in form. And not only was He going to shown Himself in form spiritually but He was also become an earthly image of His spiritual form. In creation, God will display His spiritual power and majesty.

So God, who is one Spirit steps out in form. Not created but rather Himself in spiritual form. The very same God. No greater and no lesser the same one God (never seen afore) reveals Himself to mankind. The unseen is now seen. God in form coming forth from His spiritual innermost being. Not another person but the innermost being of God coming forth. God in form. Not another person as is propagated by so many church fathers.

When God created man, the image created was an earthly created image of the spiritual form of God. God breathing into man so that man now becomes a living soul. But as we know from Genesis, the first book of the Bible, Adam disobeys God's instructions. As a consequence, Adam’s disobedience results in Adam’s expulsion from the Garden. God had said that the soul that sins shall surely die. This explains why death now encompasses Adam and his seed.

In reality, there was no escaping the sentence of death pronounced. Everyone has, at one time or another, an appointment with death. Still, God said to Adam, "What have you done?" The plan of God for His creation appears to have been stymied.

But the Love of God toward His creation is far greater than our tongue or penmanship can grasp, or for that matter ever tell. FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD!

For God so loved you and I!

Stand in the offering plate.

O Come, Let Us Come Before His Presence With Thanksgiving - Part 2425

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land.

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: when your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation,
and said, "It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known My ways: unto whom I sware in My wrath that they should not enter into My rest." (Psalm 95:1-11)

But from the very beginning, the Lord God had a plan of salvation worked out so that we could enter His rest -- that is, we could come and sing unto Him, making a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. It is for this reason that we who believe come before His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.

For our God is not only a Great God and a Great King above all gods but He loved His creation so much that He willingly laid down His life for His people ... so that we could find rest in His goodness and grace and mercy. 

Ask Jesus to be Lord and King of your life today. Be water baptized in His precious, holy Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus -- who is above all things. 

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. Stand in the offering plate.

Ask The Saviour To Comfort You And To Release You From The Bondage And Captivity Of Sin - Part 2424

The Lord will not suffer His Holy One to see corruption!

Adam’s disobedience seemingly delayed the ultimate plan of God for man's destiny. However, that would possibly be man's reasoning. But in actuality, it separated the wheat from the tares, for being tempted and tried as a result of our prone to sin fallen nature, we are now at least capable of making choices.

We attend schools that are supposed to equip us with tools that allow us to function effectively in society. Unfortunately, some of us fall through the cracks and launch out into life acquiring our education through the “school of hard knocks." Often, from this latter school we never really graduate but we do earn a down to earth education.

The second school is the “School of Kneeology.” You ask what kind of school is that? Please listen carefully. Before you dig the hole you are in deeper,(resulting from an uphill- downhill- roller coaster ride) I have good news to share.

You are sons and daughters or the Most High King ... of Almighty God. Yes, maybe even a messed up son of God but you are a son or daughter of God nevertheless. In desperation, tears falling like a river, call upon the name of JESUS. Just call on the God who loves you beyond measure and let Him deliver you from your bondage and heavy burdens! That is the school of kneeology - a place where anyone who attends can graduate with first class honours.

Indeed, God loves His creation. So much does God love us that He alone took our debt of sin upon Himself that we the captors of sin, sickness, and disillusionment could obtain salvation. You are the works of His hands and within you is His breath. Use that breath now to ask God into your life as your Saviour! Wrap your breath around your tongue and ask the Lord Jesus to save you.

Ask the Saviour to help you and comfort, strengthen and keep you. Yes, He is willing to save you. He will carry you through. For when we repent and are water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus (the answer of a good conscience toward God) we can be assured that nothing -- absolutely nothing shall separate us from the Love of God!

His promise to us when we are faithful in rejoicing in Him. Praise our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ today -- in your heart, in your very being, from morning to night, and forever more.

Stand in the offering plate.

Praise Ye The Lord, From The Rising Of The Sun Unto The Going Down Of The Same; The Lord's Name To Be Praised - Part 2423

Praise ye the Lord.

Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.

The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

He raises up the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the dunghill; that He may set him with princes, even with the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children.

Praise ye the Lord.

From Psalms 113 -- for your learning and edification. Stand in the offering plate.

Now Faith Is The Substance Of Things Hoped For; The Evidence Of Things Not Seen - Part 2422

Jesus is God in visible form. Indeed, from the beginning, when the world and man was first created, God knew then that salvation meant showing Himself in human form. A visible form so that we could see that God Himself loved us so much that He would die for us. As a consequence, you now have God’s own personal spirit and word.

To understand the depth of God's love further, let us view this same God who has made all things. It was not another person or triune figure in a godhead. It was the unseen God who loved us so much now being seen. When God made all things for Himself and by Himself, it was because He loved us. He still loves us. This visible form of God that has no beginning of days nor end of life took on a human form for us.

Yes, everything is of God whether it is seen or unseen. In fact, all things are made by God. And, as a result of His counsel, the counsel that determined He was going to create a universe, led to all things contained in the universe being an expression of Himself (God in created form). The earth showing His handiwork while the heavens displayed His Glory for all to enjoy. It is no wonder that we say, this is the best life we have ever lived and this is the best place I have ever been. It's because the Almighty God who loves us so much wanted it that way.

One cannot hide from the Lord. Some will try to hide. However, they are fighting a losing battle. At the end of life's road, there is God. In the scriptures, Jesus as a man, is typified as a Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth. God knows the ending from the beginning. He also foreknew that He Himself would go to all extremes to enable us to become a temple and a habitation. A temple that God is going to furnish according to His predetermined counsel. And once we have accepted God's grace, then He, our God is going to move in, at which time we will see that Jesus as a man was the cornerstone of the establishment of this temple.

The fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ, who is the form of God. Think about this for a moment. The fullness of God in Christ. So God's promised/counselled Word veiled Himself in flesh and fashioned Himself as a man. Therefore let this humble mind and attitude be in us which was in Christ Jesus, who though His divine nature was from the beginning God.

Jesus in the flesh thought it not robbery to be equal with God. He emptied Him of reputation and stripped Himself of glory. Indeed, He took upon Himself the nature of a slave /servant. He was born in human guise in the likeness of men. He finally humiliated Himself in obedience so as to die, even going so far as to die a criminal’s death. That is, the death of the cross. God manifest in the flesh.

The record does not say that He was representative of God, neither does the record say that He is a god. What the record does declare is that ALL the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Jesus. The scriptures also declare that it pleased the Holy Ghost, His Father that in Him should all the fullness of the Godhead dwell. God is Spirit ... the only begotten son who is in His bosom has manifestly declared Him.

Remember the scriptue, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh." Who appeared in the flesh? According to the scriptures, He (God) was made visible in human form.  He was revealed in our nature and showed Himself as a human being. He was justified in the Spirit and declared / pronounced righteous. Furthermore, He was proved spotless and pure in His Spirit, seen of angels and made visible unto messengers. He preached to the Gentiles, to whom the good news was given among the nations.

Most of all, He was believed on in the world. He was trusted throughout the world and then received up into glory. He is now glorified in the Heavens. Here is a simple example. If you take a drop of water from the ocean, that drop of water would contain all the elements that were in all the ocean. By using the same analogy, the scriptures deliver the message in this fashion. If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. There isn't another God. Rather, I am God manifest in the flesh as a son.

Stand in the offering plate. Give yourself willingly to the one who loved you and sacrificed Himself for you. He has done it all just for you. Come to the Lord Jesus. Be baptised into the watery grave with Jesus and rise out of the water a new creation. New and justified and fellowshipping with the same God who created you. Be filled with His holy spirit and go on your way rejoicing. God in Christ bless you!

And The Name Of The Lord Jesus Was Magnified! And Many That Came Believed, And Confessed; So Mightily Grew The Word Of God - Part 2421

"And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring [him] that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

And when the town clerk had appeased the people, he said, "Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knows not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse."

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. (Acts 19:30-41)

Prior to this scriptural account, we see a number of events happening.  

First, while apostle Paul was passing through the upper coasts to Ephesus, he found certain disciples. Paul 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. And all the men were about twelve.

Second, Paul went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

As a consequence, God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Third, we see certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, take upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the Name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches." And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, [and] chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?"

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Indeed, many that came believed, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. As well, many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed.

Imagine, the believing community burned their curious arts and books and when they counted the price of them, they found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. The result? So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed. 

Fourth, we see that after these things were ended, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

And the same time, there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain [man] named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, "Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: so that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships."

And when they heard [these] sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians." And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

It is at this point wherein we see the assembly in confusion. Here is Paul preaching in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Conversely, those who made money from making silver shrines for what they perceived to be the great goddess Dianna were suddenly losing business. In fact, so much so, that they wanted Paul stopped. Nevertheless, as we know, Jesus is both Lord and Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords and He never takes second place for all power and authority are His. (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 1:8)

Our takeaway? To magnify the Name of the Lord Jesus. To be water baptized by immersion in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus. To understand that no other religious god that the world worships can supersede worshipping the Lord our God -- His Name JESUS -- in this current dispensation of grace.

For He is the only God who loved His people enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that we might have everlasting life in Him.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus, The Everlasting Beacon Of Light And Hope And Peace - Part 2420

JESUS said that if He were to be lifted up (crucified) He would draw all men and women to Himself! There are choruses such as the one that follows that further elaborates on this point.

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died

My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride

Forbid it, Lord that I should boast. Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most. I sacrifice them to His blood

See from His head, His hands, His feet. Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e'r such love and sorrow meet or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine that were an offering far to small

Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!

Just as the chorus suggests, the redemption of all mankind is not dependant upon fallen man’s capability to redeem him or herself, although in their respective sin prone mind they might think they can. But man’s life is likened in the scriptures to a boat without a rudder. Adrift in an ocean, and totally at the mercy of tides and wind -- which of themselves can be merciless! Maintaining a stiff upper lip, while noteworthy is in such cases similar to burying one's head in sand. The reality is that apart from the intervention of another, all things will inadvertently remain constant. But this is where the good news begins.

With God’s intervention there is hope eternal. How doe we know? Even the winds and the sea obey His voice! The question is this. How can one believe in God if they have not heard of God? And even supposed they were to believe that there was a God, how would that change their personal circumstances, for even the devil believes that there is one God.

Further, religion talks about God as if religious institutions were beacons of light. As we all see, religions erect buildings and some of them fill these buildings with their vain imaginations. This is what the scriptures say. They fill their buildings with images and relics, dead lifeless things that are totally useless! Indeed, they are as useless as a straw is to a drowning person who in desperation grabs at the straw. God has said, "Heaven is my throne and earth my footstool and you are building a house for me. Are you yet without understanding?" God does not live in buildings made with man’s hands.

Rather, God who is one Spirit has revealed His pure spiritual humanity in the face of the man JESUS. This same Jesus who is the Lord Himself declared that all of these efforts to build buildings and religious institutions are nothing more than sinking sand. When JESUS speaks, it is His holy Spirit message being spoken through the vocal cords of the man JESUS. How do we know? Well, JESUS equals God’s Word. These are not the Words of another.

The Holy Ghost declares that men are worshiping Him in vain! They are deceivers, asserting that they know Jesus but they do not. Men who have discarded His Word, substituting their own version of erroneous false teachings in its place. Indeed, many practice a form of worship patterned after man’s wisdom -- which wisdom in God’s eyes is foolishness! In this same context, many of the same foolish pagan religions that date back to 300/400 AD can be likened to the Roman soldiers at the cross dividing JESUS' garment amongst themselves. Still, the Word of the LORD went forth from Jerusalem. Keep that thought! And receive God's Word today!

Stand in the offering plate.

(Written by William (Bill) McKendrick)

When His Glory Shall Be Revealed, When He Is Glorified, Have Fervent Charity Among Yourselves, For We Shall Be Known By His Love - Part 2419

"O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh longs for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary. Because Thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee." (Psalm 63:1-3)

So, how should His loving kindness ... which the psalmist David describes as better than life ... flow through us, so that those around us will come to the same understanding? Jesus told His disciples that they would know us by our love! Our love for our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ, and our love for one another.

Indeed, Jesus said, "Little children, yet a little while I AM with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, "Whither I go, ye cannot come" ... so now I say to you. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." By this shall all [men] know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:33-35)

We see this same charity expressed in I Peter -- the same charity that the scriptures explain -- covers a multitude of sins. That is, when we who believe display "fervent charity" among ourselves as stewards of the manifold grace go God. Interestingly, too, we are instructed to continue rejoicing and be glad with exceeding joy -- even when we are in the midst of the fiery trials. Even when we are suffering, or there are those who reproach you for the name of Christ. 

The rest of the story from I Peter 4:

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. 

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to Him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." (I Peter 4:7-19)

And in all things rejoice, for He is forever faithful to those who love Him. In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins.

Stand in the offering plate.

Becoming Clothed In The Righteousness Of God Our Saviour, Jesus The Christ - Part 2418

And of His Spirit, the fruit of the promised SEED, have all believers in the promised SEED of God received. God planned and put in motion all things, as predetermined by the counsel of His own will. Therefore, this plan of redemption is entirely God’s plan, wherein God would willingly become our Saviour, shedding His precious, holy blood on a cross so that we might have abundant life in Him. (Acts 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

No one was His counsellor. Rather, God purposefully prepared Himself a body in which God could appear as a Son brought forth from a willing surrogate mother named Mary. This meant that Mary herself lived her life in a prone to sin body inasmuch as she also was one of Adam’s fallen race.

In Jesus then, a new bloodline began. A bloodline that did not descend from Adam. Within this new bloodline, JESUS is the SEED of the Spirit of God. The embryo, the bones, and the blood, were of the Spirit of God. Similarly, the embryo was clothed with Adamic prone to sin flesh whilst in the womb of His surrogate mother Mary.

JESUS, whilst in that body was tempted, and tried in all points - just like as we are - but without succumbing to sin. In other words, if man were ever to be redeemed, it would require a sinless man willing to die -- to become the purchase necessary to save us from our sins. For it is written in the scriptures that the wages of sin is eternal death. It is also written that the gift of God is eternal life.

But in deciding the plan of salvation, God searched and concluded that there was no man found that was holy, righteous, or undefiled. Therefore, it is written, a body have you prepared Me. For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY Begotten Son to die at Calvary so that men and women could be free.

And looking back, this plan of salvation is exactly what God has done. For JESUS was conceived of the holy Spirit of God - the Holy Ghost which overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son, the holy thing in the womb (as Luke, a physician describes in the gospel of Luke).

Therefore, the He who was brought forth was God in the flesh. Pure, holy, undefiled, and separate from sinners. It was God who purposed to lay down His sinless life. God Himself as a Son becoming the only means of eternal salvation. By the sacrifice of His life, we in turn could be called sons and daughters of God.

Thus, we ought not to dismiss the Word/Wisdom of God. Instead, we must be born again. This is why we are instructed to rise and be baptized. Wash away your sin whilst you are calling upon the Name of our great God and only Saviour JESUS the Christ! (Acts 2:36-42)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Lord Is my Shepherd; He Restores my Soul And Leads me In the Paths Of Righteousness - Part 2417

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalms 23:5)

"For Thou Lord art Most High for evermore." (Psalms 92:9)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism ...

As David the psalmist points out in these scriptures is that "it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy Name; O Most High; to shew forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night ... for Thou Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work; I will triumph in the works of Thy hands. O Lord, how great are Thy works and Thy thoughts are very deep." (Psalm 92:1-5)

You see, the Word of God contains power. In essence, the Word of God provides the meat that we yearn for in our very souls, the substance which renews our minds and hearts from the carnal of this world. And through the study of His Word, our relationship with the Lord Most High becomes closer, wherein we willingly desire to set our sights on the heavenly. As David writes, the Lord shews forth His lovingkindness and faithfulness in all things. He makes us glad -- so much so, that we sing praises unto Thy Name.

His Name in this current dispensation of grace? JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins -- the Great I AM of the old springing forth to do a new thing so that we might find abundant life in Him; in His goodness and grace and mercy. And He desires that we turn to Him in our hearts so that He can make us whole; sustained in His mighty presence -- the same God who created the world who loved us so much that He would willingly become our Saviour.

Although David had not seen the promise of salvation, He knew God's continuing faithfulness in all things. David recognized the Lord as a Shepherd, who would leave the 99 sheep to go after the 1 who was lost. This is the God we serve. This is the God who endured the hate of the world on a cross so that we might find real life in Him. And this same God is calling us into His fold this day. He paid the ultimate price -- shedding His own precious, holy blood -- as the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep.

As David said, "Offer unto God thanksgiving ...  call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." (Psalm 50:14-15)

And let your cup too runneth over with joy! Stand in the offering plate.