Christ Is The End Of The Law For Righteousness, To Everyone That Believes - Part 2572

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death ..." (Philippians 3:8-10)

"... to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believes in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans 3:26-28)

Before beginning, it's important to recognize that the Lord Jesus chose apostle Paul (formerly Saul) to teach the Gentiles. This is the same Paul that wrote a healthy portion of the New Testament. Paul was also very highly educated -- considered the Pharisee of Pharisees. The other point worth observing is that the Lord planned a brand new thing in the New Testament - not an add-on to the old testament.

"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, is it of no strength at all while the testator lives." (Hebrews 9:15-18) 

This is why Paul taught that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. (Romans 10:4) Because now, in this current dispensation of grace, the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. 

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference ..." (Romans 3:20-22)

As we know, the Lord levelled the playing field between the Israelites and the Gentiles -- "for God hath concluded them all in unbelief." (Romans 9:6-8) Unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference. (Romans 14:23) 

"Knowing this, that he law is not made for a righteous man but for the lawless." (I Timothy 1:9) 

Why? So that the Lord might have mercy upon each and every one of us. (Romans 3:23) In sum then, the law became a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. 

"Wherefore then serve the law? It 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. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.. For ye are all the children of God b faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have ben baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye ar all one in Christ Jesus.

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:19-29) 

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ." (Romans 3:22) This is the same Jesus the Christ who said, "I AM the bread of life." (John 8:35, 48) "For the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 8:33, 58) You see, Moses did not give the bread from heaven, but as Jesus said, "My Father gives you the true bread from heaven." (John 8:32, 50) 

The same Jesus who said, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) 

Why is this important? Because in today's modern day religious culture, there are many that have turned aside from the truth -- unto vain jangling, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." (I Timothy 1:5-7) 

In another place, Paul writes, "but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8) And "therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." (Romans 13:10)

For all the law is fulfilled in one word -- even this -- "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." 

So the message for this day? Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

No greater good news message than the greatest love story ever told -- that God Himself loved us so much that He would willingly clothe Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that you and I might experience abundant life in Him.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Lo, Behold, The Lamb Of God! - Part 2571

"Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD. Love the Lord with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind, and all of your strength ..." which is confirmed by Jesus in Mark 12:29-31. 

Jesus' baptism is described in all four gospels as follows:

John 1:29-34 states: "The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and saith, "Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, "After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for He was before me. And I knew Him not: but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." And John bare record, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him. And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost." And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."

Matthew 3:13-17 states, "Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" And Jesus answering said unto him, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becomes us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he suffered Him. And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 

Mark 1:9-11 states, "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, "Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Luke 3:21-22 states, "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, "Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased."

Because many people have not studied the scriptures, the general populace misunderstands what really happened at the time Jesus went to John the baptizer to be baptized. This day, we hope to offer some clarification based on the four scriptural accounts from the gospels above. For starters, it is important to note that Jesus was baptized to confirm an earlier prophecy -- "for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness." 

Second, John the baptizer was informed by the Holy Ghost - the One and Same Holy Ghost who overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son that when he (John) saw the Holy Ghost LIKE a dove descend AND ALSO REMAIN on Jesus, that He was the prophesied Lamb of God. 

We know this to be true from John's gospel when John bare record -- "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove ... and it abode upon Him. But I knew Him not; BUT HE that sent me to baptize with water the same said unto me, "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, AND remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost." 

Third, the sign of the Holy Ghost descending was LIKE a dove  -- not an actual physical dove descending. This had to happen so that John the baptizer would know Jesus, the lamb of God. Therefore, the Holy Ghost descending like a dove was the confirmation John required, as told to him from afore. Thus, when Jesus came up out of the water and saw the heavens opened, it was for the benefit of John. 

As for the voice from heaven, we need to acknowledge that the voice from heaven was for the benefit of everyone -- so that they too would recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah. Or, as Luke wrote, "My beloved Son, in Thee I am well pleased." As we know from the scriptures, they saw Jesus Only! For purposes of comparison, the same voice is heard in Matthew 17:7-9 (on the Mount). There, the scripture states, "And Jesus came and touched them, and said, "Arise, and be not afraid." And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only." 

Note that John always pointed to Jesus - whose shoes he was not worthy to tie. It is He that will baptize us with the Holy Ghost. (As an aside, we know that when Jesus ascended, He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) 

The scripture never mentions Jesus AND the Holy Ghost as separate beings, because the doctrine of Christ described in II John 1:9 clearly states, "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." 

So, back to the Son -- in the beginning, well actually from before the world was formed, the Lord God knew that He would have to come forth as a mighty man (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) Or as Isaiah 7:13 states, "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Emmanuel, according to Matthew 1:21-23 is interpreted as God with us. 

Do you remember Jesus' parable, where they want to kill the heir, so they inherit the earth? That parable is telling here. Note also when Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" in John 10:30, and "If you've seen Me, you've seen the Father and know Him" in John 14:6-12, the revelation was specifically for His disciples. 

But as we know from other scriptures, the disciples only recognized what Jesus was saying to them AFTER His death and resurrection. Why did God have to identify Himself as a Son, clothing Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin)? So that satan would do what had to be done. Hebrews 9 offers particular insights -- that there had to be a sacrifice. (Hebrews 9:1-28) In order for redemption to become available, it had to include the shedding of blood.

Specifically, as Hebrews 9:8 states, "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!" 

Thus, there was no Son prior to the day that the Holy Ghost -- the Great I AM -- decided to be made manifest. This scripture is confirmed in I Timothy 3:16. 

And when the angel of the Lord said, "And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Indeed, "He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) 

More to come. Stand in the offering plate.

And He Shall Stand And Feed In The Strength Of The Lord - Part 2570

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

"Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us; they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:1)

The last post highlighted a few of the many prophecies pointing to the birth of God our Saviour -- the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, as mentioned previously, the evidence that Jesus is the promised Messiah is overwhelming. Indeed, many associate Micah's prophecy as the most important single prophecy in the Old Testament. 

For example, when Herod the king asked the scribes and teachers of the law about the location of Jesus' birth, they shared Micah's prophecy. (Matthew 2:5-6; Micah 5:2) Herod was likely surprised by the answer, particularly since Bethlehem (the hometown of David) was never considered prestigious, or a city of influence. Even so, God chose Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah -- the place wherein the Saviour would be born. This is confirmed in Micah 5:2, which states, "But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2) 

The other point worth noting is that this same Lord (called to be the ruler of Israel) was destined to come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 7:14) But there is more. This same Jesus was before all things. (Colossians 1:16-17) He was in the world and the world made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) 

For those who are surprised by this, it's important to know that the Lord God Himself appeared to numerous individuals in the Old Testament, including Abraham. (Genesis 16:7-13; Genesis 32:24-32; Joshua 5:13-15; Judges 6:11-24; Daniel 3) Mary the mother of Jesus acknowledged the "holy thing" within her womb as "God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47) And in Revelation, we recognize the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ; the King of kings and Lord of lords; the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Acts 2:36; Revelation 1:8, 11) 

The Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

In summary then, the first six verses of Micah 5 foretells of the birth of Jesus, and the later adoption and conversion of the Gentiles. The remainder of the chapter speaks to the triumphs of Israel. Similarly, like Daniel's prophecies, Micah speaks of events that will happen both in the near future and off in the distance. We know that God said that Israel would never enter into His rest until the time when Israel would acknowledge His sacrifice on the cross. (Acts 20:28) Thus, we now know why there would be 430 years of silence. We also know why we all need a Saviour. 

Matthew Henry, a Biblical commentator, reaffirms Micah's prophecy as critical to our understanding because "it respects the personal character of the Messiah, and the discoveries of Himself to the world. It distinguishes His human birth from His existing from eternity; it foretells the rejection of the Israelites and Jews for a season, their final restoration, and the universal peace to prevail through the whole earth in the latter days."

So much more to learn in the days ahead. For now, stand in the offering plate. 

I Will Dwell In Them, And Walk In Them; And I Will Be Their God, And They Shall Be My People. - Part 2569

"And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, "In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, "And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." (Matthew 2:4-6)

One of the most notable promises of the old testament is the prophesying of the coming of Jesus.  Indeed, a number of prophets foretold the birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. These prophecies include the context and specific details in scripture, so that the naysayers could not dispute the evidence. 

So, when the wise men from the east queried Herod about Jesus (King of the Jews), and where He was to be born, Herod becomes notably troubled. But not just Herod, but also all of Jerusalem. The wise men ask, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:2)

It is at this point that Herod gathers all the chief priests and scribes, demanding from them the location where Christ should be born. (Matthew 2:4)

"Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:5-11) 

"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him. When he arose, he took the young child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt: and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt have I called My son."

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." (Matthew 2:1-17) 

Have you counted the number of prophecies that were fulfilled just in this one chapter? 

Did you notice that when the wise men came to see Jesus as a young child, that they worshipped Him?

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life." And he arose, and took the young child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matthew 2:1-23) 

Prophecy after prophecy was fulfilled herein, with many more to follow in the posts to come. For now, meditate upon these wonderful things. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Said, "I Am Come In My Father's Name" - His Name Is JESUS For He Shall Save His People From Their Sins - Part 2568

 "I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the Name of the LORD most high." (Psalm 7:17)

"Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before Thee, for Thy judgments are made manifest." (Revelation 15:4)

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant." (Luke 1:47-48) 

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." (Acts 2:38)

"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:48)

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

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-14)In the Name of Jesus, we shall have the victory! 

David the psalmist wrote, "O sing unto the Lord a new song; for He hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory." (Psalm 98:1) It is for this reason that thanks be to God, "...which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57) 

Why? Because, as Isaiah prophesied, "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8)

How do we know? Because the scriptures walk us through the greatest love story ever told, when God Himself willingly took on the form of flesh (yet without sin!) so that we might have abundant and everlasting life in Him. (I Timothy 3:16)

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name ..." (Philippians 2:9-11)

"Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:13-15)

"To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)

"For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 8:16)

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)

Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6)

Stand in the offering plate.

To Him Gave All The Prophets Witness, That Through His Name There Can Be Remission Of Sins - Part 2567

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes -- to the Jew first, and also to the Greek, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Moreover, we learn from the scriptures that "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)

When you read the scriptures above, what are these saying to your heart? First, the verses point to the "name" from which salvation can be experienced, and second, these inform us that "no other name" under heaven can bring salvation. (Philippians 2:9; Acts 4:12) 

Not by works. Not through religious catechism. And most certainly, not praying to statues or confessing your sin to priests. 

In this current dispensation of grace, one must believe in our Lord God and Saviour. The same God our Saviour that Mary (the mother of Jesus) rejoiced in. (Luke 1:46) This is why Jesus is the only name given under heaven whereby you and I can be saved.

But if JESUS the Christ is not God manifest in flesh, as many within the modern day religious culture would have us believe, then when, as the scriptures state, did God visit us? When did God -- after His kindness and love toward man appear? (Titus 3:4-7)And when was the God who made the world in the world? (John 1:10-11) In other words, when did God become our Saviour? (Acts 20:28)

Nevertheless, JESUS was the offspring of the Holy Ghost, inasmuch as JESUS was the manifestation of the Holy Ghost. For both SEEDS were of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, the embryo -- the holy thing, as Luke stated -- was God. No other was involved. God Himself coming forth from the innermost being of His holy Spirit, coming forth in a fashion as a man to become man’s only Redeemer and Saviour.

Therefore, we all have a choice, which at the end of the day comes down to us responding to the question -- what are we going to do with Jesus? Will we say yes, and ask Him into our hearts, going onto be water baptized in His precious, holy Name? (Acts 2:36-41) Remember, God had said that He would that we would all come to Him -- as in today is the day of salvation! Today is the day that the Lord hath made, so we can rejoice! 

Please don't delay, for the Lord Jesus has so very much more for you this day. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

God In The Form Of Man Bequeathed All Of His Rightful Inheritance To Us - Part 2566

"And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disanull, that it should make the promise 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. Wherefore then serve the law? It 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." (Galatians 3:17-19)

The wages of sin is death. In the eyes of God, there is no distinction between a small sin and sin that is criminal. Indeed, sin is sin. In the beginning, Adam disobeyed God’s Word and as a consequence we all inherit the wage or penalty resulting from Adam‘s disobedience. Prior to Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, Adam was perfect. However, following Adam's willingness to go his own way, the dark cloud of sin fell over Adam. It did so, even contaminating Adam’s seed. Since we are of Adam’s seed, we also bear the fruit of Adam’s transgression.

Therefore, it may seem like we are in a boxed-in situation, incapable of escape. Because of this, we resort to dressing up sin so that it no longer appears as sin. In today's world, we call it fashionable sin.

In the Garden, God said to Adam, "What have you done?" It was here that humankind inherited a world full of pollution, eternal death and separation from God. It was also within this context that we are able to recognize that we are lost and blind. As the cliche states, when the blind lead the blind, things do not get better.

In this context, the Lord said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)

But God, whose earthy image we are by creation, has said that He is not willing that any of His creation should perish. Instead, God devised a plan of redemption -- a plan of salvation whereby we could be saved. God's plan was for He Himself to clothe Himself in flesh and through/by the sacrifice of His own flesh body, purchase redemption on man’s behalf. As we now understand, God purchased our freedom and presented it to us as a gift. Fully paid!

To top it all, God clothed in the form of a Son bequeathed all of His rightful inheritance to us. In short, He became as one of us so that we could be clothed in His righteousness. How can this be? The scriptures state that through Him the unjust and unrighteous would become just, and that the unrighteous could now be classified as righteous.

The bottom line then is that God as a Son won the battle for all the whosoever's seeking salvation. Indeed, God put Himself in the place of men and women - in the place of you and I, and invited us to come into Him.

JESUS, who is God Himself as a Son willingly laid down His prone to sin flesh body, paying the debt of sin. Because of one man’s sin death fell on all men. So by the death of one righteous man the penalty is dismissed (no double jeopardy within God's plan of salvation). And therefore, we are FREE.

Death was the penalty. Corruption was not demanded. The first Adam was made of the earth whereas the second Adam was the SEED of the holy Spirit of God. The embryo was of the Spirit of God. The bones and blood of the embryo having no sin remained unharmed and intact upon the Cross.

Whereas, the flesh which was prone to sin material was provided by Mary, (she being one of the first Adam’s descendants), now willingly served in the role as /of a surrogate mother.

According to the scriptures, JESUS, being put to death in the flesh, was alive in Spirit and similarly quickened by the power of His Spirit. He had said, "Destroy this body (temple) and in three days I will raise it up again." Yes indeed we killed His flesh body, but not the life of His Spirit within!

In the natural, we at conception are seeded as a natural earthly body. 

The genealogy of Adam’s seed. When we are to be raised again as a result of salvation, we are not raised in natural bodies. We are raised in a spiritual body to be just like the second Adam JESUS, for we are members of His body, of His bones and His flesh!

Thus, herein, close to being saved is not sufficient. One has to believe on Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world, and desire that He be both Lord and Christ in your life. Then be water baptized by immersion, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ as performed on the day of Pentecost so that the first 3,000 souls could find redemption. (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4)

And don't forget to study His Word daily -- your lifeline which gives eyes to your soul for the rest of the world which are still seeking the gospel truth. Open the new testament and ask the Lord what blessed truth He has for you this day!

Stand in the offering plate.

Praise Ye The Lord; Praise Ye The Name Of The Lord! - Part 2565

"Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwells on high? (Psalm 113:5) 

Let heaven's peace fill your soul with the knowledge that all things created are of God. The same heavenly Father who created you and I in the beginning hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and given to us the ministry of reconciliation. Therefore, as the scriptures state, if any person be in Jesus the Christ, he or she becomes a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are new. (II Corinthians 5:17)

As we also read in the scriptures, God was in Christ reconciling the world -- reconciling you and I to the Father according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... all things were made by Him ... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14) Moreover, we read, "I, even I, am the Lord and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) 

The great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. (Titus 2:13-14)

Indeed, He did so not to impute our trespasses but rather to commit unto us -- into our hearts -- the Word of reconciliation. In other words, He that hath made Jesus to be sin for us -- the same Jesus who knew no sin -- created a plan of salvation so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:19-22) Through His precious, holy blood shed on the cross. (Acts 20:28) 

Therefore, as David the psalmist writes, "Praise ye the Lord ... praise ye the name of the Lord." (Psalm 112:1) 

Praise Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we may ask or think, according to the power that works in us -- the power of Jesus. 

Stand in the offering plate.

Which Hope We Have As An Anchor Of The Soul, A Blessed Assurance, A Rock That Can't Be Moved - Part 2564

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16) 

"He was in the world and the word was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

The doctrine of Christ is mentioned twice in the scriptures -- once in Hebrews 6:1-2 and once in II John 1:9.  Indeed, the doctrine of Christ is a foundational doctrine, and according to scripture, the basis for going on unto perfection. 

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:1-2) 

But how many actually know of the doctrine of Christ? When was the last time you heard the doctrine of Christ mentioned from a pulpit? We understand from the prophets (confirmed in I Timothy 3:16) that  a time would come when the Lord God would go forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) We also understand from Titus 3:4-7 that after the kindness and love of God, He would become our Saviour. Of course, there are numerous scriptures to confirm the doctrine of Christ., starting with -- in the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) 

The confusion in understanding the greatest love story ever told is when the angel said, "And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) The reason for this primarily is because we don't read these scriptures further where "Emmanuel, being interpreted God with us!" reveals the rest of the story. 

It is in this context that today's blog will expand on the doctrine of Christ, so that we are not spiritually ignorant.

Note first that we have salvation because of the sacrifice of JESUS the Christ. In scripture, He was recognized as "the only begotten" of the holy Spirit of God or, as the scriptures state, God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son. Do you remember that the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son? Luke, having written one of the four gospels, and also a physician referred to the son in Mary's womb as a "holy thing." (Luke 1:35) 

Most certainly, Luke would have recognized the fetus as such -- had the fetus been a normal baby. However, Luke knew the difference. Herein, Luke recognized God in the manifestation of JESUS (God with us), knowing too that He had a plan for all of His creation. This is why it is important to understand that in Jesus did ALL the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. (Colossians 2:9) 

If some of you require an analogy, think of a drop of water from the ocean. Even with only the one drop, you would still be in possession of all the physical elements found in the ocean waters. Still, there remains a vast body of water that is ocean. It is the same with God in Christ. All of the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus. All of the fullness of the Godhead.

This is why Jesus said unto Philip, "If you have seen Me, then Philip you have seen the Father." (John 14:6-12) Or, that I and My Father are one. (John 10:30) He that has seen Me (the Son) has seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) In other words, God fathered All of His children in a Son’s body. 

Surely, natural life as we see it displays this obvious fact. All of man’s offspring are fathered from a son’s body and after the child is born the son who provided the seed is recognized as a father. If this seems confusing, re-read that statement once again before moving on, because it is a key understanding to the Godhead. Know too that we are made in the image of God!

JESUS then was conceived of the Holy Ghost - His Spirit providing the new blood line. God Himself as a Son seeded us for it is written, "We are the SEED of JESUS the Christ." The SEED of JESUS the Christ is the WORD of God. For we have been born again NOT of corruptible seed BUT by incorruptible SEED which is the WORD of God.

JESUS being the very same WORD/WISDOM that indwelt God. Yes, one and the same. JESUS the WORD / the WISDOM of GOD coming forth from the innermost being of God, becoming for our sake God manifest in the flesh as a Son. God was manifest in visible form like unto Adam‘s sin prone race, appearing in such humiliated form to destroy the evil works and destruction of the devil.

The first Adam. The second the Lord from heaven. 

Indeed, JESUS purposely came in this condescended form so that we might have life eternal. JESUS did not descend into our midst to condemn us! Rather, JESUS came that we might have ample opportunity to be brought out from “the bondage of the law of sin and death" being translated by the grace of God into the Kingdom of God in Christ. And likewise, into the Law of Liberty!

Indeed, God has a plan for man, which unfortunately is often obscured and hid from many eyes. Who could entertain the thought that God would lay down His own life as a Son for us? (Acts 20:28) But as we know from reading the scriptures, and similarly, our personal walk with our Saviour, God by Himself provided a way whereby sinful, disobedient, sin prone man could be redeemed.

Even today, with all of the eloquent speeches of men, their words are lame in comparison to the factual WORDS of ETERNAL LIFE spoken and confirmed by God. The same God who was indwelling the man JESUS the Christ who desired from the beginning of time to reconcile fallen man to Himself. As many as received JESUS received life! This is God's promise to one and all!

More to come on this subject. In the interim, take time to meditate on the One and Only who considers us to be the apple of His eye. He has not forgotten our work and labour of love which we have showed toward His name -- His name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace. 

"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:9-12)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Blessed Is He That Comes In the Name Of The Lord, Hosanna In The Highest - Part 2563

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn." (Zechariah 12:8-12)

Herein, the Word of the Lord has come unto Zechariah. It is the eighth month, in the second year of Darius. Zechariah is the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet. (Nehemiah 12:4) During this time, the Lord hath been sore displeased with Israel's fathers, and is saying unto them, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, "Turn ye unto Me," saith the Lord of hosts, "and I will turn unto you," saith the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 1:1-3) 

The warning that is being stated is to "be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts: turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings, but they did not hear, nor hearken unto Me, saith the Lord." (Zechariah 1:4) 

Jesus expands on this same message in Matthew 23, when He speaks to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do, but don't ye after their works for they say and do not. For they bind heavy burdens; and are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men; they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments. and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, "Rabbi, Rabbi," but be not ye called Rabbi; for One is you Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren ..." (Matthew 23:1-10) 

Jesus finishes by saying, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate; for I say unto you, "Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, "Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord." (Matthew 23:39; Jeremiah 22:5; Psalm 118:26; Matthew 21:9) 

Jeremiah had earlier prophesied, saying, "But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by Myself," saith the Lord, "that this house shall become a desolation ... I will make thee a wilderness, and cities which are not inhabited .... and many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, "Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this great city?" Then they shall answer, "Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them." (Jeremiah 22:1-9) 

Repeatedly, the Israelites were committing this great evil against their souls. "Therefore, now thus saith the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel."(Jeremiah 44:6) Nevertheless, the Lord continued to call His people, pleading with them to "turn ye unto Him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin." (Isaiah 31:6-7)

And again in Malachi the same invitation. "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them, "Return unto Me and I will return unto you," saith the Lord of hosts, "but ye said, "Wherein Shall we return?" (Malachi 3:7)

This same compassion for His people and on His dwelling place is expressed in Jeremiah. And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by His messengers ... but they mocked the messengers of God and despised His words, and misused His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy." (II Chronicles 36:15-16)

"That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not heir heart aright and whose spirit was not steadfast with God." (Psalm 78:8)

As we move through these small sampling of scriptures, we see the Lord's mercy and love continually expressed throughout. As the psalmist David asks, "Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favourable no more? Is His mercy clean gone for ever? Does His promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath He in anger shut up His ender mercies?" (Psalm 77:7-9)

Thankfully, we are privileged to know the rest of the story, that the same God who created the world and all its inhabitants, was made flesh and dwelt among us. As John writes, "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; I Timothy 3:16) 

As a consequence, we too can call to remembrance the song the Lord placed in our heart in the night. We too can remember the works of the Lord, the same God that doest wonders and has declared His strength among the people. Why? Because we know "Thou hast with Thine arm redeemed Thy people." (Psalm 77:15; 11)

We understand that the first commandment -- "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One Lord" has not changed, and will not change, because our hearts have come to know personally the God that furnishes a table for His people in the wilderness. The One and Same God that smote the rock, that caused the waters to gush out, and the streams to overflow. And that He can give bread also, and provide flesh for His people. 

But some sinned more against the Most High, provoking Him and speaking against God, because they believed not in God, and trusted not in His salvation -- even when tHe had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them the corn of heaven, until they were full. They believed not for His wondrous works. (Psalm 77:13-24)

And sadly, we see many who say they worship the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength but then refuse to believe that the same God who created them in the beginning would love them enough to shed His precious blood on a cross, beaten and mocked, so that we could have abundant life in Him. 

Why is this? I believe it's because we've allowed our church leaders to divide the One and Only Lord God into three, a multi-headed triad, if you will that has rendered the body of Christ church , His holy people powerless and scattered. (Daniel 12:7) 

But it doesn't need to be this way. Re-read the scriptures above and understand that before God clothed Himself in a sin-prone body (yet without sin), He told us that a day would come when we would "look upon Me whom they have pierced!" (Zechariah 12:8) That the day would come when we would hearken in our hearts to the Lord of hosts, and that when we turned unto the Lord of hosts, He would turn unto us. (Zechariah 1:1-4) 

"Therefore, now thus saith the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel ..." 

Not a God divided into three persons (as the false modern day religious culture would have us believe), but the One Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel who loved His people -- as the apple of His eye. But He won't railroad us into believing in Him, and thus, we see in scriptural example after example, the Israelites going around and around the mountain but never reaching the promised land. 

Let's not find ourselves in the same situation, wherein our hearts strive for the things of this world, and not the Lord God who chooses to love us beyond measure. In this current dispensation of grace, His name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Come to Jesus today -- for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. The Creator of the universe who came down from His glory to redeem His people. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

The Grand Entrance Of God Our Saviour; He Is The Way, The Truth And The Life - Part 2562

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." (Luke 2:1-5)

As you can see, this marks the beginning of all the world being taxed. This is not to suggest that there wasn't a form of taxing before this point. For example, as we see from II Kings 23:35, Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to give the money, according to the commandment of Pharaoh; he exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, and of everyone according to his taxation, to give it unto Pharaoh-nechoh."

In Daniel's prophecy for the future, we see a raiser of taxes -- 'Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days, he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle." (Daniel 11:20)

There is a third example -- of Theudas, "boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men (about 400) had joined themselves, was slain and all, as many as obeyed him were scattered. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him, [This man] also perished, and all, even as many as obeyed him were dispersed. And now, I say unto you, "Refrain from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught." (Acts 5:36-38)

And then we come back to Luke 2, wherein Caesar Augustus made a decree that all the world should be taxed. The taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. Everyone was required to go to their own city. Thus, Joseph and very pregnant Mary went up from Galilee into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.

Why did Joseph travel to Bethlehem? Because he was of the house and lineage of David. We see this further explained in Acts 1, and the genealogy in Matthew 1:1-16. "So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away unto Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations." (Matthew 1:16)

We see from Matthew's account that Joseph, being a just man and not wanting to make Mary a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But an angel appeared, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, "for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:18-24)

Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:23) 

Therefore, as Matthew relates, "now the birth of Christ was on this wise. When as His mother was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost; and so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:6-7)

From Luke's account, we understand that there were "shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; "Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:8-14)

A couple of points worth noting here. First, the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. Second, this meant the Holy Ghost was the Father. Third, the angel announced that the Saviour to be born would be Christ the Lord -- a point similarly confirmed by Peter and the apostles in Acts 2:36. Fourth, the heavenly host praised God, saying -- "Glory to God in the highest, ad on earth, peace good will toward men." In other words, God was declaring peace to all the world.

Finally, it is interesting that while God was declaring peace to each and every one of us for the coming new testament side, the worldly system was implementing a burdensome tax system for everyone. In this context, we can see how the Lord God only wants what is best for us, whilst the enemy (satan) remains determined to destroy people through whatever means he can. Remember, Jesus came to set the captive free -- proclaiming liberty to the captives - those who desired to rule as oppressors. (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1) However, I digress.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." (Luke 2:15)

Note how the shepherds were so immediately willing to go, because the Lord hath made known the birth of the promised Christ as Saviour unto them. Needless to say, "they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:16-20)

So, do you think the shepherds were awaiting this good new - as the Lord God had promised from afore the world? Perhaps, there is much more to the shepherds that we haven't considered herein. Most certainly, there were no wise men while Jesus was in the stable. At this point, we know from the scriptures, that Jesus was still an infant, less than 8 days old. His precious , holy name assigned before He was conceived,

"And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, His name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb." (Luke 2:21)

Continuing, "and when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."

It is also important that Jesus had not yet shed His precious, holy blood on the cross, so Mary and Joseph were still under the law. Therefore, there had to be witnesses that would confirm the birth of the prophesied King of kings and Lord of lords. Simeon was first, and then Anna. What did Simeon state?

"Lord, now let thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles,
and the glory of Thy people Israel."

The same message applies to us this day. More to come.


Stand in the offering plate.

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Jesus, The Rock Of Our Salvation' A God Of Truth And Without Iniquity, Just And Right Is He - Part 2561

"There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside Thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God." (I Samuel 2:2)

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4)

"... as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:33)

"And He said, "Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live." And the Lord said, "Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: and it shall come to pass, while My glory passes by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by:" (Exodus 33:20-22)

In referencing the Lord God, the term rock is used often in both the old and new testament. For example, remember Jesus' parable about the wise man building his house upon the Rock? (Matthew 7:24-25; Luke 6:48) Or, as apostle Paul describes, the Rock which followed the Israelites through the Red Sea was Christ? (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

"... and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:4)

Or when Jesus said to build His church upon this Rock (Jesus) and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it? (Matthew 16:18) Indeed, even the sepulchre wherein Jesus was laid after the crucifixion was hewn out of a rock. (Mark 15:46)

In referencing how the seed - the Word of God - is received by believing and unbelieving hearts, Jesus details the parable of the sower, when He said, "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the Word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." (Luke 8:6-13)

Indeed, Jesus is the Rock of Salvation. Jesus is both Lord and Christ. Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He is indeed God our Saviour, wherein after His kindness and love toward man appeared. (Acts 2:36-41; I Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21-23; Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 1:8-9; Titus 2:13; Acts 20:28)

"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)

So the question then is this -- what other God would lead His people out of Egypt, if not Christ Jesus? Is there another Lord who saves His people, besides the same God who created us? Think about this for a moment! Throughout the old testament, there is no question that there is only One God and He is the Lord. Indeed, the first commandment begins by stating, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

The psalmist David confirms that God is the Lord, and the Lord is God.

"For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?" (Psalm 18:31)

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

"As for God, His way is perfect: the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30)

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12)

So does the prophet Isaiah, when he writes ""I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me ..." (Isaiah 45:5) (Isaiah. 45:5; Psalm 86:8; (II Samuel 7:22; I Chronicles 17:20)

And as we know, there is no other Lord who saves His people. But as Jude so clearly states, the church has allowed certain men to creep in unawares -- those who don't know the scriptures; individuals set out to deceive those that the Lord has called. Jude writes:

"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:4)

Even though the apostles were clear in declaring that this same Jesus was both Lord and Christ, there are those (sadly!) who would rather align with church traditions than submit to the truth. (Acts 2:36)

This same Jesus who clearly stated, "I am/AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) 

Does Jesus stop there? Of course not, because He wanted His closest disciples to know who He was. Reading further in John 14, Jesus says ..."Thomas saith unto Him, "Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?" Jesus saith unto him, "I am/AM the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. Philip saith unto Him, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffices us."

Jesus saith unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, "Shew us the Father?" Believest thou not that I am/AM in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwells in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I [am/AM] in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep my commandments." (John 14:5-15)

You see, while Jesus walked on this earth, He never ceased to tell us who He was. "If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him." (John 10:37-38)

Again, remember apostle Paul's words in I Corinthians 10:1-4?

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: AND THAT ROCK WAS CHRIST."

"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people." (Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 14:19)

The Word of the Lord said to Zechariah -- "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for [his] only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn." (Zechariah 12:8-12)

Indeed the Lord will reign. The Lord God will be King over the whole earth. On that day, there will be (as there always was) one Lord, and His Name the ONLY name. (Zechariah 14:9) And the name above every other name in this current dispensation of grace?

"And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins .. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23; Philippians 2:9-10; Acts 4:12)

Jesus Christ is THE SAME Yesterday and Today and FOREVER! (Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 25:1; John 20:28) And this same Jesus is saying to each and every one of us this day ...

"Unto you therefore which believe [He is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner, and a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light!" (I Peter 2:7-9)

JESUS is the greatest love story ever told. And this same God who willingly became our Saviour (shedding His precious holy blood so that we might have abundant life in Him) looks upon each and every one of us as the apple of His eye. So, don't let another day go by without searching the scriptures for His truth, beginning at the first salvation message preached in the new testament -- found in Acts 2:36-47. 

Indeed, Jesus -- the Way, the Truth and the Life! The King of kings and Lord of lords!

Stand in the offering plate.

Awake To Righteousness, For We Through the Spirit Wait For The Hope Of Righteousness By faith. - Part 2560

"And [Abraham] believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15:6)

Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) 

Jesus said, "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20) 

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

" ... for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3:16) 

In the last blog, we learned about apostle Paul's heart desire for Israel -- that they might be saved. This was a critical question -- because even though the Israelites had a zeal for God, their zeal was not according to knowledge. As Paul writes, the Israelites are ignorant of God's righteousness, going about instead, to establish their own righteousness. 

"Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." (Romans 10:1-4)

Paul doesn't just say these things about Israel, but about himself also -- "circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith ..." (Philippians 3:5-9)

What is righteousness?

Paul writes, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes." (Romans 10:5)

Paul further states to the saints in Galatia, "Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3:20-22)

Note that this is the same message Paul preaches in the epistle to the Romans 10 and 11. 

Perhaps, it's important to note that within the scriptures, there are 291 references to righteousness. For example, when Zacharias (the father of John the baptizer) and full of the Holy Ghost prophesied, he said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for He hath visited and redeemed His people and hath raised up an hour of salvation for us in the house of His servant David ... "that we .... might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life." (Luke 1:67-75) 

A second example is just before Jesus is crucified. Jesus says to His disciples,  "And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more." (John 16:8-10)

We also know from Acts 13 that the devil is referred to as the enemy of righteousness. "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand." (Acts 13:9-11)

When Paul reasoned righteousness, temperance and judgment with Felix, we know that Felix trembled. (Acts 24:25) We know from Peter that God is not a respecter of persons, and that every nation that works righteousness and fears Him shall be accepted with Him. (Acts 10:34-36)

"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)

We also learn that our salvation is not of works. "... not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5)

So should we ask? Who is He who according to His own mercy and grace, chose to save us? Yes, that's right -- "and ye shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

"... who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24) "But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled!" (I Peter 3:14)

Similarly, we know that there is fruit which comes forth from righteousness. "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18) And historic too - since Noah is cited as being a preacher to the world. (II Peter 2:5) 

We also come to the understanding that righteousness is pivotal (a criteria?) as we see in I John.

"If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that does righteousness is born of Him." (I John 2:29) "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous." (I John 3:7) "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother." (I John 3:10) 

The bride -- also known as the body of Christ church -- will be arrayed in clean, white fine linen, "for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (Revelation 19:8) 

Further, those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, have their loins girded with truth, wearing the breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:14) But for those who do not, Jesus said, "For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him." (Matthew 21:32)

Getting back to Romans 11, Paul writes, "For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which does those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in thine heart, "Who shall ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, "Who shall descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 

For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things."

Therefore, as we begin to investigate righteousness, as it is applied in these last days, strive to preach the gospel of peace, and continue to bring glad tidings of good things. There's much more to come on this topic. But for now, stand in the offering plate. 

Betrothed Forever In Righteousness; Judgment; Loving Kindness; Mercies; And In Faithfulness - Part 2559

" ... 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 ...." (Ephesians 1:18)

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ -- called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God (by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name) is writing to all that be in Rome - those who are the beloved of God, called to be saints. (Romans 1:1-7)

Paul does not want them to be ignorant of the good news gospel of 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; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith!" (Romans 1:16-17)

"Among whom ye are also the called of Jesus Christ!" (Romans 1:6) 

Throughout, apostle Paul has repeatedly written of his heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel -- that they might be saved. While he bears record that they have a zeal for God, Paul is clear that their zeal is not according to knowledge. "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God!" (Romans 10:3) 

Remember, Paul's starting point -- therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. 

In Romans 3, Paul shows us how the Lord has levelled the playing field -- that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin. As it is written, "There is none righteous, no not one." (Romans 3:9-10) But he does not stop there. Paul continues -- "there is none that understands, there is none that seek after God. They are all gone out of the way; they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good - no, not one." (Romans 3:9-11)  Indeed, all the world hath become guilty before God. (Romans 3:19) 

By the law came the knowledge of sin. The schoolmaster which should point us to Jesus the Christ. 

"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference for all have sin and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:21-23) 

If Paul had concluded there, we would have no hope. But he did not. 

"Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus - whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood; to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare, that He might be just and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:24-26)

We are saved by the law of faith. (Romans 3:27) 

"Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also -- seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:28-310

In other words, when God willingly became our Saviour, He levelled the playing field between the Israelites and the Gentiles. He made it so that we are all under sin. That none of us are righteous -- no not one! All this so that He could bring salvation to all those who believe in Him -- Jesus. 

This is the good news gospel message -- that we all come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Come to Jesus today! 

Read Acts 2:36-41. Stand in the offering plate. 

This Is My Name, Saith The Lord God, My Glorious Salvation Name - Part 2558

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

"... 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 name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth ..." (Philippians 2:8-10)

Why Is God's Name Important? More importantly, what is the saving name of God?

As we see from these scriptures, there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. And that name is a name which is above every other name. This is the same name whereby every knee shall bow. It is also the name that the angel of the Lord declared -- "And ye shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) 

Yes, Jesus is the salvation name in this current dispensation of grace. 

Peter, standing with the eleven further confirms this name as the one and only salvation name in Acts 2:36-41: 

"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)

"... 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)

"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:24)

Stand in the offering plate. 

To Whom Will Ye Liken Me And Make Me Equal, And Compare Me, That We May Be Like? - Part 2557

"In that time shall the present be brought unto the Lord of hosts, of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the Name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion." (Isaiah 18:7; Isaiah 45:14) 

"For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the Name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent." (Zephaniah 3:9)

"... that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour ..." (II Peter 3:2)

The Word of the Lord endures forever. (I Peter 1:25)

The last two posts focused primarily on how the Lord God confirms His Word (each scripture with at least one other corresponding scripture in another place, and/or by His oath. To understand, we considered a number of scriptures from both the Old and the New Testaments -- both the scripture(s) in context, and by comparison. Today, a specific scriptural example shall be highlighted.

Before beginning, let's reiterate some of the key points. First, there is a confirming verse for every scripture written. Second, the scriptures are the Word of God and thus, without error. We see this in Matthew 4:4 - when Jesus answered and said, "It is written - man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Third, Jesus shared in one of His parables that the seed is the Word of God. "Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God." (Luke 8:11) Fourth, by rejecting the Word of God, we are "making the Word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." (Mark 7:12; Luke 4:4) Fifth, as Jesus said, "Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:28)

We know from the gospel of John that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not." (John 1:10-11) His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) But I digress.

The example for today is Matthew 28:19, wherein Jesus continues to say (after telling the eleven that "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth" to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." 

Baptizing them in the Name!

The corresponding verses for Matthew 28:19 are these: 

Jesus said unto them, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature: he that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16)

Jesus speaking again (just before He is taken up) says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in part of Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) 

Witnesses unto Jesus in all parts of the earth. And that water baptism is part of salvation. If we continue to consider the corresponding verses for these, we need to look further into John 3:36 and I Peter 3:21. In the beginning, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus (a man of the Pharisees and a ruler of the Jews), saying, "Ye must be born again!" After these things, Jesus and His disciples come into the land of Judaea. John the baptizer is baptizing in AEnon near to Salim (because there was much water there). 

Then arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. John has already told them he is not the Christ, but sent before Him. Referring to Jesus, John said, "He must increase but I must decrease. He that comes from above is above all; he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth, he that comes from heaven is above all." (John 3:31) 

Continuing, John confirms that he that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. "For He whom God hath sent speaks the words of God; for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him. The Father loves the Son and hath given ALL things into His hand ... he that believes on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides in him." (John 3:30-36)

I Peter 3:21 (also about water baptism) states, "The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us {not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Interestingly, not one of these corresponding scriptures tells us "how" to be water baptized. Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 --"in the Name!" But what name? 

If we jump over to Acts 2:36-41, we see that Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost is ready to tell us the Name. Indeed, when asked what the people must do to be saved, Peter (still in one accord with the other apostles and the 120 from the upper room) said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-41) 

So, what was the Name? 

JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) Is this the only scriptural cross reference? The answer is no for every single person water baptized in the new testament (after the cross) was water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. We see this happening in Acts 19:1-5; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 8:14-16; Acts 9:17-18; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:35-38; Romans 6:3-4. 

Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!"(John 10:30)

Jesus said, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him." (John 14:6-12)

Jesus said, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father; if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19)

Jesus said, "If ye do not believe that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24)

This is why Jesus could say, "Before Abraham was, I AM" (John 8:45-59)

This is also why Jesus could say -- I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I am the Bread of life. I am the living water, wherein if ye drink, ye shall never thirst again. And now, as the risen Jesus (no longer constrained by human flesh) He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen; whom He had said to tarry in Jerusalem until they received the power from on high -- the Comforter who could not come until Jesus had ascended. (Acts 1:2-3, 4-5, 8) 

Just like the angel of the Lord who said, "And ye shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins" -- this same Jesus whom we crucified (now both Lord and Christ) is still inviting us to Come to the most elaborate wedding feast ever. (Acts 2:36) The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8)

My question -- with so many new testament scriptures on the subject of water baptism, why did those responsible for inserting corresponding scriptures not include the verses specific to water baptism? Do they not believe that Acts 2 represents the beginning of the new testament church? (Acts 1:22) Do they not believe that the apostles had the authority (particularly Peter) to reveal to those who would listen that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory -- according to I Timothy 3:16?

Nevertheless, when we are water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus, we become clothed in His righteousness -- putting on His garment -- and like the scripture states, then ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Stand in the offering plate.