That The Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ May Be Glorified In You - Part 2488

One person believes that he is of Paul and another states that he is of Apollos. But this is not what the scriptures state. Indeed, the scriptures state that Paul planted, Apollos watered, but it was God who gives the increase. Remember earlier messages. You are God’s building. Jesus the Christ is the only foundation. He is also the corner stone. In fact, there is not any other foundation than this. The solid rock foundation of Jesus Christ.

God's plan of salvation was not man-made. It was God-made. So why then would the foundation of God's church be created with man-made cement mix. God is not dependent on man’s maintenance. However, we are totally dependent on God. (Corinthians chapter 3) If we read further into 1 Corinthians chapter 10, we discover the following. When the exodus of Egypt was front page news, all of those who had demonstrated their obedience to God’s command and sprinkled the blood of a lamb around their door posts and lintels were not harmed, as God had promised. These people were now en-route to the Jordan River. To observers, traveling to the Jordan River was like heading down a dead end street.

Plodding on and loaded with the spoils of their former taskmasters. The taskmasters recouping from their now impoverished place watched as their former slave labour hit the road. Let's bring out the army along with the big guns, they thought. Surely, they will protect our comfortable luxurious lifestyle. What they were unaware of was that God had heard the cry of the Hebrew slaves. Their prayers had ascended to His ears, and He being a compassionate God was touched with the feelings of their infirmities.

In other words, God moved with compassion toward them. Remember that God is altogether pure humanity. In fact, we were originally designed by God (the potter) to be an earthly visible expression of His own humanity. We were to be the sons of God. The plan was that we would be a perfect creation. God created man with His own hands. What is man that you Lord are mindful of him?

They approached the barrier river. When confronted with the uncrossable waters, fear and dismay arose within them. But Moses had the rod /staff in his hand. Recall that Moses was a faithful servant in the plan of God’s creation? Jesus is the builder of the house. And Moses knew in whom to trust. Moses waited. God instructed. "Moses" God said, "Lift up the rod/staff over the waters" and ...!

Look at what happened next. Where did that wind come from? Why even the wind and the waters obey Him? Walls of water on either side of the river while the ground stayed dry underfoot. A cloud over head and the people were free. What a getaway. The Hebrews all crossed over to the opposite bank, with sighs of relief and amazement. But the big guns of the army emerged, endeavouring to pursue the Hebrews. In so doing, their fate was sealed. The watery walls of the Red Sea collapsed over them when they attempted to cross and they perished.

This is the fate that inevitably will befall all those who oppose baptism in the name of Jesus. The rod, the staff, the Covenant of God. Those who continue their cement mix formulae of baptism - into the titles father, son, and spirit will never make it to the opposite bank. They will never even see the shoreline. Going into the water without the name of Jesus, they arose with wet clothes but without the justification they sought. The Hebrew people were delivered by God’s determinate counsel saying, “Let my people go so that they may serve me.

The scriptures do not distinguish between one and another. Rather, they were all to eat the same spiritual meat and similarly, all to drink the same spiritual drink. In the same context, they were to drink of the spiritual rock that followed them. That Rock was Christ. As the scriptures state, Let there be no divisions among believers. Instead, let us continue steadfastly in the Holy Ghost teachings delivered to us and confirmed to us with signs and wonders and gifts. Remember, if God confirms His Word, no man has the power to dis-annul it. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of the holy of holies -- has to say. 

Peace to all in Jesus name. Stand in the offering plate.

But Ye Are Not In Darkness, That That Day Should Overtake You As A Thief - Part 2487

"But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you ... for yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, "Peace and safety" -- then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. But ye brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief." (I Thessalonians 5:1-4)

Why? Because as the scriptures also declare, we are all the children of light; and the children of the day, we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Herein, Paul and Silvanus and Timotheus are writing unto the church of the Thessalonians. The three are being ensamples to the church, giving thanks unto God always, making mention of the believers within this church in their prayers. Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father, knowing brethren, beloved, your election of God.

"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men were were among you for your sake. And ye become followers of us, and the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost." (I Thessalonians 1:1-6)

Further, the church is being taught by them how to walk and to please God -- so ye would abound more and more. "But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you; for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another." (I Thessalonians 4:9)

In the second epistle to the church of the Thessalonians, we see the growth of the church, and that because their faith is growing exceedingly, so will the charity of everyone of you all toward each other abound. That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the days ahead, we are going to look more in-depth into these two epistles. In the interim, may the grace of our Lord Jesu Christ be with you. Stand in the offering plate.

Hide It Under A Bushel - No -- I'm Going To Let Him Shine - Part 2486

If the gospel is hid, what next? Hopefully, however, the gospel is not hidden. For God is not willing that any one should perish, but that all men and women should come to the knowledge of the truth. The truth? There is only one God. There is only one mediator between God and man. That one mediator is none other than the Lord Jesus the Christ.

The scriptures do not state that the church is the mediator. Neither is the pope the mediator. Priests are not mediators. And no, Mary is not the mediator either. According to God’s Word, there is only one mediator. In this context the question needs to be asked. Has someone beguiled you? Has your teachings led you to stray from the scriptural teachings.

Your salvation is a free gift from the Lord God Almighty to you, Take the gift. You have been redeemed. The price of your redemption has been paid in full. In fact, God loves sinners more than He loved His own life as a son. Herein, perceive we the love of God, in that He (as a son ) laid down His life for us. And He did so while we, as humans were still sinning.

My friends, if that isn’t love personified. His action, a plan of salvation determined before the world was created, is much more comprehensive than any one individual's words. Love not in words only, but in deeds. Acts chapter 2, verse 4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance." There is only one baptism. But there are many fillings. This is the new wine from Heaven being poured into new vessels. The vessels that have now been purified by fire. God was not going to pour new wine into old vessels. These vessels were new birthed vessels coming forth from the Saviour's side.

Adam's old race was cleansed because of what God had done by Himself at Calvary, when He alone bore our sin in His own body on a tree. Now, He has embraced believers as partakers of His Spirit, adopting us into His family. We, as believers, join the household of God. We receive our citizenship into the Kingdom of God. Here we partake of the glorious liberty of the sons of God which we now are. Inasmuch as His natural body is sin laden from Mary’s generational inherited sin, He, now at Calvary receives sin willingly. All the sins of the world pouring onto Him so that we might be saved by His grace and love.

While His body became accursed, we are now His body, His bones and His flesh. We owe our lives to Him. That is why salvation is not of works. Neither you or I can obtain salvation by work efforts or with your financial offerings. Instead, what we do now is that we gladly do work. But the work is not to obtain salvation. Our response is simply because we now have salvation. Our sins and iniquities are remembered no more. Who is going to be the debt collector if the debt is paid in full? Hit the road devil, and don’t come back no more, no more!

In Acts 2, they were all filled. There were no partial fillings here. Indeed, there is in this covenant, neither male nor female, neither imprisoned or free, and neither Jew nor Gentile. Rather, we are all one in Jesus the Christ. We are a multi-cultural society because we have become a new creation. A new nation having our minds renewed and enabling us to walk. To walk even as He walked that we might walk worthy of the vocation unto which we are called. One nation under God. Our constitution representing a world where the wheat and the tares grow together until the time of harvest. The angels at that time becoming fully employed, and separating the wheat from the tares. At that time, the tares will be thrown into the fire. Tthey serve in the kingdom of God no useful purpose.

But for those of us who have received the gift of His holy Spirit, let us stop staring idly into the heavens. Instead, rise up and be about our Father's business. Seek to save those individuals which otherwise may be lost. To them the debt of love we owe. My question is this. Have you received redemption and the gift of His holy Spirit?

Today is the day of salvation. Stand in the offering plate.

Don't Miss His Invitation, For His Mercy Is Immeasurable To The Things Of This World - Part 2485

Jesus states that He wanted none -- not any one of us -- to miss an opportunity to experience His abundance of love toward us. His grace and mercy. His ongoing commitment towards His creation. "That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign" even more. (Romans 5:21) This is why the depth of our Father's love becomes evident when Jesus is praying, just prior to being taken to the cross. Jesus' prayer also serves as a reminder of how much our Lord God and Saviour loved us -- that even when He was destined for the cross, His heart shone on you and I.

Paul attempted to capture this thought when he said in Ephesians 8, "Unto me who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”

John 17 further elaborates on this point. Therein, Jesus lifted up His eyes to Heaven and prayed because the hour had come. The appointed time, decided before the world was formed. Indeed, beyond Jesus praying, the entire chapter of John 17 shares with how Jesus had manifest His name unto the world -- the precious name of Jesus -- so that we would know "all things whatsoever that Thou hast given are of Thee." (John 17:7) He is not referring to Biblical scholars here -- but rather, each and every one of us.

Biblical commentator Matthew Henry makes a similar observation about Jesus prayer in John 17. Henry writes, "Thou gavest them Me, as sheep to the shepherd, to be kept; as a patient to the physician, to be cured; as children to a tutor, to be taught: thus He will deliver up His charge."

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee." Jesus was going to be no more in this world. Still, as a good Shepherd, He loved those who would remain in the world and prayed earnestly that the Father would "keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as we are one." (John 17:11)

Jesus wanted none to be lost (except the son of perdition). Indeed, He wanted those who loved Him to have His "joy fulfilled in themselves." (John 17:14) To live knowing and believing the words that He had given to be truth.

Further Jesus prayed "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth. Thy Word is truth, as Thou has sent Me into the world even so have I also sent them into the world." (John 17:17-18)

In the beginning God. (Genesis 1:1)

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)

"For there are three that bear record in heaven; the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one." (I John 5:7) 

Jesus said, "For I have given unto them the words which Thou hast gavest Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me." (John 17:8)

"I and my Father are one."

I AM thy Lord your God and Saviour. There is no other beside Me. (Hosea 13:4, Isaiah 43:11, 25, 43, Isaiah 45:5, Malachi 3:6, Matthew 1:20-23, John 10:11, Hebrews 13:8) It is no wonder that Jesus concluded His prayer with the following words:

"O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee and these have known that Thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them Thy name -- [Jesus] -- and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." (John 17:25-26)

Shortly after Jesus finished, we read that a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees came over the brook Cedron and into the garden where Jesus had ventured with His disciples.

"Jesus knowing all things that should come upon Him went forth and said unto them, Whom seek ye?" (John 18:1-4)

The men answered Jesus saying, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus responded saying, "I AM He." As soon as these words were spoken, the scriptures record that the men fell backward to the ground. Once again, Jesus asked, "Whom seek ye? I have told you that I AM He. If therefore ye seek me, let these go their way." (John 18:6-8) This statement was recorded in this manner so that the saying, "Of them which Thou gavest Me have I lost none" might be fulfilled. (John 18:9)

Indeed, our Lord God and Saviour loved us enough to become as one of us and shed His precious holy blood on the cross for our sins. So that we might experience His abundant love. His grace. His mercy. For God so loved the world -- you and I -- even before the foundation of the world was formed.

Moreover, on the cross Jesus said, "It is finished." (John 19:30) His blood shed so that our sins -- our transgressions -- would be forgiven once and for all. That is, if we would only believe on Jesus. Come to Jesus today. Ask Jesus to fill your soul with His peace, His mercy, His love and His abundance of overflowing joy.

Stand in the offering plate.

Why Are Ye So Fearful? O Ye Of Little Faith? Then He Arose And Rebuked The Winds ... And There Was A Great Calm - Part 2484

And Jesus saith unto them, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Matthew 8:26)

And Jesus said unto them, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40)

In scripture after scripture, the Lord instructs us not to fear. Why? Because there is no weapon formed that can prosper against His people. Further, "there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love." (I John 4:18)

And in these times of trouble, we need to remember that we must obey God rather than men. Think of the example of Daniel -- wherein many within the legislative authorities were envious of Daniel's faith. As a consequence, the king enacts a law for 30 days -- a temporary order.  When Daniel knew that the order was signed, then he took his stand. For doing so, he was thrown into the lion's den. What happens? God shuts the mouths of those lions. Daniel resisted the powers that be and the Lord God blessed him for doing so. And thus, Daniel continued to minister to the king, and by extension to us in these days. 

You see the Lord our God, who willingly became our Saviour, never leaves nor forsakes His people. He knows our hearts. He knows our struggles and He has told us that we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)

Another good scripture from Isaiah 35:3-10)

"Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart - be strong, fear not, behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you." (Isaiah 35:3)

But the Lord does not stop there.

"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:3-10)

Be confident in the Lord Jesus! Stand in the offering plate!

This Is The Stone Which Was Set At Nought Of You Builders, Which Is Become The Head Of The Corner - Part 2483

And the people, upon hearing this reconciliatory inspired message delivered from Peter in unison with the other eleven apostles were troubled. These same people, whose heart and conscience was being weighed in the balance of their minds as a consequence of recognizing that, while unknowing, they willingly crucified the Lord of Glory. Of course, these individuals would automatically say that the combined crowd frenzy and consequential rhetoric, along with the religious leaders who were bent in removing this judicially proclaimed innocent man  influenced their decision to crucify Jesus.

Those religious leaders had their feet stuck in the mud. Although they did not experience God firsthand, they certainly heard and saw the works of the Spirit of God.  Still, no one was going to be allowed to rock their comfortable life style. Indeed, at the end of the day, it made little or no difference to them that the lame were made to walk, the blind made to see, and the lepers cleansed.

The bottom line is that they loved darkness. Unfortunately, even today they still hang on to the covenant of death as if it were a covenant of life. These religious folks hang onto their traditions with a closed mind. If the switch is off and the tradition is so entrenched, there is no use trying to pry someone to recognize the truths of the scriptures.

Jesus said that when the Spirit of truth is come, He will convince the world of sin. And of righteousness too. And of the coming judgment. The Holy Ghost contained message set the example that believers should preach Jesus, and that they should always do so with sincerity and truth,. In this regard, the analogy of setting the table, so to speak, and inviting others to come and dine is a good one.

It is also a good segue into what happened next. The people having listened to Peter and the apostles asked, "Men and brethren what shall we do?" This question is significant for reason dictates that if they had known what to do, then they would never had asked the question. What were they instructed to do? Certainly, it was none of the following: be good; do penance; shake the preacher's hand; give to charity; fill in this card and join the church; or keep the 10 commandments. Of course, this list is not exhaustive but it does indicate that religious expectations differ significantly from the plan of salvation that God delivered.

This is what the administrator and mediator and high priest of our profession delivered to the people. "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the NAME of JESUS the CHRIST and you shall receive the gift of His holy spirit." For this promise, the promise that if we repent and are baptized into His name, Jesus the Christ, we would receive the gift of His holy spirit. Further, his promise is made both to you and to your children, even to them that are afar off. This promise is to as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Recall that Jesus is the afore spoken seed of promise and in Jesus will all the nations of the earth be blessed. The apostles spoke other words of exhortation to the people, but finally hitting the nail on the head, he exhorts them not to sit like a bump on a log. “Save yourselves from this lost generation," he said. It is recorded in the scriptures that the people gladly responded to the words spoken, were baptized, and in the same day there were about 3000 believers added.

These new birthed believers continued walking in the teachings of the apostles, in fellowship with each other. They visited each other breaking bread and ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. We, by the grace of our God, pray that your response will be obedience to the prompting of His holy spirit by repenting and being baptized into the name of Jesus.

He is the Ark of the Covenant. May you receive His holy Spirit -- the Spirit of the risen Jesus within. I am sure many of you have by now already stood in the offering plate. Now arise and be baptized in the Name of Jesus so that you too can be washed away all of sin. Call on His name now and be filled with His Spirit of promise. If 3000 people were added to the church that day in Acts 2, may you be number 3001 today. He will fill your life today. God is good! 

In Jesus name be blessed.

Faithful Servants, Know Therefore That The Lord Thy God, He Is God; The Faithful God - Part 2482

"Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations;" (Deuteronomy 7:9)

Jesus said, "... he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." (Luke 16:10)

What does being faithful mean? How do we know that when we believe God is love, He is continually faithful? Because His promises are evident throughout the old and the new testaments, from the beginning of time.

Most of us have heard about the example of David and Goliath, wherein David understood the faithfulness of His Lord and God. (I Samuel 17)

We understand His faithfulness from the three lads that ended up in the fiery furnace --Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego -- for defying the king's orders, and lived. (Daniel 3)

From the example of Moses: And He said, "Hear now My words: if there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all Mine house ... with him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?" (Numbers 12:6-8)

And then there are those who like the psalmist sing the Lord's praises always, rejoicing in all things, because we know in whom we serve, and that He never fails His people. We have proven the Lord to be faithful in all things -- thus, David's encouraging words -- "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 89:1)

In Acts 4, the apostles were commanded not to preach in the name of the Lord Jesus after a man was healed. What was Peter's response -- "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20)

We further see the Lord's faithfulness in Acts 5 -- when the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (including the sect of the Sadducees), filled with indignation -- and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. What did the angel of the Lord do? Opened the prison doors, bringing them forward, instructing them to "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." (Acts 5:17-20)

Indeed, throughout the book of Acts, we see example after example of the Lord's intervention and protection for His people. Acts 12 when Peter was taken in the days of unleavened bread. Do you remember that it was no small stir among the soldiers -- what was become of Peter? (Acts 12:18)

So many examples of the Lord God's faithfulness to us. And His continued promise to us?

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us." (I John 4:16-19)

Stand in the offering plate.

The One And Only Good Shepherd Is Inviting Us Into His Fold - Part 2481

The question for this day is this -- who is the Spirit that gives us wisdom and knowledge? Who is the Spirit that comforts us, and leads us into all truth? We know that the scriptures confirm that “In the beginning was the Word.” (John 1:1-18) We also recognize that the Word reveals that Jesus (the prophesied Christ) is the embodiment of the Word. This same Word was with God but also the Word was God. (John 1:1-18) Indeed, the scriptures state:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5)

John also writes: "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was NOT that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that comes into the world." (John 1:6-9)

This Light "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. But as many as received Him -- to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." (John 1:9-10)

"For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) " To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself in Christ, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)

And then the mystery that was from the beginning is further revealed unto us in these latter days. That is, "the Word was 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)

"Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints ... to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:26-27)

John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, "This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for He WAS before me. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." (John 1:1-18)

In other words, the Word was veiled in flesh and dwelt among us -- in human flesh as we. Therefore, JESUS is God’s Word manifest in the flesh. One cannot separate the word(s) from the person whose word it is. This is why "in JESUS did ALL the fullness of the Godhead" (divine nature or essence) "dwell bodily."

"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)

Since God is Spirit, it is in God that we live and move and have our being. But as the scriptures attest, this also means that God (being an unseen Spirit) was manifest in the flesh. His appearance is as a Son --- His name is JESUS.

If we take this one step further, we note that JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost. The blood in JESUS' veins was not of Adam’s sin prone race. Rather, the blood within JESUS' veins was the blood of the Holy Ghost.

Does that mean that the Holy Ghost purchased our redemption with His own blood? It sure does. More importantly, it means that we were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of a Lamb. JESUS, the Lamb of the Spirit of God.

So, yes, God laid down His life for us. When JESUS was crucified, He was declared -- even then -- to be the Lord of Glory! Jesus dwelt within a sin prone body, for redemption required the death of a righteous man from Adam's race. However, there was not a righteous man to be found. Why not? Because as the Bible has stated, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

So why did God have to become a man? Because judgment demanded that a man had to pay the price of redemption. This is why the Word which was with God -- being God’s own Word and not that of another person -- became man. In this context, God ‘SEEDED’ His own spiritual Word into Mary's womb whereupon the child -- the Son of the Spirit of God named Jesus, was veiled in sin prone flesh.

God whose Word is Spirit and truth was veiled in a sin prone body that also housed - for all intents and purposes - a dead soul. Inside Jesus' body did dwell the life of God’s own Holy Spirit - which Spirit is pure and notably untainted humanity. God’s own pure humanity. God with us! Therefore, God manifest Himself in the flesh - which flesh is destined to be crucified in order that we could obtain a means of salvation - whereby sin prone fallen sons and daughters of God could be redeemed.

Ask Jesus to be Lord in your life today. Believe in His holy precious name. Give thanksgiving that through His precious blood shed on the cross, we might have life eternal. Let him who has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

But In Understanding, Be Men - Part 2480

"What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say 'Amen' at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understand not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified." (I Corinthians 14:15-17)

Throughout the new testament scriptures, Jesus two commandments are repeated often. That is, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength ... and to love one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) 

Apostle Paul is teaching concerning spiritual gifts -- so that we would not be ignorant, particularly those of us who were carried away unto dumb idols. But now Paul wants us to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of God will call Jesus accursed, and likewise, no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost. (I Corinthians 12:1-3) Paul also points out that if any think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, that he should acknowledge the things that he is writing to us are the commandments of the Lord. (I Corinthians 14:37)

I John 4:6 further clarifies this point -- should you be looking for a supporting / agreement scripture. "We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."

Paul then goes onto specify the gifts, that the Lord gives to those who believe severally as He will, and that God hath set the members every one of them in the body as it has pleased Him. I Corinthians 13 is the charity (what some refer to as the love) chapter. By I Corinthians 14, Paul is instructing us to follow after charity, desiring spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy -- so the preaching of the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ can continue to be proclaimed. 

Note the flow- through theme that is emerging herein? 

"But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification and exhortation and comfort." (I Corinthians 14:3) 

With the gift of tongues (speaking in an unknown tongue / tongues of angels) we edify ourselves. However, when we prophesy, we edify the church. Paul states, "I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied ... for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret -- that the church may receive edifying. (I Corinthians 14:5) 

"So likewise you, except ye utter by tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For ye shall speak into the air." Thus, like the trumpet, pipe and harp analogy in I Corinthians 14:6-8, there has to be a distinction with so many kinds of voices in the word -- none of them without signification. "Therefore, if I know not he meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian unto me." (I Corinthians 14:11)

But then Paul brings it full circle -- "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of he church." (I Corinthians 14:12-14) 

This is why in all things that we do, we are to love one another -- to support and care for our neighbours so that they too can find understanding in the Lord Jesus. So when we pray with the Spirit, or sing with the Spirit, or bless with the Spirit, make sure that those who occupy the room -- including the unlearned -- can say Amen -- when you give thanks, and that he can do so because he/she understands.

Meditate on these things this day. Stand in the offering plate.

By His Stripes We Are Healed, Thank. You Jesus -- Part 2479

"But He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed. " (Isaiah 53:5)

Even before that holy child was born, God had a plan to bring His people salvation. God had a plan that would bring us hope in the face of adversity, and joy beyond measure in tribulation. And by His stripes would we be healed. This is why God willingly became our Saviour, because He wanted a family.

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

Stand in the offering plate.

Come To The Throne Of Grace Today -- Part 2478

Who being the brightness of glory and the express image of His person, upholds all things by the Word of His power? Who is then that after purging Himself for our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high? We have so much to be thankful for. This great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken of by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him. At the same time, God willingly confirmed this witness with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of His Holy Spirit.

Remember that the law was added 430 years after the promise was given? Therefore, the law cannot undo the promise. Neither can the law cannot be tagged on to the promise. Those first 300 years of the gospel, sent the fallen angels into a tailspin. Indeed, if one were to use a cliche, you could say that the cat was out the bag. It required immediate damage control, and spin artists working tirelessly 24/7 to stop the leaks. It took 300 years before they had established a foothold. It took 300 years before satan could transform himself into a messenger of light, replacing the head of the church with an impostor asserting infallibility.

They in turn sat down and hammered out their own gospel. They introduced to the then generation that God was three distinct and separate persons -- all in one. In fact, their fabricated gospel was so entrenched that woe to them who dared to contradict their darkened minds. The decline in the gospel message was swift. From light into darkness -- at the flip of a switch. From a primitive church exposing demonic practices to the establishment of another gospel, totally adverse to the gospel which had been personally delivered by the Lord.

 The gospel as proclaimed to the world, in which He Himself was more than willing to die for. Stand fast in the liberty that was given to you by the Lord. As it is written, "I marvel that you are so soon removed from the gospel which was delivered to you. Why are you so soon shaken from it?" The God in Christ meant what He said and said what He meant. This promise of God is not a slippery slope. It is impossible for God to lie. God wants to speak to us. We need to listen.

In Hebrews chapter 6, verse 13, God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater. He swore by Himself, saying, surely with my blessing I will bless you. In  multiplying, I will multiply you. Verse 16 of the same chapter reads that men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end to all strife. God, willing to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath. These two immutable characteristics include (1) it is impossible for God to lie and (2 ) we have a strong consolation that we who have fled for refuge, laying hold upon the hope set before us, the hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, will enter into that within the veil.

Jesus our one and only high priest forever. After the Order of Melchisedec. Not like other priests, or imposters who ought to confess their sin, their folly and error to the one who alone can forgive sin. They ought to know better. The only one that can forgive sin is Jesus. He is the Word of the oath which existed before the law. He is the Word which brought forth the seed of promise, the son of the Holy Spirit and the one who is consecrated for evermore. For if we confess our sins to Him, who alone is the High priest, our sins will be forgiven. Jesus is more than willing to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The gospel provided a way for men and women to go directly to the throne of grace. The good news gospel is STILL to this day providing a way for each and every one of us to go directly to the throne of grace.

Thank you Jesus! Stand in the offering plate.

In A Frightened World, We Need More Jesus - Part 2477

" ... Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My Name."

And for clarity, His Name is JESUS in this current new testament dispensation of grace -- wherein the name of Jesus (Matthew 1:21-23); Jesus being the ONLY name whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12); the name of Jesus above every other name God used for Himself from the beginning of time. (Philippians 2:90 

Today's message from Psalm 91 is addressed to a world is under siege, wherein the inhabitants -- ordinary people are frightened by the chaos emerging around them. Jesus warned us of these times in Matthew 24 so that believers in Him would never be at a loss to understand the season in which they live. However, for today, we are going to write to those believers who are not grounded in His Word, so that we can be comforted in Jesus own words -- that He will never leave us nor forsake us -- those who believe in Him.

Therefore, from Psalms 91:

"... he [or she] that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler." (Psalm 91:1-4)

Thus, it is in the risen Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ -- that we do not need to be afraid for the terror by night. Neither should believers fear an arrow that flies by day. As the psalmist dictates, we who believe are not to be afraid for the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday. Why? Because we know in whom we serve! 

We know that He -- JESUS -- is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending ... and there is nothing -- not one thing in this world that can change His desire to become the Good Shepherd to those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength ... and similarly, from His flow -- love our neighbours. 

But David does not stop there in his understanding of this faith journey. We see his boldness when he (as a shepherd boy) slew Goliath with one single pebble taken from the creek. We see his boldness when his enemies surrounded him wherein he continued to trust in the Lord. His faith so bold and unwavering that the Lord God declared David to be a man after His own heart. 

So, what does that mean for us -- in a world that has become so fearful, that people are willing to let governments curtail their freedoms? Our right to worship without interference? Let us continue reading the remainder of Psalms 91, recognizing too (as David proclaims in Psalm 24) that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.

"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation." (Psalm 91:5-9)

Even though a thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand, we need to understand that it shall not come nigh us ... because we have made the Lord our refuge -- even the most High our habitation. Indeed, how blessed we are knowing that our enemies are subdued from harming us -- because we know Jesus, and have made Him to be our all in all.

Moreover, as David writes, "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name." (Psalm 91:10-15)

It may seem like we only have a little strength, (as Jesus points out in Revelation 3:8-9) but in all things, we have kept His Word and not denied His name. And for our faithfulness, Jesus has said that He will make them to come and worship before thy feet, so that they too will know how much I -- Jesus -- have loved thee.

David knew this and proclaimed his trust in the Lord his God throughout the Psalms, and so should we. Yes, we should call upon the Lord and He will answer. As the scripture states, "I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation." (Psalm 91:15-16)

This is why it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord and to sing praises unto Thy [His] name-- O Most High -- to show forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning and Thy faithfulness every night. For Thou O Lord hast made me glad through Thy work, for this same Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance.

So, even in a frightened world who needs Jesus as their Lord God and Saviour even more, we know that this same Lord, clothed with majesty and strength, still reigns. Indeed, He still reigns.

Stand in the offering plate. 

I Marvel Says Apostle Paul That Ye Are So Soon Removed From Him That Called You Into The Grace Of Christ Into Another Gospel - Part 2476

God in Christ. (II Corinthians 12:19) 

Who being the brightness of glory and the express image of His person, upholds all things by the Word of His power? And after purging Himself for our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high? This is why we have so much to be thankful for. This great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken of by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him. At the same time, God willingly confirmed this witness with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of His holy Spirit.

Remember that the law was added 430 years after the promise was given? Therefore, the law cannot undo the promise. Neither can the law be tagged on to the promise, as many would like to do, blending the old and the new. Why? Because those first 300 years of the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ being preached sent the fallen angels into a tailspin. 

Indeed, if one were to use a cliche, you could say that the cat was out the bag. It required immediate damage control, and spin artists working tirelessly 24/7 to stop the leaks. This is why it took 300 years before the false teachings established a foothold. Before satan could transform himself into a messenger of light, replacing the Head of the church -- Jesus as both Lord and Christ -- with an impostor.

These deceitful workers, intent on betraying the people sat down and hammered out their own gospel. They introduced to the then generation that God was three distinct and separate persons -- all in one. That three equals one, and sadly, many believed it. In fact, this fabricated gospel was so entrenched that woe to them who dared to contradict their darkened minds. The decline in the gospel message was swift. From light into darkness -- at the flip of a switch. From a primitive church exposing demonic practices to the establishment of another gospel, totally adverse to the gospel which had been personally delivered by the Lord.

 The gospel as proclaimed to the world, in which He Himself was more than willing to die for. Stand fast in the liberty that was given to you by the Lord. As it is written, "I marvel that you are so soon removed from the gospel which was delivered to you. Why are you so soon shaken from it?" The God in Christ meant what He said and said what He meant. This promise of God is not a slippery slope. It is impossible for God to lie. God wants to speak to us. We need to listen.

In Hebrews chapter 6:13, God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater. He swore by Himself, saying, surely with My blessing, will I bless you. In  multiplying, I will multiply you. Verse 16 of the same chapter reads that men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end to all strife. God, willing to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath. These two immutable characteristics include (1) it is impossible for God to lie and (2 ) we have a strong consolation that we who have fled for refuge, laying hold upon the hope set before us, the hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, will enter into that within the veil.

Jesus our one and only high priest forever. After the Order of Melchisedec. Not like other priests, or imposters who ought to confess their sin, their folly and error to the One who alone can forgive sin. They ought to know better. The only One that can forgive sin is Jesus. He is the Word of the oath which existed before the law. He is the Word which brought forth the seed of promise, the son of the Holy Ghost and the one who is consecrated for evermore. For if we confess our sins to Him, who alone is the High priest, our sins will be forgiven. Jesus is more than willing to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The good news gospel of the Lord Jesus provided a way for men and women to go directly to the throne of grace. Peace to all who are in Jesus. 

Stand in the offering plate.

My Strength, Says Jesus, Is Made Perfect In Weakness - Part 2475

Apostle Paul and Timothy are together writing to the church of God at Corinth and to all the saints which are all in all Achai-a. (II Corinthians 1:1) These write, "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me." And Jesus said unto Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (II Corinthians 12:8-9)

If you are like me, you've heard about the thorn in Paul's flesh more than once. Indeed, the thorn has been used often as an example for the struggles that we endure as believers. At other times, the thorn has been offered as a rationale for God not answering prayers -- as in Paul endured the thorn. But the scriptures must align -- because God is not the author of confusion -- so this day, we are going to investigate this passage of scripture, taking our understanding and context directly from the Word.

In the Bible, both old and new, the word thorn is found in the scriptures 54 times. There is only one reference regarding the thorn in the flesh in the new testament (the messenger of satan that buffeted Paul). From this particular scripture, there are not a lot of cross references to gain a more in-depth insight.

If we read II Corinthians 12 in context, there is yet another understanding worthy of consideration. Starting from the top, Paul is alluding to the numerous visions and revelations of the Lord, including knowing a man fourteen years prior, and how he was caught up into paradise. Paul writes, "It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory, I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago [whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell; God knows); such an one caught up to the third heaven. (Galatians 1:12; Galatians 2:2; Acts 22:17; II Corinthians 11:11)

"And I knew such a man (whether in the body or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows); how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory, yet of myself I will not glory but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth, but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me." (II Corinthians 12:1-6; 11 Corinthians 11:16)

It is important to establish here that Paul is warning believers "with godly jealousy" against false apostles and deceitful workers who are transforming themselves into false apostles, and that we are not to marvel, because satan himself ahas transformed himself into an angel of light.

"Therefore, it is no great thing if [satan's] ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness." (II Corinthians 11:15; II Corinthians 3:9) "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly; and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)" (Philippians 3:19; Galatians 6:12; Romans16:18; II Peter 2:1)

Continuing, Paul points to glorying and how easy it might be for men to exalt him -- rather than Jesus as Lord God and Saviour. Another point worth noting here is that it took approximately 14 years for Paul to allude to this thorn -- past tense. "For this thing, I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me." (II Corinthians 12:8)

Up until this point, Paul states that though he desires to glory, he shall not be a fool -- "for I will say the truth, but now I forbear, lest any many should think of me above that which he sees me to be or that he hears of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure, through the abundance of revelations" [similar to the revelations cited above] "there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." (II Corinthians 12:6-7; II Corinthians 11:16; Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24)

Numbers 33:55 is a one of two corresponding verses cited, which states, "But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and it shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell." From Ezekiel 28:24 -- "And there shall be no more a prickling brier upon the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I AM the Lord God."

When we read Paul's account herein, he writes "there was given to me a thorn in the flesh" and that he had besought the Lord thrice that the thorn might depart from him. This scripture does not say the Lord gave him the thorn in the flesh. If we look at thorn in the flesh on the old testament side -- “Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you.” (Joshua 23:13)

Here, Joshua was referring to people as thorns, not diseases or infirmities as so many have been led to believe. In fact, as we know from reading further in Joshua, these were the heathens that the Israelites had to deal with as they entered into their promised land of Canaan. We see the same reference to people (not sickness as the thorn) in the book of Judges -- “Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you." (Judges 2:3)

Thus, when apostle Paul said that the thorn in the flesh was the messenger of satan -- "to buffet me" -- it was the false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ -- people who vexed him. 

"For ye suffer fools gladly ..." (II Corinthians 11:19)

You see, as Paul continues to say after Jesus said, "My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness," he goes on to explain the signs of a true apostle -- wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds, but not burdensome to you -- seeking not yours but you (your heart for Jesus), spending and being spent for the believing community -- not making gain of you. (II Corinthians 12:11-18) 

In context then, Paul is confirming that in calling out those who are false, there will be a battle -- but in all things, as those who believe already understand is that Jesus grace is sufficient for each and every one of us -- " for My strength is made perfect in weakness." This is why Paul could gladly glory in any infirmities, taking pleasure in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake -- because Paul had already proved (for 14 years) that when he is weak, then is He -- the Lord Jesus strong. (II Corinthians 12:9-10) 

God in Christ. (II Corinthians 12:19) 

"For though He was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God ... for we are also weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you." (II Corinthians 13:4; Romans 1:4; Romans 6:4; I Peter 3:18) 

Read II Corinthians 12 for yourself -- and be pleasantly surprised (like apostle Paul) for the revelations you too will receive from the Lord Jesus, and know that He is the Great I AM who never leaves us nor forsakes us.

"We are fools for Christ's sake; but we are wise in Christ; we are weak, but Ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised." (I Corinthians 4:10)

Stand in the offering plate.