Be Ye Transformed By The Renewing Of Your Mind, That Ye May Prove The Acceptable And Perfect Will Of God - Part 2520

"If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." (I Corinthians 9:12-14)

We are the temple of God, the temple of the very same God who willingly became our Saviour. And when He dwells within, we can do all things through Him which strengthens us. His name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace -- "For He shall save His people from their sins!" (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Following are some scriptures concerning our bodies -- which is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in us - when we come to Jesus. Meditate on these verses, understanding that we are bought with a price -- a hefty price -- wherein God prepared for Himself a body so that we might experience abundant life (and love!) in Him.  

"What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s." (I Corinthians 6:19-20) 

Jesus referred to His body being a temple, and when we have taken on the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus in water baptism (according to Acts 2:36-41)and we are filled with His holy Spirit, our body becomes the temple of God.

Why? Because the risen Lord Jesus has clothed us in His righteousness. Just as God placed His name on the temple in Jerusalem (I Kings 8:29), and placed His name on the temple of Jesus’ body (Matthew 1:21-23, John 5:43), He also places His name on each and every one of us -- who declare His name -- as the temple of God.

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)

"That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My name is called," saith the Lord, "who does all these things." (Acts 15:17)

"Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (James 2:7)

Just as God’s Spirit dwelt within the temple in Jerusalem in the days of Solomon (II Chronicles 5:14), God’s Spirit dwelt in the temple of Jesus’ body (John 1:1, 14, Colossians 2:9), God’s Spirit also dwells in us as the temple of God.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (I Corinthians 3:16-17)

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (II Corinthians 6:16)

"What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

Just as the temple in Jerusalem was a place of sacrifice (II Chronicles 7:12), Jesus body was a place of (was the) sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 9:26), our body as the temple of God is a place of sacrifice.

"... and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: n whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:20-22)

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)

Stand in the offering plate.

Enter Into The Holiest Of All Which Has Now Been Made Manifest For You and I - Part 2519

" ... so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:1-28)

From Hebrews 9:

"Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the Holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

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

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

"... but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."

Stand in the offering plate.

But Now Once In The End Of The World Hath He Appeared To Put Away Sin By The Sacrifice Of Himself - Part 2518

" ... but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."

In the last post, we mentioned church-ianity -- the religious culture that oft times takes us 'away' from the Word of the Lord rather than to the One and Only Great Shepherd who laid down His life for you and I. He is the greatest love story ever told -- when the same God who created us in the beginning, willingly became our Saviour.

For after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared! (Titus 3:4-7)

But often, in our faith journey, we are confronted with church/religious teachings that don't align with the Word, and we are forced to reconcile what we have been taught with what the Word of the Lord actually states.

One of these religious strongholds is the law -- even though the Word states, "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect! For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins." (Hebrews 10:1-2)

But as we know, we still have conscience of sins if we have not come to Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) Why is this? Because the law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster; for ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus ... for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:24-27)

It is for this reason the Lord saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me." (Hebrews 10:5; Genesis 3:15; Hebrews 1:6) Indeed, the Lord had no pleasure in sacrifice and burnt offerings (ordinances), "which are offered by the law." (Hebrews 10:8)

Thus, as the Lord said, "Lo, I come to do Thy will O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second ... by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:9)

"I will make with them after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more!" (Hebrews 10:16-17)

"Now where remission of these is, there is no ore offering for sin. Having therefore brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say His flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without waverings (for He is faithful that promised!)." (Hebrews 10:18-23) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

The Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of Knowledge - Part 2517

"The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; to give subtility to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:to understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge ..." (Proverbs 1:1-7)

"And ye shall know that I AM in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord thy God, and none else: and My people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit." (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:36-47) 

"I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh" ... and as a consequence your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Similarly, your old men shall dream dreams and upon My servants and upon My handmaidens, saith the Lord, "I will pour out of My Spirit."

So the question is this. Have you received the Holy Ghost since you exercised your faith towards the name of the Lord JESUS? If you have not received the promised Holy Ghost according to the scriptures, then why not?

Certainly, there is only One Lord! There is only One Faith! There is only One Baptism. This is the short form confession of the faith that the scriptures render for each and every one of us in Acts 2. In this context then, we ought to examine ourselves to see whether we are earnestly contending for this confession of faith. This confession of our faith that was once, and only once delivered from JESUS to us by His holy Spirit.

The ministry of His Spirit declares that if any man has not the Spirit of JESUS the Christ then that person has not as yet accepted redemption nor has he or she obeyed the opening tongue spoken ministry of the holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 2. Paul in Galatians declared, "Who hath bewitched you that you obey not the truth?" Evidently, you started out in looking at and believing in only JESUS alone! You were doing so well hungering for more of God with singleness of heart. What happened?

The "what happened" -- the question of all time!

Well, in some cases you may have met a religious person who had church-ianity but had never experienced the free redemption that Christianity offers. His liberty wherewith is Christ. (Galatians 5:1) Sadly, what they did not tell you is that the Old Covenant is not the New Testament. Neither is the New Testament an addendum (or add-o) to the Old Covenant. The Old Testament is a covenant of works and ordinances while the New Testament is intended to be a testament of love and grace -- and forgiveness -- of which none are dependant on you or I. 

How can this be said?

Well, as the scriptures declare, the God of the New Testament redeems to Himself a people who previously were not a people at all. Therefore, the New Testament was necessary because God walked away from the former covenant when those He had covenanted with had walked out from the Old Covenant demands. But this New Covenant is a covenant between God who is Spirit and God Himself as a Son. This New Covenant was a ‘God In Christ covenant.' Most of all, it involved the death of the testator - JESUS.

"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 be the death of the testator ..." (Hebrews 9:15-16)

We as believers then are the benefactors of all contained in that everlasting covenant of God in Christ. We as believers do not have a covenant. Rather, we are the recipients of all that JESUS was heir for. All of JESUS the Christ inheritance has been bequeathed to us as His LAST WILL and TESTAMENT. One does not work for an inheritance. No, an inheritance is considered a gift!

Is it any wonder that the Apostle Paul said to the Galatians, "My labour that I have bestowed upon you - was it all in vain?" You started out well, but now you are endeavouring to work for salvation. Let me remind you says Paul that Christ died for all of our sins. Christ died for yesterday's sin, today's sin and even tomorrow’s sin.

This is why JESUS was raised from the grave -- for our justification! When Jesus ascended to Heaven, JESUS SAT down. So why are you still working for your salvation? Admittedly, you may work because you have salvation, but we do NOT work to "obtain" salvation. Salvation is the free gift of God!

Because He lives, we can face tomorrow!

Read Acts 2 and do as the Holy Ghost commands. That is, as for me and my house, we will by God’s grace serve none other than the God who loved us and gave Himself for us. His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Peace be on the ISRAEL of God! Stand in the offering plate. 

And The Windows Of Heaven Were Opened; I Can See Clearly Now - Part 2516

" ... and prove Me now herewith," saith the Lord, "If I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10)

Jesus said, "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness?" (Matthew 6:22-24)

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

And the windows of heaven were opened! (Genesis 7:11)

Our focus today pertains to the window of our hearts, and whether we desire the entrance of the Word of God -- His goodness and grace and mercy -- His love that abounds beyond the constraints of this world. And how, when we follow Jesus as the Light of the world, we no longer walk in darkness, but as He states, we shall have the light of life dwelling within. His Spirit, His Word, His magnificence and majesty shining forth -- as we hand over the reigns of our hearts to the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

It is from perspective that we study windows -- from a scriptural perspective. In the natural, we understand that windows primarily serve dual purposes. We can see the inside of a dwelling for example by peering through a window. We can also witness what is happening on the outside by looking through the glass from an inner sanctuary. In some ways, windows offer a form of protection against the elements of the outside world. Conversely, we can witness (and even partake?) in the activities that are on the outside -- because of what we are witnessing through the window.

In many ways, the scriptures have the power to do the same. We can simply read through the verses on a page of the Bible and glean what is being stated, without any deep meditation or reflection. Or, we can willingly ask the Lord Jesus to invite us to enter through the glass -- the partition that stands between us -- and allow Him to remove the blindness from our eyes -- so that we can proclaim the words (like the song) with surety -- "I can see clearly now!"

In Matthew 6, Jesus went up into a mountain with His disciples, with the intent of teaching them. Herein, Jesus shares what we recognize as the Beatitudes. He teaches that we are the salt of the earth. He speaks about His purpose -- to redeem us, and 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 6:20)

Within these teachings, Jesus instructs the disciples not to lay up treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal ... but instead to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven -- where moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal -- "for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34)

It is herein as well that Jesus goes on to share that the light of the body is the eye, and when thine eye be single, thy whole body is full of light. (Matthew 6:22)

Whose light? The light that is Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

In the scriptures, we see numerous examples of windows. There is the oft cited incident where a certain young man falls asleep and falls to the ground from a the third loft while apostle Paul is preaching.

"And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, "Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him." (Acts 20:8-10) 

In this case, the man did not lose his life.

In a second example, Daniel makes a point of opening the window toward Jerusalem when praying - when ordered not to pray for a period of 30 days by the king. (Daniel 6:10) And then there is Noah. who preached for 120 years while building an ark. In the 600th year of Noah's life, all the fountains of the great deep were broken up and the windows of heaven were opened. (Genesis 7:11)

"And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged; the fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained; and the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated." (Genesis 8:2-3) 

After 40 days, Noah opened the window of the ark and sent forth a raven, which went to and fro until the waters dried up from the earth. (Genesis 8:5-7)  

Then there is the woman who hid the two men sent out by Joshua -- who bound the scarlet line in the window. 

"And the men answered her, "Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee." Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. And she said unto them, "Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way." (Joshua 2:14-16)

And a second woman Michal who let David down through a window as an escape from old testament Saul who sought to smite David with the javelin. 

"Saul also sent messengers unto David’s house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David’s wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain. So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped." (I Samuel 19:10-18)

Note that this is the same Michal who watched David through the window, dancing before the Lord and despised him in her heart. (II Samuel 6:16; I Chronicles 15:29) 

Apostle Paul himself was let down in a basket through a window when the governor under Aretas wanted to apprehend him. 

"In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands." (II Corinthians 11:32-33)

The prophets Ezekiel, Joel, Daniel, Isaiah, Zephaniah and Jeremiah also make references to windows from the perspective of events that will happen in the future -- a subject for another day. And then there is the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi, which in and of itself should give us strength and encouragement.

"... and prove Me now herewith," saith the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it!" (Malachi 3:10)

This is our hope! Yes, the Lord Jesus has a plan and purpose for your life! He has not abandoned us (as some might suggest) but is instead, forever inviting us into His presence. As the psalmist David points out, seek the Lord, and His strength: seek His face evermore. Remember His marvellous works that He has done; His wonders wherein the Lord increases His people greatly, and makes them stronger than their enemies. (Psalm 105:24) 

His name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Stand in the offering plate.

The Testimony Of The Lord Is Sure, Making Wise The Simple - Part 2515

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

In them hath He set a tabernacle for the Son ... which is as a bridegroom coming out of His chamber and rejoices as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and His circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." (Psalm 119:1-6)

Consider how the sun rises and sets within a 24 hour period, how the seasons come and go, and how the rain falls from the heavens - all in perfect harmony. So much so, that there is no excuse for not seeking the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength ... because even from the miracle of nature, we have to admit that there had to be a beginning -- a Creator who orchestrated the wondrous beauty that surrounds us.

Herein, the psalmist is encouraging us to listen -- to witness how the heavens declare the awesomeness and glory of God. To hear with our heart that even when there is no audible voice heard (no speech or language) the Lord God Almighty is still speaking to His people. And indeed, His words to the end of the world.

Moreover, in them, He has set a tabernacle for the Son -- a prophecy that points forward to the point wherein the fullness of the Godhead would dwell bodily in Christ Jesus. A time wherein the bridegroom comes out of His chamber. The time wherein God Himself would come forth as a mighty man -- rejoicing as a strong man running a race.

"Have ye not known? Have ye not heard? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understood from the foundation of the earth?" (Isaiah 40:21)

Worthy scriptures to meditate upon this day.

Stand in the offering plate.

For The Kingdom Of God Is Not In Word But In Power - Part 2514

"Grace [be] unto you and peace from God our Father and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched in Him -- in all utterance, and in all knowledge -- even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord." (I Corinthians 1:3-9)

As background, apostle Paul is writing unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. In this same chapter, Paul is instructing the brethren to all speak the same thing, in one accord, and that there shall be no divisions among you ... but rather, "that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (I Corinthians 1:10)

In other words, in one accord as it was on the day of Pentecost when the first 3,000 souls repented and water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41)

Why is this important? Because Christ is not divided. His cross wherein He shed His precious, holy blood for you and I remains the entry point into salvation -- even to this day.

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the disputer of this world?

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign and the Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God ... because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

How can this be, you ask?

"For God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." (I Corinthians 1:18-31)

And apostle Paul should know, for Christ sent him into the world, receiving his understanding by revelation -- "to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." (I Corinthians 1:17)

Similarly, as Paul confirms later, "when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech, or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know any thing among you -- save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:1)

This is why (as apostle Paul admits) his speech and preaching is not with enticing words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power -- that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but rather in the power of God. In this we can all take hope -- knowing that our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought; but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom] which God ordained before the world unto our glory -- which none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (I Corinthians 2:7-8)

But as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him!" (I Corinthians 2:9)

Ponder these truths this day. Stand in the offering plate.

Yea, All Kings Shall Fall Down Before Him; All Nations Shall Serve Him - Part 2513

"And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him; His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom which shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14)

"And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him." (Daniel 7:27)

"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever!" (Daniel 2:44)

From the psalmist David's writings from afore, we understand that all the kings shall fall down before Him. All the nations shall serve Him. In His days shall the righteous flourish and the abundance of peace so long as the moon endures. And He shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth, where even those that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before Him, and His enemies shall lick the dust. (Daniel 72:7-14)

"All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee ... for the kingdom is the Lord's and He is the governor among the nations." (Psalm 22:27-28)

All the way through the scriptures, we see Almighty God leading His people to a place where they shall not want. He leads us into still waters, and He is still restoring our soul. He sets a table for us in the midst of our enemies - wherein He receives all the honour, and glory and praise. This is why we continually give thanks to our Lord God Almighty "which art, and wast, and art to come" ... because He reigns. (Revelation 11:17)

And indeed, the kingdoms of this world -- all of them -- are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)

Too often, when we focus on the world in chaos around us, we forget that the King of kings and Lord of lords is still on His throne, and in the midst of the societal crumbling, there is God our Saviour Jesus the Christ inviting us to keep our sights on Him ..  to dwell in His presence forevermore. For as Jesus so clearly said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee!"

And today, this same Jesus is still inviting us to enter into His fold wherein is salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down (not will as so many claim) -- that same accuser which accused them before our God day and night.

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore, rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them ..." (Revelation 12:11-12)

Stand in the offering plate.

For It Became Him, For Who Are All Things, And By Whom Are All Things, In Bringing Many Sons Unto Glory, To Make The Captain Of Their Salvation Perfect Through Sufferings - Part 2512

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, "What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And, whence came they?" And I said unto him, "Sir, thou knowest." And he said to me, "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:13-18)

 

Question -- have you washed your robes and been made white in the blood of the Lamb? 

When the first 3,000 asked Peter (standing with the eleven) "What must we do?" Peter said, "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 2:36-47) And those that "gladly" received the Word were baptized -- washing their robes and being made white in the blood of the Lamb, putting on His robe of righteousness!

The greatest gift ever given -- the greatest love story ever told -- the greatest treasure of all time is found in the Lord Jesus. Ask Him to become your Lord God and Saviour this day.

Stand in the offering plate.

But Now We Are Delivered From The Law; That Being Dead Wherein We Were Held; That We Should Serve In Newness Of Spirit, And Not In The Oldness Of The Letter - Part 2511

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (I Timothy 6:11-12)

"Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (II Timothy 2:22)

"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:17)

Herein, emerges an interesting understanding of the fruits of the Spirit.  For example, often when we hear the fruits of the Spirit taught, it is in the context of apostle Paul's comparison of the fruits of the Spirit with the manifested works of the flesh. And, as well, that living in the Spirit (wherein we also walk in the Spirit) is compared to those who are yet (still?) under the law. (Galatians 5:17)

As we read further in Galatians 5, apostle Paul clarifies the fruit of the Spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22)

In another place, apostle Paul (in writing to the saints which are at Ephesus and the faithful in Christ Jesus) -- "for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them] ... wherefore, He saith, "Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light!" (Ephesians 5:9-14; Ephesians 5:15-21)

Thus, the point worth noting here is the call to action. And that the fruits of the Spirit are more than just a church lesson wherein the fruits of the Spirit are compared to the lawless and disobedient, the ungodly and sinners, the unholy and profane. But rather, that we are similarly called to "follow" righteousness, faith, charity, and peace. (II Timothy 2:22)

"... and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (I Timothy 6:11-12)

If we think of the fruits of the Spirit from the perspective of actually following, does it change our understanding somewhat? Is there a deeper message herein that we should be pursuing? Are we encouraged when we read that the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth -- to the point of proving what is acceptable unto the Lord? And lastly, are we who profess to believe willing to pursue His righteousness, His truth and goodness in the day to day?

I will leave these thoughts and questions for you to meditate upon. In so doing, ask the Lord Jesus to enlighten you -- the Christ who so willingly desires to give thee light.  In closing, several scriptures to edify and instruct and move you forward in your faith walk ...

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:14-17)

"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans 7:4, 6; Romans 8:2)

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

Stand in the offering plate.

Love So Deep And Abundant, That God Willingly Came Down From His Glory To Rescue You and I- Part 2510

Before we were introduced to faith, we were in many ways imprisoned under the law. In this realm, we were incapable of escaping as if there were no plan of escape. Conversely, even if there was such a plan, what would we be escaping too? Certainly, it would be hard to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man, particularly if that man had never been introduced to faith or of its effectiveness. Like so many aspects of life, for those things which I do not know, I need an instructor.

Indeed, while we may have read of Abraham's faith, we were incapable of grasping the meaning. We needed to have our understanding opened and the meaning expanded upon. Who would open the cell doors of our mind? Well, definitely none of our cell mates, for they also were wallowing in the mire of sin, imprisoned by the law of sin and death, without a key.

But God works in mysterious ways! The scriptures ask, "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who was His counsellor? So, in the beginning days, after Adam sinned, the law had become our custodian. The law was like a strict governess in charge of us. That is, until we looked beyond our hopeless predicament and called in our hearts for a deliverer.

In this capacity, God was and still is the only hope for us. Out of our hopelessness we looked up with expectancy. It was here that faith was seeded in men’s heart. So, by our imprisonment we were taught the defined meaning of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the incurred wages, we swallowed it hook, line, and sinker. In other words, we dug our own hole, a hole so deep that we could not climb out of it.

Like the simple analogy of the man and woman walking at night and falling into a deep hole. They were unable to scale the walls of earth so they did what most people would do. They started calling for help. Along came a priest (it could be a rabbi too) who, upon hearing the yells of distress, ventures over to the hole. When he sees the man and woman in the hole, he starts praying but then walks away.

The man starts calling again and this time a doctor hears the cry. He approaches the hole and seeing the situation, takes a note pad from his pocket and writes the two a prescription. He throws the prescription into the hole and then turns around and walks away.

In many ways, this resembles society today - the 'powers that be' may be in power but they do not have the solution. Still, the two people stuck in the hole start yelling louder than before. Surely, there must be some intelligent  and compassionate life up there who will help us get out of this predicament. Just then, a friend just happens to be taking an evening stroll when he hears the distressed call. The man approaches the hole, peruses the situation and immediately jumps into the hole.  Wow! The man and woman in the hole start thinking, "Well, that was not too smart!"

Here we are, with nothing but a prayer and a prescription and you decide to join us too! Well, the friend smilingly says,  “Only believe. I know the way out." I can help you get out of this mess.

The reality is this. The world does not have the answer. When no one else could help, His love, the love of Jesus, lifted me. Hear the good news message -- the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He came to me. I could not go to where He was so He instead came to us. And all we have to do  is believe in Him by faith -- the Lord of Glory. The King of kings. The Great I AM. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.. Thus, the message here is to step out in faith and trust the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Cast all your cares and concerns upon Him. Why? Because He cares for you. Let me say that again --- He really cares for you.

So, in terms of covenants (the old and new) you are not under law. You are under the dispensation of grace, whereby the Lord has declared peace and goodwill to all. Indeed, Glory to God in the highest!

This explains why when you believe, you are under the new testament -- the covenant of grace -- grace that is given and yet unmerited. While the law was given through angels to Moses, note that God's plan of salvation, grace and truth came to us through Jesus the Christ. Personally delivered to you and me. Jesus said to call upon Him and He -- "I shall deliver you."

My kinsmen according to the flesh. Faith in Jesus is the victory that can overcome the world. Read Acts 2:36-47 today and understand the peace and joy that will fill your heart if you would only ask Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your heart. God manifest in the flesh. Now that is love!

Stand in the offering plate.

Because We Trust In The Living God, Who Is The Saviour Of All Men, Specially Of Those That Believe - Part 2509

"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 1:12-14)

Apostle Paul is writing here. For those who may not know, Paul was originally the very same Saul who persecuted those who believed in the Lord Jesus as their God and Saviour. As background, Saul was highly educated. Saul is also described as a Pharisee of Pharisees. On the specific day he met Jesus, he was on his way to round up anyone and everyone who believed so he could imprison them. But on that same day, as he travelled on the road to Damascus, he was blinded by a bright light. Without any hesitation, Saul asks, "Who art Thou Lord?" The answer -- "I AM JESUS, whom thou persecute."

Saul is instructed to go meet with a righteous man of faith -- Ananias who in turn feeds him with the meat of the Word, and ensures that Saul is baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41) From this point, Saul's understandings come from the Lord directly -- by revelation -- wherein, he understands his calling. That is, Saul (soon to be Paul) was appointed to preach to the Gentiles.

Herein, Paul is writing to his son in the faith -- Timothy-- that our hope is in God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. Paul has already instructed Timothy to teach no other doctrine; neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions. Instead, Paul writes, "godly edifying which is in faith: so do." (I Timothy 1:4; I Timothy 4:7; Titus 1:14)

"But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (I Timothy 4:7)

"Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth ..." (Titus 1:14)

Paul goes on to offer further clarity -- "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." (I Timothy 1:5; II Timothy 2:22)

"Unto the pure all things are pure; but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:15-16)

Remember, Paul could speak specifically to this because (as Saul), one could consider that he too was reprobate to every good work, as we understand from his own persecution of the believing faith community. As well, Paul points Timothy to those who have swerved away from the truth, having "turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." (I Timothy 1:6-10)

But Paul then clarifies -- we know that the law is good, if man use it lawfully -- but also that the law is NOT made for a righteous man. (I Timothy 1:9; Galatians 3:19; Galatians 5:23) Why? Because when we repent and are water baptized in the name of Jesus, He puts on us His cloak of righteousness.

In another place, Paul writes -- "wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of the transgressions, till the Seed [Jesus] should come to whom the promise was made; and [it was] ordained by angels in the hands 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." (Galatians 3:19-23)

This is why the law was (and still is) our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. And that after faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster -- for then we are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:23-29; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21; Acts 10:44-48)

In other words, when we repent and believe on this same Jesus whom we crucified -- as both Lord and Christ -- and are water baptized into His precious, holy name -- the name of the Lord Jesus, we will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter -- the Spirit of the risen Jesus within, who will never leave us nor forsake us. The King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, whom we, like apostle Paul should give honour and glory for ever and ever, amen. (I Timothy 1:17)

And this is Paul's testimony to the world.

"And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting." (I Timothy 1:15-16)

This is the charge Paul committed to Timothy -- that he too might war a good warfare -- holding faith, and a good conscience -- and not allowing the some which have put away concerning the faith turn it into a shipwreck.

"Holding the mystery of the faith in good conscience." (I Timothy 3:9)

So much more to share herein, but let this suffice for this day. Stand in the offering plate!