Signs Of The Times: Enduring To The End - Part 2802

"The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in His works." (Psalm 104:31)

"... looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:2-3)

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13)

Whilst our world is in chaos, we are increasingly called to be shining lights for Jesus -- "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:19 And "if thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light." (Luke 11:36) Like a candle that never loses its flame -- even in the midst of tribulation. Like the salt of the earth. Like that city upon a hill that cannot be hid.

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." (Matthew 5:13-15)

Another way to look at this -- "And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense." (Isaiah 4:5)

It is in this context that the Lord would not have us ignorant of the times we live in. As we know from Revelation 17 and 18, the prophecies are being fulfilled. For those who have not read these chapters, it is important to understand that these things will occur, but we do not have to fear. Why? Because in all things, Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

"... persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;" (II Corinthians 4:9)

For our edification and learning, Revelation 17 with some explanation follows:

"And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, "Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

And upon her forehead was a name written, "Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth." And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, "Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns."

The beast that thou saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits.

And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes into perdition. And the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful. And He saith unto me, "The waters which thou saw, where the whore sit, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou saw is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:1-18)

The woman is the false church that sits on seven hills. In prophecy, this religious system is contrasted with the woman clothed in white, which is the body of Christ church -- pure and undefiled -- whose head of the church is the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Within this contrast, we see that the woman clothed in purple and scarlet is wicked, full of names of blasphemy, otherwise known as the Mother of harlots, drinking from the cup filled with abominations and the filth of her own fornications. This includes the worship of pagan gods, the proliferation of false teachings contrary to the scriptures, and fornication -- (as in wicked and impure dealings) with kings and queens and governments of all nations - with the intent of provoking the Lord's anger. (Ezekiel 16:26)

" ... commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth." (Isaiah 23:17)

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" (Colossians 3:5)

Specifically then, Babylon the Great; the Mother of harlots is the church in Rome which reigns over all nations. And the beast - the world's evil political and monetary system -- who of late, have all one mind, going after strange flesh, suffering the vengeance of hell fire. (Jude 1:7)

Other thoughts? Through the church in Rome, inhabitants of the earth have been made “drunk” (i.e. intoxicated, stupefied, distracted, misled, fooled, conned, robbed, bamboozled and mystified - much like a drunken person) through the proliferation of false religious teachings (including catechism), and traditions, rituals and customs that have no scriptural basis. Sadly however, Rome has enlarged its borders by recruiting daughter churches (including those who once protested against Catholicism) and the heads of many non-Christian religions who together (as we see outlined in Revelation 17) join forces against anyone and everyone proclaiming the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus. Behold, the Lamb of God.

"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." (Revelation 5:6) 

"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 7:17)

"... the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:" (Revelation 14:10)

"And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints." (Revelation 15:3)

"And He saith unto me, "Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." And He saith unto me, "These are the true sayings of God." (Revelation 19:19)

"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." (Revelation 21:22)

"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:23)

"And He shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads." (Revelation 22:1-3)

More to come. For now, be assured of your salvation. 

Stand in the offering plate. 
 

Renewed In Knowledge After The Image Of Him That Created Him - Part 2801

The Lord renews our strength so we can run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.

 
" ... but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

 
The Lord renews our minds.

 
"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 12:2)

 
The Lord renews our inward man daily.

 
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." (II Corinthians 4:16)

 
The Lord renews the spirit of our minds.

 
"... and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;" (Ephesians 4:23)

David also alludes to the Lord's renewing in the book of Psalms --

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right Spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)
" ...who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s." (Psalm 103:5) 

"Thou send forth Thy Spirit, they are created: and thou renew the face of the earth." (Psalm 104:30)

The Lord renews us in knowledge.

And then apostle Paul - "... and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." (Ephesians 3:9-11)

The Lord renews (stirs up!) the Holy Ghost within ...

 
" ... not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost!" (Titus 3:5)

Stand in the offering plate.

Not Troubled And Neither Distressed Because We Have This Treasure Within - Part 2800

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;" (I Corinthians 4:7-9)

Herein, is the message of hope -- even when the world around us is in chaos, that the treasure which dwells within is greater and more precious than all the material things in this world. But even more so, we know in whom we trust, and it is for this reason, that our souls are at peace.  In fact, there is a blessed assurance within of our salvation -- that He who paid the ultimate price for our souls, willingly dwells within. 

This treasure? The treasure is Jesus -- both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41) 

And this same Jesus whom ye crucified so that we might have eternal life is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed, He who was in the world (the same world that was made by Him) and yet the world knew Him not -- the same One who came unto His own and yet His own received Him not, is now revealed -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. 

As Jesus said, "I am/AM the bread of life."

As Jesus said, "I am/AM the light of the world." 

As Jesus said, "I am/AM the living water wherein if you drink, ye shall never thirst again!"

Yes, Jesus -- "I am/AM the Great Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for the sheep."

Sadly, however, man-made religion is leading His people away from this same Jesus who declared, "I am/AM the way, the truth and the life!" (John 14:6-12)  Many standing in the pulpits don't even refer to the name of Jesus in their sermons. Others have replaced the infallible Word of God with man-made creeds based on imagination. The scriptures -- so life giving -- rewritten so many times these are almost unrecognizable. And as a consequence, he candles of those who profess to believe hidden from the public eye. The shining lights whom we were called to be hidden under a bushel. 

Is it any wonder then that Daniel pointed to the last days as a time when the holy people would be scattered? The prophet Jeremiah repeatedly points to false teachings that have continued in the false church today -- wherein the people burn incense to a queen of heaven, rather than the Lord God who created them. And this, even though the Lord of hosts (who is the God of Israel) reminds them of His continued promises. But to no avail. Some scriptural examples?

"The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger." (Jeremiah 7:18)

"Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke Me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods, whom they knew not, neither they, ye, nor your fathers ... but they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods." (Jeremiah 44:3, 5)

"But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men?" (Jeremiah 44:18-19)

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying; "Ye and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and fulfilled with your hand, saying," We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her: ye will surely accomplish your vows, and surely perform your vows." (Jeremiah 44:25)

What do the scriptures conclude? That is, all that dwelt in the lands were committing great evil against their own souls, choosing instead to provoke the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, "in that ye provoke Me unto wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense unto other gods." (Jeremiah 44:8)

And then the Lord God asks them, "Have ye forgotten the wickedness ... they are not humbled even unto this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in My law, nor in My statutes." 

So what is to come next?  Yes, the prophecies from afore are coming to fruition. 

"And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (Revelation 17:5)

"And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." (Revelation 9:20-21)

Is this the end? Time will tell, but we do know there is a choice to be made in the interim -- to either choose life within the Lord Jesus, or to choose death chasing the worldly manna wherein we will always hunger. It is for this reason that the Lord our God encourages us to choose life, and even better to choose life in Him, for He never fails! 

Indeed, He says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

The pearl of greatest price, and in this current dispensation of grace, His name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Shine Jesus Shine And Shine Increasingly Unto The Perfect Day - Part 2799

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." (Genesis 1:1-3)

John later describes the mystery made manifest in this fashion  -- "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Then Jesus clearly states, " 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 again in John 9:5: Jesus says, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." In another place, Jesus asks His disciples, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the light of this world." (John 11:9)

So whom then is the Light of the world? Apostle Paul summarizes the Light this way -- "... in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:4)

Let's read this again -- the light of the glorious gospel of Christ -- who is the image of God -- He is the light. The same Christ whom Peter standing with the eleven declared -- this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And His name in this current dispensation of grace? His name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

But the good news is that Jesus the Christ wants us who believe to be shining lights for Him as well. 

Indeed, Jesus said, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15)

"... that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" (Philippians 2:15)

The time has come for believers to arise as shining lights for Jesus in every part of the world -- so that everyone that is in the house has come to know the Light which lighteth every man that comes into the world. 

And time to remember too - "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:18)

Stand in the offering plate. 
 

Did You Receive The Spirit By The Works Of The Law, Or By Faith? Hence, The Time of Reformation - Part 2798

"Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth [also], with all that therein is. Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and He chose their seed after them, [even] you above all people, as it is this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked ..."

"... For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment." (Deuteronomy 10:14-18)

From the new testament, apostle Paul asks, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:1-5)

And then further clarification -- "... 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:" (Hebrews 9:8)

Apostle Paul, who is an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead) is writing unto the churches of Galatia. As we see here, Paul is warning them against believing that they are now made perfect by the flesh or by traditions of men (re: physical circumcision). But Paul does not stop there. Paul continues, sharing our faith is not contingent on physical circumcision or the law, but rather, we are made whole in the Lord Jesus, wherein we become a new creature. (Galatians 6:15) This point is further validated in the next two scriptures:

"Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." (I Corinthians 7:19)

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." (Galatians 6:15)

By way of background, it's helpful to understand the Old Testament can be likened to physical (under the law) but the New Testament is spiritual - wherein we are most thankful to be saved by His divine grace through faith. Or put another way -- heavenly. 

Another way to compare the old covenant with the new testament is by considering circumcision in the old as an act that is physical in nature (the cutting of the foreskin) -- an outward sign -- but primarily in the new testament a spiritual awakening -- an inward change of the heart, wherein, rather than being cut off, we are instead grafted in, as in circumcision of the heart.

This is not to suggest the old testament doesn't relate circumcision of the heart with the promised land and/or life, because in some places a comparison is made. (Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4) But as Jesus clearly said to those who followed the traditions of men, "Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." (Matthew 23:28)

Apostle Paul puts it this way: "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:28-30)

Hebrews 9 offers even further clarity, distinguishing between the physical under the old covenant and the spiritual in the new. For example, 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 cherubim's of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly." (Hebrews 9:1-5)

As we also know from the Old Testament, the priests went into the first tabernacle to accomplish the service of God. However, only the high priest went alone into the second (the inner chamber) with blood once a year. The blood was offered for both himself and the errors of the people. (Hebrews 9:6-8) Why? Because the Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest -- while the first tabernacle was yet standing. As we are aware, the first covenant 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, when it comes to our conscience, which then only stood in meats and drinks, diverse washings and carnal ordinances. (Hebrews 9:6-10) These acts and sacrifices to be imposed upon them -only until the time of reformation.
:
So what significance :does the reformation have? In the scriptures, the reformation was the time when 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." (Hebrews 9:12)

The question being, 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? The answer - "for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives." (Hebrews 9:14-17)

Again, representing the physical it's important to understand that neither the first [testament/covenant] 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."

Therefore, as the scriptures state, it was necessary for God to pattern the things in the new testament after the old covenant so that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with better sacrifices than these. (Hebrews 9:18-23)

Do you see what is happening? "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." (Hebrews 9:24-26)

In other words. God allowed His flesh body (sin-prone and yet without sin) to become the sacrifice on the cross so that we might find abundant life in Him -- patterned after the Genesis 17 account of God's renewed covenant promise to Abraham. Remember, Abraham was before Moses, and similarly, the Mosaic law. Many believers don't consider this timeline  -- one of the reasons for so much confusion even today -- between the law and grace. 

Some point to John the baptizer, Saul and Jesus who were circumcised as justification, and to argue forcefully that Gentiles should be physically circumcised too. (Luke 1:59; Luke 2:21 Philippians 3:5 ) But as we see in Antioch, uncircumcised Gentiles also received the gift (outpouring) of the Holy Ghost, as prophesied afore. (Joel 2:28; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 36:25-27; Acts 2:17, 28, 36-41) Peter eventually resolves the matter, declaring openly that those who believe in Jesus as both Lord and Christ (an inward change of heart|) and are then water baptized in His precious, holy name receive salvation. (Acts 15:1-5; Acts 15:8-13; Acts 2:36-41) 

Apostle Paul, Barnabas and James later confirm the same message -- agreeing the four additional instructions to the Gentiles seemed good to the Holy Ghost. (Acts 15:13-21; Acts 21:18-26; Galatians 2:3; Galatians 1:5-6) But I digress.

The first reference to circumcision of the hearts came in Deuteronomy 10:16 -- when the Lord declared who He was to the Israelites. Herein, they were instructed to circumcise their heart, and to love the Lord thy God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love to love one another. But when we understand the Israelites journey, we also begin to understand the need for a new covenant -- or as Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their love!" 

And thus, 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 9:27-28) 

Returning to scriptural examples of physical  -- "And He gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs." (Acts 7:8) 

The Lord from heaven -- Jesus was patterned after the physical Abraham -- ushering in physical circumcision in the former and in the latter, circumcision of the heart. Another way to look at this is in the example of Peter, when he came to Jerusalem. They that were of the circumcision contended with Peter, saying, "Thou went into men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them." (Acts 11:1-2)

Conversely, another new testament example of the division between the new and the old is when we see the pouring out of the new wine on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4;36-41) In another place, "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 10:45)

It is no wonder the circumcision (the Israelites) marveled at those who were not circumcised (the Gentiles or non-Jews) when they received the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47) 

"... that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace!" (Ephesians 2:12-15)

The "covenants of promise!" (Ephesians 2:12)

Stepping back to the time when Jesus walked this earth, circumcision was raised often, particularly when He was challenged by the Jews. Still, Jesus reminded them -- "Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at Me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:22-24)

Also noteworthy is how those of the Circumcision and those of the Uncircumcision are identified. For example, take a look at apostle Paul's summation - when writing to the saints and churches in Ephesus: "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;" (Ephesians 2:11) Translated, those who are Gentiles (non-Israelites) are the uncircumcision and those of the circumcision would be the Jews.

|But now in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:12)

Apostle Paul takes this premise further when he asks, "What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision?" (Romans 3:1) Herein, Paul elaborates on our understanding of outwardly (physical) and inwardly (spiritual).

"For circumcision verily profits, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:25-29)

Paul asks even more questions: "Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised." (Romans 4:9)

" ... seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith." (Romans 3:30)

Paul further distinguishes his beloved ministry from Peter -- in that he says, the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (which he received by faith) was committed unto him for the uncircumcised, and Peter, to the circumcised. 

"... but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles) and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision." (Galatians 2:7-9, 12)

" ... in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:" (Colossians 2:11)

And the promised land to come? "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." (Colossians 3:11)

" ... and Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me." (Colossians 4:11)

"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? ... And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased." (Galatians 5:5-11)

There is much more to understand herein, but for now,  let it suffice to know that "we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Has Called His Beloved To Be His Witnesses - Part 2797

"... until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God!" (Acts 1:2-3)

JESUS went in and out among His disciples for a period of forty days and nights showing Himself alive by many infallible proofs. At the same time, Jesus spoke of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. After this time, Jesus ascended during which time He continued to communicate with His disciples through His holy Spirit. 

But as we read in the scriptures, prior to His ascent Jesus commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem. In fact, He told His disciples to wait there at Jerusalem until they receive the promised baptism of the Spirit of God! Similarly, JESUS said to them John (the baptizer) truly baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost!

JESUS further stated that they would be endued with power, resulting from the Holy Ghost coming upon them. It will be at this point that they/you shall be His witnesses here and beyond - even to the very uttermost parts of the earth. So the disciples as instructed by their Lord waited at Jerusalem. Indeed, for ten days they waited. 

Then, all of a sudden they heard a sound like a strong rushing wind. The sound seemed to be everywhere. As they sat there, tongues began to move uncontrollably as if they were on fire. As recorded in Acts 2, this uncontrollable experience happened to 120 persons who were gathered together in the upper room.

What was happening? The 120 persons were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit moved upon them. Indeed, they just kept speaking in tongues. All of this was in order to fulfill the prophetic scriptures which said, "And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
and that I am the Lord your 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." (Joel 2:27-29)

Yes, even upon those who are servants and upon handmaids will I will pour out My Spirit causing them to prophesy, saith the Lord.

Even more so, I will show wonders in the heavens and signs in the earth. Strange happenings will occur - blood, fire, and vapour of smoke. At this time, the sun shall be darkened and the moon turned into blood. All of these wonders appearing before the great and notable day of the Lord's coming!

In these days, saith the scriptures, it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved! Please read Acts chapter 2. Commit your life to the Lord Jesus so that He can pour out His Spirit upon you too!

Stand in the offering plate.

The Good News -- For The Lord of Hosts Hath Visited His Flock - Part 2796

"And I will strengthen them in the Lord; and they shall walk up and down in His name," saith the Lord. (Zechariah 10:12) 

"Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.

Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the Lord of hosts hath visited His flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as His goodly horse in the battle. Out of Him came forth the corner, out of Him the nail, out of Him the battle bow, out of Him every oppressor together. And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the Lord is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them." (Zechariah 10:1-6)

This is the Lord's promise to His beloved church, so when the enemy tries to wear us down, arise and stand knowing that it is not we who venture into battle but the Lord of hosts who willingly visited His flock to share the greatest love story ever told. 

And His name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS -- for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And in the latter rain, He is still the Lord our God who hears our prayers. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Are You Washed In The Blood, In The Blood Of The Lamb - Part 2795

What must we do?

It's an interesting question. If we follow the world, the answers to this specific question is all over the place, because the world doesn't hold to an absolute. But in the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - we are introduced to the one and only absolute -- His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23) 

And thus, from walking with the Lord Jesus, the apostles knew the answer to the question -- what must we do? Indeed, all twelve apostles stood in one accord on the day of Pentecost, when Peter responded, saying, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38-39) 

As we understand from the Acts 2 account, there were 3,000 souls baptized that day -- which marked the beginning of the New Testament church. These people had repented of their sin, and water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as was every other individual baptized in the new testament after the cross. 

Other scriptures pointing to the Lord Jesus?

 
"And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)

"He that believes on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3)

John the baptizer answered, saying unto [them] all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Luke 3:16)

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire." (Matthew 3:11)

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for [h/His] only [s/Son], and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for [h/His] firstborn." (Zechariah 12:10)

"Blessed [are] they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)

"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." (Revelation 12:11)

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." ( I Peter 3:18)

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24)

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." (James 5:10)

"Thou believes that there is one God; thou does well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)

"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (II Thessalonians 3:6)

"Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him." (Colossians 1:16)

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

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

God's plan then was to redeem man back to Himself. This is why God Himself as a Son was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Acts 20:28) He came to seek and to save you and I who would have otherwise been lost for all eternity. Why? Because we required a Saviour and because there was none other in heaven earth who was righteous enough to pay the price in full -- for the redemption of man, He came Himself. 

Now that is love! Abundant everlasting love for you and I -- and He was willing to shed His precious, holy blood on a cross so that you and I might have everlasting life. Yes, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and if ye have seen Him, ye have seen the Father and know Him. (John 14:6-12)

Stand in the offering plate.