The Lord is one Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is joy and liberty. Did not the Lord say that He came so that man might have life - an abundant life - eternal life?
JESUS breathed upon His disciples saying unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22) The Holy Ghost was the life of the Spirit of God which indwelt His fleshly sin prone body. JESUS' blood was the blood of the Holy Ghost. In fact, JESUS was the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost!
JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. But Mary was not the mother of God. For it is written, that that "holy thing" that shall be born of you Mary, shall be called the Son of God (that holy thing refers to the sin prone flesh in which the SEED of the Holy Ghost would be clothed in whilst in Mary womb.) (Luke 1:30-35)
JESUS descriptive title name is Immanuel - which translated means `God with us.' Appearing in fashion as a son, God appeared in the same fashion as we. Therefore when we call upon His name - the name of JESUS - the name given to all men whereby we can be saved - we understand that it is JESUS who will save HIS people from their sin. (Matthew 1:18-23)
How do we know? In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... 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 accepted Him not ... And the Word was made flesh ..." (John 1:1-18)
Indeed, JESUS was the Word of God, now appearing in flesh for the express purpose of bringing us salvation. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) He also had an underlying purpose and that was to destroy the work of the devil who has (and is) wreaking havoc on His people. And then also to expose the devil for what it is - the cause of sin, sickness, disease, suffering, and death. None of these consequences were what God had intended for men and women when He created the world in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1) Although considerable blame is directed at God, it is yet another lie put forward by the enemy.
This is why JESUS who is God Himself manifest in the flesh came into our world - not to condemn man but rather God took the form of man upon Himself purposely to suffer death on a cross at that place called Calvary! Understand here that God took upon Himself the FULL penalty for all of our sin - the total abolition of our sin which formally required the death penalty. He took all this sin upon Himself - the reality of death on a cross carried out upon Him - a pure, holy, righteous man.
Why would He do this? Because, there was not anyone who was a pure, holy, righteous on earth who could bring salvation to people in the eyes of God. Therefore, God who created humanity veiled Himself in the flesh! What condescension. The very God who made this world entered into the world that he Had created to lay down His sinless life for you and me. (I Timothy 3:16) Now that is what God did, and as a consequence, the whole world revolves and rotates upon this historical fact.
Still, we have options. We can judge ourselves unworthy of the gift of eternal life OR we can yield ourselves to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Each one decides for him or herself. Just like we were created with a free will, we likewise have the responsibility of making the right decision. However, to all who receive JESUS, to them it is given of God that they be endued with power (GRACE) to become the sons and daughters of God.
The scriptures elaborate on salvation, sharing that salvation is the gift of God - a gift that is free to one and all. JESUS paid the PRICE in FULL for our redemption. JESUS is the door. There is a direct connect between Jesus and man. Not a man-made church or religion or for that matter whatever other ism man conjures up. Salvation is attainable to every person - free of charge. Just come to JESUS with sincerity and truth.
When they asked Peter (standing with the eleven other apostles) what must they do to be saved, Peter answered, "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 2:37-42)
And then, stand fast in the liberty that is in Jesus. Read His Word. Step into the offering plate and offer yourself to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Bring yourself to His cross and cling to the God who not only made you but loved you enough to die for you too.
With arms wide open God will pardon you ...
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Thursday, October 29, 2015
He That Comes From Above Is Above All - Part 1227
Referring to Jesus, John the baptist states: "He must increase, but I must decrease. He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: He that comes from heaven is above all. And what he has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no man receives His testimony. He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For He whom God hath sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him. The Father loves the Son, and hath given all things into His hand. He that believes on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:30-35)
Herein, there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. Remember, John was the witness who came to bear witness of the Light that was to come, so that all through that light -- Jesus -- might believe. The scriptures clearly state that "John was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light, who was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world." (John 1:8-9)
Note too that John's baptism in the water was unto repentance, wherein one could be cleansed (or purified on the outside according to custom) from their sin. In Matthew 3:11, John said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance."
“Confessing their sins, they were baptized by [John] in the Jordan River.” (Matthew 3:6)
This same purpose is confirmed again later in Acts when Apostle Paul asked, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism." Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, which is, on Christ Jesus ..." (Acts 19:3-4)
But I digress somewhat. In reading about John, there appeared always to be those sent to question him, who were sent of the Pharisees. Some who chose to stay on the bank, never going into the water, including the Sadducee's and Pharisees to whom John said, "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance, and think not to say within yourselves, "We have Abraham to [our] father; for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees; therefore, every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire." (Matthew 3:5-10)
There were also those who came questioning John's motivations, asking, "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" But throughout John always pointed to Jesus, confirming that he must decrease so that Jesus could increase.
This is why John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water but there stands One among you whom ye know not. He it is who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose." (John 1:26-27)
In other words, "Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29-36)
But as we see as well, not everyone believed Jesus to be the great I AM. So, in asking the question, these again came unto John and said unto him, "Rabbi, He that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizes and all [men] come to Him." John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness that I said, "I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice; this my joy therefore is fulfilled." (John 3:25-29)
John knew in whom he believed. He knew that Jesus was mightier than him, "whose shoes I am not worthy to bear, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire." (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16; Acts 2:3-4)
And John also recognized that he must decrease, so that Jesus could increase.
In this blog, I have said repeatedly that our salvation depends on what we do with Jesus. How we respond to His love that included the shedding of His precious blood on the cross. You see, the Pharisees and Sadducee's were only willing to stand on the bank of the river. They were not willing to get wet, even when the act of getting into the water would purify/cleanse them according to the custom of that day.
Sadly, is this not what we are seeing in the modern day religious community today? We are not willing to confess in our hearts that He that came from heaven above is indeed above all. Or, that in Him -- Jesus the Christ -- is life abundant. (John 10:10) How many will do anything but repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, so that they too could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? (Acts 2:37-38)
Why is this? Because far too many of us have put on the religious garment of this day rather than becoming fully clothed in this same Jesus who "is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) Jesus said -- "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18) Let me say that again -- "ALL power" is given unto Jesus.
Similarly, as John the baptist confirmed, HE THAT COMES FROM ABOVE IS ABOVE ALL. Indeed, Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the One and Only God our Saviour. The same God who created us in the beginning and loved us enough to willingly take on a sin-prone flesh (even though He Himself did not sin) so that we could have salvation and eternal life. The greatest love story ever told to mankind.
That is, "God manifest in the flesh." (I Timothy 3:16)
We need to behold this same Lamb of God in our hearts, and be water baptized/buried into His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:37-38)
The only name given under heaven (in this current dispensation of grace) whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
This is why "whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God and every one that loves Him that begat loves Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. for this is the love of God that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous, for whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world, [even] our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is He that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ, not by water only, but by water and the blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost and THESE THREE ARE ONE." (I John 5:1-7)
This is the record that John the baptist repeatedly pointed us to. This is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. "He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life ... these things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God, and this is the confidence that we have in Him -- if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us." (I John 5:8-21)
While the whole world lies in wickedness against us, we can be assured that as believers in Jesus by faith, we can know that "the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, [even] in His Son Jesus Christ -- This is the true God and eternal life." (I John 5:19-21)
Behold t he Lamb of God -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Press into the Lord Jesus today. Be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and receive His precious Holy Ghost that will lead and guide you into all wisdom and truth. Stand in the offering plate.
Herein, there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. Remember, John was the witness who came to bear witness of the Light that was to come, so that all through that light -- Jesus -- might believe. The scriptures clearly state that "John was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light, who was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world." (John 1:8-9)
Note too that John's baptism in the water was unto repentance, wherein one could be cleansed (or purified on the outside according to custom) from their sin. In Matthew 3:11, John said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance."
“Confessing their sins, they were baptized by [John] in the Jordan River.” (Matthew 3:6)
This same purpose is confirmed again later in Acts when Apostle Paul asked, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism." Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, which is, on Christ Jesus ..." (Acts 19:3-4)
But I digress somewhat. In reading about John, there appeared always to be those sent to question him, who were sent of the Pharisees. Some who chose to stay on the bank, never going into the water, including the Sadducee's and Pharisees to whom John said, "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance, and think not to say within yourselves, "We have Abraham to [our] father; for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees; therefore, every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire." (Matthew 3:5-10)
There were also those who came questioning John's motivations, asking, "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" But throughout John always pointed to Jesus, confirming that he must decrease so that Jesus could increase.
This is why John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water but there stands One among you whom ye know not. He it is who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose." (John 1:26-27)
In other words, "Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29-36)
But as we see as well, not everyone believed Jesus to be the great I AM. So, in asking the question, these again came unto John and said unto him, "Rabbi, He that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizes and all [men] come to Him." John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness that I said, "I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice; this my joy therefore is fulfilled." (John 3:25-29)
John knew in whom he believed. He knew that Jesus was mightier than him, "whose shoes I am not worthy to bear, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire." (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16; Acts 2:3-4)
And John also recognized that he must decrease, so that Jesus could increase.
In this blog, I have said repeatedly that our salvation depends on what we do with Jesus. How we respond to His love that included the shedding of His precious blood on the cross. You see, the Pharisees and Sadducee's were only willing to stand on the bank of the river. They were not willing to get wet, even when the act of getting into the water would purify/cleanse them according to the custom of that day.
Sadly, is this not what we are seeing in the modern day religious community today? We are not willing to confess in our hearts that He that came from heaven above is indeed above all. Or, that in Him -- Jesus the Christ -- is life abundant. (John 10:10) How many will do anything but repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, so that they too could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? (Acts 2:37-38)
Why is this? Because far too many of us have put on the religious garment of this day rather than becoming fully clothed in this same Jesus who "is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) Jesus said -- "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18) Let me say that again -- "ALL power" is given unto Jesus.
Similarly, as John the baptist confirmed, HE THAT COMES FROM ABOVE IS ABOVE ALL. Indeed, Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the One and Only God our Saviour. The same God who created us in the beginning and loved us enough to willingly take on a sin-prone flesh (even though He Himself did not sin) so that we could have salvation and eternal life. The greatest love story ever told to mankind.
That is, "God manifest in the flesh." (I Timothy 3:16)
We need to behold this same Lamb of God in our hearts, and be water baptized/buried into His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:37-38)
The only name given under heaven (in this current dispensation of grace) whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
This is why "whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God and every one that loves Him that begat loves Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. for this is the love of God that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous, for whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world, [even] our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is He that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ, not by water only, but by water and the blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost and THESE THREE ARE ONE." (I John 5:1-7)
This is the record that John the baptist repeatedly pointed us to. This is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. "He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life ... these things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God, and this is the confidence that we have in Him -- if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us." (I John 5:8-21)
While the whole world lies in wickedness against us, we can be assured that as believers in Jesus by faith, we can know that "the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, [even] in His Son Jesus Christ -- This is the true God and eternal life." (I John 5:19-21)
Behold t he Lamb of God -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Press into the Lord Jesus today. Be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and receive His precious Holy Ghost that will lead and guide you into all wisdom and truth. Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
That Through His Name Whosoever Believes In Him Shall Receive Remission of Sins - Part 1226
Jesus said, -- "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:18)
Among the accusations made by false witnesses against Stephen (before he was to be stoned) was that he told the people -- "this Jesus of Nazareth ... shall change the customs which Moses delivered us." (Acts 6:14)
Sadly, there are certain of the synagogue today who might have the same response to Stephen's message, particularly those who are determined to keep new believers under the old covenant, and the ten commandments. But thankfully, Jesus the Christ did change the customs which Moses delivered us, and replaced the law of the old with His new testament of love and grace.
You see the law was only to serve as 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." (Galatians 4:24-25)
Read that again. We are no longer under the schoolmaster but rather, we are to look to "God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." (Galatians 1:1-5)
But what is happening within the modern day religious culture is that believers do not understand the significance between the old covenant (under the law) and the current new testament (of grace). As a consequence, these end up mixing the old and the new wine -- using the law to justify one's salvation. In other words, it becomes man's idea of salvation. Accepting enough grace to believe in Jesus but not enough grace to be set free, and understand the importance of completely clothing oneself in His righteousness. And thus, these focus on obeying the ten commandments (and expecting everyone around them to do the same) in everything that they do.
But what does Saul/Paul say to the churches of Galatia?
"I marvel that you so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ, but though we, or an angel from heaven preach another gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-8)
Not just once, but Paul repeats this message a second time. Why? Because Paul was certifying that the gospel he preached was not after man, "for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11-12)
This is why Paul could say that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ ... "even we [who] have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law -- for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified ..." (Galatians 2:16)
In other words, our salvation cannot be justified by the works of the law. We -- being ignorant of God's righteousness -- cannot go about establishing our own righteousness. Even when certain men come preaching, saying, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." (Acts 15:1) Or, when certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed say, "That it was [is] needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." (Acts 15:10)
Why? Because when Jesus came to fulfill the law once and for all. "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes. For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law -- that the man which doeth those things shall live by them." But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, "Say not in thine heart -- "who shall ascend into heaven (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or. who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring Christ again from the dead). But what saith it? The Word is night thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart, that is, the Word of faith which we preach -- that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved .... for with the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:4-13)
And Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. (Romans 10:4)
This is why Paul asked, "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministers to you in the Spirit and works miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham, and the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham saying, "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse, for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident for "the just shall live by faith." And the law is not of faith; but the man that doeth them shall live in them."
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law ..." (Galatians 3:2-15)
"And this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect ... for if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:17-18)
"Wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid; for it 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 ... but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:19-28)
"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise ... but when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:1-6)
So why, asks Paul, "howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods, but now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, where unto ye desire again to be in bondage?" (Galatians 4:8-9)
Why return to the bondwoman that was born after the flesh -- the law -- when we have been set free as the children of promise?
Indeed, "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing, For I testify again to every man that is circumcised that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law. Ye are fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:1-4)
But we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor un-circumcision, but faith which works by love." (Galatians 5:5-6)
"I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God, for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21)
But Christ did not come in vain. Neither should we let Jesus pass by without responding wholeheartedly to His call to repentance, and to be baptized in His name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-39) Then can we become "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 3:26-27)
Stand in the offering plate.
Among the accusations made by false witnesses against Stephen (before he was to be stoned) was that he told the people -- "this Jesus of Nazareth ... shall change the customs which Moses delivered us." (Acts 6:14)
Sadly, there are certain of the synagogue today who might have the same response to Stephen's message, particularly those who are determined to keep new believers under the old covenant, and the ten commandments. But thankfully, Jesus the Christ did change the customs which Moses delivered us, and replaced the law of the old with His new testament of love and grace.
You see the law was only to serve as 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." (Galatians 4:24-25)
Read that again. We are no longer under the schoolmaster but rather, we are to look to "God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." (Galatians 1:1-5)
But what is happening within the modern day religious culture is that believers do not understand the significance between the old covenant (under the law) and the current new testament (of grace). As a consequence, these end up mixing the old and the new wine -- using the law to justify one's salvation. In other words, it becomes man's idea of salvation. Accepting enough grace to believe in Jesus but not enough grace to be set free, and understand the importance of completely clothing oneself in His righteousness. And thus, these focus on obeying the ten commandments (and expecting everyone around them to do the same) in everything that they do.
But what does Saul/Paul say to the churches of Galatia?
"I marvel that you so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ, but though we, or an angel from heaven preach another gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-8)
Not just once, but Paul repeats this message a second time. Why? Because Paul was certifying that the gospel he preached was not after man, "for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11-12)
This is why Paul could say that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ ... "even we [who] have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law -- for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified ..." (Galatians 2:16)
In other words, our salvation cannot be justified by the works of the law. We -- being ignorant of God's righteousness -- cannot go about establishing our own righteousness. Even when certain men come preaching, saying, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." (Acts 15:1) Or, when certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed say, "That it was [is] needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." (Acts 15:10)
Why? Because when Jesus came to fulfill the law once and for all. "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes. For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law -- that the man which doeth those things shall live by them." But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, "Say not in thine heart -- "who shall ascend into heaven (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or. who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring Christ again from the dead). But what saith it? The Word is night thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart, that is, the Word of faith which we preach -- that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved .... for with the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:4-13)
And Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. (Romans 10:4)
This is why Paul asked, "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministers to you in the Spirit and works miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham, and the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham saying, "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse, for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident for "the just shall live by faith." And the law is not of faith; but the man that doeth them shall live in them."
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law ..." (Galatians 3:2-15)
"And this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect ... for if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:17-18)
"Wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid; for it 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 ... but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:19-28)
"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise ... but when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:1-6)
So why, asks Paul, "howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods, but now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, where unto ye desire again to be in bondage?" (Galatians 4:8-9)
Why return to the bondwoman that was born after the flesh -- the law -- when we have been set free as the children of promise?
Indeed, "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing, For I testify again to every man that is circumcised that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law. Ye are fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:1-4)
But we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor un-circumcision, but faith which works by love." (Galatians 5:5-6)
"I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God, for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21)
But Christ did not come in vain. Neither should we let Jesus pass by without responding wholeheartedly to His call to repentance, and to be baptized in His name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-39) Then can we become "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 3:26-27)
Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Rejoice In the Lord For We Are the Circumcision Which Worship God in the Spirit - Part 1225
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God -- but made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every other name -- that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow of things in heaven, and in earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)
Peter, standing with the eleven, declared on the day of Pentecost, "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
"Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God and every one that loves Him that begat loves Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world -- our faith.
Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not by water only but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost and these three are one." (I John 5:1-7)
"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us ..." (John 1:1-18)
"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)
This is why in these last days God spoke to us by the Son, "whom he appointed heir of all things by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:1-4)
Because unto the Son he saith, "thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity, therefore God, even Thy God hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. And Thou Lord in the beginning hath laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thine hands; They shall perish but Thou remainest and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but Thou art the same and Thy years shall not fail." (Hebrews 1:1-14)
"One Lord, One faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)
"Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom also He showed 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: and being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart form Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)
This is the mystery that has been hid in the bosom of the Father since the foundation of the world. Not three Gods, or a tri-une God, or God in three persons as those who handle the Word of God deceitfully would have us believe, but rather the One and same God -- "who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:1-6)
This is why Jesus could say, "I and my Father are one." Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, "Many good works have I shewed you from My Father; for which of those works do ye stone Me?" The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God." (John 10:30-33)
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every other name -- that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow of things in heaven, and in earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)
Peter, standing with the eleven, declared on the day of Pentecost, "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
"Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God and every one that loves Him that begat loves Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world -- our faith.
Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not by water only but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost and these three are one." (I John 5:1-7)
"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us ..." (John 1:1-18)
"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)
This is why in these last days God spoke to us by the Son, "whom he appointed heir of all things by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:1-4)
Because unto the Son he saith, "thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity, therefore God, even Thy God hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. And Thou Lord in the beginning hath laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thine hands; They shall perish but Thou remainest and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but Thou art the same and Thy years shall not fail." (Hebrews 1:1-14)
"One Lord, One faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)
"Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom also He showed 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: and being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart form Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)
This is the mystery that has been hid in the bosom of the Father since the foundation of the world. Not three Gods, or a tri-une God, or God in three persons as those who handle the Word of God deceitfully would have us believe, but rather the One and same God -- "who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:1-6)
This is why Jesus could say, "I and my Father are one." Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, "Many good works have I shewed you from My Father; for which of those works do ye stone Me?" The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God." (John 10:30-33)
This is why Jesus response to Philip when he asked Him to show us the Father. Jesus said, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” (John 14:9)
This is why the apostles preached not themselves, "but Christ Jesus the Lord." (II Corinthians 4:5)
Jesus "through" the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:2)
Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. yet a little while and the world sees Me no more but ye see Me because I live, ye shall live also. At that day, ye shall know that I am in My Father and ye in Me and I in you .... But the Comforter [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:18-26)
Jesus said, "The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knows Him for He dwells with you and shall be in you." (John 14:17)
If Jesus had not done among them the works "which none other man did" they/we would not have had sin, "but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father." (John 15:24)
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father -- the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me." (John 15:26)
Jesus was only a Son (or lowly servant) in a sin-prone flesh for the period that He dwelt bodily on the earth. After He was taken up, He speaks through the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of truth -- that we receive when we repent and are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:37-42)
"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 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 which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)
God became our Saviour. His name given in this current dispensation of grace is Jesus. Our salvation depends on how we respond to the love of our Lord God who became our Saviour, giving us His name that is above every other name -- Jesus!
"And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that "believe on the name of the Son of God"; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may "believe on the name of the Son of God" and this is the confidence that we have in Him ..." (I John 5:11-14)
In Him. Not three but One Almighty God who in declaring peace and good will to all men followed through by becoming our Saviour. God manifest in the flesh for you and I. (I Timothy 3:16)
Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest upon your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Stand in the offering plate.
In Him. Not three but One Almighty God who in declaring peace and good will to all men followed through by becoming our Saviour. God manifest in the flesh for you and I. (I Timothy 3:16)
Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest upon your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Justifying the Righteous To Give Him According to His Righteousness, Confessing Thy Name- Part 1223
"Hear the Word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His Word, your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name's sake, said, "Let the Lord be glorified, and He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed ..." (Isaiah 66:5)
When we read about Stephen (a table servant full of faith and power, who did great wonders and miracles among the people), we learn that those he disputed with were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake. So, instead, they stirred up the people, elders and the scribes, and suborned men to say that these had heard Stephen say blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. Indeed, these set up false witnesses which said, "This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us." (Acts 7:8-15)
What was Stephen's response, even when he knew the outcome was death by stoning? He gave a resounding testimony from the scriptures that could not be discounted -- even by the most educated -- telling of how the Israelites had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness with them, to "whom our fathers would not obey." (Acts 7:39)
"This is the Moses which said unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, Him shall ye hear." This is He that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai and with our fathers who received the lively oracles to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt." (Acts 7:37-39)
"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee. How much less this house that I have builded?" (I Kings 8:27)
As Stephen points out, the tabernacle of wilderness did appear to the fashion that he had seen in the wilderness.
"Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices; wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest,, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law, who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,a s Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for, "See," saith He, "that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." But now, hath He obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises, for if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second .... In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:1-13)
"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament. they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. for where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator, for a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
"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 worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins." (Hebrews 10:1-3)
But when He come into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me ... Lo I come (in the volume of the book, it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O God." (Hebrews 10:5-7)
This is the covenant that He will make after those days of old. "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)
This is the timely message Stephen was sharing with his accusers. The greatest love story ever told. That is, the same God who made the heavens and the earth was manifest in a body like ours (and yet without sin) so that you and I could receive His gift of salvation, whereof the Holy Ghost becomes a witness within. (Hebrews 10:15)
This is why our salvation depends solely on how we respond to Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He is the only commandment that gives life everlasting.
Jesus cried when He said, "He that believes on Me believes not on Me but on Him that sent Me. And he that sees Me, sees Him that sent Me. I am come a Light into the world, that whosoever believes on Me should not abide in darkness, and if any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not for I came not to judge the world but to save the world.
He that rejects Me and receives not My words, hath One that judges him -- the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of Myself, but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment -- what I should say, and what I should speak." (John 12:44-49)
And then what did Jesus say?
"And I know that His commandment is life everlasting. Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak." (John 12:50)
His Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. His Word which made the world and was in the world but the world knew Him not. "He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:1-18)
In other words, Jesus was and still is the one and only commandment to the world. Stephen knew that Jesus was the Just One prophesied from the very beginning, "of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the disposition of angels and have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-53) This is why Stephen could honestly say that he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God because he was full of the Holy Ghost. He knew that Jesus was God in the flesh.
"And they stoned Stephen calling upon God, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (Acts 7:59)
Don't let another day pass without asking this same Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ -- into your heart. (Acts 2:36) Repent and be baptized in the precious name of Jesus, for He alone can save His people from their sin. (Acts 2:37-42; Matthew 1:21-23) Study His Word to show thyself approved, and praise Him with thanksgiving for all His goodness and grace. (II Timothy 2:15)
Moreover, be filled with His gift of the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit living within -- and begin a faith journey whereby the glamours of this world become pale in comparison, knowing that our Lord God willingly became our Saviour. His love never fails.
"Howbeit the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, "Heaven is My throne and earth is My footstool. What house will ye build Me?" saith the Lord. "Or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:48-50)
In this current dispensation of grace, this same God who fills the heavens with His glory wants to become your personal Saviour, dwelling within your heart. Say yes to His invitation.
Stand in the offering plate.
When we read about Stephen (a table servant full of faith and power, who did great wonders and miracles among the people), we learn that those he disputed with were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake. So, instead, they stirred up the people, elders and the scribes, and suborned men to say that these had heard Stephen say blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. Indeed, these set up false witnesses which said, "This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us." (Acts 7:8-15)
What was Stephen's response, even when he knew the outcome was death by stoning? He gave a resounding testimony from the scriptures that could not be discounted -- even by the most educated -- telling of how the Israelites had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness with them, to "whom our fathers would not obey." (Acts 7:39)
"This is the Moses which said unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, Him shall ye hear." This is He that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai and with our fathers who received the lively oracles to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt." (Acts 7:37-39)
"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee. How much less this house that I have builded?" (I Kings 8:27)
As Stephen points out, the tabernacle of wilderness did appear to the fashion that he had seen in the wilderness.
"Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices; wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest,, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law, who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,a s Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for, "See," saith He, "that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." But now, hath He obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises, for if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second .... In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:1-13)
"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament. they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. for where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator, for a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
"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 worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins." (Hebrews 10:1-3)
But when He come into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me ... Lo I come (in the volume of the book, it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O God." (Hebrews 10:5-7)
This is the covenant that He will make after those days of old. "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)
This is the timely message Stephen was sharing with his accusers. The greatest love story ever told. That is, the same God who made the heavens and the earth was manifest in a body like ours (and yet without sin) so that you and I could receive His gift of salvation, whereof the Holy Ghost becomes a witness within. (Hebrews 10:15)
This is why our salvation depends solely on how we respond to Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He is the only commandment that gives life everlasting.
Jesus cried when He said, "He that believes on Me believes not on Me but on Him that sent Me. And he that sees Me, sees Him that sent Me. I am come a Light into the world, that whosoever believes on Me should not abide in darkness, and if any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not for I came not to judge the world but to save the world.
He that rejects Me and receives not My words, hath One that judges him -- the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of Myself, but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment -- what I should say, and what I should speak." (John 12:44-49)
And then what did Jesus say?
"And I know that His commandment is life everlasting. Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak." (John 12:50)
His Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. His Word which made the world and was in the world but the world knew Him not. "He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:1-18)
In other words, Jesus was and still is the one and only commandment to the world. Stephen knew that Jesus was the Just One prophesied from the very beginning, "of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the disposition of angels and have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-53) This is why Stephen could honestly say that he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God because he was full of the Holy Ghost. He knew that Jesus was God in the flesh.
"And they stoned Stephen calling upon God, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (Acts 7:59)
Don't let another day pass without asking this same Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ -- into your heart. (Acts 2:36) Repent and be baptized in the precious name of Jesus, for He alone can save His people from their sin. (Acts 2:37-42; Matthew 1:21-23) Study His Word to show thyself approved, and praise Him with thanksgiving for all His goodness and grace. (II Timothy 2:15)
Moreover, be filled with His gift of the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit living within -- and begin a faith journey whereby the glamours of this world become pale in comparison, knowing that our Lord God willingly became our Saviour. His love never fails.
"Howbeit the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, "Heaven is My throne and earth is My footstool. What house will ye build Me?" saith the Lord. "Or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:48-50)
In this current dispensation of grace, this same God who fills the heavens with His glory wants to become your personal Saviour, dwelling within your heart. Say yes to His invitation.
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Jesus Said, "I And My Father Are One" - Part 1222
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
Because of the sacrifice of JESUS the Christ, who was indeed the only begotten child of the Holy Spirit of God -- the Holy Ghost -- or, as the scriptures declare, Almighty God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son, we have an opportunity to be saved. To inherit eternal life with the King of kings and Lord of lords. This same Jesus whom Peter standing with the apostles said, "That same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
Yes, God in the manifestation of JESUS (God with us) had a plan for all of His creation. This is why it is important to understand that in Jesus did ALL the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. (Colossians 2:9)
"He was in the world and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:1-18)
Should one require an analogy, think of a drop of water from the ocean. Even with only the one drop, you would still be in possession of all the elements found in the ocean waters. Still, beyond that single drop remains a vast body of water that is called ocean. It is the same with God in Christ. All of the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus. ALL of the fullness of the Godhead.
This is why Jesus said to Philip, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" (John 14:8-10)
Indeed, Jesus openly declared His identity. That is, if you have seen Me, then Philip you have seen the Father. I and my Father are one. (John 10:30)
Jesus was saying that who had seen Him, the Son, had also seen the Father.
This is why JESUS was conceived when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary. Therein, the Holy Ghost providing a new blood line. God Himself as a Son seeded us for it is written, "We are the SEED of JESUS the Christ." The SEED of JESUS the Christ is the WORD of God. For we have been born again NOT of corruptible seed BUT by incorruptible SEED which is the WORD of God.
JESUS being the very same WORD/WISDOM that indwelt God. Yes, one and the same. JESUS the WORD / the WISDOM of GOD coming forth from the innermost being of God, becoming for our sake God manifest in the flesh as a Son. A suffering servant for you and I as some scriptural translations declare.
For you and I, God was manifest in visible form like unto Adam‘s sin prone race, appearing in such humiliated form to destroy the evil works and destruction of the devil.
JESUS purposely came in this condescended form so that we might have life eternal. JESUS did not descend into our midst to condemn us! Rather, JESUS came that we might have ample opportunity to be brought out from “the bondage of the law of sin and death" being translated by the grace of God into the Kingdom of God in Christ. And likewise, into the Law of Liberty.
Indeed, God has a plan for man, which unfortunately is often obscured and hid from many eyes. Who could entertain the thought that Almighty God would lay down His own humanity as a Son for us? But as we know from reading the scriptures, and similarly, our personal walk with our Saviour, God by Himself provided a way whereby sinful, disobedient, sin prone man could be redeemed.
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6)
Even today, with all of the eloquent speeches of men, their words are lame in comparison to the factual WORDS of ETERNAL LIFE spoken and confirmed by God. The same God who was indwelling the man JESUS the Christ who desired from the beginning of time to reconcile fallen man to Himself. As many as received JESUS received life! This is God's promise to one and all!
Reach out today and ask the Saviour to come into your life. Be water baptized in the precious name of Jesus, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42) Putting on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places -- wherefore take upon you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, having done all to stand." (Ephesians 6:11-14)
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
Because of the sacrifice of JESUS the Christ, who was indeed the only begotten child of the Holy Spirit of God -- the Holy Ghost -- or, as the scriptures declare, Almighty God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son, we have an opportunity to be saved. To inherit eternal life with the King of kings and Lord of lords. This same Jesus whom Peter standing with the apostles said, "That same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
Yes, God in the manifestation of JESUS (God with us) had a plan for all of His creation. This is why it is important to understand that in Jesus did ALL the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. (Colossians 2:9)
"He was in the world and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:1-18)
Should one require an analogy, think of a drop of water from the ocean. Even with only the one drop, you would still be in possession of all the elements found in the ocean waters. Still, beyond that single drop remains a vast body of water that is called ocean. It is the same with God in Christ. All of the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus. ALL of the fullness of the Godhead.
This is why Jesus said to Philip, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" (John 14:8-10)
Indeed, Jesus openly declared His identity. That is, if you have seen Me, then Philip you have seen the Father. I and my Father are one. (John 10:30)
Jesus was saying that who had seen Him, the Son, had also seen the Father.
This is why JESUS was conceived when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary. Therein, the Holy Ghost providing a new blood line. God Himself as a Son seeded us for it is written, "We are the SEED of JESUS the Christ." The SEED of JESUS the Christ is the WORD of God. For we have been born again NOT of corruptible seed BUT by incorruptible SEED which is the WORD of God.
JESUS being the very same WORD/WISDOM that indwelt God. Yes, one and the same. JESUS the WORD / the WISDOM of GOD coming forth from the innermost being of God, becoming for our sake God manifest in the flesh as a Son. A suffering servant for you and I as some scriptural translations declare.
For you and I, God was manifest in visible form like unto Adam‘s sin prone race, appearing in such humiliated form to destroy the evil works and destruction of the devil.
JESUS purposely came in this condescended form so that we might have life eternal. JESUS did not descend into our midst to condemn us! Rather, JESUS came that we might have ample opportunity to be brought out from “the bondage of the law of sin and death" being translated by the grace of God into the Kingdom of God in Christ. And likewise, into the Law of Liberty.
Indeed, God has a plan for man, which unfortunately is often obscured and hid from many eyes. Who could entertain the thought that Almighty God would lay down His own humanity as a Son for us? But as we know from reading the scriptures, and similarly, our personal walk with our Saviour, God by Himself provided a way whereby sinful, disobedient, sin prone man could be redeemed.
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6)
Even today, with all of the eloquent speeches of men, their words are lame in comparison to the factual WORDS of ETERNAL LIFE spoken and confirmed by God. The same God who was indwelling the man JESUS the Christ who desired from the beginning of time to reconcile fallen man to Himself. As many as received JESUS received life! This is God's promise to one and all!
Reach out today and ask the Saviour to come into your life. Be water baptized in the precious name of Jesus, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42) Putting on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places -- wherefore take upon you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, having done all to stand." (Ephesians 6:11-14)
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Upon His Sinless Body Was Laid All the Sins of the World - Part 1221
"God was manifest in the flesh ..." (I Timothy 3:16)
Throughout the scriptures, His Word confirms that there is only one God and only one mediator between God and man. The mediator is the man JESUS the Christ. For it was God Himself as a Son who is the mediator that intervenes for us.
"And they shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin." (Matthew 1:21-23)
He Himself who knew no sin became sin for you and I, having laid down his natural life which He had received in the womb of a surrogate mother Mary. For it is written that it was God Himself as a Son who mediates over His own household. And who is His household? Us! We are His household. The true Church of God, members of the body of Christ.
Why did this have to happen this way? Because of Adam and Eve's transgression in the Garden, there was none righteous. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ... to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:23-26)
There was none who could pay the price for man’s redemption. Therefore, God in His abundant love and mercy veiled Himself in flesh and dwelt among us as a ‘man’ living a sinless life. And even though He was tempted and tried in all points even as we are, He was perfect.
"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 1:1-18)
Further, no man took JESUS life. Why? Because at any point in time, the Lord of Glory JESUS could have called for a legion of angels to deliver Him from captivity. Instead, JESUS willingly allowed mankind to maul His natural body for you and I.
Yes, the wages of sin is death but in this case, death being the penalty of sin was wrongfully administered for JESUS who committed no sin. Yet upon His sinless, (yet prone to sin) body was laid the sins of the whole world. This dedication to you and I was previously decided upon in prayer and that, as a consequence He would drink the cup of our sin. Not My will states the scriptures but Thy will be done! (Luke 22:42)
Therefore, there is no escape from the great and terrible wrath of God which must be poured out inadvertently upon all those who reject the offer of salvation which He (God as a Son) Himself through much pain and agony obtained. The offer of salvation whereby mankind should be freely exonerated from all sin. This is why it will no longer be death alone that is the required punishment. Or that mercy will no longer available. Indeed, when the door to mercy closes, the door of wrath will open.
In other words, salvation and eternal life in this dispensation of grace is all about Jesus and how your heart responds to His love call.
In this regard, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Here we speak of an eternal death in a place called Hell, where there is no death as we know it. Rather, only eternal torment. Yes, agreed, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. This is why we should turn to God, recognizing the immeasurable and unconditional love of God which has been demonstrated before the whole world.
This is also why we have been made fully aware through the scriptures that at Calvary, the crucifixion was the pivotal point where good and evil fought the battle for man’s redemption. At this time, the devil thought that if JESUS were crucified that would be his victory. Oh but how wrong he was.
For in the death of Christ my Lord, we the prisoners of sin can be set free. At Calvary, the raging battle was declared finished. The victory won! This is why we bring forth the Royal Diadem and Crown JESUS the Christ Lord over all! As Peter (standing with the apostles declared) this Jesus whom you have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-39)
Today, as a consequence of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, we have a New Testament written in blood. His blood! Spilled for you and I so that we might find salvation in the King of kings and Lord of lords. A New Testament that cannot be likened to the old covenant which was written in stone. And thus, you and I are free by the sacrifice of the One God who made the heavens and the earth.
For it is He Himself (as a Son) who has bore all of our sin in His own body upon a tree! This is why we are no longer under the law. This is why we can be confident in loving the Lord our God - JESUS even as He first loved us! Believe and receive JESUS today. Thank Him for all that He does each and every day for you and I.
And then follow Jesus as the first 3000 souls did in Acts 2:37-42. Stand in the offering plate!
Throughout the scriptures, His Word confirms that there is only one God and only one mediator between God and man. The mediator is the man JESUS the Christ. For it was God Himself as a Son who is the mediator that intervenes for us.
"And they shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin." (Matthew 1:21-23)
He Himself who knew no sin became sin for you and I, having laid down his natural life which He had received in the womb of a surrogate mother Mary. For it is written that it was God Himself as a Son who mediates over His own household. And who is His household? Us! We are His household. The true Church of God, members of the body of Christ.
Why did this have to happen this way? Because of Adam and Eve's transgression in the Garden, there was none righteous. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ... to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:23-26)
There was none who could pay the price for man’s redemption. Therefore, God in His abundant love and mercy veiled Himself in flesh and dwelt among us as a ‘man’ living a sinless life. And even though He was tempted and tried in all points even as we are, He was perfect.
"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 1:1-18)
Further, no man took JESUS life. Why? Because at any point in time, the Lord of Glory JESUS could have called for a legion of angels to deliver Him from captivity. Instead, JESUS willingly allowed mankind to maul His natural body for you and I.
Yes, the wages of sin is death but in this case, death being the penalty of sin was wrongfully administered for JESUS who committed no sin. Yet upon His sinless, (yet prone to sin) body was laid the sins of the whole world. This dedication to you and I was previously decided upon in prayer and that, as a consequence He would drink the cup of our sin. Not My will states the scriptures but Thy will be done! (Luke 22:42)
Therefore, there is no escape from the great and terrible wrath of God which must be poured out inadvertently upon all those who reject the offer of salvation which He (God as a Son) Himself through much pain and agony obtained. The offer of salvation whereby mankind should be freely exonerated from all sin. This is why it will no longer be death alone that is the required punishment. Or that mercy will no longer available. Indeed, when the door to mercy closes, the door of wrath will open.
In other words, salvation and eternal life in this dispensation of grace is all about Jesus and how your heart responds to His love call.
In this regard, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Here we speak of an eternal death in a place called Hell, where there is no death as we know it. Rather, only eternal torment. Yes, agreed, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. This is why we should turn to God, recognizing the immeasurable and unconditional love of God which has been demonstrated before the whole world.
This is also why we have been made fully aware through the scriptures that at Calvary, the crucifixion was the pivotal point where good and evil fought the battle for man’s redemption. At this time, the devil thought that if JESUS were crucified that would be his victory. Oh but how wrong he was.
For in the death of Christ my Lord, we the prisoners of sin can be set free. At Calvary, the raging battle was declared finished. The victory won! This is why we bring forth the Royal Diadem and Crown JESUS the Christ Lord over all! As Peter (standing with the apostles declared) this Jesus whom you have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-39)
Today, as a consequence of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, we have a New Testament written in blood. His blood! Spilled for you and I so that we might find salvation in the King of kings and Lord of lords. A New Testament that cannot be likened to the old covenant which was written in stone. And thus, you and I are free by the sacrifice of the One God who made the heavens and the earth.
For it is He Himself (as a Son) who has bore all of our sin in His own body upon a tree! This is why we are no longer under the law. This is why we can be confident in loving the Lord our God - JESUS even as He first loved us! Believe and receive JESUS today. Thank Him for all that He does each and every day for you and I.
And then follow Jesus as the first 3000 souls did in Acts 2:37-42. Stand in the offering plate!
Saturday, October 17, 2015
He Restores My Soul: He Leads Me in the Paths of Righteousness For His Name's Sake.- Part 1220
"Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it." (Isaiah 45:8)
"Behold, I have longed after Thy precepts: quicken me in Thy righteousness." (Psalms 119:40)
"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by Spirit, nor by Word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (II Thessalonians 2:1-12)
"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1)
"But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ." (II Corinthians 3:14)
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14)
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:27-29)
This is why the apostles wrote that we are bound to give thanks always to God for you because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth -- where unto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by Word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by Spirit, nor by Word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (II Thessalonians 2:1-12)
"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1)
"But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ." (II Corinthians 3:14)
Jesus satisfied the Law. He fulfilled our lack when He shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. The new testament established because of God's willing sacrifice to become our Saviour. But sadly, we only want to be partially covered rather than clothed in His righteousness.
This is why apostle Paul asked: "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth He it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:8)
This is why apostle Paul asked: "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth He it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:8)
So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "The just shall live by faith" and the law is not of faith: but, "The man that doeth them shall live in them." (Galatians 3:9-12)
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14)
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:27-29)
This is why the apostles wrote that we are bound to give thanks always to God for you because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth -- where unto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by Word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Stand in the offering plate.
I Am The Lord, That Is My Name And My Glory I Will Not Give To Another -- Part 1219
" Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
The historical record shows that it was the church fathers of 300/400 AD who blatantly declared God to be three distinct and separate persons -- and thus, brought in a false teaching that is still sadly embraced today. But then an obvious question needs to be asked. If there were any validity to the doctrine that God exists in three persons, which one of these three three became my Saviour? For if they were all One- as in One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, it would appear that there wasn't any need for a tri-une three. Or, as some within the modern day religious culture present, the three all sat together (meaning the Father, Son and Spirit) at a conference table, banging their heads together trying to decide which one of the three should become man‘s Saviour.
But what do the scriptures say, beyond the clearly stated -- "God was manifest in the flesh"? Do the scriptures not say that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us ..." That this same Word which was in the beginning with God WAS GOD. Not another god but God Himself who loved us while we were still being formed in our mother's womb.
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”(I Timothy 3:16)
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me.I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside Me [there is] no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:10-11)
"But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by Him.: (I Corinthians 8:6)
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] one LORD:" (Deuteronomy 6:4)
"I [am] the LORD: that [is] My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; "I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside Me [there is] no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
The Lord did not use the term "we" here but "I". "I am the first, and I am the last, and beside Me, there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
Jesus confirmed this when He said, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30)
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)
"I [am] the LORD: that [is] My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8)
"To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25)
Almighty God in the flesh came unto His own but His own received Him not. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1-18)
And in spite of false teachings that are contrary to His Word, we are quick to accept that the devils also believe there is One God and these tremble. But not us?
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)
Even Peter (standing with the apostles on the day of Pentecost) declared to the people that this same Lord, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
The historical record shows that it was the church fathers of 300/400 AD who blatantly declared God to be three distinct and separate persons -- and thus, brought in a false teaching that is still sadly embraced today. But then an obvious question needs to be asked. If there were any validity to the doctrine that God exists in three persons, which one of these three three became my Saviour? For if they were all One- as in One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, it would appear that there wasn't any need for a tri-une three. Or, as some within the modern day religious culture present, the three all sat together (meaning the Father, Son and Spirit) at a conference table, banging their heads together trying to decide which one of the three should become man‘s Saviour.
But what do the scriptures say, beyond the clearly stated -- "God was manifest in the flesh"? Do the scriptures not say that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us ..." That this same Word which was in the beginning with God WAS GOD. Not another god but God Himself who loved us while we were still being formed in our mother's womb.
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”(I Timothy 3:16)
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me.I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside Me [there is] no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:10-11)
"But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by Him.: (I Corinthians 8:6)
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] one LORD:" (Deuteronomy 6:4)
"I [am] the LORD: that [is] My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; "I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside Me [there is] no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
The Lord did not use the term "we" here but "I". "I am the first, and I am the last, and beside Me, there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
Jesus confirmed this when He said, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30)
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)
"I [am] the LORD: that [is] My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8)
"To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25)
Almighty God in the flesh came unto His own but His own received Him not. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1-18)
And in spite of false teachings that are contrary to His Word, we are quick to accept that the devils also believe there is One God and these tremble. But not us?
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)
Even Peter (standing with the apostles on the day of Pentecost) declared to the people that this same Lord, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
Throughout the scriptures, we see God revealing Himself -- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily -- to those whom He has chosen. This is why we are not to be soon shaken in mind, or troubled, neither by spirit nor word. Let no man deceive you by any means for the day shall not come except there come a falling away first. And in regard to the false teaching of a tri-une God (a trinity or God in three persons) God has sent them strong delusion that they should believe a lie. (II Thessalonians 2:1-12)
But us? We don't need to follow those who oppose and exalt themselves above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. Why? Because the good news is that the SEED that JESUS sowed amongst us -- the Word of reconciliation -- came at no cost to anyone. The Lord Himself from Heaven left heaven for our sake, so that we might be saved from our sins.
He became poor for it was not with pomp or money that He brought us redemption. Rather, it was His reconciliatory Word that He Himself brought down from heaven, being the Word of God. As a consequence, we are now restored to unbroken fellowship with God because God our Saviour personally delivered salvation sealed with His blood -- which blood was the blood of the Holy Ghost!
After JESUS had completed His redemptive reconciliatory mission wherein He delivered to all the KEY to the Kingdom of Heaven, JESUS then ascended into Heaven and SAT down.
JESUS -- the only name given among men whereby we can be saved in this current dispensation of grace -- breathed upon the followers of His Spirit, which Spirit is the Holy Ghost, saying to believers that His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter which could not come until Jesus ascended -- would lead and guide us into ‘all truth’ and that His Spirit would not speak contradictory to the message which He had imparted.
JESUS through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles. (Acts 1:2) Not Jesus and the Holy Ghost. And He also told us that His Spirit would bring all things to our remembrance "whatsoever He has said."
This is why JESUS told us to test the spirits in the latter times. For if someone says they are of God and does not adhere to His Word which He personally delivered and confirmed, then we ought - as the scriptures state - to distance ourselves from them. Shake the dust off our feet as a testimony.
Why? Because no one can add to the Word of God and no one can take away from the Word of God for God’s Word is God.
(As an aside, note that God entered into His created world at a particular time, and delivered His message in the Greek language. There are no New Testament manuscripts written in any other language. There are none in Hebrew, for example. So rest assured that by learning Hebrew one does not become more acquainted with the scriptures. The old covenant does not reveal the New Testament. It is the New Testament established in the blood of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ that reveals the old types and shadow meanings. The New Testament reveals the only name whereby any man or woman can be saved. (Acts 4:12) That is, JESUS the ‘given’ name was never translated into Hebrew as Yeshua. And they shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin.)
This is why we are to search the scriptures, giving thanks to our Lord God and Saviour. "Study the scriptures to show thyself approved as doth a workman." (I Timothy 2:15) In other words, abide in Jesus. Continue in My WORD so that you also can become His disciples! In spite of the current day religious dogma that wants to remove us from the truth, and preach a false trinity doctrine that does not exist anywhere in the scriptures, the early church believers did obey Acts 2:36-42 -- "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
And so should we. Stand in the offering plate.
JESUS -- the only name given among men whereby we can be saved in this current dispensation of grace -- breathed upon the followers of His Spirit, which Spirit is the Holy Ghost, saying to believers that His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter which could not come until Jesus ascended -- would lead and guide us into ‘all truth’ and that His Spirit would not speak contradictory to the message which He had imparted.
JESUS through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles. (Acts 1:2) Not Jesus and the Holy Ghost. And He also told us that His Spirit would bring all things to our remembrance "whatsoever He has said."
This is why JESUS told us to test the spirits in the latter times. For if someone says they are of God and does not adhere to His Word which He personally delivered and confirmed, then we ought - as the scriptures state - to distance ourselves from them. Shake the dust off our feet as a testimony.
Why? Because no one can add to the Word of God and no one can take away from the Word of God for God’s Word is God.
(As an aside, note that God entered into His created world at a particular time, and delivered His message in the Greek language. There are no New Testament manuscripts written in any other language. There are none in Hebrew, for example. So rest assured that by learning Hebrew one does not become more acquainted with the scriptures. The old covenant does not reveal the New Testament. It is the New Testament established in the blood of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ that reveals the old types and shadow meanings. The New Testament reveals the only name whereby any man or woman can be saved. (Acts 4:12) That is, JESUS the ‘given’ name was never translated into Hebrew as Yeshua. And they shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin.)
This is why we are to search the scriptures, giving thanks to our Lord God and Saviour. "Study the scriptures to show thyself approved as doth a workman." (I Timothy 2:15) In other words, abide in Jesus. Continue in My WORD so that you also can become His disciples! In spite of the current day religious dogma that wants to remove us from the truth, and preach a false trinity doctrine that does not exist anywhere in the scriptures, the early church believers did obey Acts 2:36-42 -- "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
And so should we. Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, October 16, 2015
For I Reckon the Sufferings of This Present Time Are Not Worthy To Be Compared With the Glory Which Shall Be Revealed In Us - Part 1218
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us ..." (Romans 8:18)
Recently, I read a quote suggesting that we are the cup and Jesus is the coffee. But to me, that statement does more to limit our thinking to the analogy of a container -- whereby we (as a consequence of our limited human capacity) end up containing the King of kings and Lord of lords within ourselves, rather than proclaiming the goodness and mercy of our Lord God and Saviour that has filled the heavens and earth with His glory from the beginning of time. .
To this end, the psalmist wrote: "My heart is inditing a good matter. I speak of the things which I have made touching the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Thou art fairer than the children of men. Grace is poured into thy lips, therefore, God hath blessed thee forever." (Psalm 45:1-2)
In other words, as believers in Jesus by faith, we should be overflowing in the refreshing of His presence. Filled to the brim and spilling over because of the joy that Jesus has given us. Bearing Him witness and wondering at the gracious words which proceeds out of His mouth. (Luke 4:22)
Why? Because of His sacrifice of blood upon the cross, we can be fully persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
Recently, I read a quote suggesting that we are the cup and Jesus is the coffee. But to me, that statement does more to limit our thinking to the analogy of a container -- whereby we (as a consequence of our limited human capacity) end up containing the King of kings and Lord of lords within ourselves, rather than proclaiming the goodness and mercy of our Lord God and Saviour that has filled the heavens and earth with His glory from the beginning of time. .
To this end, the psalmist wrote: "My heart is inditing a good matter. I speak of the things which I have made touching the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Thou art fairer than the children of men. Grace is poured into thy lips, therefore, God hath blessed thee forever." (Psalm 45:1-2)
In other words, as believers in Jesus by faith, we should be overflowing in the refreshing of His presence. Filled to the brim and spilling over because of the joy that Jesus has given us. Bearing Him witness and wondering at the gracious words which proceeds out of His mouth. (Luke 4:22)
Why? Because of His sacrifice of blood upon the cross, we can be fully persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
The greatest love story ever told to man -- that the same God who created us in the beginning loved us enough to shed His holy blood on a cross so that you and I might have eternal life.
This is why we have much to be thankful for -- so much so that we can't contain the blessings which the Lord bestows upon us within a container -- such as a cup. I am not referring to material wealth, or blessings that come from pursuing the worldly constructs. Rather, we are thankful because there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But [we] are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you ... and if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8:2-10)
But the blessings of the Lord do not start and stop here. There is so much more for us to experience.
"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you ... 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 beareth 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. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God ... which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
And, [as a consequence], we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:11-31)
Therefore, stand and be counted as one of His people. "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (I Thessalonians 5:16-28)
Let His refreshing anointing come upon you so that you too can bubble up too with His abundance of goodness and mercy and love. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
This is why we have much to be thankful for -- so much so that we can't contain the blessings which the Lord bestows upon us within a container -- such as a cup. I am not referring to material wealth, or blessings that come from pursuing the worldly constructs. Rather, we are thankful because there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But [we] are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you ... and if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8:2-10)
But the blessings of the Lord do not start and stop here. There is so much more for us to experience.
"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you ... 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 beareth 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. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God ... which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
And, [as a consequence], we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:11-31)
Therefore, stand and be counted as one of His people. "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (I Thessalonians 5:16-28)
Let His refreshing anointing come upon you so that you too can bubble up too with His abundance of goodness and mercy and love. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
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