Stand Fast in the Liberty That Is In Christ Jesus - Part 1234

"And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage ..." (Galatians 2:4)

"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"

Good question, and like apostle Paul states, one that only we can answer. But just in case there is any doubt, Paul goes on to clarify the truth regarding grace and the law. He writes:

"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. 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 continueth 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, 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.

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 3:1-29)

As you contemplate on these things, remember to stand in the offering plate.

We Awaken to His Righteousness When We Repent and Are Baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus - Part 1233

In the law it is written, "With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people, and yet for all that, will they not hear Me," saith the Lord. (I Corinthians 14:21)

And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that Jesus went through the corn fields; and His disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, "Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?" Or, as Matthew wrote, "Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day." (Luke 6:1-3; Matthew 12:1-2)

And Jesus answering them said, "Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him, how he went into [entered into] the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, [which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him but only for the priests?] and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?" (Matthew 12:3-4; Luke 6:4)

"Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath and are blameless? But I say unto you, that in this place is One greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this means, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice" you would not have condemned the guiltless, for the Son of man is Lord -- even on the sabbath day." (Matthew 12:5-8)

And again from Luke's account -- Jesus said unto them, "That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." (Luke 6:5)

Think about this for a moment. While a minority in terms of holding positions as priests, their collective presence of the Pharisees was perceived to heavily influence the decision making of the Sanhedrin, in comparison to the rival Sadducees. Still, these Pharisees professed to accept the old testament writings as the inspired word of God, although the new testament offers examples whereby the Pharisees gave equal authority to the traditions of men, claiming that these traditions date back to the time of Moses. In this context, note that the Pharisees often garnered the support of the people.

And here they were, quoting the law, in order to refute what Jesus and His disciples were doing on the sabbath day. Herein, the Pharisees were quoting the letter of the law, inherently justifying themselves and their right to condemn those who did not adhere to their interpretation of God's commandments -- what is lawful and what is not lawful -- even while the Lord God Himself stood before them. 

But what did the Lord say? "But I say unto you, that in this place is One greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this means, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice" you would not have condemned the guiltless, for the Son of man is Lord -- even on the sabbath day."

Remember, God had declared "peace and good will" to all in this current dispensation of grace, and here he is extending to us mercy as well.. His mercy. His love. Not sacrifices that are burdensome and ultimately lead to condemning the guiltless but freedom and life everlasting in Jesus. This is why we glory in "our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world ... for in Christ Jesus neither circumcisions availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature, and as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:14-16)

But I digress. Note what follows next in the scriptures.

"And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that He entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. and the scribes and Pharisees watched Him, whether He would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against Him. But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, "Rise up, and stand forth in the midst." And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, "I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it?" And looking round about upon them all, He said unto the man, "Stretch forth thy hand." And he did so and his hand was restored whole as the other." (Luke 6:6-10)

How did the scribes and Pharisees respond? Certainly, it was not to believe in the miracle that they just saw performed before them. Nor to be grateful for the man who was just healed. Instead, these collectively held a council against Jesus, having a discussion about how they might destroy Him.

"And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus." (Luke 6:11)

Note that we hear these same accusations against Jesus today. And as a consequence, how often are we condemned -- not necessarily because of what we do or say, but rather because Jesus lives within us. Because we -- by faith -- trust in the name of Jesus which saves people from their sins. And, that as a consequence of abiding in Him, our eyes are not of the earthly, but of the heavenly. 

Similarly, there are those (like the Pharisees) who want to condemn, judging others as if they themselves were never once a sinner, even when the price for our sin was paid for in full by the blood shed on the cross by our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ. And herein is the problem.

Rather than believing we are saved by His grace and mercy, and that not of ourselves, we want to entangle ourselves in the religious cultural bondage that the Pharisees promoted. 

To this end, Apostle Paul wrote, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law? Or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you in the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, does he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:1-5)

In other words, no man (including the Pharisees) is justified by the law in the sight of God, it being 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, 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 3:6-14)

The promise was made to Abraham and his 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 dis-annul, 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 ordained by the 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 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 3:16-29)

Sadly, even though the Lord God Himself stood in front of the Pharisees performing miracles and healings and casting out the demons that vexed people, the Pharisees (who claimed to know the old covenant scriptures) would not believe that He was indeed the fulfillment of the promise given to Abraham. Rather, these justified themselves by a law that would never set them free, thus making Christ of no effect to them. (Galatians 5:2)

"For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to 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 5:2-4)

Moreover, "as many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ -- for neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law, but desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh."  (Galatians 6:12-13)

But as Paul wrote, God forbid that we that have taken hold of the truth in Jesus Christ our Lord be entangled once again in the bondage from which we have been rescued, including the entanglements of a modern day religious culture that imposes unrealistic expectations upon the fold.

Rather, let's rejoice through the Spirit -- those who believe in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ by faith, and are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, waiting for the hope of righteousness by faith. This is why we "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

Take hold of His truth today. If you haven't already, ask Jesus to be Lord in your life. Start reading and studying your new testament for therein you will find life in abundance. Stand in the offering plate. 

With His Blood He Has Sanctified You and I - Part 1232

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:10)

Many of the things Jesus spoke to His disciples was so that His chosen disciples (and by extension you and I) might have peace. Indeed, Jesus said, "In the world ye have tribulation; be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

As believers in Jesus the Christ by faith, we become His workmanship. And, thus, we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

"Wherefore, remember that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by that which is called the "Circumcision" in the flesh made by hands ... that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world?" (Ephesians 2:10-11)

In other words, this is where we were. But now -- after receiving Jesus into our life, and repenting of our sin, we are baptized/buried into Christ Jesus. As a consequence, ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ -- for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us, having abolished in His flesh, the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace, and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were night -- for through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:10-18)

Why? Because God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace are ye saved) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-6)

In other words, when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross, He took away the first covenant (the law and ten commandments under Moses) so that He could establish the second new testament. (Hebrews 10:16) 

Satisfying the former things that included every priest standing daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

But now, because we are sanctified through the blood of Jesus, we understand firsthand that our salvation is totally dependent upon this one man who -- "after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God, from henceforth expecting [or waiting] till His enemies be made His footstool. 

For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified, whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us, for after that He said before "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:10-17)

"For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens, who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the people's, for this He did once, when He offered up Himself ... for the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity, but the word of the oath (which was since the law) maketh the Son, who is consecrated for ever more." (Hebrews 7:26-28)

"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, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make all things according to the pattern shewed 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 ..." (Hebrews 8:1-7)

So why is it that so many are in a hurry to return to the law and the bondage from whence they came? Why are we hearing so many -- who have been set free in the liberty within Christ -- admonishing others for not meeting the law in all aspects of their daily living? Paul put it right when he wrote to the saints in Galatia. That is, "who has bewitched you?" 

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3) Likewise, we understand that because of Jesus, we receive a kingdom which cannot be moved. An unshakable kingdom whereby we can approach the throne of grace, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus, 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. But the first covenant was not without fault. This is why our Lord God decided -- even before the foundation of the world was formed -- that He Himself who knew no sin would have to robe Himself in a sin-prone flesh, if we were ever to obtain salvation.

Almighty God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The fullness of Jehovah of the old covenant dwelling bodily in the man Christ Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) Emmanuel, meaning God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

And that love for you and I is beyond measure. We see this just before Jesus went to the cross. His humanity praying to the Father that dwelt within, He said, "And now come I to Thee, and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them My Word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world but that Thou shouldest keep them from evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth. Thy Word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes, I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." (John 17:13-19)

Sanctified because of the blood shed on a cross for us while we were yet sinners. But now this is no longer the case. Because we responded to the love of Jesus, we have become members in the household of God. The body of Christ which is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fit framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

On that note, let's move unto perfection by pressing into our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

"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)

Stand in the offering plate.

We Are The Church, The Body of Christ, and Jesus Is the Chief Cornerstone - Part 1231

According to the Biblical scriptures, the Church is His body. We are the body of Christ. We are His bones. We are His flesh. We are the temple in which He is pleased to dwell. We are the people called by His name (the Jesus people). The early believers continued steadfastly in the teachings of the Spirit of God, which they in turn delivered to us. As the scriptures state, "For another foundation can no man lay other than that which has been laid." This is the apostles' foundation with Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone.

Further, Jesus said this is My church and the gates (teachings of hell) shall not prevail against it. The holy Spirit of Jesus Himself will lead and guide believers into all truth. As it is written, believers will all be taught of God. Christ alone is the Head of His Church (body). In essence then, this church is not a two headed church. This foundation verifies yet again that there is only one mediator between God and man. That is, the man Jesus the Christ who is the only begotten Son of the Spirit of God. It is in this body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily. This makes God alone the Father and Mother of the man Jesus.

Was Mary the mother of God? Of course not. Mary was a surrogate mother of the Son of God. Does Mary intercede on our behalf? Again, no.  Mary said that her spirit rejoiced in "God her Saviour." Can a believer be more blessed than Mary? Indeed, yes. As the scriptures state, more blessed are they that hear the Word of God and do it.  Blessed much more than the womb that bore me! Who is Jesus' mother and father then? They that hear the Word of God and do it. Is anyone infallible? No. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, No not one.

But the good news is that whosoever sins that you remit, they are remitted. Whosoever sins that you retain, they are retained. When Jesus bore our sins on a tree, He allowed the people -- sinners -- to call upon Jesus so that they would receive forgiveness and remission of sin. But the apostolic message did not end there. In this context, other questions are asked. Am I really baptized if I am baptized in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit?

As outlined in earlier posts, these are relationship titles with no applicable name attached. By being baptized in the titles and not the name of Jesus, one is substituting man’s rendition of Matthew chapter 28:19 without including the practical applicability. How did the apostles baptize? How were all new believers baptized in the Bible? Note here that the apostles did follow Jesus' instructions when they baptized believers in His name -- in the precious name of the Lord Jesus!

It is the same when, during communion, countless congregations of people are told that the wafer or bread and the wine are miraculously transformed into the blood and body of Christ. Would I be committing an unforgivable sin if I participate? We would if we did not acknowledge that Jesus sacrificed Himself once and for all so that we could be saved.  As such, there is no longer a need for churches to offer a repeat performance. Jesus made the sacrifice. And it was Jesus Himself that said on the cross -- It is finished. The sacrificial death of Jesus is present tense.

Moreover, there is only one high priest. That is Jesus, who is a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Is the new testament a continuation of the old covenant? No. The new testament is a testament between one party. This one relationship is between God who is Spirit and between God Himself as a Son. Grace testament. Whereas the old covenant was between two parties -- a covenant of life and death -- the new testament is about grace! This is why the scriptures ask new believers to search the scriptures so that they will know and understand the plan of salvation.

What were the first believers told to do? The first 3000 people who believed in Jesus repented and were baptized into the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, and as a consequence, received the gift of the Holy Ghost. For further details, please read through Acts chapter two.

Ask our Lord God and Saviour to open your eyes for understanding. Stand in the offering plate.

Written by William (Bill) McKendrick 2011

Be Water Baptized in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ - Part 1230

When the religious culture of this day baptizes people without using the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, they are clearly not aligning their teachings with the apostles' doctrine, as presented within the scriptures. Sadly, however, those being baptized miss the power and authority that was destined to be theirs from the beginning because in following through with water baptism, the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved has been deliberately omitted.

In other words, these are just getting wet by using the titles -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) without acknowledging the precious name Jesus -- who IS the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

How can I say this? Because when the apostles (who walked with Jesus throughout His ministry) baptized believers in water, we read that every single person was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Even when those that were pricked in their hearts asked Peter, standing with the eleven apostles, "What must we do?" Peter said unto them:

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:37-42)

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:38-42)

The message is clearly stated, and if we read through the book of Acts, we see that in every example of water baptism, the new believer was baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus. This was not just a message for the early church. We also are to "continue steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)

And if His Word is not sufficient for believing, then read the following partial list of evidence disputing the authenticity of the one verse that has led the religious culture astray. That is, Matthew 28:19 -- "A Collection of Evidence Against the Traditional Wording of Matthew 28:19" written by Clinton D. Willis [CWillis@ipa.net]

Catholic Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger: He makes this confession as to the origin of the chief trinity text of Matthew 28:19. "The basic form of our [Matthew 28:19 trinitarian] profession of faith took shape during the course of the second and third centuries in connection with the ceremony of baptism. So far as its place of origin is concerned, the text [Matthew 28:19]came from the city of Rome." The trinity baptism and text of Matthew 28:19 therefore did not originate from the original Church that started in Jerusalem around AD 33. It was rather, as the evidence proves, a later invention of Roman Catholicism -- completely fabricated. Unfortunately, very few know about these historical facts.

"The Demonstratio Evangelica" by Eusebius: Eusebius was the Church historian and Bishop of Caesarea. On page 152, Eusebius quotes the early book of Matthew that he had in his library in Caesarea. According to this eyewitness of an unaltered Book of Matthew, it could have been the original book or the first copy of the original book of Matthew. Eusebius informs us of Jesus' actual words to his disciples in the original text of Matthew 28:19: "With one word and voice He said to His disciples: "Go, and make disciples of all nations in My Name, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." That "Name" is Jesus.

On page 61, Professor and Church historian Walker, reviles the true origin and purpose of Matthew 28:19. This text is the first man-made Roman Catholic Creed that was the prototype for the later Apocryphal Apostles' Creed. Matthew 28:19 was invented along with the Apocryphal Apostles' Creed to counter so-called heretics and gnostics that baptized in the name of Jesus Christ!

Marcion although somewhat mixed up in some of his doctrine still baptized his converts the Biblical way in the name of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19 is the first non-Biblical Roman Catholic Creed! The spurious Catholic text of Matthew 28:19 was invented to support the newer triune - trinity -doctrine.

Therefore, Matthew 28:19 is not the "Great Commission of Jesus Christ." Rather, Matthew 28:19 is the great Catholic hoax! Acts 2:38, Luke 24:47, and I Corinthians 6:11 give us the ancient original words and teaching of Jesus.

Further to this point, is it not also strange that Matthew 28:19 is missing from the old manuscripts of Sinaiticus, Curetonianus and Bobiensis?

The Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C. 1923, New Testament Studies Number 5: "The Lord's Command To Baptize An Historical Critical Investigation." by Bernard Henry Cuneo states, quoting from page 27, "The passages in Acts and the letters of St. Paul. These passages seem to point to the earliest form as baptism in the name of the Lord. ... Is it possible to reconcile these facts with the belief that Christ commanded his disciples to baptize in the trine form?

Had Christ given such a command, it is urged, the Apostolic Church would have followed Him, and we should have some trace of this obedience in the New Testament. No such trace can be found. The only explanation of this silence, according to the anti-traditional view, is this the short christological (Jesus Name) formula was (the) original, and the longer triune formula was a later development."

Thankfully, to you and I, the Word of salvation was sent. Therefore, save yourself from this untoward generation of religious traditions that attempt to circumvent His Word. Instead, be obedient, obeying the message of the Holy Ghost as recorded in Acts chapter 2 verses 37-42. It was here that the first 3000 believers were "gladly baptized" into the Name of the Lord Jesus the Christ.

Peace to all as you submit to the command of the Holy Spirit of JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.

By Jesus Christ to Himself According to the Good Pleasure of His Will - Part 1229

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:1-6)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God is writing to the saints which are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. Herein, Paul is expounding on the goodness and mercy of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, for each and every one of us who have taken hold of Him by faith. Note that Paul already understood that the humanity of God -- God manifest in the flesh -- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him -- the Son (or God appearing as a humble servant in a sin-prone flesh, and yet without sin) --would continue to reign as the "only name under heaven" whereby we must be saved -- until the end of this current dispensation of grace.

His name? The precious name of JESUS, which is ABOVE all other names, including the names God used for Himself under the old covenant. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23)

This is why Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58; Revelation 1:8)

So that we would understand that God did not send another, but came Himself in the form of a lowly man, in order to prove His love for us, that He decided before the foundation of the world was formed. "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) "Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no God but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)

"For, behold, the Lord cometh forth out of His place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth, and the mountains shall be molten under Him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place ... but thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall He come forth, unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been of old, from everlasting ..." (Micah 1:3 through Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6; Luke 2:4)

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 1:11)

This same Jesus that ye crucified, said Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost "is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

This is why Jesus could say, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30) And this explains why 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, makes Thyself God." (John 10:30-33)

Like the Pharisees, are we not doing the same today when we refuse to accept that God Almighty Himself loved us enough to become as one of us -- and therefore, accusing Jesus of making Himself God? And, are we not still within the modern day religious community that promotes a trinity/tri-une God/God in three persons nailing Him to the cross again, when we refuse to personally get to know Him that was in the world and the world was made by Him and yet the world knew Him not? (John 1:10)

Regardless, of the false teachings within man-made institutions, the Word of God -- Jesus -- is still the only Way, the Truth, and the Life, because no man comes to the Father but by Him. Jesus said, "If ye had known Me, you should have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:6-7)

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

"Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set [Him] at His own right hand in the heavenly places. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, and hath put all [things] under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all [things] to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:20-23)

Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father, but by Me. ... And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:6-13)

We have all been at one time or another persuaded by a religious culture that looks like these understand the scriptures, but when one digs deeper into His Word, allowing our Lord God and Saviour to reveal Himself to us, we have to do as Jesus instructed. That is, to come out from among them, and let Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Revelation 21:6-7; II Corinthians 6:17)

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," saith the Lord, "and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters," saith the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:14-18)

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11)

This is why we are to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can become fully clothed in His righteousness. (Acts 2:37-38; Romans 6:1-4) He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, not because of our doing, or our good works, but because of His doing on the cross, when He shed His precious blood so that we might have abundant life in Him.

Therefore, Paul ceased not to give thanks for us, "making mention of you in prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints ... and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power." (Ephesians 1:18-19)

Press into Jesus today. Look full upon His wonderful face, for when we do, this world (along with its strange doctrines and false religious teachings that only serve to mislead us away from our Saviour) will grow strangely dim.

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let him that heareth say, "Come." And let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely ..." (Revelation 22:17)

Stand in the offering plate.

Yielding Our Hearts to Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords Who Loves Us Beyond Measure - Part 1228

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 ...

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.

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.

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)

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.