"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven ... even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:23-28)
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to the knowledge of Him, the eyes of 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, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set [seated] 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 filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:17-23)
"For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fullness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, of things in heaven ..." (Colossians 1:20)
If we would even begin to understand the magnitude of "God manifest in the flesh", and the name JESUS that He Himself who knew no sin gave to us through the shedding of His holy blood on the cross - how quickly the things of this earth would grow dim. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-18)
Be thankful for this day in which the Lord hath made. Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
He That Abides In the Doctrine of Christ, He Hath Both the Father and the Son - Part 1248
"Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:1-4)
The theology that exists within the religious culture today stems from the inability of modern day organizations to reconcile the way new believers were water baptized in the early new testament church with the "changed" and "rewritten" scripture Matthew 28:19. This stance, even though the roman catholic church has readily admitted changing this particular verse. Still, as we have repeatedly said here before, the Word of God is true and every man a liar. (Romans 3:4)
Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness ..." (Matthew 6:33)
This is why it is critical for believers in Jesus by faith to study the scriptures for themselves, so that they cannot be led astray by a false religious dogma whose motives differ. And thankfully, some are searching His Word for the truth, which might explain why many church organizations today are decidedly removing water baptism from their respective statements of faith.
In that context, what they are doing however is missing a critical step in salvation, that both Jesus and the apostles commanded. Remember, Jesus Himself was baptized by John the son of Zacharias as an example to us, and similarly, that old testament prophecy would be fulfilled. As we also know John's baptism was the baptism of repentance, whereby those baptized were cleansed on the outside. His mission began when the Word of God came unto him in the wilderness.
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight, Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the bough ways shall be made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Luke 3:4-6; Isaiah 40:3-5; Isaiah 52:10)
Because John had been filled with the Holy Ghost from birth, he knew that there was one coming after him, who he was not worthy to baptize. Much mightier than John, "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Luke 3:1-22)
"John answered saying unto them all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whose fan is in His hand, and He will purge His floor, and will gather the wheat unto His garner, but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable." And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people." (Luke 16-18)
As a point of clarification, note what Jesus said to His disciples about Elijah. "And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, but I say unto you, "That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them." Then the disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the baptist." (Matthew 17:11-13)
In that context, what they are doing however is missing a critical step in salvation, that both Jesus and the apostles commanded. Remember, Jesus Himself was baptized by John the son of Zacharias as an example to us, and similarly, that old testament prophecy would be fulfilled. As we also know John's baptism was the baptism of repentance, whereby those baptized were cleansed on the outside. His mission began when the Word of God came unto him in the wilderness.
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight, Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the bough ways shall be made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Luke 3:4-6; Isaiah 40:3-5; Isaiah 52:10)
Because John had been filled with the Holy Ghost from birth, he knew that there was one coming after him, who he was not worthy to baptize. Much mightier than John, "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Luke 3:1-22)
"John answered saying unto them all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whose fan is in His hand, and He will purge His floor, and will gather the wheat unto His garner, but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable." And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people." (Luke 16-18)
As a point of clarification, note what Jesus said to His disciples about Elijah. "And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, but I say unto you, "That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them." Then the disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the baptist." (Matthew 17:11-13)
But I have digressed from my original point. If we as believers in Jesus by faith do not move forward in our personal relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords, not being water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we still wear the clothing of the world. Although our faith journey has began, we fall short of becoming fully clothed in His righteousness.
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorns [herself] with her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10)
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready, and to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. And He said unto me, ""See [thou do] it not; I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren, that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:7-10)
We are the bride of Christ -- those who have repented and been buried and resurrected into Christ.
"Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death' that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ Jesus being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath nor more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once, but in that he lives, he lives unto God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:1-11)
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ Jesus being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath nor more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once, but in that he lives, he lives unto God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:1-11)
This is why Peter standing with the eleven told the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost to "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-42)
"The like figure where unto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 3:21)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)
"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
Jesus answered Nicodemus, saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
"And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36)
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12-13)
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ..." (Titus 3:5)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)
"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
Jesus answered Nicodemus, saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
"And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36)
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12-13)
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ..." (Titus 3:5)
Herein, the beginning of the early new testament church, of which we are partakers, and wherein the Head of the Church (the body of Christ) is Jesus. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
But beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of this world, and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:6-8)
"For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him which is the head of all principality and power ..." (Colossians 2:9-10)
And this only makes sense, given that Jesus said, "ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH ... AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY [EVEN] UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD." (Matthew 28:18-20)
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Jesus Christ -- This is the True God, And Eternal Life - Part 1247
On the mount of transfiguration, JESUS was accompanied by Peter, James and John. Suddenly, their appeared unto them two other persons. One was Moses (representative of the Law given at Mount Sinai). The second was Elias (representative of the prophets). JESUS conversed with both. The apostles were privy to the scene, hearing and observing but not participating.
Peter bursting with enthusiasm declared, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let us build three tabernacles. One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias." What follows, according to the scriptures is a resounding answer to Peter's suggestion. A cloud encompassed the group and a voice from within the cloud spoke these words.
"This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him." The cloud dispersed, leaving the three disciples shaking with fear. They looked but saw no man other than JESUS. Only Jesus.
This was not written to suggest that Moses was not a part of the plan of God. Moses certainly was, ushering in the Law. As it is written, the Law was given through Moses. Elias too because Elias and the prophets prophesied of these days wherein God would be manifest is flesh. Each of these prophesies served their respective generation.
But in these last days, God has spoken to us in His Son who is God Himself manifest in the flesh, inasmuch as JESUS is the SEED of the Holy Spirit. If JESUS be the very SEED of the Holy Spirit then He is altogether God Himself as a Son. Therefore, in JESUS must dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!
The scriptures declare that no man has ever seen God at any time. The only begotten Son of God who has come forth from the innermost being of God (who is Spirit), He and He alone has declared / revealed / manifest the unseen God in form. Veiled in sin prone flesh for the purpose of man's redemption.
Man was totally incapable of redeeming man. Indeed, man’s solutions were only band-aid solutions. We see this in traditional institutions claiming to represent God. In this context, religion is rampant, making merchandise of people, orchestrating all sorts of entertainment, begging for money, conning simple minded persons, even as Simon the sorcerer had done in Acts chapter 8.
This might explain why JESUS overturned the money changer's tables in the temple saying ‘My Father's House shall be called a house of prayer." Still as we often see today, they have once again turned His Father's House into a house of thieves! Even so, religion cannot negate the scriptures.
JESUS is still the cornerstone of this spiritual temple that God erected for Himself. Not a building made of brick and mortar for heaven is God’s throne and the earth is God’s footstool.
Yes, God Himself is the corner stone, and rightly so. For in order for God to build this temple wherein He would be pleased to dwell it required living redeemed stones, obtained through the sacrificial blood of the Holy Ghost which flowed within the veins of JESUS. This temple is the body of the Lord JESUS the Christ, who sacrificed Himself at Calvary, providing for man the only means whereby he can be redeemed. JESUS took upon Himself the curse of sin - willfully taking upon Himself our sin!
JESUS is the Word of God. This is why in God’s own Word, the voice from Heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him."
Now Moses and the prophets spoke and were heard. However, we have entered into the beginning of the new testament gospel of JESUS the Christ. No longer under Law. The law and the prophets were up until Christ, now a message of ‘grace and truth’ is the Word of the voice from heaven. We are brought into the perfect law of liberty, inviting one and all to come to God in Christ with nothing in their hand.
God sacrificed Himself for you. He wants your heart in return. Stand in the offering plate.
Peter bursting with enthusiasm declared, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let us build three tabernacles. One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias." What follows, according to the scriptures is a resounding answer to Peter's suggestion. A cloud encompassed the group and a voice from within the cloud spoke these words.
"This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him." The cloud dispersed, leaving the three disciples shaking with fear. They looked but saw no man other than JESUS. Only Jesus.
This was not written to suggest that Moses was not a part of the plan of God. Moses certainly was, ushering in the Law. As it is written, the Law was given through Moses. Elias too because Elias and the prophets prophesied of these days wherein God would be manifest is flesh. Each of these prophesies served their respective generation.
But in these last days, God has spoken to us in His Son who is God Himself manifest in the flesh, inasmuch as JESUS is the SEED of the Holy Spirit. If JESUS be the very SEED of the Holy Spirit then He is altogether God Himself as a Son. Therefore, in JESUS must dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!
The scriptures declare that no man has ever seen God at any time. The only begotten Son of God who has come forth from the innermost being of God (who is Spirit), He and He alone has declared / revealed / manifest the unseen God in form. Veiled in sin prone flesh for the purpose of man's redemption.
Man was totally incapable of redeeming man. Indeed, man’s solutions were only band-aid solutions. We see this in traditional institutions claiming to represent God. In this context, religion is rampant, making merchandise of people, orchestrating all sorts of entertainment, begging for money, conning simple minded persons, even as Simon the sorcerer had done in Acts chapter 8.
This might explain why JESUS overturned the money changer's tables in the temple saying ‘My Father's House shall be called a house of prayer." Still as we often see today, they have once again turned His Father's House into a house of thieves! Even so, religion cannot negate the scriptures.
JESUS is still the cornerstone of this spiritual temple that God erected for Himself. Not a building made of brick and mortar for heaven is God’s throne and the earth is God’s footstool.
Yes, God Himself is the corner stone, and rightly so. For in order for God to build this temple wherein He would be pleased to dwell it required living redeemed stones, obtained through the sacrificial blood of the Holy Ghost which flowed within the veins of JESUS. This temple is the body of the Lord JESUS the Christ, who sacrificed Himself at Calvary, providing for man the only means whereby he can be redeemed. JESUS took upon Himself the curse of sin - willfully taking upon Himself our sin!
JESUS is the Word of God. This is why in God’s own Word, the voice from Heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him."
Now Moses and the prophets spoke and were heard. However, we have entered into the beginning of the new testament gospel of JESUS the Christ. No longer under Law. The law and the prophets were up until Christ, now a message of ‘grace and truth’ is the Word of the voice from heaven. We are brought into the perfect law of liberty, inviting one and all to come to God in Christ with nothing in their hand.
God sacrificed Himself for you. He wants your heart in return. Stand in the offering plate.
And He Shall Send Jesus Christ Which Before Was Preached Unto You - Part 1246
"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain, whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that He should be holden of it." (Acts 2:23-24)
"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)
Sadly, we see much of the same mindset in the modern day religious culture, and world today, whereby wicked hearts desire to crucify and slay Jesus all over again, with a watered down, revised theology that does not have its foundation in the Word.
Instead of an understanding of Almighty God manifest in the flesh -- the one and same God who loved us so much that He would come into our world and shed His holy blood on the cross, a false doctrine called the trinity was established, attempting to make God into three persons. A tri-une God, as these leaders promote, because these themselves have been blinded from the truth.
Furthermore, water baptism is too often performed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit rather than in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, even though immediately before the rewritten Matthew 28:19, Jesus is saying, "ALL POWER is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Acts 2:36-42)
These same hierarchies are intent on pouring the new testament wine into old flasks, suggesting that grace is established only until we ask Jesus into our lives, but then we must return to obeying the Law and ten commandments (which was given only as a schoolmaster to point 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 3:24-25)
And the list of false teachings goes on and on, and will until the members of the body of Christ begin to diligently search the scriptures for truth. Remember, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
We need to accept Jesus into our heart first, being baptized in His name, like the first 3,000 souls were baptized on the day of Pentecost -- the day that the new testament Church was established with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. How do we know this?
When Peter (standing with the disciples) was asked, "What must we do to be saved?" Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord God shall call." (Acts 2:37-38)
What was the consequence? 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. And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together and had all things common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved. (Acts 2:29-47)
How did the apostles know what to say? Because until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles, whom He had chosen, to whom also He 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." (Acts 1:2-3)
Was that the 12 original disciples, the 70 that we see later on, or the 120 that continued in one accord in prayer and in supplication in Jerusalem? A topic, perhaps, for yet another day. For now let us understand that the first commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and in so doing, preach and teach to all creation, as one that has been chosen and ordained by the King of kings and Lord of lords. His name is Jesus.
"And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." (Matthew 1:23) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 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)
"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)
Sadly, we see much of the same mindset in the modern day religious culture, and world today, whereby wicked hearts desire to crucify and slay Jesus all over again, with a watered down, revised theology that does not have its foundation in the Word.
Instead of an understanding of Almighty God manifest in the flesh -- the one and same God who loved us so much that He would come into our world and shed His holy blood on the cross, a false doctrine called the trinity was established, attempting to make God into three persons. A tri-une God, as these leaders promote, because these themselves have been blinded from the truth.
Furthermore, water baptism is too often performed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit rather than in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, even though immediately before the rewritten Matthew 28:19, Jesus is saying, "ALL POWER is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Acts 2:36-42)
"Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:1-4)
These same hierarchies are intent on pouring the new testament wine into old flasks, suggesting that grace is established only until we ask Jesus into our lives, but then we must return to obeying the Law and ten commandments (which was given only as a schoolmaster to point 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 3:24-25)
And the list of false teachings goes on and on, and will until the members of the body of Christ begin to diligently search the scriptures for truth. Remember, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
We need to accept Jesus into our heart first, being baptized in His name, like the first 3,000 souls were baptized on the day of Pentecost -- the day that the new testament Church was established with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. How do we know this?
When Peter (standing with the disciples) was asked, "What must we do to be saved?" Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord God shall call." (Acts 2:37-38)
What was the consequence? 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. And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together and had all things common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved. (Acts 2:29-47)
How did the apostles know what to say? Because until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles, whom He had chosen, to whom also He 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." (Acts 1:2-3)
Was that the 12 original disciples, the 70 that we see later on, or the 120 that continued in one accord in prayer and in supplication in Jerusalem? A topic, perhaps, for yet another day. For now let us understand that the first commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and in so doing, preach and teach to all creation, as one that has been chosen and ordained by the King of kings and Lord of lords. His name is Jesus.
"And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." (Matthew 1:23) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 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)
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believes ... for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith." (Romans 1:16)
In order for salvation to take hold, we must first die to our old self, being buried with Christ into death so that we can walk in newness of life with our beloved Master. Like the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years, we need to take hold of His yoke, which is not burdensome. Indeed, Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Water baptism is our faith in action. And when we are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which will lead us and guide us into all truth. His truth that surpasses all human understanding.
Stand in the offering plate.
Water baptism is our faith in action. And when we are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which will lead us and guide us into all truth. His truth that surpasses all human understanding.
Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread - Part 1245
In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) He created the heaven and earth from the earth that was without form, and void. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, and God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." (Genesis 1:2-5)
As we know from reading Genesis, God is a Spirit, filling the heavens and the earth. The scriptures state, "Why even the heavens cannot contain God?" How big is God? Well, in God, we live and we move and we have our being. Further, God created man in His own image. This might be where we begin to think of God as HE.
When that initial creation intersects with salvation in the second Adam -- Christ -- it is here that our understanding of the gospel message is increased. Herein, God begins to reveal Himself to us through His Word. Why? Because no man has seen God at any time. Only the begotten who is in the bosom of the Father -- He has declared Him.
For God so loved ....
The only begotten. Jesus spoken of Him as the Only begotten. In comparison, we are spoken of as begat. The difference is that Jesus is God’s holy child -- described by Luke as a holy thing -- being conceived of the Holy Ghost, spoken of in the scriptures as one who is without father or mother. He has no beginning of days, nor end of life. His life after the order (the lead) of Melchisedec.
When the Word that was with God and was God became flesh, and we beheld His glory, we understood that the Spirit of the Christ was embodied. for the flesh covering began in the womb of Mary when she served as a surrogate mother. The fetus being seeded of the Holy Ghost. "And ye shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)
That which was conceived Mary is of the Holy Ghost ... and finished at Calvary. He was sown a natural body and yet raised a spiritual body. Jesus is introduced as being God with us -- God manifest in the flesh. (II Timothy 3:16) The Word was made or veiled and the flesh lived among us.
The Word of God did not become a human being, rather the Word was clothed in the flesh of fallen humanity. Having been clothed with flesh in Mary’s womb, the pure humanity is attributed to the Holy Ghost which was in the man Jesus the Christ. God was in Christ. Indeed, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in the man Christ Jesus.
God did not come to earth to acquire humanity. God is, and always will be the source of pure humanity. Before the fall, Adam was perfect in all his ways, an earthly expression of God. This is why God walked in the cool of the day with His creation. That is, until the temptation was revealled -- Adam and Eve seeking for the first time ever to cover themselves while they hid.
But through it all, God was endeavouring thereby, to reveal His own spiritual humanity in visible earthly created form. A form created from the dust of the earth into which God breathed the breath of life. Fresh air. The same air which keeps us up and running yet is incapable of providing us with spiritual humanity. In the Old Testament, we learn that Adam was a "created" son of God. One could say that if you had seen Adam, you had perhaps seen God, in a created form.
But in the New Testament, we read that the Word was veiled in flesh. The Word -- God Himself. The SAME Word (or counsel of God ) that had brought forth Adam. God Had promised that He would become our Saviour, and in keeping with His promised Word, He conceived Himself into Mary’s womb. Even though He had created all things, God still humbled Himself for you and I.
God took upon Himself the form of a servant in a son form. This is why He was referred to as the second Adam. He was the Lord Himself!
Peter declared on the day of Pentecost -- this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
Thus, God who at different times and in various manners spoke to us through the mouths of prophets has now spoken to us as/in His Son. God’s Spirit created all things and by Himself (as a Son) and for Himself, all things were made. Apart from Himself, there is nothing made that was made.
God repeatedly said, "My glory, I will not give to another." There is none other god beside Me. I, the Lord have become your Saviour. Let all the angels of God worship Him. Jesus, the Christ, is the same God yesterday, today and forever.
This is why Thomas declared to Jesus,“My Lord and MY God!" And as believers in Jesus by faith, so should we.
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-6) Stand in the offering plate.
As we know from reading Genesis, God is a Spirit, filling the heavens and the earth. The scriptures state, "Why even the heavens cannot contain God?" How big is God? Well, in God, we live and we move and we have our being. Further, God created man in His own image. This might be where we begin to think of God as HE.
When that initial creation intersects with salvation in the second Adam -- Christ -- it is here that our understanding of the gospel message is increased. Herein, God begins to reveal Himself to us through His Word. Why? Because no man has seen God at any time. Only the begotten who is in the bosom of the Father -- He has declared Him.
For God so loved ....
The only begotten. Jesus spoken of Him as the Only begotten. In comparison, we are spoken of as begat. The difference is that Jesus is God’s holy child -- described by Luke as a holy thing -- being conceived of the Holy Ghost, spoken of in the scriptures as one who is without father or mother. He has no beginning of days, nor end of life. His life after the order (the lead) of Melchisedec.
When the Word that was with God and was God became flesh, and we beheld His glory, we understood that the Spirit of the Christ was embodied. for the flesh covering began in the womb of Mary when she served as a surrogate mother. The fetus being seeded of the Holy Ghost. "And ye shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)
That which was conceived Mary is of the Holy Ghost ... and finished at Calvary. He was sown a natural body and yet raised a spiritual body. Jesus is introduced as being God with us -- God manifest in the flesh. (II Timothy 3:16) The Word was made or veiled and the flesh lived among us.
The Word of God did not become a human being, rather the Word was clothed in the flesh of fallen humanity. Having been clothed with flesh in Mary’s womb, the pure humanity is attributed to the Holy Ghost which was in the man Jesus the Christ. God was in Christ. Indeed, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in the man Christ Jesus.
God did not come to earth to acquire humanity. God is, and always will be the source of pure humanity. Before the fall, Adam was perfect in all his ways, an earthly expression of God. This is why God walked in the cool of the day with His creation. That is, until the temptation was revealled -- Adam and Eve seeking for the first time ever to cover themselves while they hid.
But through it all, God was endeavouring thereby, to reveal His own spiritual humanity in visible earthly created form. A form created from the dust of the earth into which God breathed the breath of life. Fresh air. The same air which keeps us up and running yet is incapable of providing us with spiritual humanity. In the Old Testament, we learn that Adam was a "created" son of God. One could say that if you had seen Adam, you had perhaps seen God, in a created form.
But in the New Testament, we read that the Word was veiled in flesh. The Word -- God Himself. The SAME Word (or counsel of God ) that had brought forth Adam. God Had promised that He would become our Saviour, and in keeping with His promised Word, He conceived Himself into Mary’s womb. Even though He had created all things, God still humbled Himself for you and I.
God took upon Himself the form of a servant in a son form. This is why He was referred to as the second Adam. He was the Lord Himself!
Peter declared on the day of Pentecost -- this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
Thus, God who at different times and in various manners spoke to us through the mouths of prophets has now spoken to us as/in His Son. God’s Spirit created all things and by Himself (as a Son) and for Himself, all things were made. Apart from Himself, there is nothing made that was made.
God repeatedly said, "My glory, I will not give to another." There is none other god beside Me. I, the Lord have become your Saviour. Let all the angels of God worship Him. Jesus, the Christ, is the same God yesterday, today and forever.
This is why Thomas declared to Jesus,“My Lord and MY God!" And as believers in Jesus by faith, so should we.
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-6) Stand in the offering plate.
God's Grace Is Not Only Sufficient But Retroactive - Part 1244
"This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner." (Psalms 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; I Peter 2:4-8)
"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)
"For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)
"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)
"For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)
The scriptures tell us that no man can serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24) These will either serve mammon, and thus, their own self interests, or cleave to the righteousness of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, who purchased our salvation through His own holy blood shed upon a cross. Thus, either we take up our cross and follow Jesus, or we deny Him in our hearts. With Jesus, there can be no sitting on the fence. We have a choice whether to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, or conversely, to reject Him.
We see the need for a heart decision repeatedly in the gospels. One such example comes to mind.
Jesus had just come down from the mountain. Therein, He stood in the plain, in the company of His disciples. A great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, came to hear Jesus, and to be healed of their diseases. What happened? Every single person "vexed with unclean spirits" was healed. "The whole multitude sought to touch Him: for there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all." (Luke 6:19)
One would think that a miracle of this magnitude, whereby all those that were sick were healed would be sufficient to prove God's abundant love for each and every one of us. As we know, God had already declared "peace and good will toward all men." (Luke 2:14) The prophecy of old stating, "Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest." (Luke 19:38)
"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)
"For God so loved the world ..." (John 3:16)
But as we also know, there were those who wanted nothing to do with Jesus, and as a consequence, continually sought to kill Him. The apostles encountered the same opposition when they preached the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, Jesus told us that we would similarly be hated for His name's sake.
“And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Mark 13:13; Matthew 10 :22)
We see the need for a heart decision repeatedly in the gospels. One such example comes to mind.
Jesus had just come down from the mountain. Therein, He stood in the plain, in the company of His disciples. A great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, came to hear Jesus, and to be healed of their diseases. What happened? Every single person "vexed with unclean spirits" was healed. "The whole multitude sought to touch Him: for there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all." (Luke 6:19)
One would think that a miracle of this magnitude, whereby all those that were sick were healed would be sufficient to prove God's abundant love for each and every one of us. As we know, God had already declared "peace and good will toward all men." (Luke 2:14) The prophecy of old stating, "Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest." (Luke 19:38)
"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)
"For God so loved the world ..." (John 3:16)
But as we also know, there were those who wanted nothing to do with Jesus, and as a consequence, continually sought to kill Him. The apostles encountered the same opposition when they preached the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, Jesus told us that we would similarly be hated for His name's sake.
“And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Mark 13:13; Matthew 10 :22)
"But all these things will they do unto you for My name's sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin, but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hates Me, hates My Father also." (John 15:21-23)
Herein, Jesus is saying, "IF I HAD NOT DONE AMONG THEM THE WORKS WHICH NONE OTHER MAN DID, they had not had sin, but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father." (John 15:24)
Rather than accepting God's love for them, in that He Himself who knew no sin would willingly become sin for us, and then after being beaten, shed His holy blood on a cross, these wanted nothing to do with Jesus. Nothing to do with the King of kings and Lord of lords, who personally delivered His gift of grace that is retroactive.
Still, as Jesus told Thomas, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
"No man comes unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me. ye should have known My Father also; and from henceforth, ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:5-7)
When Philip heard this, he then asked Jesus to show Him the Father "and it suffices us." How did Jesus respond? "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 then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:8-9)
You see, Jesus was in the Father and the Father in Him -- the words that Jesus spake not of Himself but the Father that dwells within Him,
"He doeth the works ... Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the very works sake." (John 14:10-15)
This has not changed today, except that the Holy Ghost that overshadowed Mary and brought forth that "holy thing" as Luke describes Jesus in the womb, is the same Comforter that dwells within us now when we ask Jesus into our heart. The same He that walked this earth -- the same He that was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not -- He desires to be Lord in our life.
But even He said, "or else believe for the very works sake."
Now that is love beyond measure. He loved you and I before we even knew we were sinners. He formed His purpose in our mother's womb, and even though we have all strayed, He is still inviting us to the wedding feast. Come, all ye who are heavy laden, Jesus said, "and I will give you rest."
Everything that Jesus did in this new testament dispensation of grace -- God manifest in the flesh -- was so that we would turn our hearts to the Master -- our Lord God and Saviour who never leaves us comfortless. He is the true vine. He is the living water wherein we will never thirst again. He is the Bread from heaven. He is the Light which shines bright even in the darkest corner of this earth.
"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 nigh.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom ALL the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:14-22)
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)
Yes, God's grace is retroactive. We just need to accept His gift of salvation by declaring Jesus both Lord and Christ in our hearts, and being water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
Stand in the offering plate.
Yes, God's grace is retroactive. We just need to accept His gift of salvation by declaring Jesus both Lord and Christ in our hearts, and being water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Let This Mind Be In You Which Was Also in Christ Jesus - Part 1243
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps ..." (I Peter 2:21)
Jesus said, "Abide in Me ..."
Jesus said, "Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am ... If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, "the servant is not greater than his Lord; neither is He that is sent greater than He that sent Him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" .... Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am He." (John 13:13-20)
Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
Jesus said, "And why call ye Me, "Lord, Lord" and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)
Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27; Acts 2:36-39)
"For whom He did foreknow, He also did pre-destinate [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren ..." (Romans 8:29)
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death ..." (Romans 8:2-8)
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, "I know Him" and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoso keeps His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.
The old commandment is the Word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true Light now shines." (I John 2:1-9)
In today's world, we are seeing more and more individuals self proclaiming themselves to be evangelists, and/or apostles, and now, even a title called apostolic encouragers who are more willing to promote the thoughts of men than the wisdom of God. But what do the scriptures state?
Jesus said, "Abide in Me ..."
Jesus said, "Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am ... If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, "the servant is not greater than his Lord; neither is He that is sent greater than He that sent Him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" .... Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am He." (John 13:13-20)
Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
Jesus said, "And why call ye Me, "Lord, Lord" and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)
Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
Jesus said, "He that believes on Me, believes not on Me but on Him that sent Me, and he that sees Me, hath seen 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 a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that His commandment is life everlasting; whatsoever I speak therefore even as the Father speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." (John 12:44-50)
Sadly, too many in these final days love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Too many are seeking wisdom from the teachings of men, rather than the commandments of our Lord God and Saviour. And as a consequence of not having the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost living within -- whom Jesus said the Father would send in His name, and would teach us all things --are seeking men's counsel and comfort from man-made religious institutions.
But we as believers in Jesus by faith, know in whom we have found salvation, and willingly follow Him, because in His commandments is life everlasting. (John 12:50) John the baptist knew this when he pointed to the Lamb of God who would come after him, which takes away the sin of the world.
"This is He of whom I said, "After me comes a man which is preferred before me, for He was before me. And I knew him not, but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and it abode upon Him. And I knew Him not, but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost," (John 1:19-34)
After Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to His apostles, and as we see from the scriptures below, His new testament message still the same. Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever. The King of kings and Lord of lords. What did the apostles write?
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27; Acts 2:36-39)
"For whom He did foreknow, He also did pre-destinate [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren ..." (Romans 8:29)
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death ..." (Romans 8:2-8)
This is why we trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus ..." (Philippians 2:5)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus ..." (Philippians 2:5)
Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
You Have Filled Jerusalem With Your Doctrine ... And Intend to Bring This Man's Blood Upon Us - Part 1242
"Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence, for thy feared the people, lest they should have been stoned, and when they had brought them, they set them before the council and the high priest asked them, saying, "Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." ... And when they had called the apostles and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the Name of Jesus and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name, and daily in the temple and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:25-42)
What was the doctrine that concerned the societal authorities, to the point that these same would even beat the apostles, forbidding them to teach and/or preach in that name? The preaching of the good news gospel in the name of Jesus. Why was the name of Jesus such a concern?
Because "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)
But sadly, like in the days of the apostles, we continue to witness a move away from the name of Jesus. The man-made institutionalized religious community with its false trinitarian (or God in three persons) doctrine is intent on causing confusion amid the body of believers, attempting at every turn to muddy the waters. They do so in singing lyrics to Jehovah, or water baptizing people without actually using the name of our Lord. And, by separating God into three persons (instead of aligning church doctrine to Ephesians 4:5-6 which states: "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above you all, and through all and in you all") new believers stumble in their faith journey, not having been grounded in His Word.
Still, what we do with Jesus is the only question that will matter in terms of eternity. How we respond to the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and ending, will establish our membership in the body of Christ, Jesus being the Head. Indeed, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter which will lead us into all wisdom and truth when we are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-42)
The first 3,000 souls baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the new testament church.
"Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22) This is why Acts 2 is significant, because Peter (standing with the eleven) preached the very "same message" to every man, woman and child including: "Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:8-11)
And that same message did not change throughout the scriptures. Indeed, every recorded baptism in the new testament was performed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they hands on them, and then they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)
"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "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, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:1-5)
What was the doctrine that concerned the societal authorities, to the point that these same would even beat the apostles, forbidding them to teach and/or preach in that name? The preaching of the good news gospel in the name of Jesus. Why was the name of Jesus such a concern?
Because "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)
But sadly, like in the days of the apostles, we continue to witness a move away from the name of Jesus. The man-made institutionalized religious community with its false trinitarian (or God in three persons) doctrine is intent on causing confusion amid the body of believers, attempting at every turn to muddy the waters. They do so in singing lyrics to Jehovah, or water baptizing people without actually using the name of our Lord. And, by separating God into three persons (instead of aligning church doctrine to Ephesians 4:5-6 which states: "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above you all, and through all and in you all") new believers stumble in their faith journey, not having been grounded in His Word.
Still, what we do with Jesus is the only question that will matter in terms of eternity. How we respond to the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and ending, will establish our membership in the body of Christ, Jesus being the Head. Indeed, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter which will lead us into all wisdom and truth when we are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-42)
The first 3,000 souls baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the new testament church.
"Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22) This is why Acts 2 is significant, because Peter (standing with the eleven) preached the very "same message" to every man, woman and child including: "Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:8-11)
And that same message did not change throughout the scriptures. Indeed, every recorded baptism in the new testament was performed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they hands on them, and then they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)
"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "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, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:1-5)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:1-4)
"Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses ..." (Colossians 2:12-13)
According to II Timothy 2:15 "all scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ..." but we need to study His Word to show ourselves approved unto God, as doth a workman. Until we do this, we will continue to be tossed to and fro by the false teachings of this world, missing out on the absolute blessings that only come from knowing Jesus personally, and desiring always to know more about the husband that the bride (believers in Jesus by faith, who have willingly clothed themselves in His righteousness through water baptism) will marry at the wedding feast.
According to II Timothy 2:15 "all scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ..." but we need to study His Word to show ourselves approved unto God, as doth a workman. Until we do this, we will continue to be tossed to and fro by the false teachings of this world, missing out on the absolute blessings that only come from knowing Jesus personally, and desiring always to know more about the husband that the bride (believers in Jesus by faith, who have willingly clothed themselves in His righteousness through water baptism) will marry at the wedding feast.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For Thy sake, we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." (Romans 8:35-39)
Only One Lord, and He Himself who knew no sin, came into this world so that we might have eternal life through Him. Accept His gift of salvation today. Repent and be baptized in the only name that offers salvation. Stand in the offering plate.
Only One Lord, and He Himself who knew no sin, came into this world so that we might have eternal life through Him. Accept His gift of salvation today. Repent and be baptized in the only name that offers salvation. Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Like Mary Who Worshiped Jesus, Rejoice in God our Saviour - Part 1241
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.
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.
Friday, November 13, 2015
And If Ye Be Christ's, Then Are Ye Abraham's Seed, and Heirs According to the Promise. - Part 1240
"Brethren, I speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's covenant, yet [if it be] confirmed, no man dis-annuls, or adds 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." (Galatians 3:15-18)
Paul has already asked the question, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn," writes apostle Paul, "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 ministers to you in the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Evan 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 3:1-8)
"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." (Galatians 3:9-10; Deuteronomy 27:26)
"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 does 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 hangs 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 3:9-14)
In other words, if the inheritance be of the Law, is is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves 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 in to Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:15-29)
In other words, Isaac was not the promised SEED. Yet, the Lord did say to Abraham that in him (natural seed) Abraham and in His SEED (CHRIST) would all the nations of the earth be blessed.
Neither was JACOB the promised SEED. The progression of the promised SEED traveled along in Abraham's offspring and yet none of Abraham's offspring were to be the final embodiment of the promised SEED.
All along, the prophecies from old intended to reveal that Christ alone is the SEED of promise. This is why there is salvation in no other. JESUS being not the seed of man but rather, JESUS the VERY SEED of the Holy Ghost. The same SEED brought forth JESUS the Christ, who is none other than the Son of God or, as we learn in the new testament scripture, God Himself as a son.
When JESUS came forth from the womb of His surrogate mother, did not the angelic host sing? Did not the wise men offer gifts to Him? And did not the aged Simeon in the temple upon seeing the child JESUS declare, "Lord, let now your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation?"
Further, did not the angel declare that the child be named JESUS? His title to be Emmanuel meaning "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
JESUS is the same Almighty God who created all things, manifesting Himself in the flesh and entering this fallen world as a man with one intent. That objective being to seek and to save those which would otherwise be lost.
A SAVIOUR WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD!
This is why Peter (standing with the eleven) declared this same Jesus whom ye have crucified to be BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) In the following verses, His Word instructs new believers on what they must do to be saved. (Acts 2:36-42) Read these verses with gladness. Receive His promises into your heart. Be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus the Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Study the scriptures to show thyself approved unto God, as a workman would do, seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Stand in the offering plate.
Paul has already asked the question, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn," writes apostle Paul, "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 ministers to you in the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Evan 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 3:1-8)
"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." (Galatians 3:9-10; Deuteronomy 27:26)
"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 does 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 hangs 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 3:9-14)
In other words, if the inheritance be of the Law, is is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves 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 in to Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:15-29)
In other words, Isaac was not the promised SEED. Yet, the Lord did say to Abraham that in him (natural seed) Abraham and in His SEED (CHRIST) would all the nations of the earth be blessed.
Neither was JACOB the promised SEED. The progression of the promised SEED traveled along in Abraham's offspring and yet none of Abraham's offspring were to be the final embodiment of the promised SEED.
All along, the prophecies from old intended to reveal that Christ alone is the SEED of promise. This is why there is salvation in no other. JESUS being not the seed of man but rather, JESUS the VERY SEED of the Holy Ghost. The same SEED brought forth JESUS the Christ, who is none other than the Son of God or, as we learn in the new testament scripture, God Himself as a son.
When JESUS came forth from the womb of His surrogate mother, did not the angelic host sing? Did not the wise men offer gifts to Him? And did not the aged Simeon in the temple upon seeing the child JESUS declare, "Lord, let now your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation?"
Further, did not the angel declare that the child be named JESUS? His title to be Emmanuel meaning "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
JESUS is the same Almighty God who created all things, manifesting Himself in the flesh and entering this fallen world as a man with one intent. That objective being to seek and to save those which would otherwise be lost.
A SAVIOUR WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD!
This is why Peter (standing with the eleven) declared this same Jesus whom ye have crucified to be BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) In the following verses, His Word instructs new believers on what they must do to be saved. (Acts 2:36-42) Read these verses with gladness. Receive His promises into your heart. Be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus the Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Study the scriptures to show thyself approved unto God, as a workman would do, seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Stand in the offering plate.
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