For Other Foundation Can No Man Lay Than That Is Laid, Which Is Jesus Christ - Part 1258

Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:25-30)

When we ask Jesus to become Lord in our life, repenting and being water baptized in His precious name, He fills us with the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit living within. (Acts 2:36-42) And, as a consequence, He fills us with His love. His peace. His mercy and grace. He comforts us in our time of need, and gives us strength to face each day with a renewed spirit. 

"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God -- who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation -- to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-19)

From Jesus, flows the Word. The Word that was with God and the Word that was God, who chose to clothe Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might receive His gift of salvation. His many blessings which are bestowed upon us when we seek Jesus in our lives.

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

As Job wrote in the midst of his tribulation and trials: "Inside I am like bottled up wine, like new wine skins ready to burst." (Job 32:19)

This is why we, as ambassadors for Christ understand by faith from whence came our salvation. The joy that bubbles up within our very being.

"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21)

Therefore, come "boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:1-16) Be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and be clothed in His righteousness, knowing that in Him we are victorious by the One Lord who never fails! (Acts 2:36-42; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:10-11; Revelation 1:8,11)

And as Paul wrote, keep your eyes fixed upon the Author and Finisher of our faith. Press into Jesus. In everything that we do in both word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus. Study to show thyself approved unto God, as doth a workman, discerning what is true and right and just. (II Timothy 2:15)

In other words, our faith journey should not be about religious affiliation and/or membership, or subscribing to some man-made statement of faith, but a personal ongoing relationship with our Lord God and Saviour who loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God. Not by works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

This is why we can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt that we "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 who 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 2:19-22)

Because when God declared peace and good will toward all men, He followed up by proving His love -- a Good Shepherd laying down His life for His enemies. He loved us before we ever knew Him. He is the Bread of life. He is the living water wherein we will never thirst again. He is the light that overcomes our darkness. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. The King of kings and Lord of lords,

And they shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sin. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

God manifest in the flesh. Trust in His unfailing love today. Stand in the offering plate.

Be It Known Unto You That the Salvation of God Is Sent Unto the Gentiles, And They Will Hear It - Part 1257

Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto the fathers, saying, "Go unto this people and say, "Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see and not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." (Acts 28:25-27)

I can only imagine what the Jews were thinking, after apostle Paul said, "Be it known therefore unto you -- that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles and they will hear it." (Acts 28:28) It is no wonder they left to reason among themselves. This news would have been a shock, given their privileged status up until now.

We have to remember here that God had a chosen people throughout the old covenant, but these people wandered aimlessly (worshiping other gods), even though Almighty God continually provided them with manna from heaven for sustenance. As a consequence, only two people reached the promised land. And in time, the Lord looked beyond His chosen to a people who were not His people -- the Gentiles -- personally delivering to them His precious gift of salvation.

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

But, as Paul rightly questions, this does not mean that God hath cast away His people. Indeed, there is at present, a remnant according tot eh election of grace. (Romans 11:4-5)

"And if by grace, then it is no more of works; otherwise, grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace. Otherwise, work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. And David saith, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompense unto them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway."

I say then, "Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

Thou wilt say then, "The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear, for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee.

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness .... otherwise, thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, "There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."

As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the Father's sakes ... for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief, even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all.

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:6-36)
"For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings, for both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one -- for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing my praise unto Thee."

And again, "I will put my trust in Him,"

And again, "Behold I and the children which God hath given me."

For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage; for verily He took not on Him the nature of angels, but He took on Him the seed of Abraham, wherefore in all things, it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 2:11-18; Psalm 22:22; II Samuel 22:3; Isaiah 8:17-18)

Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever.

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

Let him with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

To Give Knowledge of Salvation Unto His People, By the Remission of Their Sins - Part 1256

"Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures ..." (James 1:16-18)

In other words, be not deceived. 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.

And, whom is the beloved? In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, [even] in Him; in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will.

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-18; Revelation 1:8. 11)

"That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ." (Ephesians 1:4-12)

Trusted after that we heard the Word of truth. We heard the gospel of our salvation, in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise -- which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-16)

"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 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." (Ephesians 1:17-19)

When Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God wrote to the faithful in Christ Jesus (which are at Ephesus), what did he say? He opened the epistle stating, "Grace [be] 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 ..." (Ephesians 1:1-3)

But wait. Did I not just quote I Timothy 3:16, wherein the scripture states "God manifest in the flesh." How can this be, you ask? First, take out the added words in square brackets for clarity in the scriptures. Second, note that there is no confusion between "peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" and "blessed the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

How can I say this? Let's look in the first chapter of Luke's gospel and study what happened when Mary became pregnant.

And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)

The same Holy Ghost whom Jesus after He was taken up "through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles whom He had chosen" in scribing the new testament. (Acts 1:2) The Holy Ghost which is the Spirit of God overshadowed Mary. Not separate from one another (or other persons) but one and the same God, who is Spirit.

"And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of his father David, and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:30-33)

Indeed, when Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, and into a city of Juda to see Elisabeth, she proclaimed the good news that would come to one and all from God her/our Saviour. That is, Emmanuel which means "God with us". (Matthew 1:21-23)

"And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

And as Mary spake, she said: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is His name.

And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with His arm. He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.

He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy -- as He spake to our fathers to Abraham, and to His seed forever." (Luke 1:46-55)

This same Jesus, whose name is above every other name, is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) So, don't be deceived by false teachings and the traditions of men. Open up your new testament and start reading, studying to show thyself approved unto God, as doth a workman. (II Timothy 2:15)

Stand in the offering plate.

Even Unto This Day, When Moses Is Read, The Vail Is Upon Their Heart - Post 1255

"And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God, who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament -- not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away, how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious, seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished, but their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3:4-18)

Too often, believers in Jesus Christ by faith are being judged according to the law given to Moses in the old testament. And in so doing, we as new believers in Jesus inevitably try to conform to the law and ten commandments, even though the law was given only as a schoolmaster -- to point us to the one and only Christ. Our Lord God and Saviour who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on an old rugged cross for us.

The people who were never intended to be His people, are now invited to become His chosen people. Think about this for a moment. We are not Israelites? We are not Jewish by blood? Ad neither our family of the Jewish bloodline? From the early days in the old testament, God divided His chosen people from all others, in a way that we know the two from the old covenant as either Jewish or Gentile (even though in this dispensation of grace, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but I digress).

In the old covenant, our perfection was to come by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the law. But the question for this day is this.

"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise, after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law ... and it is yet far more evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda, of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood, and it is yet far more evident, for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there arises another priest -- who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment but after the power of an endless life." (Hebrews 7:11-16)

As the scripture states, the law made nothing perfect -- but the bringing in of a better hope by the which we draw nigh unto God. 

"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 8:6-7)

An interesting quote from social media group Religion Exposed explains the difference between law and grace this way. 

"Why is this important? Because the law was never given to the Gentile. It was never our privilege. No, the law was what distinguished Israel from the rest of the planet. Everyone else was “excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12).

For a Jewish person to abandon the old way of the law and adopt God’s new way was a challenge. We see evidence of that struggle in The Book of Hebrews, for example: In The Book of Hebrews, it contains thousands of words urging the Jews to drop the old and hang on tightly to the new. But for most of us, that’s not our situation. We’re Gentiles. We were never offered the law. Today, we Gentiles are offered ONE COVENANT - THE NEW. Breaking free from the old shouldn’t really be necessary, since the old was never really ours to begin with."

In other words, we were grafted into the fold only when God declared "peace and good will to ALL men." (Luke 2:14)

We who were never His people in the first covenant are now invited to the wedding feast. A "chosen" generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (I Peter 2:9)

Jesus told us clearly, "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you." (John 15:16)

The Lord tried to make His original people an holy people, and had chosen them to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth, but these rejected the Lord thy God. 

"For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth." (Deuteronomy 14:2)

But they would not enter into His rest. And thus, our Lord God Almighty has reached out to you and I -- "where unto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:14)

Indeed, "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, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace -- wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself ..." (Ephesians 1:3-9)

For when? "That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ ... in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being destinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will!" (Ephesians 1:10-12)

To us in this current dispensation of grace, did the Lord decide that we would be His chosen people, according to the good pleasure of His will, He has made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we are sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13)

Not of ourselves but He through His own precious blood has made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we are sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. And, as a consequence?

"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)

So, the next time someone wants to level judgement against you for your life being far than perfect, think of apostle Paul. As the former Saul (before his name was changed into Paul), he murdered Christians for a past time, because he truly believed that he was doing God a favour. And apostle Paul did not bring to the saints and churches in Corinth and Galatia the law of Moses. And neither did he preach a doctrine that taught 'Jesus plus the law'. No, Paul preached Jesus and Jesus only because Jesus is the ONLY name under heaven whereby we can be saved in this current dispensation of grace.

And how do we know? Because we [Gentiles -- non Jews] were never given the law or ten commandments in the first place. As a consequence, we did not have a relationship with Jewish law. No wonder apostle Paul was angry with those who preached "another Jesus" rather than the good news gospel truth -- that Jesus paid the price for all our sins once and for all on the cross of Calvary. Our transgressions - past, present, and future -- are covered forever and made white as snow because He willingly shed His blood for you and I. 

Sadly, there are still those trying to impose these same legalistic rules and the false teaching of Jesus plus the law onto new believers today. But thankfully, we live in the new testament side whereby His grace abounds, and whereby the law was never an option for us. And as such, we can enter into His rest knowing how much our Lord God and Saviour loves us in this new day.

"But so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament ..." (Hebrews 7:22)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

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

Thank you Jesus for your mercy that surpasses all human understanding. If you do not know Jesus, ask Him to become Lord in your life. Repent of your sin and be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Put on His garment and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, His Spirit living within. Find yourself a new testament and start reading, taking notes, and highlighting verses in your Bible that stand out. Seek Jesus in all that you do, and stand fast therefore in the liberty wherein is Christ.

Stand in the offering plate.

Fear Not For Behold, I Bring You Good Tidings of Great Joy, Which Shall Be To ALL People -- Part 1254

A reminder before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season begins showing why we can know (beyond a shadow of a doubt) how much our Lord God loves us --

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, His name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him ... and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word -- for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:1-32)

Stand in the offering plate.

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God And His Righteousness - Part 1253

"And as ye go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, freely ye have received, freely give. " (Matthew 10:6-8)

Note that this same message -- the kingdom of heaven is at hand -- was preached by John the baptism when he preached of the soon coming Lamb of God, while in the wilderness. (Matthew 3:1-2) Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)

And then as Jesus walked, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. Jesus said unto them, "Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." (Mark 1:16-17)

Jesus answered and said unto Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) Note that Nicodemus had already acknowledged that the Lord must be a teacher come from God, "For no man can do these miracles that Thou does, except God be with Him." Still, Nicodemus had to ask Jesus, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?"

Jesus answered and said, "Verily, verily, Is say unto thee -- except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, "Ye must be born again." The wind blows where it lists, and thou hear the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it comes, and whither it goes, so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

Nicodemus answered and said to Jesus, "How can these things be?" And Jesus said, "Art thou a master of Israel and know not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up. That whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:3-21)

Breaking these scriptures down, what do we see happening? First, repentance. Second, believe the gospel. Third, follow Jesus, so that He can make us fishers of men. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus takes this point further. That is, we must be born again. We need to believe in Jesus in order to have eternal life. And we need to seek the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.

"For He whom God hath sent, speaks the words of God, for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him." (John 3:34)

Jesus said, "Blessed [are] the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

Jesus said, "Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." (Mark 10:15)

Jesus, in a teaching specifically to His disciples, taught saying, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

This is why Jesus taught the disciples to pray the prayer that we have come to recognize as the Lord's Prayer. 

Jesus said, " Our Father .... Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven ..." (Matthew 6:9-15)

But what is the kingdom of God? We know that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink. (Romans 14:17) We know that Jesus said that not every one that saith unto Jesus, "Lord, Lord," shall enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 7:21)

When Jesus went out, and departed from the temple; and His disciples came to Him for to show Him the buildings of the temple, and Jesus said unto them, "See ye not all these things? Verily, I say unto you, "There shall not be left here on stone upon another that shall not be thrown down." (Matthew 24:1-2) 

But "when the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory, and before Him shall be gathered all nations and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides [his] sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... " (Matthew 25:31-34)

And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, Jesus answered them and said, "The kingdom of God comes not with observation: neither shall they say, "Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 18:20-21)

For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Indeed, in the old covenant they did eat manna in the desert. And, as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to eat." But Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven ... for the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven and gives life unto the world." 

Desiring this bread, they said unto Jesus, "Lord, evermore give us this bread." And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life; he that comes to Me shall never hunger, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you that ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, I will in no wise cast out. 

For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father;'s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:32-40)

And the Jews murmured because Jesus said, "I am the bread which came down from heaven." (John 6:41)

But Jesus knowing their hearts did not change His stance. In fact, Jesus went on to confirm the same message yet again -- "He that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:42-51)

And they shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Jesus -- the bread of life which came down from heaven so that we may eat thereof, and not die. (John 6:50-71)

Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

The Kingdom of God is Not Meat and Drink, But Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost - Part 1252

"Happy is he that condemns not himself in that thing which he allows ..." (Romans 14:22)

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost for he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved of men." (Romans 14:17-18)

But often, there are those who want to judge us because of our faith journey, holding Christians to a higher standard of morality within the body of Christ. And, in so doing, these attempt to make us accountable under their own understanding of Jesus' teachings. Certainly, even the world is quick to cite the scripture, "Judge not that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1)

But there is much more to Jesus' teaching here than judging and this teaching is equally applicable to each and every one of us who profess Jesus to be our Lord. Yes, Jesus told us not to judge that we be not judged. But He also immediately explained His statement by adding, "with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. [Therefore] why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considers not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or, how wilt thou say to thy brother, "Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye, and behold, a beam is in thine own eye?" (Matthew 7:1-4)

These are all good questions.

Part of comprehending our standing within the body of Christ comes from abiding in Jesus. Not just one day a week, but every day of the week. You see, when we choose to love Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, (and as the scribe pointed out -- in understanding too we learn from receiving His love how to love one another. We learn to reach out to others because of the price Jesus willingly paid with His shed blood. And, in so doing, Jesus teaches us how to receive those that are weak in the faith.

Not to doubtful disputations, but with the unmerited love and forgiveness that Jesus has bestowed upon us. That is, "give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)

In other words, still, "judge not that ye be not judged" but in the context of going one step further in our love. Beyond the call of duty. If a man sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Do you see what Jesus is saying here?

"Be ye merciful, as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:36) "Give to him that asks thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy." But I [Jesus] say unto you, "Love your enemies. Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you -- that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 6:42-44)

Why is this important? Because God already makes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, sending rain to both the just and the unjust. But He wants us to go one step further in our love. This is why He calls us to love our enemies. To stand in the offering plate with Jesus.

"For if we love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? Do not even the publicans so?" (Matthew 6:46-47)

This is why as believers in Jesus by faith, we should "condemn not" so that "ye shall not be condemned" and to forgive so that "ye shall be forgiven." (Luke 6:37)

Remember Peter? The same apostle that denied the Lord Jesus Christ three times? Well, he comes to Jesus and asks, "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?" What did Jesus say unto him, "I say not unto thee, "until seven times, but, until seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22)

To illustrate this point, Jesus then shares a parable about the kingdom of heaven, likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him which owed him ten thousand talents. But for as much as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

But the servant therefore fell down, and worshiped the king, saying, "Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all." Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion and loosed him, and forgave the debt. But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence, and he laid hands on him, taking him by the throat, saying, "Pay me what thou owes"

And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying. "Have patience with me and I will pay thee all." But he would not and thus, cast the servant into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servant saw what was done, they were very sorry and came and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, "O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desires me. Shouldest not thou also have compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?"

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. "So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matthew 18:23-35)

Indeed, "let not him that eats despise him that eats not, and let not him which eats not judge him that eats, for God hath received him. "Who art thou that judges another man's servant? To his own master he stands or falls Yea, he shall be holden up, for God is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:1-4)

This is why Jesus went on to say, "Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." (Matthew 7:6)

But if the accusers do not receive your love, know that these same have judged you already, and no matter what you do, their judgement will not be changed. Thus, "give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you." (Matthew 7:6)

But to those who love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, strength and understanding, let "the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Preaching of the Cross Is To Them That Perish Foolishness But Unto Us Which Are Saved, It Is the Power of God - Part 1251

"Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man on the things of others. 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 ..." (Philippians 2:2-6)

"Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace be with you." (II Corinthians 13:11)

"Be of the same mind one to another." (Romans 12:16)

" ... that they be of the same mind in the Lord." (Philippians 4:2)

"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul ..." (Acts 4:32)

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (I Corinthians 1:10)

In other words, "if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:26)

Herein, we often refer to "standing in the offering plate"and/or "pressing into Jesus" as worthy examples of showing the love of Jesus to those around us. Becoming a flow through, and allowing His love to direct and guide us on how to support/edify one another so that no one within the body of Christ is without. (Acts 2:36-42; Acts 4:31-37) I do not mean just in areas of finance (because we hear too much in the church community about finances), but rather, in everything we do. Becoming sensitive to the needs of others -- letting each esteem others better than ourselves.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)
And let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Everything in the precious name of Jesus!

"Be kindly affection-ed one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another, not slothful in business; fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer, distributing to the necessity of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you, Bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend [associate] with men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men ... be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:10-21)

As we move into the last days, and our world spirals downward into utter chaos, where the flesh lusts against the Spirit, we need to understand that being led of the Spirit means ye are not under the Law. We have been redeemed by His precious blood shed on the cross. Sanctified and made whole. We have been called unto liberty, in which all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this -- "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:13-14)

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest ... but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified in the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Galatians 5:19-24)

No longer focusing on the conviction of sin, but rather, seeking Jesus and His love and grace, being cleansed by His mercy, all the while our faith journey being confirmed by His Word.

"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." (Colossians 1:27)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Seed of Promise - Part 1250

This gospel reveals JESUS - who is the SEED of promise - and in which SEED all the nations of the earth can be blessed. This gospel became necessary when God Himself was veiled in flesh as a righteous man. For God declared that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In this context then, there is none righteous, no not one.

But the hidden plan of God was gradually being unveiled. Right from the beginning, God had a plan for man even though at times we cannot comprehend what God has in store for us. Indeed, we often scratch our heads endeavouring to understand what is man that the Lord god would be so mindful of Him.

Yes, Lord you have made man a little lower than the angels. Still, you set man over the works of your hands and crowned man with glory and honour. When man turned aside from your Word, it was here that you imparted into Eve a SEED of promise. A SEED of yourself emanating from yourself. So that in the process of time, you would clothe your Promised SEED in sin prone flesh, thereby initiating at the fullness of time your hidden plan of redemption.

That is, you would through your love, mercy and grace purchase us who were your enemies and bring each and every one of us who believed back to innocence. And this redemption plan, purchased through the sacrifice of your own blood (the blood of your Holy Spirit).

In our ignorance of prophetic scripture, we indeed crucified JESUS. We were spurred along by religious zealots who in pretense professed to be God’s ministers, and in the end duping us into believing that such was the case!

But God’s love for His disobedient creation was much greater than our sin of beguiled disobedience. Because of God's love for us, there never can be anything that can separate us from God’s love. God has manifested His Love to us whilst inside a prone to sin body, a body in which body He willingly inherited all of our sins and demerits. But even death did not deter JESUS from His purposed mission, which was to redeem and restore the fallen sons of God.

This is why JESUS died and was buried in a tomb. As stated in the scriptures, "Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it remains alone." However, if the corn of wheat were to die, in dying the potential life within the SEED springs forth as a multitude of the same SEEDS.

In this example, JESUS is the SEED and we are the offspring of the SEED of JESUS. In this same SEED as afore promised of God in prophecy, all the nations of the earth will be blessed.

To become one of the offspring, certain criteria must be willingly adhered too. First of all, one must recognise that JESUS put Himself on the cross for you and I who are the guilty ones. We must repent before God for our sinful deeds, giving thanks to God with a grateful heart. If one is not willing to offer themselves on these terms, then the door of redemption will remain closed!

If, on the other hand, one willing repents with a grateful heart, then their sins are remitted in full by the same JESUS has put Himself in our place. We then receive the gift of redemption. And now having received redemption, God commands that you be baptized into the likeness of JESUS death. In so doing, you will receive the promised gift of the Holy Spirit that comes forth from the SEED of Life within the kernel of wheat - JESUS!

As such, you become the offspring of JESUS. We are now the children of God in Christ! We have been born again as a new spiritual creation, dwelling within us is the same Spirit as was in the man JESUS the Christ! This Spirit is the Holy Spirit. We are ALL members of that ONE SEED and because we are the offspring of the SEED, we now hunger for the things of God, endeavouring to walk even as He walked!

Stand in the offering plate.

By William (Bill) McKendrick

In Whom Are Hid All the Treasures Of Wisdom and Knowledge - Part 1249

"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.