Beloved, Think It Not Strange Concerning the Fiery Trial Which Is To Try You But Rejoice!- Part 1353

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." (I Peter 4:12-14)

"Moreover, brethren, we do (make known to you) to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia, how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality, for to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power  [they] were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift [and take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering of the saints." (II Corinthians 8:1-4)

In the gospels, we see Jesus speaking to the chief priests and the scribes and the elders in parables, as they sought to lay hold on Him. Note however that inasmuch as these desired to rid their society of Jesus, they also feared the people for they knew that He had spoken this specific parable against them. So, instead, they sent unto Jesus certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to catch Him in His words. (Mark 12:13)

"And they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way. And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words.

And when they were come, they say unto Him, "Master, we know that Thou art true, and cares for no man: for thou regard not the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, "Why tempt ye Me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it." (Mark 12:12-15)

And they brought it. And He saith unto them, "Whose is this image and superscription?" And they said unto Him, "Caesar's." And Jesus answering said unto them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him.

Note then that the Sadducees came which say there is no resurrection. Next, a scribe to whom Jesus observed, saying, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." (Mark 12:28-34)  And while Jesus taught in the temple, the common people heard Him gladly. (Mark 12:37)

But to the scribes, Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing and love salutations in the marketplaces and the chief seats in the synagogues and the uppermost rooms at feasts, which devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayers; these shall receive greater damnation." (Mark 12:38-40)

Did you catch that? Jesus warned us of the scribes, who love salutations and recognition in the synagogues, and always want the best seats at feasts. Why? Because these devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. But Jesus did not stop there. Over in the treasury, Jesus beheld how the people cast money into the treasury and how many that were rich cast in much. 

"And there came a certain poor widow and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them. "Verily I say unto you. That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury ... for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had -- even all her living." (Mark 12:41-44)

The little widow woman gave all she had, not of her abundance but from her heart. She honoured the Lord God with everything she had -- her mind, her soul, her heart and her strength. The first commandment in both the old covenant and the new testament. (Mark 12:28; Deuteronomy 6:4)

"And herein, I give my advice for this is expedient for you who have begun before -- not only to do but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it, that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have, for if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not ...

For I mean not that other men be eased and ye be burdened but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want that their abundance also may be a supply for your want -- that there may be an equality." (II Corinthians 8:10-14)

In other words, as it is written, "He that had gathered much had nothing over, and he that had gathered little had no lack." (II Corinthians 8:15)

As a community of believers wherein every single believer is equal within the body of Christ, and Jesus is the Head.

This is why we should "rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying(s). Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that called you, who also will do it ... The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (I Thessalonians 5:16-28)

Stand in the offering plate.

For Ye Know the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, That Though He Was Rich, For Our Sakes He Became Poor - Part 1352

"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. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us; we pray you in Christ's stead; be ye reconciled to God --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 5:17-21)

Think about this for a moment. When we believe on Jesus by faith, repenting of our sin, and are then water baptized in the name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, we become a new creature. The heart desires that we once had are passed away, and all things have become anew. And this gift of salvation -- not of ourselves but because God reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and having done so, has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

In other words, He gave us the Word of reconciliation so that we could become ambassadors for Christ. Not only so that we can be reconciled to God but those around us too -- for He who knew no sin has made Him sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

For those who don't know Jesus personally, note that today is the day of salvation. Behold, now is the accepted time to ask Jesus to become Lord and Saviour in your life. (Isaiah 49:8) And thus, your purpose and heart desires renewed as a consequence of His goodness and grace. But don't stop with a change of heart. Acknowledge that this is a new turning point in your life. The new paradigm in which each and every one of us can receive peace and joy until even our cups runneth over. Now that is blessing.

But some within the religious community have translated the word 'blessed' to mean 'prosperous' in the worldly sense. To many in their congregations, this means financially set for the remainder of our time left on earth. However, as believers in Jesus the Christ by faith, we are instructed not to be deceived by the whims of man-made religion and the traditions of men.  Indeed, apostle Paul clarifies our new relationship in Jesus, saying:

"We then as workers together with Jesus beseech also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain -- giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be blamed; but in all approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. By honour and dishonour, by evil report and by good report, as deceivers, and yet true, as unknown, and yet well known, as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:1-10)

Thus, we are labourers together with God -- ambassadors for Christ. Ye are God's husbandry, God's building according to the grace of God -- for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 3:9-11; II Corinthians 5:20)

The God of hope fills you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13) Thus, let a man so account of us, writes Paul, as of the ministers [servants] and stewards of the mysteries of God, and that ye be found faithful. (I Corinthians 4:1-2)

Running the race and enduring to the very end, regardless of the hurdles life driven by a worthless enemy throws repeatedly at believers. This is why Paul writes -- ministers of God in much patience, and in much afflictions, and in much necessities, and in distresses, and in stripes, and in imprisonments, and in tumults, and in labours, and in watchings and in fastings.

As Paul himself has experienced, "in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes, save one. Thrice I was beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren, in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which comes upon me daily -- the care of all the churches." (II Corinthians 11:23-28)

Even so, there is a hope in Jesus that surpasses all human understanding. "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God ... because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 2-5)

By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. (II Corinthians 6:4-7)

This is why we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? Rather, we are the temple of the living God: as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," saith the Lord, "and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters," saith the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:14-18; Isaiah 52:11)

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons [and daughters] of God." (Romans 8:14)

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (I Corinthians 3:16)

Therefore, don't let the trials and tribulations of this world get you down. Instead, seek His love unfeigned both through and by the Word of truth, by the power of God. Stand by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and the left by the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter which will lead and guide you into all truth. Most of all, don't be misled by those who only want to take and take again from you because that spirit is the spirit of this world and not the Spirit of the Lord.

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to EVERY man to profit withal ..." (I Corinthians 12:7)

Stand in the offering plate.

For God is Not the Author of Confusion, But of Peace - Part 1351

"But this spake Jesus of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." (John 7:39)

Herein, the question often asked in the book of Acts. Have you received His Holy Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- since you believed? This question was originally asked by Paul when he met certain believers. Their reply? "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." Apostle Paul then asks, "Unto what then were you baptized?" And they replied that they were baptized in the fashion practiced by John the baptist.

As the scriptures relate, Paul then sets out to explain that John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. Preparing the heart and minds for the soon appearing of the Lamb of God whom later would be crucified. Jesus. John said he was the 'early news edition' forecasting the imminent appearing of Jesus. 

"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." (John 1:29-31)

But He that comes after me, declared John, this same Jesus whom was crucified will baptize you with His Holy Spirit. As we read in the scriptures, these believers gladly received Paul’s words and were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:1-6; Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:34-48) When Paul laid his hands upon them in Jesus name, the promise of God descended upon the twelve disciples and they began to speak in other tongues. The tongues were accompanied with prophesy.

In other words, as the scriptures states, there is only One Lord, One faith, One baptism. For by One Spirit have we all been baptized into one body.  (Romans 6:3-4) We are buried with Him by baptism into His death and we rise up out of the water clothed in His justification. Moreover, we are sealed with His promised Spirit. Many will speak in tongues. The language of our heavenly Father adopting us and making us His redeemed children. The Holy Ghost confirming that we are now His children.

Remember, after Jesus was taken up, He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles. (Acts 1:2) The last to see Jesus was Paul -- "as one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:1-8) But I digress.

In this current dispensation of grace, He God manifest in the flesh has seeded us in His death. And now, He that has the Son has life. We are not endeavouring to introduce an alternative gospel here. Rather, we are confronting those who have been side swiped by so called men of God. Individuals appointed and titled by organized religion that haven't adhered to the Word of God. Like the false apostles that Paul exposed, Paul submitted that they were messengers of satan transforming and presenting themselves as messengers of light.

If indeed they were messengers of light, then they would preach the Word of God, as His Word is written in the scriptures. And, as we were commanded. The scriptures tell us not to preach any other doctrine, other than the doctrinal truths which were delivered to us. 

Therefore, it's time to stop hiding in the bushes. Like Adam in the garden. Only in these latter days, many hide behind the Bible in order to make merchandise of you. We have just read that Paul and company baptized 12 persons into the name of Jesus. These 12 were not baptized into the descriptive titles. (The titles -- "in the name of the father, son and spirit" was adopted by the so called church fathers around 300 AD. They, having laid aside the scriptures, altered the word from the original which was baptism into the name of Jesus). His  name is Jesus!

Still, these so-called teachers of His Word march on in clear defiance of the truth. But Jesus told us, that those who are of God will hear the Word of God, receiving God’s engrafted Word with meekness. It is they who will abide in God’s Word with thanksgiving. As concerning the receiving of God’s Spirit, they did speak in tongues as the Spirit of God gave them utterance. Today does not differ from the experiences shared in Acts chapters 2 and 10. Some advocate that this experience has ceased, now that we have entered into the 21st century but His Word states differently.

God is still pouring out His Spirit upon all believers today. His spirit which He has housed in fleshly bodies and His promise which extends to all generations does not change because time has passed. Indeed, God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. God manifest in the flesh. 

Therefore, run and run fast from those who oppose God’s Word. Why? Because God is no respecter of persons. When the scriptures state that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, rest assured that is exactly what occurred. Similarly, when you are filled with the Comforter which is His Spirit within, you will experience the same outpouring of the Holy Ghost as the first 3,000 on the day of Pentecost. 

Only after you are grounded in the book of Acts, move on into the epistles. In the meantime, tarry before God allowing Jesus to breathe His breath on You.

May His Word also find in your heart good soil, causing you to grow in grace and the knowledge of our great God and only Saviour the Lord Jesus (the Christ). Peace to all who are in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

Are Ye Also Deceived? If Any Man Do His Will He Shall Know of The Doctrine, Whether It Be of God - Part 1350

"Have any of the rulers, or of the Pharisees -- believed on Him?" (John 7:49)

This is an interesting question given that Jesus declared, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)

At the time, the Jews sought to kill Jesus. Earlier, the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand, and Jesus would not walk in Jewry [Judea] because of the situation. Jesus told them it was because "My time is not yet come, but your time is alway ready. The world cannot hate you, but Me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil" (John 7:1-8)

Jesus told His brethren to go up unto this feast, but Jesus abode still in Galilee. When His brethren were gone up, Jesus also went up unto the feast but not openly. As we know, the Jews asked, "Where is He?" causing much murmuring among the people concerning Him. (John 7:9-13)

Later, about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught, and the Jews marveled, saying, "How knows this man letters, having never learned?" Jesus answered them, and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, He shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or I speak of Myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory; but He that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keep the law? Why go ye about to kill Me?" (John 7:14-19)

You see, the rulers, along with the Pharisees were supposed to be 'learned' men, and also familiar with the historical record contained within the old testament. As we read however, we see that they all marveled, even though Jesus had only done one work. (John 7:20-21)

Jesus went on to boldly proclaim -- "Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at Me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgement." (John 7:22-24)

At this point, something dramatic begins to happen among those listening to Jesus' teachings. Some of them of Jerusalem started to ask if Jesus is the very Christ. "Howbeit we know this man whence He is, but when Christ comes, no man knows whence He is." (John 7:25-27) And many of the people believed on Him. Some considered Jesus to be a prophet, while others the Christ. Some even referred to the prophecy of old that stated, "That Christ comes of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was." (John 7:42; Micah 5:2)

Sound familiar? Do you remember when Jesus stood up in the synagogue and said, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." And all bare Him witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" (Luke 4:22-23; John 6:42; Acts 13:29)

Needless to say, there was a division among the people because of Jesus. This became too much for the chief priests and Pharisees who proceeded to send officers to capture Jesus. And some of them would have taken Him, according to scripture, but "no man laid hands on Him." (John 7:44)

Why? Because the appointed time was not yet.

Note also that the Holy Ghost was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:39) This scripture is one of many that refutes the modern day religious dogma that suggests the Holy Ghost is co-eternal and co-existent as a part of a tri-une God. But I digress.

When the officers came, the chief priests and Pharisees asked, "Why have ye not brought Him?" The officers answered, "Never man spake like this man." Then answered them the Pharisees, "Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him? But this people -- [this crowd] --who knows not the law are cursed?" (John 7:44-49)

But as we learn, the 'unlearned' crowd were not the only ones to marvel. Nicodemus (who had come to Jesus by night and who brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes about an hundred to clothe Jesus body with spices) also asked, "Doth our law judge man, before it hears him, and know what he does?" They answered and said unto Nicodemus, "Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look; for out of Galilee arises no prophet." (John 7:50-53; John 3:1-21; John 19:39; Deuteronomy 1:16; Deuteronomy 17:20)

But the learned of that day should have realized that one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinned; but rather, at the mouth of three witnesses shall the matter be established. (Deuteronomy 19:15)

At the end of the day, Nicodemus actions answered the Pharisees' question.

"Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him?" (John 7:48)

And there is Nicodemus, along with the crowds not only believing on Jesus, but following Him too. Why? Because they knew that if any man or woman do His will, that person shall know the doctrine -- whether it be good or bad. And you will too, if you seek Him through His Word.

Stand in the offering plate.

For If The Inheritance Be Of The Law, It Is No More of Promise - Part 1349

"And that I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, [it is] no more of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one but God is One." (Galatians 3:17-20)

When Peter (standing with the eleven apostles) stood and told the multitude of people that this Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ, what happened? The people were pricked in their heart, and as a consequence, led to ask what they must do to obtain salvation. Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

We often focus on repentance and water baptism in the name of Jesus in this blog, because it shows how the scriptures so clearly differ from the religious traditions and institutionalized doctrines of men. And, in essence, shows how far the religious culture has swayed from the truth. Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17)

The Word that was made flesh. 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)

He -- God in Christ -- Jesus the Christ is the "promise" that is "unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:39)

The promise of God in Christ which cannot be disannulled by man or added to. Till the seed should come to whom the promise was made. The seed which is Christ.

The promised Messiah is Christ.

Zacharias (the father of John the baptist, called the prophet of the Highest who went before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways) prophesying said it this way.

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed His people. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; as he spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; the oath which He sware to our father Abraham -- that He would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear. In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life."

In this case, Zacharias was prophesying about the day that the Lord God of Israel would visit and redeem His people. Today, we have seen the promise. Our eyes have seen and witnessed Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people. (Luke 2:25-32)

Jesus -- the Bread of life.

Jesus -- the living water from whence we will never thirst again.

Jesus -- the Light of the world.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

God with us -- who is both Lord and Christ. (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6; Acts 2:36; I Timothy 3:16)

The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the King of kings and Lord of lords -- the One and Only.

And if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise. But we have the promise that was prophesied from the beginning -- that the same Lord God who created the world in the beginning, would bring us His gift of salvation.

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

The greatest love story ever told. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I Am Come In My Father's Name, And Ye Received Me Not - Part 1348

Jesus said, "And the Father Himself which hath sent Me hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And ye have not His Word abiding in you; for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not." (John 5:37-38)

Herein, Jesus is speaking to the Jews who persecuted Him, seeking to slay Him. The Jews were mad because Jesus had done a miracle on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, "My Father works hitherto, and I work." (John 5:16-17) Then the Jews sought the more to kill Jesus, because He had not only broken the sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God." (John 5:16-18)

What did Jesus say?

Then answered Jesus and said unto them. "Verily, verily, I say unto you. The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father doing, for what things soever He doeth, these things also the Son likewise ... that all should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father." (John 5:19-47)

Jesus finished this teachings to the Jews, saying, "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me, for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?"

Still, as we know from the scriptures, our Lord God is so good. Even before the foundations of the world were formed, God had a plan. The following scriptures taken from I Corinthians 1:20-31 elaborates on the wisdom of God and how God chose the foolish things -- like the preaching of the cross -- to confound the wise. The scriptures state:

Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards. Not many were powerful. Not many were of noble birth but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

But of Him are you in Christ Jesus who of God is made into us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that according as it is written, "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

Stand in the offering plate.

The Law Was Added Because of Transgressions Till the Seed Should Come To Whom The Promise Was Made - Part 1347

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to sees, 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 to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:16-18)

"For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect. Because the law works wrath, for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Therefore, it is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickens the dead and calls those things which be not as though they were -- who against hope believed in hope that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be."

"And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:18)

"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thine name great, and thou shalt be a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curses thee, and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed ... And the Lord appeared to Abram [Abraham] and said, "Unto thy seed will I give this land, and there builded he an alter unto the Lord, who appeared unto him." (Genesis 12:2-3,7)

"For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth; so that if a man can umber the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee ..." (Genesis 13:15-17)

"And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform.

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him, but to us also, to whom ist shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ -- by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 4:13 - Romans 5:2)

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many are one body, so also is Christ. For by One Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member but many ... But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased Him ..." (I Corinthians 12:12-18)

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [Him]; that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God." (Romans 8:17-19)

In other words, we are a privileged people, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood -- because by the reason of Him who shed His precious blood on the cross, we who believe in Jesus by faith have been delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

As a consequence, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that love us. (Romans 8:35-39)

Stand in the offering plate.

Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord, And He Shall Sustain Thee - Part 1346

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me."

But instead of getting to know Jesus personally as the ONLY mediator between God and man -- the perfect sacrifice whereby He willingly shed His blood on the cross so that we might have eternal life, we allow a religious culture to intervene, teaching us doctrines that cannot be substantiated within His Word.

Apostle Paul said, "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you? that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If yet in vain?

He therefore that ministered to you in the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye not 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 with faithful Abraham." (Galatians 3:1-9)

But sadly, too many have not run well, to which Paul asks, "Who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of Him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, sedition's, heresies, envying's, murders, drunkenness, revelling's, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

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 the flesh with the affections and lusts.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:7-26)

Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

Stand in the offering plate.

May 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 - Part 1345

"Now 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)

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, we were never intended to chore away in the drudgery of this world. Rather, Jesus invites us to enter into His rest, standing fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. To that end, Jesus spent over three years enlightening His disciples in the day to day. But even Jesus (at times) sighed deeply at how little His disciples had learned within that space of time.

I am thinking specifically of the time that Jesus warned His disciples about the Sadduccees and Pharisees, and similarly, to beware of the leaven. The disciples mistakenly took this to mean that Jesus was mad at them for forgetting the bread, even though these same disciples had already witnessed Jesus feeding the five thousand from five loaves and two fishes. In that situation, there was even baskets of food left over. But I digress.

In warning His disciples, Jesus was referring to the slippery slope principle -- meaning that if a compromise is made for one teaching (or doctrine), it won't be long before the original teachings of Jesus are no longer recognizable. We see this within the modern day religious culture. The saddest part of it all is that the Word that Jesus personally delivered is being compromised and diluted as well. And in this case, Jesus was telling His disciples to beware of the leaven.

A little leaven can spoil the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9)

But we are privileged, in that we in this current dispensation of grace can freely access His Word. And having received the Holy Ghost (after repenting and being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus) we no longer have need of a teacher, if we study His Word for our edification and learning.

Therefore, "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage ... for we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love." (Galatians 5:1-6)

Trust in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ today. Stand fast in the offering plate.

Hear O Israel The Lord God Is One Lord And There Is No Other Beside Him - Part 1344

"Then drew near unto Jesus all the publicans and sinners to hear Him, and the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners, and eats with them." (Luke 15:1-2)

This is the starting point of Jesus parable. It is important to note that the teaching He gives in Luke chapter 15 continues to the beginning of chapter 17. I believe Jesus' parable should be a must read for all believers seeking Jesus, in order that these come to know half-heartedness in our faith, and how being neither hot nor cold grieves our Lord and Saviour.

Jesus' audience here includes the disciples, publicans and sinners, as well as Pharisees and scribes. Essentially, the parable in Luke 16 points to a dishonest steward who — in managing an estate — was accused of wasting and squandering the lord’s goods. By definition, steward means “one who manages another’s property, finances or other affairs,” or “one who is in charge of household affairs.”

Jesus said unto His disciples, “There was a certain rich man which had a steward, and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.” (Luke 16:1-2)

In today’s terms, this situation would be akin to a manager calling into question an employee’s conduct, before firing this same employee. The steward here is now concerned because he is going to be — if we use the analogy above — out of a job. Clearly, the steward has a problem. To redeem himself, the steward counsels within himself, saying, “What shall I do? For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig [and] to beg I am ashamed.” (Luke 1:3)

In other words, the steward stands condemned if he cannot find a way to manage his responsibilities again. So the steward begins to seek options using his worldly wisdom. But the steward must act quickly because if he doesn’t, his plight will be found out within the community, and most particularly among the lord’s friends. So the steward cleverly devises a plan that will keep him gainfully employed. The steward states, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

Thinking quickly, the steward hurriedly turns the rich man’s debtors into his friends. In his haste to remain employed, he calls every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, asking, “How much owest thou unto my lord?” The first said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And the steward said, “Take thy bill and sit down quickly and write fifty.” Then the steward said to another, “And how much owest thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And the steward said unto him, “Take thy bill and write fourscore.” (Luke 16:5-7)

What the steward is doing here is changing the terms of the relationship between the debtor and the lord. On the surface, the steward who in his job was previously responsible for collecting all outstanding debts is now turning the rich man's debtors into his friends by forgiving some of the debt.

Jesus cites two examples in the parable. In one, the account holder's debt was forgiven by half. But the steward's negotiating did not just stop at two debtors. In fact, according to the scriptures, the steward called “every single one” of the lord’s debtors. Not one person was missed in the steward’s determination to negotiate a new debt with one and all. As a consequence, the total cost — if we were only looking at monetary terms — would be significant. But obviously, we are not only looking at monetary matters here.

When the lord discovered what the steward was doing, he commended the unjust steward for using worldly ways to justify his continued existence. It is here that the real message of the parable begins to unfold. No longer is the parable focused solely on the steward wasting the lord’s estate — for which the steward was essentially fired.

“The lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:8-9)

Herein, the lord is commenting on how the unjust steward found a way — albeit using evil cunning and deviousness — to increase his reputation among the fold. From the unjust steward’s perspective, he was able to retain some form of credence within the community as a whole by arranging a better deal for the debtors. Can you hear them saying, “Well, he can’t be all bad.”

From the debtor’s perspective, they would be most grateful for a portion of their debts being forgiven. Normally, for a debt to be forgiven (if you use the agricultural example that would have been prominent in Biblical times) there would have to be extenuating circumstances in the farming sector that precipitated making a special request. But note here that forgiveness of the debt came about without any solicitation by the debtors to the lord. The debts were seemingly freely given — without a list of conditions — from the debtor’s point of view. (More on this point later)

But the key to remember here is that salvation was already bought and paid for -- IN FULL -- ONCE AND FOR ALL -- when Jesus shed His precious holy blood on the cross. He paid the full price of our salvation. He offered the perfect sacrifice, extending His gift of redemption and eternal life to every person that so desires His blessings.

However, it is also critical to notice that in acknowledging the steward’s deal to the debtors, the lord was not commending the steward’s dishonesty or behaviour. What the unjust steward did to further his own self-preservation was still wrong on every level.

However, the unjust steward knew enough about the lord to recognize that the l/Lord would not go back and collect the difference in the debts owing from the debtors – regardless of the amount. Why? Because the steward knew the Lord was gracious. The steward also knew that the Lord had already forgiven the debt in full. He had come to fulfill the law, thereby bringing the law to fruition. It was this acknowledgement — the ability of even the steward to recognize the ultimate generosity of the Lord that the Lord commended.

So what does all this mean? First, the key to understanding this parable is recognizing the true identity of the characters. The rich man is our Lord God and Saviour, satan is the steward/manager and the accuser of the brethren, and the debtors represent all of humanity — you and I.

Second, as we know from Genesis, satan gained authority and rule over the earth when Adam and Eve fell in the garden. There and then, satan became the prince of this world working through mankind — evil in every aspect. His objective was to seek and devour everyone that he could, always luring people to do his bidding. In essence, satan was always seeking ways to repress God’s people -- and if he couldn't accomplish this objective satisfactorily, at least he could get them to settle into the established traditions of men.

Sadly, in this situation, he turned those whom Jesus had set totally free -- to stand fast in His liberty according to Galatians 5:1 into debtors. Debtors again to the Law and the old covenant that was so prevalent in the old testament. The same Law that our Lord God fully satisfied and brought to an end when He died on the cross.

As Jesus said, "It is finished."

But what satan did not count on was this. The generosity of our Lord extended from His abundant love for His creation. So when our Lord God — who created man and woman in the beginning — willingly became our Saviour, satan lost his stronghold. Indeed, when Jesus’ precious holy blood was shed on the cross for you and I, the prince of this world stood condemned. (John 16:11)

Fired. Why? Because when Jesus blood was shed, the Law was satisfied once and for all. When Jesus died and rose again, we were forgiven of our sins when we chose to believe in Him by faith ... and seek His righteousness. This meant that satan could no longer misuse the Law in order to repress God’s chosen people.

Neither could the prince of this world accuse those who seek Jesus and all His righteousness because in salvation -- which God gave us as a gift -- we are totally forgiven by His grace and mercy. 100% forgiven of our past, present and future sins -- covered by the precious blood of Jesus -- so although our sins were crimson, they are now white as snow.

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

As a consequence, satan — like the unjust steward in the parable — recognized that in order to retain his worldly status, he would have to act quickly. Call in IOU’s — even if one has to make them up, and thus, lure us through deceitful negotiation into making a deal. A different deal for every person. A varying discount depending on the spiritual situation. Nevertheless, the ultimate objective being to make one and all debtors.

This is why he said, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

The intent then was for satan to ensure that we remain as debtors — with at least one foot in the world. Half-hearted in our love for Jesus. Giving only a little bit of our life to being free in Jesus — with one foot in the Law, citing the ten commandments as critical in our daily living, while only half-heartedly acknowledging God's grace and mercy that set us free -- standing in His liberty. Sprinkling the gospel in our life while immersing ourselves in the labour of this world.

Going to church just enough to show the Lord that we are willing to participate — at least to some extent but never really experiencing His awesome freedom and grace. Conforming to the traditions of men, rather than worshiping our Lord.

As a consequence, we end up serving two masters rather than wholeheartedly seeking the absolute — the one and only — Jesus the Christ — the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

The same Jesus who said that we “are bought with a price” and therefore the reason why we should “glorify God in our body, and in our spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:20)

Contemplate on this part of the revelation because this is only the beginning. Indeed, there’s much more to come in the posts ahead. In the interim, put "yourself" in His offering plate.