Thou Art The King of Israel; Both Lord and Christ - Part 2339

And Jesus said unto them, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature: he that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)

Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in HIs Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you, but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, unto ye be endured with power from on high."

And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:47-53)

"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you." And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.

Then said Jesus to them again, "Peace be unto you; as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them, and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:19-23)

This is the moment in time that the prophets from afore had written of -- when God -- after His kindness and love would become our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)As we know, the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John record the life of Jesus Christ and His impact on those who came to hear His good news message. Throughout His time on earth, some were aware of who Jesus was. Think Simeon and Anna, and Mary the mother of Jesus who rejoiced "in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-48; Luke 2:36-38; Luke 2:25)

But even more so, Jesus shared His identity with His disciples when He said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Later, Jesus reiterates this same point with His disciples that if they had seen Him, they would have seen the Father, and thus, know Him. (John 14:6-12)

Sadly, not everyone knew of the prophecies pointing to the Lord God who would come forth as a mighty man and Saviour. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) Perhaps, this is why Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I AM?" The responses varied, including John the Baptizer, Elijah, Jeremiah, or the prophets.

"Then understood they how that He bade [them] not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" And they said, "Some say that Thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." (Matthew 16:12-14)

"And He sent him away to his house, saying, "Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town." And Jesus went out, and His disciples, into the towns of Cæsarea Philippi: and by the way He asked His disciples, saying unto them, "Whom do men say that I AM?" And they answered, "John the Baptist" but some say, "Elias" and others, "One of the prophets." (Mark 8:26-28)

"And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets. And it came to pass, as He was alone praying, His disciples were with Him: and He asked them, saying, "Whom say the people that I AM?" They answering said, "John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again." (Luke 9:17-19)

Then Jesus asks His disciples more directly. That is, "Who do you say I AM?" Note that Peter quickly responds, saying, "Thou art The Christ, the Son of the Living God."

Nathanael took the point further when he asks Jesus, "Whence knowest thou me?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee." Nathanael answered and saith unto Him, "Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said unto him, "Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." (John 1:46-50)

Note that by the time we get to Acts, and Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) states that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41) This marks the beginning of the New Testament church. Jesus has ascended and now through the Holy Ghost gives commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)

For clarity, Acts 1:1-11:

"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen; to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, BUT WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER, WHICH, SAITH HE, YE HAVE HEARD OF ME. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."

When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" And He said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST IS COME UPON YOU: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:1-11)

As we move through the New Testament, we begin to see Jesus for who He really was -- God manifest in the flesh; God our Saviour; King of kings and Lord of lords; Alpha and Omega; the first and the last; the beginning and the ending. (I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8) And He willingly shed His precious holy blood for you and I on a cross so that we might have abundant everlasting life in Him.

Get to know the Lord Jesus this day. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you -- the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. Once you repent and are baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be filled with the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit dwelling within. And He will never leave you nor forsake you!

Stand in the offering plate.

Every Tongue Will Confess That Jesus Christ Is Lord - Part 2338

" ... that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

"... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 4:11)

For it is written, "As I live," saith the Lord, "every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11)

As Peter (standing with the eleven) declared on the day of Pentecost, this same Jesus whom ye hav crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. 

"I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the Name of the Lord Most High." (Psalm 7:17)

"If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 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 vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also 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: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:1-11)

Stand in the offering plate.

Prove Me Now, Saith The Lord Of Hosts - Part 2337

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)

For me, Romans 8 has always been the promise chapter wherein the Lord declares and proves His promises to those who believe in His Name,  revealing His goodness and grace and mercy. In fact, Romans 8 is one of my go-to chapters, when the struggles of this world begin to mount. But today I am going to focus on how the Lord strengthens us in the now -- remembering that there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.

Why is this important? Because when we worship and praise our Lord God and Saviour in the now,  we are continually strengthened by His grace. When all men stand against us, forsaking us, the Lord God stands with us in all things -- walking before us, and sustaining us even when we are unsure of the things coming next. A good reminder comes from David the psalmist who wrote: "In the day when I cried, Thou answered me, and strengthened me with strength in my soul." (Psalm 138:3) 

From the beginning of time, the Lord's faithfulness and mercy has not changed. Thus, when we focus on the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and flow His love to others, He pours out His blessings. He fills us with hope when things look far from hopeful. And again, He is so very faithful in all things. This is the reason we worship Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, giving to Him all the glory and honour and praise forever and ever -- because He is forever worthy of our praise.

In looking for scripture that edifies in numerous situations, I found these. I hope they offer you as much hope as they do me. 

From Philippians 4:13: " I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Another example of being strengthened by the Lord in the present? 

"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (II Timothy 4:16-18)

In another place -- "... that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:" (Colossians 1:10-12)

And yet again -- "... of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love." (Ephesians 3:16-17)

Finally, from Revelation -- "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Moment In Time When Secular Owns Up To The Absolute Word Of God - Part 2336

Taken from the Britannica Encyclopedia 11th edition, Vol 3, Pg 365-366 

This verifies and validates that the baptismal formula in the New Testament scriptures was changed from the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to the titles Father, Son, & Holy Spirit by the Catholic Church in the second century. The scriptures are still the absolute authority, and as those who have been water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus will attest, one becomes clothed in His righteousness. 

If you need scriptures to support water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus -- Acts 2:36-41; Acts 19:1-5; I Peter 3:21-22; Romans 6:3-4; John 3:1-21; Acts 8:34-40; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 9:17-19. I Corinthians 1:12-17

Historical references cited below:

BRITANNICA ENCYCLOPEDIA Vol 3, Pg 82
Everywhere in the oldest sources it states that baptism took place in the name of Jesus Christ.

CANNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION Pg 53
The early church always baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus until development of trinity doctrine in the 2nd century.

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA Vol 2, Pg 263
Here the Catholics acknowledged that baptism was changed by the Catholic Church.

HASTINGS ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION Vol 2, Pg 377
Christian baptism was administered using the words “In the Name of Jesus”.
Vol 2, Pg 378
The use of a trinitarian formula of any sort was not suggested in early Church history.
Vol 2, Pg 389
Baptism was always in the Name of Lord Jesus until the time of Justin Martyr when triune formula was used.

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA Vol 8
Justin Martyr was one of the early fathers of the Roman Catholic Church.

HASTINGS ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION Vol 2, Pg 377 on ACTS 2:38
NAME was an ancient synonym for “person”. Payment was always made in the name of some person referring ownership. Therefore one being baptized in Jesus Name became His personal property. “Ye are Christ’s.”

NEW INTERNATIONAL ENCYCLOPEDIA Vol 22, Pg 477
The term “trinity” was originated by Tertullian, a Roman Catholic Church father.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION AND ETHICS (1951), II, 384, 389
The formula used was ‘in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ’ or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the trine name… The earliest form, represented in the Acts, was simple immersion….in water, the use of the name of the Lord, and the laying on of hands. To these were addedm at various times and places which cannot be safely identified, (a) the trine name (Justin)….

INTERPRETERS DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE (1962) I, 351
The evidence … suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold name, nut ‘in the Name of the Lord Jesus’.

A HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT (Otto Heick) (1965), I, 53
At first baptism was administered in the Name of Jesus, but gradually in the name of the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

HASTINGS DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE (1898), I, 241
[One explanation is that] the original form of words was ‘into the Name of Jesus Christ’. Baptism into the name of the trinity was a later development.

A HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Williston Walker, (1947), Pg 58
The trinitarian baptismal formula … was displacing the older baptism in the Name of Christ.

THE NEW SCHAFF-HERZOG ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE (1957), I, 435
The New Testament knows only baptism in the Name of Jesus …, which still occurs even in the second and third centuries.

CANNEY’S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGIONS (1970), Pg 53
Persons were baptized at first ‘in the Name of Jesus Christ’ … or ‘in the Name of the Lord Jesus.’… Afterwards, with the development of the doctrine of the trinity, they were baptized ‘in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

ENCYCLOPEDIA BIBLICA (1899), I, 473
It is natural to conclude that baptism was administered in the earliest times ‘in the Name of Jesus Christ,’ or in that ‘of the Lord Jesus.’ This view is confirmed by the fact that the earliest forms of the baptismal confession appear to have been single – not triple, as was the later creed.

ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA 11TH edition, (1910), Vol 2, Pg 365
The trinitarian formula and trine immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning… Bapti[sm] into the Name of the Lord [was] the normal formula of the new Testament. In the 3rd century baptism in the name of Christ was still so wide spread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid.

The evidence is overwhelming. This is obviously the way the apostles baptized in the early body of Christ Church. Don't you think if you are going to be in Christ's Church, you should be baptized in the NAME of the Lord Jesus Christ as well? 

Jesus said, "And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22)

This is our hope! Be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that you too can be clothed in His righteousness, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Reach Hither Thy Finger And Behold My Hands - Part 2335

"The former treatise have I made O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach ... until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen ..." (Acts 1:1-2)

We see a similar declaration set forth in the gospel according to Luke, wherein he writes that it seemed good to him also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus. (Luke 1:1-4)

Indeed, Luke's writings were not just a story written by Luke, but rather, delivered by them unto us which from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word. Why is this important? So that we might know the certainty of those things, wherein we have been instructed. Note that apostle Paul does the same in I Corinthians 15, specifically stating those who were eyewitnesses to Jesus after the resurrection.

You see, the number of witnesses in and of itself should be sufficient evidence to prove that Jesus the Christ had died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. That Jesus was seen of Cephas, then the twelve, the five hundred brethren at once, then James and all of the apostles, and last of all seen of Paul -- as one born out of due time. (I Corinthians 15:1-8)

In the same context, until the day He -- Jesus -- was taken up ... after that, He -- Jesus -- through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He -- Jesus -- had chosen. Before this Jesus shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to God.

Remember, Jesus appeared to Thomas in John 20 -- the same Thomas who would not believe that Jesus was alive unless he would see in His hands the print of the nails, and was able to thrust his hand into His side. What happened? Eight days later when again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them, came Jesus. Note that the doors were shut. Nevertheless, Jesus stood in the midst, saying, "Peace be unto you."

Then saith He to Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands, and reach hither thy hand and trust it into My side, and be not faithless but believing." (John 20:27)

As John indicates, there was much more that Jesus did that was not written in this book, but what was written, should be sufficient to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing might have life through His Name. (John 20:24-31)

Stand in the offering plate.

Death Could Not Hold The King of kings and Lord of lords - Part 2334

"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)

Note then that the same God who descended from heaven is the same God who is now ascending to His Throne from whence He had descended. GOD Himself, becoming all things to all men so that He might gain some. In other words, God's plan of salvation was to rescue fallen man by means of His sacrifice -- so that you and I could be redeemed from our sins.

Thus, in so doing, God could renew and ensure the uninterrupted fellowship with JESUS -- both Lord and Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer -- the mystery of salvation that was intended from the beginning of time. So that God could restore each and every person to their original purpose through faith in the redeeming grace of God at Calvary.

What does this mean? JESUS, housed in a prone to sin flesh body was received whilst still in the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. His flesh, as we read in the scriptures was capable of being tempted in all points even as all of Adam’s offspring. But as we also know, inside that flesh body did dwell the holy Spirit of God. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.

How? The Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. This explains why -- as it is written, JESUS -- the only begotten son of God.

Yes, JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost which is why in JESUS' veins did flow the life-giving blood of His Spirit. It is written that God was in the man JESUS the Christ, endeavouring to reconcile sinful man to Himself. This is the mystery alluded to by apostle Paul -- the mystery that was hidden from the very beginning, and only now revealed through Jesus Christ. Indeed, God made a way of salvation when it seemed impossible. He opened the door for our hearts to engage in a personal relationship with Him, but to do so He had to become our Saviour. The veil torn from heaven to earth, from top to bottom.

Still, as recorded in the scriptures, JESUS' Spirit suffered. He was tempted and tried by the devil in the wilderness. Then JESUS was judged by the then present judicial system, who found in JESUS no fault. In effect, Jesus was pardoned. Free to go. But in response to the crowds, the presiding judge washed his hands as if to say, "I played my part ... now let's go home."

Pilate the judge then delivers JESUS into the hands of a frenzied religious mob who demanded that JESUS be crucified. JESUS was whipped, spat upon and stripped, and a crown of thorns placed upon His head. In the midst, His beard was torn. He was mocked and scorned, all of this occurring prior to JESUS being led away to a place called Calvary!

JESUS was also responsible for bearing the cross on which He was about to be crucified. JESUS now being physically weakened stumbled with the burden of the cross. He was assisted by a young man, arriving in a location called the place of a Skull. There the condemning crowd nailed JESUS' hands and feet to a cross. The cruel mocking continued with the eventual plunge of a sword into His side. From this wound poured blood and water. Indeed, as the scriptures reveal, JESUS' flesh was more marred than any other person!

Within this retelling of events, what we must recognize is that the body of JESUS, being the body in which the holy Spirit dwelt, was the point upon which the fury and wrath of sinful men expended all their religious/sinful animosity. In reality, the body by itself cannot feel. Rather, the pain is felt by the spirit in the body (For the body without the spirit is dead)

In retrospect, whatever was said and done to JESUS' body was factually absorbed by His Spirit -- the inward man -- the holy Spirit. In today's terms, yes indeed, it was our sinful nature that killed His body. Still, the good news of salvation is that we could not kill His Spirit.

Thus, the announcement that He is risen! Death could not hold the King of kings and Lord of lords.

In the end, heaven watched as the greatest love for anyone unfolded for one and all to see. If JESUS upon the cross had called for deliverance, we would not be reading this good news message. Still, when Jesus was nailed to the cross, the earth trembled and the sun darkened. For it is declared, that “Truly this WAS the Son of God."

Yes, GOD was in the man Christ Jesus and it was His Spirit that suffered through it all. Don't neglect God's plan of salvation wherein He paid the price for you and I so that we might have everlasting life.  His joy and peace dwelling within wherein we can rejoice in His goodness and mercy and grace. Today is the day of salvation!

Stand in the offering plate.

Let Us Exalt The Lord Jesus Together, Bless His Precious, Holy Name - Part 2333

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Paul's instruction herein is for us to rejoice. To pray without ceasing, and in every single thing occurring in our lives (both good and bad) to give thanks -- for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. How can we be confident? Because we now that this same Lord our God knew us whilst we were being formed in our mother's womb. It is there that the good Lord put His purpose in our heart. And in whatever happens, He is in control.

David the psalmist understood these simple principles when he scribed the following. It is herein that we come to understand how our soul is satisfied when we bless the Lord at all times, with His praise continually spoken into the hearts of those around us. Know that regardless of the situation we are going through -- when we seek the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He does hear our cries, and in fact, already knows our innermost heart desires. 

But as in all relationships, the conversation (blessings!) is not a one way dialogue. The Lord wants to hear from us, exalting His Name in all things. In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23) 

And the Lord Jesus never fails those whose hearts are focused on Him. 

From Psalm 34:

"I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him, and delivers them.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him. O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

He keeps all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate." (Psalm 34:1-22)

Stand in the offering plate.

Now Unto Him That Is Able To Do Exceedingly Abundantly Above All That We Ask Or Think, According To The Power That Works In Us - Part 2332

"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." (I Corinthians 4:20)

"And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee My power; and that My Name may be declared throughout all the earth." (Exodus 9:16)

Too often, in our modern day religious culture mode, we have stepped away from the power of the Holy Ghost working in our lives. We have ventured into studying the interpretations and thoughts of others and not studying His Word, to shew ourselves approved. In some cases, we have fallen into the trap of believing lying signs and wonders, forgetting that the Spirit and Word must agree. And as a consequence, the believing saints are scattered. 

But it does not have to be this way. But for change to happen, wherein the Lord Jesus is recognized as King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and last, the beginning and the ending, we need to return to the source of knowledge that Hosea alludes to when he wrote, "My people perish for lack of knowledge ..." 

The starting point has to be the Word of God, Christ in us -- the hope of glory, wherein God has made known the riches of the glory of this mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning to the Gentiles. (Colossians 1:27) 

That is, "Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17)

Not Lords plural but singular --- as in One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. 

The prophesied right hand -- "Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: Thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy." (Exodus 15:6)

"... who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ..." (Hebrews 1:3)

Thus, when we study the scriptures, we discover that the Godhead is not a triad or trinity as the religious culture would have us believe. Neither is this same Lord on a cross anymore as many churches would have us believe. Thus, we need to stop worshiping an "unknown god" as they did on Mars Hill and recognize that God is not found in graven images, and idols. 

Rather, as the scriptures clearly proclaim, the fullness of God dwelt in the body of Jesus Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:8-10)

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

In other words, we need to stop ignorantly worshiping the multiple headed gods and understand how much the Spirit of the same Lord God who moved across the face of the waters in the beginning loved us enough to provide a body for sacrifice -- shedding His own precious blood on a cross so that we might have abundant life in Him. (Acts 20:28) 

Herein is our hope and peace and joy, knowing that the same God who created us in the beginning, and knew us in our mother's womb, loved us so very much that He made a way for us to have a personal relationship with Him -- by becoming the mediator of the New Testament -- in this current dispensation of grace. 

As Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come into him and will sup with him and he with Me!" (Revelation 3:20)

Paul further summarizes our hope in Ephesians, wherein he writes: "... whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:1-21)

Stand in the offering plate.

Have Ye Heard Of The Dispensation Of The Grace Of God? And The Mystery Of Christ? - Part 2331

"For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel ..." (Ephesians 3:1-6)

Apostle Paul received his understanding of the scriptures from two sources. The first from Annanias who the Lord directed Paul (as Saul) to see when blinded, after meeting the Lord Jesus on the way to Damascus. At this point, S/Paul was water baptized. The second by revelation, as Paul openly admits himself. Acts 9 further elaborates:

"And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Behold, I [am] here, Lord." And the Lord [said] unto him, "Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight."

Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to Thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Thy name." But the Lord said unto him, "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name’s sake."

And Ananias went his way and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost."

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

But all that heard [him] were amazed, and said; "Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this Name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?" But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." (Acts 9:10-22)

As Paul grew in the faith, he boldly proclaimed the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ wherever he went. Often, the first place Paul went when visiting a new place was to the saints in the synagogues so that they might hear the truth. As we read, "straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues." (Acts 9:20) This is important to understand because some within the modern day religious community would have us believe that apostle Paul first went to the government(s) and authorities of the day to ask if he could be permitted to preach within their communities. But what do the scriptures say?

When S/Paul was come to Jerusalem, "he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. [So] Barnabas took him, and brought [him] to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the Name of Jesus." (Acts 9:26-27)

"And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he spake boldly in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him." (Acts 9:29)

"Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down." (Acts 13:13-14)

In terms of the Jews, Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said, "It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." (Acts 13:46-47)

"And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed." (Acts 14:1)

"And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the Word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: and thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." (Acts 14:24-27)

When the certain men came down from Judæa to teach the brethren, and said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved"  Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." (Acts 15:1-5)

Had Paul asked the authorities beforehand, there would not have been much disputation over this topic.

Moving forward, Paul and Timotheus went through the cities and delivered them the decrees for to keep that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem, and so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. (Acts 16:1-5) 

When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews, wherein Paul reasoned for three sabbath days with them from the scriptures. (Acts 17:1-3)

The point being -- "And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. (Act 17:8)

Throughout Paul's journey, he disputed in the synagogues with the Jews and in the market s daily. Paul stood in the midst of Mars Hill and declared to them the God that made the world -- who later willingly became our Saviour. In Ephesus, Paul entered into he synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. (Acts 18:19) In Ephesus, Paul found certain disciples who were baptized unto John's baptism. After hearing Paul, they were water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:1-5; Acts 8:12, 16) 

In the same chapter, we see Paul in the synagogue body speaking for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8) Indeed, Paul was arrested when the seven days were almost ended, and the Jews of Asia were stirred up after seeing him in the temple. 

The point is this. The apostles (Paul included) hazarded their lives for the Name of the Lord Jesus. Paul was beaten, imprisoned, left for dead on many occasion, for boldly proclaiming the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

As Paul states, "whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. (Ephesians 3:1-21)

Stand in the offering plate.

Be Ye Not Transformed To This World, But Be Ye Transformed By The Renewing Of Your Mind - Part 2330

"For he is the minister of God to thee for good ... " (Romans 13:4)

What does this mean? When reading this particular part of the scripture, it is easy to identify the higher powers ordained of God -- referred to in the remainder of Romans 13. For context, apostle Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ is writing to all that is in Rome, the beloved of God -- called to be saints. (Romans 1:1-5)

Throughout, apostle Paul is giving instruction unto believers, beseeching us by the mercies of God. In  the previous chapter, Paul has instructed us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God -- which is your reasonable service -- and be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

But far too often (sadly!) the modern day religious culture (using extensively rewritten revisions of the Bible to prove their point) like to connect Romans 13 with civil governments in power. It is herein that the alignment goes off track -- that we vary from the first commandment in both the old and the new -- that insists we are to worship the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) Indeed, if Paul truly believed that the higher powers cited herein were worldly government(s), then we would have to eliminate the majority of examples citing Paul within the book of Acts.

"Are they Hebrews? so [am] I. Are they Israelites? so [am] I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; 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." (II Corinthians 11:22-24)

Let's investigate this further.

Romans 13 begins -- "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then be not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good ..." (Romans 13:1-4)

If the higher powers are ministers of God and recognized as a terror to evil, then how can we suggest that being subject (in submission) to evil governments is in accordance with the Word of God. Further, why would apostle Paul then allude to ministers of God yet again -- "for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." (Romans 13:4)

Is that the mission of government? Either as a minister of God preaching the Word to those that are lost,  or conversely, an entity that executes wrath upon him that does evil (beyond the criminal/judicial sphere)? These are questions that only you can answer.

Still, there is more. Again, in Romans 13:6, the apostle states: "For they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing."

If apostle Paul was referring to worldly governments here, he would have said so. But he did not. The scriptural context repeatedly refers to the ministers of God, and that every soul be subject to the higher powers. ... whom God has ordained to teach us and help us to do what is right -- in terms of the gospel, knowing the time has come to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (Romans 13:11)

Other scriptures worth noting?

Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29-32)

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye." (Acts 4:19)

Then came one and told them, saying, "Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people." Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, "Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this Name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us."

Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, "We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree." (Acts 5:25-30)

"And we are His witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him." (Acts 5:29-32)

In fact, if we study the book of Acts, we repeatedly see worldly governments and authorities interfering with the preaching and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. We see in Hebrews that we are to be faithful to the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus who was faithful to Him that appointed Him -- counted worthy of more glory than Moses. (Hebrews 3:1-3)

Finally, an insight into the higher powers -- from Paul's writings to the saints and churches in Corinth.

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed [them] unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God." (I Corinthians 2:1-10)

As Paul wrote: "... that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power." (Ephesians 3:6-8)

Please note that this is only the beginning of this discussion, but for now, should be sufficient to provide some understanding of our role in the context of Romans 13. More to come!

In the interim, stand in the offering plate.