"Did we not 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. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 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 5:28-32)
This is similar to an earlier situation whereby a man which was lame from birth had been healed. Therein, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees threatened Peter and John, telling them to speak henceforth to no man in this name. Indeed, they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:1-18)
But wait! Is this not what the man-made religious constructs are commanding today when they refuse to water baptize believers in the precious name of Jesus? The ONLY name in this dispensation whereby salvation can be found.
"Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heave given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
Regardless of the worldly spirit that desires to condemn Jesus again, or self-proclaimed vicars and/or prophets of God (who similarly professed to be guided by a spirit and yet hold no truths from the gospel of Jesus Christ), the apostles and servant David before them said it right.
"Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against Thy Christ. For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were gathered together for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings and grant unto Thy servants that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word. By stretching forth Thine hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus." (Acts 4:25-30)
What happened when two or three were/are gathered together in the name of Jesus? "The place was shaken, where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and they spake the Word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31)
This same response of the apostles needs to happen in the followers of Jesus in this current day. We are instructed to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so that we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and as we see from the scriptures, every person water baptized was indeed baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:38)
Jesus said, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)
So, don't let the worldly spirit and self-professed religious who reject the name of JESUS to be your spiritual leaders. Instead, remember what Jesus said. "I have chosen and ordained you." (John 15:16)
Now there's a blessing. The King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, not only loved me enough to shed His holy blood on a cross, but He has chosen and ordained us that believe on His name. (John 1:12)
"Which in His times He shall shew who is the Blessed and Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords ..." (I Timothy 6:15)
Even when ... "these shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings" know that "they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)
So very much to be thankful for. Therefore, stand fast in the liberty that is in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 5:1)
Attach your being to the spiritual Rock that is Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)
And like Peter and John who walked with Jesus, tell those who seek to make war with the Lamb, and attempting to prevent you from preaching in the name of Jesus the following:
"Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than God, judge ye. For we cannot speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20)
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Friday, September 11, 2015
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
The Apostles Were And Still Are God's Chosen Witnesses to the World - Part 1191
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:42-47)
Note that after Jesus was taken up (after His crucifixion, resurrection and the time He spent with the apostles), He through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles. (Acts 1:2) He did not command the apostles "with" the Holy Ghost as man-constructed religion likes to teach today, when they present one God as a tri-une God. We know that from God speaking through David in Psalms right through to (and including the new testament) whereby Jesus was declared both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) But I digress.
When we read the book of Acts, we learn that the early believers continued steadfastly in the Holy Ghost teachings delivered by our Lord God and Saviour Himself to His chosen apostles. The apostles were (and still are) God’s chosen witnesses appointed by God to deliver to all men that which He Himself delivered to them. Indeed, as the scriptures state, JESUS told the apostles that they were to be His witnesses even to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Therefore, when we write these posts, the intent is to spread the same message that was spoken from the beginning of time by the Lord Himself. The same message that was delivered to us in written Word by those who were eye witnesses of the many teachings of Jesus - including the signs and wonders of Jesus, the miracles, His feeding of the multitudes, the numerous times He raised the dead, casting out demons and in fact, commanding the very elements into submission. Moreover, the very deeds which were wrought by JESUS to others at no cost whatsoever - that should, at the end of the day silence any and all opponents.
Still, some people need the gospel presented to them in various ways in order to gain understanding of the scriptural message. For example, a person who had been born blind was healed by JESUS. From the Bible, we know that the religious observers at the time were so mad at the miracle that they even turned on the man’s parents, wanting the parents to explain to them how this happened. To their credit, the parents turned the conversation back onto them, telling them to ask the son directly. He is of age. He’s the one that was delivered.
So these men of the religious cloth asked the son. Do you know what he said? Yes, he shared how his healing was a marvelous thing! Why? "Because I can see." (John 9:1-41)
Never since the dawn of creation has this happened - that someone who had been born blind had gained 20/20 sight. Did the religious leaders, the son asked, not know who this man was? This Jesus? Well that was simply too much for the religious leaders. In response, they got nasty, and wanted this Jesus who restored people to newness of life killed.
Still, we say all of this to bring to the forefront the fact that God is God and there is nothing too hard for Him. In saying this, we are not advancing or embracing religion. We are not encouraging stagnant religion whereby people exercise a form of worship and yet deny the power thereof. (II Timothy 3:5) That, sadly, when asked who it is that they worship, there is an emptiness in their response. Somewhat like the Athenians of old, they worship but they know not what. This is why we do not promote religion(s) whereby God in Christ is unknown to the people. (Acts 17:22-31)
What we are advocating is the same message preached to the masses by the apostles, as described in the scriptures. That is - faith in God sets man totally free. That a born again person experiences a freedom that was formally never anticipated. That is why a new experience with Jesus is described as being born again. To be renewed in every way from the person that we were.
To be born again, we have simply believed in JESUS the only "begotten" Son of the Holy Ghost as our Saviour. JESUS being the promised seed of the Spirit of God!
JESUS - God Himself with US as a SON. Put you faith in Jesus too - and as a consequence, you shall never be confounded. Indeed, JESUS said "Whosoever comes to Me, I will not cast aside." And like the days of old, as many as received JESUS, to them He gave power to become the sons and daughters of God!
But there is so much more to this faith journey. Still, stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:42-47)
Note that after Jesus was taken up (after His crucifixion, resurrection and the time He spent with the apostles), He through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles. (Acts 1:2) He did not command the apostles "with" the Holy Ghost as man-constructed religion likes to teach today, when they present one God as a tri-une God. We know that from God speaking through David in Psalms right through to (and including the new testament) whereby Jesus was declared both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) But I digress.
When we read the book of Acts, we learn that the early believers continued steadfastly in the Holy Ghost teachings delivered by our Lord God and Saviour Himself to His chosen apostles. The apostles were (and still are) God’s chosen witnesses appointed by God to deliver to all men that which He Himself delivered to them. Indeed, as the scriptures state, JESUS told the apostles that they were to be His witnesses even to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Therefore, when we write these posts, the intent is to spread the same message that was spoken from the beginning of time by the Lord Himself. The same message that was delivered to us in written Word by those who were eye witnesses of the many teachings of Jesus - including the signs and wonders of Jesus, the miracles, His feeding of the multitudes, the numerous times He raised the dead, casting out demons and in fact, commanding the very elements into submission. Moreover, the very deeds which were wrought by JESUS to others at no cost whatsoever - that should, at the end of the day silence any and all opponents.
Still, some people need the gospel presented to them in various ways in order to gain understanding of the scriptural message. For example, a person who had been born blind was healed by JESUS. From the Bible, we know that the religious observers at the time were so mad at the miracle that they even turned on the man’s parents, wanting the parents to explain to them how this happened. To their credit, the parents turned the conversation back onto them, telling them to ask the son directly. He is of age. He’s the one that was delivered.
So these men of the religious cloth asked the son. Do you know what he said? Yes, he shared how his healing was a marvelous thing! Why? "Because I can see." (John 9:1-41)
Never since the dawn of creation has this happened - that someone who had been born blind had gained 20/20 sight. Did the religious leaders, the son asked, not know who this man was? This Jesus? Well that was simply too much for the religious leaders. In response, they got nasty, and wanted this Jesus who restored people to newness of life killed.
Still, we say all of this to bring to the forefront the fact that God is God and there is nothing too hard for Him. In saying this, we are not advancing or embracing religion. We are not encouraging stagnant religion whereby people exercise a form of worship and yet deny the power thereof. (II Timothy 3:5) That, sadly, when asked who it is that they worship, there is an emptiness in their response. Somewhat like the Athenians of old, they worship but they know not what. This is why we do not promote religion(s) whereby God in Christ is unknown to the people. (Acts 17:22-31)
What we are advocating is the same message preached to the masses by the apostles, as described in the scriptures. That is - faith in God sets man totally free. That a born again person experiences a freedom that was formally never anticipated. That is why a new experience with Jesus is described as being born again. To be renewed in every way from the person that we were.
To be born again, we have simply believed in JESUS the only "begotten" Son of the Holy Ghost as our Saviour. JESUS being the promised seed of the Spirit of God!
JESUS - God Himself with US as a SON. Put you faith in Jesus too - and as a consequence, you shall never be confounded. Indeed, JESUS said "Whosoever comes to Me, I will not cast aside." And like the days of old, as many as received JESUS, to them He gave power to become the sons and daughters of God!
But there is so much more to this faith journey. Still, stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)
Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Solomon Asks -- But Will God Indeed Dwell on the Earth? - Part 1190
"And [Solomon] stood before the alter of the Lord in the presence of the congregation of Israel and spread forth his hands toward heaven, and he said, "Lord God of Israel, [there is] no God like Thee, in heaven above or on earth beneath, who keeps covenant and mercy with Thy servants that walk before Thee with all their heart; who hast kept with Thy servant David my father that Thou promised him. Thou spake also with Thy mouth, and hast fulfilled [it] with Thine hand, as [it is] this day .... And now, O God of Israel, let Thy Word, I pray Thee, be verified, which Thou spakest unto Thy servant David my father. But will God indeed dwell on the earth?" (I Kings 8:22-27)
Thankfully, we who live in this current dispensation of grace know the answer to Solomon's question.
"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)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
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. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, "This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for He was before me. And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." (John 1:1-18)
Thankfully, we who live in this current dispensation of grace know the answer to Solomon's question.
"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)
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
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. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, "This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for He was before me. And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." (John 1:1-18)
" Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for He shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us."
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife, and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His name Jesus." (Matthew 1:18-25)
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power -- in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us."
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife, and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His name Jesus." (Matthew 1:18-25)
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross. And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:8-15)
So, in response to your question Solomon -- yes, God was manifest in the flesh, and even though Thou can't be fully contained in this world, His love for His people made all things possible, including the same God who made us shedding His precious holy blood on the cross so that we might have life, and life more abundantly.
Thank you Jesus for your mercy and grace! Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, September 7, 2015
For the Earth is the Lord's and the Fullness Thereof - Part 1189
"For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)
In other words, the things that happened in the old covenant are written for ensamples. They are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come, so that we would be encouraged and edified, while remaining steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:37-42)
Indeed, throughout the new testament, we are continually reminded (after repenting of our sin and being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus) to move forward in our faith journey, always mindful that the Lord instilled in us a specific purpose when He formed us in our mother's womb. The question is whether we will step out in faith and desire the very best that He has to offer. And whether we will diligently study the scriptures, as doth a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
In this context, we are instructed to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and the things that we have heard from the apostles -- "the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (II Timothy 2:1-2)
In so doing, recognize that we will not be the first to endure hardship, for the Lord Jesus willingly went to the cross for you and I. No greater love story can ever be told but that the same God who created the world and the fullness therein loved His creation enough to shed His precious blood so that we might clothe ourselves in His righteousness. The apostles too endured hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
In fact, the scriptures state: "No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier ... and if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits." (II Timothy 2:4-6)
No man can serve two masters. When we follow Jesus, we must do so with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Does this make us perfect? Of course not, but our heart and desires will be rightly placed. And as such, the Holy Ghost within us can teach us the gospel that was promised afore in the holy scriptures. That includes -- "Jesus Christ of the seed of David raised from the dead according to the gospel." (II Timothy 2:8)
The same gospel that "was promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was MADE of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name; among whom are ye also the called of Christ." (Romans 1:1-6)
You see, as Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ unto the church of God which is at Corinth (and specifically to those that are sanctified in Christ Jesus) wrote -- "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink ... for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4)
Peter, standing with the eleven told the first 3,000 to be saved on the day of Pentecost that they too had to eat and drink from that same spiritual Rock. This is why they were baptized in the name of Jesus after repenting of their sin. Baptized into Jesus Christ. And baptized into His death.
"Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with Him knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once, but in that He lives, he lives unto God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:1-11)
Why was there no disconnect between the people? Because the apostles knew (both collectively and individually) the work that was written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness of the gospel of Jesus the Christ.
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, and fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, and all that believed were together, and had all things common ... continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people." (Acts 2:41-47)
Therefore, do not be like those under the Law who "sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." (I Corinthians 10:7) Because of their idolatry and lusting after evil, three and twenty thousand fell in just one day.
Rather, put on the full armour of God. Rest in His goodness and grace as you study His Word. Pray continually for strength, and for the Lord to enlarge our territory. And let the Lord Jesus shine forth in your heart, so that you can be as a city on a hill for those who are lost, and will remain lost into eternity, if no one preaches the gospel to them.
Help others to stand fast in the liberty that only comes from remaining faithful to our Lord God and Saviour, who showed us His abundant love while we were yet sinners.
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 4:26-27)
Stand in the offering plate.
In other words, the things that happened in the old covenant are written for ensamples. They are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come, so that we would be encouraged and edified, while remaining steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:37-42)
Indeed, throughout the new testament, we are continually reminded (after repenting of our sin and being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus) to move forward in our faith journey, always mindful that the Lord instilled in us a specific purpose when He formed us in our mother's womb. The question is whether we will step out in faith and desire the very best that He has to offer. And whether we will diligently study the scriptures, as doth a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
In this context, we are instructed to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and the things that we have heard from the apostles -- "the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (II Timothy 2:1-2)
In so doing, recognize that we will not be the first to endure hardship, for the Lord Jesus willingly went to the cross for you and I. No greater love story can ever be told but that the same God who created the world and the fullness therein loved His creation enough to shed His precious blood so that we might clothe ourselves in His righteousness. The apostles too endured hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
In fact, the scriptures state: "No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier ... and if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits." (II Timothy 2:4-6)
No man can serve two masters. When we follow Jesus, we must do so with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Does this make us perfect? Of course not, but our heart and desires will be rightly placed. And as such, the Holy Ghost within us can teach us the gospel that was promised afore in the holy scriptures. That includes -- "Jesus Christ of the seed of David raised from the dead according to the gospel." (II Timothy 2:8)
The same gospel that "was promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was MADE of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name; among whom are ye also the called of Christ." (Romans 1:1-6)
You see, as Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ unto the church of God which is at Corinth (and specifically to those that are sanctified in Christ Jesus) wrote -- "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink ... for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4)
Peter, standing with the eleven told the first 3,000 to be saved on the day of Pentecost that they too had to eat and drink from that same spiritual Rock. This is why they were baptized in the name of Jesus after repenting of their sin. Baptized into Jesus Christ. And baptized into His death.
"Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with Him knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once, but in that He lives, he lives unto God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:1-11)
Why was there no disconnect between the people? Because the apostles knew (both collectively and individually) the work that was written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness of the gospel of Jesus the Christ.
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, and fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, and all that believed were together, and had all things common ... continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people." (Acts 2:41-47)
Therefore, do not be like those under the Law who "sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." (I Corinthians 10:7) Because of their idolatry and lusting after evil, three and twenty thousand fell in just one day.
Rather, put on the full armour of God. Rest in His goodness and grace as you study His Word. Pray continually for strength, and for the Lord to enlarge our territory. And let the Lord Jesus shine forth in your heart, so that you can be as a city on a hill for those who are lost, and will remain lost into eternity, if no one preaches the gospel to them.
Help others to stand fast in the liberty that only comes from remaining faithful to our Lord God and Saviour, who showed us His abundant love while we were yet sinners.
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 4:26-27)
Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
And They Continued Steadfastly In the Apostles' Doctrine - Part 1188
An analogy worth sharing is that of a university professor presenting course material to the students. Within this particular curriculum, there is a text assigned as the course reading. Some students did not want to read the course text, so decidedly searched supplementary reading material for the class. The problem emerged when the final exam was given. As outlined in the course syllabus, the exam was based on the text. But the students here did not read the text. What did you think happened?
Well, the same outcome happens when we choose not to read/study the Word of God. We fill our minds with supplementary knowledge, but not the much needed wisdom that our Lord God and Saviour knows will support us in our day to day faith journey. And, sadly, as a consequence, we miss many of the treasures and insights that the Lord wants to give us -- because we did not read the text -- His Word. We did not get to know Jesus personally through the instructions given in His Word.
The same God who was in the flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto Hi)s own but His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18) But it does not have to be this way.
According to the Biblical scriptures, the Church is His body. We are the body of Christ. We are His bones. We are His flesh. We are the temple in which He is pleased to dwell. Because Jesus is the Head of the Church, we are the people called by His name (the Jesus people).
And just as the early believers continued steadfastly in the teachings of the Spirit of God, they in turn delivered the same message to us. As the scriptures state, "For another foundation can no man lay other than that which has been laid." (Galatians 1:8)
This is the apostles' foundation with Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone. (Acts 2:37-42)
Further, Jesus said this is My Church and the gates (teachings of hell) shall not prevail against it. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Himself will lead and guide believers into all truth. As it is written, believers will all be taught of God. Christ alone is the Head of His Church (body). In essence then, this Church is not a two headed church. This foundation verifies yet again that there is only one mediator between God and man. (I Timothy 2:5-6)
That is, the man Jesus the Christ who is the only begotten Son of the Spirit of God. It is in this body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in the man Jesus. (Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16) This makes God alone the Father and Mother of the man Jesus.
But doesn't the roman catholic church teach that Mary was the mother of God?Yes, they do but anyone who has studied the scriptures know that there is no foundation for this teaching. In fact, Mary was a surrogate mother of the Son of God. Does Mary intercede on our behalf? Absolutely not. Mary said that her spirit rejoiced in "God her Saviour."
Can a believer be more blessed than Mary? Indeed, yes. As the scriptures state, more blessed are they that hear the Word of God and do it. Blessed much more than the womb that bore Me! Who is Jesus' mother and father then? They that hear the Word of God and do it. Is anyone infallible? No. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, no not one.
But the good news is that whosoever sins that you remit, they are remitted. Whosoever sins that you retain, they are retained. When Jesus bore our sins on a tree, He allowed the people -- sinners -- to call upon Jesus so that they would receive forgiveness and remission of sin. But the apostolic message did not end there. In this context, other questions are asked. Am I really baptized if I am baptized in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit?
As outlined in earlier posts, these are relationship titles with no applicable name attached. By being baptized in the titles and not the name of Jesus (who is both Lord and Christ), one is substituting man’s rendition of Matthew chapter 28:19 without including the practical applicability. How did the apostles baptize? How were new believers baptized in the Bible? Note here that the apostles did follow Jesus' instructions when they baptized believers in His name -- in the precious name of Jesus Christ!
It is the same when, during communion, countless congregations of people are told that the wafer or bread and the wine are miraculously transformed into the blood and body of Christ. Would I be committing an unforgivable sin if I participate? We would if we did not acknowledge that Jesus sacrificed Himself once and for all so that we could be saved. As such, there is no longer a need for churches to offer a repeat performance.
The scriptures are clear on this point. Jesus made the sacrifice. Jesus said "It is finished." Note that the sacrificial death of Jesus is present tense, meaning that the words of Jesus extend to you and I today.
Moreover, there is only one high priest. That is Jesus, who is a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Is the new testament a continuation of the old covenant? No. The new testament is a testament between one party. This one relationship is between God who is Spirit and between God Himself as a Son. Grace testament. Whereas the old covenant was between two parties -- a covenant of life and death -- the new testament is about grace! This is why the scriptures ask new believers to search the scriptures so that they will know and understand the plan of salvation too.
What were the first believers told to do? The first 3000 people who believed in Jesus repented and were baptized into the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. (Details of this encounter can be further explored by reading Acts chapter 2 below).
So, instead of following a man-made religious construct, why not take this opportunity to delve into the Word of God. Ask the Lord Jesus to fill you with His wisdom and knowledge. Be inspired. Be strengthened. Become everything that God intended when He first put His purpose in you when you were formed within your mother's womb.
Most of all, stand firm in the apostles' doctrine. Repent (ask the Lord Jesus for forgiveness for your sins), be baptized in the name of Jesus and expect to receive His gift of the Holy Ghost living within you.
Stand in the offering plate.
Acts 2: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, "What meaneth this?" Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, "Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words, for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; "And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke, the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come."
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.
"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know -- Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.
For David speaketh concerning Him, "I foresaw the Lord always before My face, for He is on My right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore, did My heart rejoice, and My tongue was glad. Moreover, also My flesh shall rest in hope ... because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to Me the ways of life. Thou shalt make Me full of joy with Thy countenance."
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on His throne;
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens: but He saith Himself, "The LORD said unto my Lord, "Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool. Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized, and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Well, the same outcome happens when we choose not to read/study the Word of God. We fill our minds with supplementary knowledge, but not the much needed wisdom that our Lord God and Saviour knows will support us in our day to day faith journey. And, sadly, as a consequence, we miss many of the treasures and insights that the Lord wants to give us -- because we did not read the text -- His Word. We did not get to know Jesus personally through the instructions given in His Word.
The same God who was in the flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto Hi)s own but His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18) But it does not have to be this way.
According to the Biblical scriptures, the Church is His body. We are the body of Christ. We are His bones. We are His flesh. We are the temple in which He is pleased to dwell. Because Jesus is the Head of the Church, we are the people called by His name (the Jesus people).
And just as the early believers continued steadfastly in the teachings of the Spirit of God, they in turn delivered the same message to us. As the scriptures state, "For another foundation can no man lay other than that which has been laid." (Galatians 1:8)
This is the apostles' foundation with Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone. (Acts 2:37-42)
Further, Jesus said this is My Church and the gates (teachings of hell) shall not prevail against it. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Himself will lead and guide believers into all truth. As it is written, believers will all be taught of God. Christ alone is the Head of His Church (body). In essence then, this Church is not a two headed church. This foundation verifies yet again that there is only one mediator between God and man. (I Timothy 2:5-6)
That is, the man Jesus the Christ who is the only begotten Son of the Spirit of God. It is in this body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in the man Jesus. (Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16) This makes God alone the Father and Mother of the man Jesus.
But doesn't the roman catholic church teach that Mary was the mother of God?Yes, they do but anyone who has studied the scriptures know that there is no foundation for this teaching. In fact, Mary was a surrogate mother of the Son of God. Does Mary intercede on our behalf? Absolutely not. Mary said that her spirit rejoiced in "God her Saviour."
Can a believer be more blessed than Mary? Indeed, yes. As the scriptures state, more blessed are they that hear the Word of God and do it. Blessed much more than the womb that bore Me! Who is Jesus' mother and father then? They that hear the Word of God and do it. Is anyone infallible? No. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, no not one.
But the good news is that whosoever sins that you remit, they are remitted. Whosoever sins that you retain, they are retained. When Jesus bore our sins on a tree, He allowed the people -- sinners -- to call upon Jesus so that they would receive forgiveness and remission of sin. But the apostolic message did not end there. In this context, other questions are asked. Am I really baptized if I am baptized in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit?
As outlined in earlier posts, these are relationship titles with no applicable name attached. By being baptized in the titles and not the name of Jesus (who is both Lord and Christ), one is substituting man’s rendition of Matthew chapter 28:19 without including the practical applicability. How did the apostles baptize? How were new believers baptized in the Bible? Note here that the apostles did follow Jesus' instructions when they baptized believers in His name -- in the precious name of Jesus Christ!
It is the same when, during communion, countless congregations of people are told that the wafer or bread and the wine are miraculously transformed into the blood and body of Christ. Would I be committing an unforgivable sin if I participate? We would if we did not acknowledge that Jesus sacrificed Himself once and for all so that we could be saved. As such, there is no longer a need for churches to offer a repeat performance.
The scriptures are clear on this point. Jesus made the sacrifice. Jesus said "It is finished." Note that the sacrificial death of Jesus is present tense, meaning that the words of Jesus extend to you and I today.
Moreover, there is only one high priest. That is Jesus, who is a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Is the new testament a continuation of the old covenant? No. The new testament is a testament between one party. This one relationship is between God who is Spirit and between God Himself as a Son. Grace testament. Whereas the old covenant was between two parties -- a covenant of life and death -- the new testament is about grace! This is why the scriptures ask new believers to search the scriptures so that they will know and understand the plan of salvation too.
What were the first believers told to do? The first 3000 people who believed in Jesus repented and were baptized into the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. (Details of this encounter can be further explored by reading Acts chapter 2 below).
So, instead of following a man-made religious construct, why not take this opportunity to delve into the Word of God. Ask the Lord Jesus to fill you with His wisdom and knowledge. Be inspired. Be strengthened. Become everything that God intended when He first put His purpose in you when you were formed within your mother's womb.
Most of all, stand firm in the apostles' doctrine. Repent (ask the Lord Jesus for forgiveness for your sins), be baptized in the name of Jesus and expect to receive His gift of the Holy Ghost living within you.
Stand in the offering plate.
Acts 2: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, "What meaneth this?" Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, "Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words, for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; "And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke, the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come."
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.
"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know -- Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.
For David speaketh concerning Him, "I foresaw the Lord always before My face, for He is on My right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore, did My heart rejoice, and My tongue was glad. Moreover, also My flesh shall rest in hope ... because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to Me the ways of life. Thou shalt make Me full of joy with Thy countenance."
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on His throne;
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens: but He saith Himself, "The LORD said unto my Lord, "Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool. Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized, and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Monday, August 31, 2015
It Was God Who Purposed To Lay Down His Sinless Life For You And I - Part 1187
And of His Spirit, the fruit of the promised SEED, have all believers in the promised SEED of God received. God planned and put in motion all things, as predetermined by the counsel of His own will. Therefore, the plan of salvation, whereby He willingly paid the price on the cross once and for all is entirely God’s plan.
The greatest love story ever told because the same Lord God who breathed into man in the beginning, still loved His creation enough to personally deliver His salvation to His people.
In fact, no one was His counsellor. Rather, God purposefully prepared Himself a body in which God could appear as a Son brought forth from a willing surrogate mother named Mary. This meant that Mary herself lived her life in a prone to sin body inasmuch as she also was one of Adam’s fallen race.
In Jesus then, Jesus being the Son of God, a new bloodline began. A bloodline that did not descend from Adam. Within this new bloodline, JESUS is the SEED of the Spirit of God. The embryo, the bones, and the blood, were of the Spirit of God. Similarly, the embryo was clothed with Adamic prone to sin flesh whilst in the womb of His surrogate mother Mary.
JESUS, whilst in that body was tempted, and tried in all points - just like as we are - but without succumbing to sin. In other words, if man were ever to be redeemed, it would require a sinless man willing to die. For it is written in the scriptures that the wages of sin is eternal death.
But in deciding the plan of salvation, God searched and concluded that there was no man found that was holy, righteous, or undefiled. Therefore, it is written, a body have you prepared for Me. For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY begotten Son to die at Calvary so that men and women could be set free.
So that we as believers in Jesus the Christ by faith could stand fast in the liberty that can only be found in our Saviour.
And looking back, this plan of salvation is exactly what God has done. For JESUS was conceived of the holy Spirit of God. The Spirit of God overshadowed Mary. Therefore, He who was brought forth was God in the flesh.
Immanuel meaning God with us. Pure, holy, undefiled, and separate from sinners. It was God who purposed to lay down His sinless life. God Himself as a Son becoming the only means of eternal salvation. By the sacrifice of His life, we in turn could be called sons and daughters of God.
Therefore, we cannot nor ought we to dismiss the Word/Wisdom of God. Instead, we must be born again. This is why we are to arise and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Wash away your sin whilst you are calling upon the name of our great God and only Saviour JESUS the Christ! Acts 2:37-42.
Stand in the offering plate.
The greatest love story ever told because the same Lord God who breathed into man in the beginning, still loved His creation enough to personally deliver His salvation to His people.
In fact, no one was His counsellor. Rather, God purposefully prepared Himself a body in which God could appear as a Son brought forth from a willing surrogate mother named Mary. This meant that Mary herself lived her life in a prone to sin body inasmuch as she also was one of Adam’s fallen race.
In Jesus then, Jesus being the Son of God, a new bloodline began. A bloodline that did not descend from Adam. Within this new bloodline, JESUS is the SEED of the Spirit of God. The embryo, the bones, and the blood, were of the Spirit of God. Similarly, the embryo was clothed with Adamic prone to sin flesh whilst in the womb of His surrogate mother Mary.
JESUS, whilst in that body was tempted, and tried in all points - just like as we are - but without succumbing to sin. In other words, if man were ever to be redeemed, it would require a sinless man willing to die. For it is written in the scriptures that the wages of sin is eternal death.
But in deciding the plan of salvation, God searched and concluded that there was no man found that was holy, righteous, or undefiled. Therefore, it is written, a body have you prepared for Me. For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY begotten Son to die at Calvary so that men and women could be set free.
So that we as believers in Jesus the Christ by faith could stand fast in the liberty that can only be found in our Saviour.
And looking back, this plan of salvation is exactly what God has done. For JESUS was conceived of the holy Spirit of God. The Spirit of God overshadowed Mary. Therefore, He who was brought forth was God in the flesh.
Immanuel meaning God with us. Pure, holy, undefiled, and separate from sinners. It was God who purposed to lay down His sinless life. God Himself as a Son becoming the only means of eternal salvation. By the sacrifice of His life, we in turn could be called sons and daughters of God.
Therefore, we cannot nor ought we to dismiss the Word/Wisdom of God. Instead, we must be born again. This is why we are to arise and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Wash away your sin whilst you are calling upon the name of our great God and only Saviour JESUS the Christ! Acts 2:37-42.
Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Men That Have Hazarded Their Lives for the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. - Part 1186
The scriptures are clear on this point. Men have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:26) Indeed, note who was sent. Barnabas and Paul and it seemed good to the apostles and elders to do so.
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Obviously, when Paul and Barnabas heard this, they had no small dissension and disputation with them.
Why is this important? Because the new testament came about as a consequence of the blood our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ shed on the cross. Jesus said, For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:28)
Now therefore, why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:5-11)
Read that again. Now therefore why tempt ye God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? In other words, why are we back in the Law. The Law was given as a schoolmaster so that we would know that we had done wrong. That we as believers could not (and should not) serve two masters.
Why? For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things -- that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood and from things strangled, and from fornication, from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Obviously, when Paul and Barnabas heard this, they had no small dissension and disputation with them.
Why is this important? Because the new testament came about as a consequence of the blood our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ shed on the cross. Jesus said, For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:28)
And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. (Hebrews 9:15-18)
So, Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)
Therefore, we are no longer under the old covenant, whereby adherence to the Law was critical. One can only imagine what Paul and Barnabas were thinking. Nevertheless, the certain men which came down from Judaea 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. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider this matter. And when there had been MUCH disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the gospel, and believe. And God which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved. This preached message consistent with Acts 2:37-42 when the first 3,000 asked Peter (standing with the eleven other disciples) what they must do to be saved, and Peter as spokesman said, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
Herein, then, all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, and said, Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. (Acts 15:12-14)
You and I -- a chosen people for His name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written: After this I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down, and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up, that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore, my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God, but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas (namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas) and Silas, chief men among the brethren. And they wrote letters by them after this manner:
The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. For as much as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the Law, to whom we gave no such commandment.
These have troubled you with words -- subverting your souls -- to whom we gave no such commandment to be circumcised and keep the Law.
Wow! The message does not get any clearer than that. The letter continuing: It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. (Acts 15:15-27)
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch, and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle, which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with words and confirmed them, And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. (Acts 15:28-33)
The question is this. When we read that the subject of circumcision and the Law are preached, why are we so willing to accept it as the gospel truth, when the apostles themselves cited this false doctrine as capable of subverting your soul.
Good question.
Now more than ever, we need to study His Word, as a workman doeth. We need to understand that there are false teachers out there who are not teaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, just as there was in the apostles time. The difference is that when His Word is hidden in our heart, we cannot be persuaded to accept another gospel.
Yes, One Lord, One Faith, One baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6)
Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Ye Have Sold Yourselves for Nought, And Ye Shall Be Redeemed Without Money - Part 1185
"For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you" as it is written. (Romans 2:24)
"Now therefore, what have I here," saith the Lord, "that My people is taken away for nought? They that rule over them make them to howl," saith the Lord, "and My name continually every day is blasphemed. Therefore, My people shall know My name. Therefore, they shall know in that day that I Am He that doth speak, It is I." (Isaiah 52:5-6)
I say then, "Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? How He makes intercession to God against Israel, saying, "Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, and digged down Thine alters; and I am left alone, and they seek my life." (Romans 11:1-3; I Kings 19:10)
But what saith the answer of God unto him?
"I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace, and if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise, grace is no more grace. But if it be of works,then it is no more grace; otherwise, work is no more work." (Romans 11:4-6)
"What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeks for, but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear) unto this day.
And David saith, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap and a stumbling block, and a recompense unto them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway." (Romans 11:7-10)
However, even before the establishment of the old covenant, God had decidedly made a plan to redeem His people, and to extend the election of grace to the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, but would attain to righteousness -- "even the righteousness which is of faith." (Romans 9:30)
"But Israel, which followed after the Law of righteousness, hath not attained to the Law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the Law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written, "Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence; and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:31-33)
Why? Because "they have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God -- for Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Romans 10:1-4)
The spiritual rock?
"And did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them -- and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:3-4)
"Now therefore, what have I here," saith the Lord, "that My people is taken away for nought? They that rule over them make them to howl," saith the Lord, "and My name continually every day is blasphemed. Therefore, My people shall know My name. Therefore, they shall know in that day that I Am He that doth speak, It is I." (Isaiah 52:5-6)
I say then, "Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? How He makes intercession to God against Israel, saying, "Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, and digged down Thine alters; and I am left alone, and they seek my life." (Romans 11:1-3; I Kings 19:10)
But what saith the answer of God unto him?
"I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace, and if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise, grace is no more grace. But if it be of works,then it is no more grace; otherwise, work is no more work." (Romans 11:4-6)
"What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeks for, but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear) unto this day.
And David saith, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap and a stumbling block, and a recompense unto them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway." (Romans 11:7-10)
However, even before the establishment of the old covenant, God had decidedly made a plan to redeem His people, and to extend the election of grace to the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, but would attain to righteousness -- "even the righteousness which is of faith." (Romans 9:30)
"But Israel, which followed after the Law of righteousness, hath not attained to the Law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the Law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written, "Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence; and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:31-33)
Why? Because "they have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God -- for Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Romans 10:1-4)
The spiritual rock?
"And did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them -- and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:3-4)
What does this mean? "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, for in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love. You did run well." (Galatians 5:1-6)
But the question is -- "who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" (Galatians 5:7)
"For circumcision verily profit, if thou keep the Law; but if thou be a breaker of the Law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore, if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the Law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the Law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:25-29)
It is for this reason that we as believers need to seek that spiritual Rock -- Jesus the Christ -- God manifest in the flesh, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We need to search the scriptures for the knowledge and wisdom that only He can give, so that we can become confident in the Truth in which we are sanctified.
And similar to the establishment of the early believers on the day of Pentecost, we need to repent of our sin (if we have not done so already) and be water baptized in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
Buried with Christ, so that we are resurrected also with Christ. (Romans 6:3-4)
"Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been plated together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin -- for he that is dead is freed from sin.
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ being raised from the dead diea no more, death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once, but in that he lives, he lives unto God ... alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:4-11)
Only then can we even begin to comprehend the abundance of grace that our Lord God and Saviour desires to pour upon us. This is why we can stand fast therefore in the liberty, wherewith Christ hath made us free, and not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)
And similarly, that we can know that we have been redeemed without money, but through the precious blood of Jesus on the cross.
Don't let anyone bewitch you. Do not be sidetracked by the religious dogma and traditions of men. Rather, receive ye the Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- whose precious name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS -- and let Him ministereth unto you. God Almighty in the flesh, who was in the world and the world made by Him but sadly, the world knew Him not. (John 1:1-18, Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16)
Like the disciples, ask the Lord Jesus to increase your faith. For "if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)
Like the disciples, ask the Lord Jesus to increase your faith. For "if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
We No Longer Have to Look Back Because Jesus Paid the Price Once and For All - Part 1184
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.
The Lord is one Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is joy and liberty. Did not the Lord say that He came so that man might have life - an abundant life - eternal life?
JESUS breathed upon His disciples saying unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22) The Holy Ghost was the life of the Spirit of God which indwelt His fleshly sin prone body. JESUS' blood was the blood of the Holy Ghost. In fact, JESUS was the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost!
JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. But Mary was not the mother of God. For it is written, that that "holy thing" that shall be born of you Mary, shall be called the Son of God (that holy thing refers to the sin prone flesh in which the SEED of the Holy Ghost would be clothed in whilst in Mary womb.) (Luke 1:30-35)
JESUS descriptive title name is Immanuel - which translated means `God with us.' Appearing in fashion as a son, God appeared in the same fashion as we. Therefore when we call upon His name - the name of JESUS - the name given to all men whereby we can be saved - we understand that it is JESUS who will save HIS people from their sin. (Matthew 1:18-23)
How do we know? In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own accepted Him not ... And the Word was made flesh ..." (John 1:1-18)
Indeed, JESUS was the Word of God, now appearing in flesh for the express purpose of bringing us salvation. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) He also had an underlying purpose and that was to destroy the work of the devil who has (and is) wreaking havoc on His people. And then also to expose the devil for what it is - the cause of sin, sickness, disease, suffering, and death. None of these consequences were what God had intended for men and women when He created the world in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1) Although considerable blame is directed at God, it is yet another lie put forward by the enemy.
This is why JESUS who is God Himself manifest in the flesh came into our world - not to condemn man but rather God took the form of man upon Himself purposely to suffer death on a cross at that place called Calvary! Understand here that God took upon Himself the FULL penalty for all of our sin - the total abolition of our sin which formally required the death penalty. He took all this sin upon Himself - the reality of death on a cross carried out upon Him - a pure, holy, righteous man.
Why would He do this? Because, there was not anyone who was a pure, holy, righteous on earth who could bring salvation to people in the eyes of God. Therefore, God who created humanity veiled Himself in the flesh! What condescension. The very God who made this world entered into the world that he Had created to lay down His sinless life for you and me. (I Timothy 3:16) Now that is what God did, and as a consequence, the whole world revolves and rotates upon this historical fact.
Still, we have options. We can judge ourselves unworthy of the gift of eternal life OR we can yield ourselves to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Each one decides for him or herself. Just like we were created with a free will, we likewise have the responsibility of making the right decision. However, to all who receive JESUS, to them it is given of God that they be endued with power (GRACE) to become the sons and daughters of God.
The scriptures elaborate on salvation, sharing that salvation is the gift of God - a gift that is free to one and all. JESUS paid the PRICE in FULL for our redemption. JESUS is the door. There is a direct connect between Jesus and man. Not a man-made church or religion or for that matter whatever other ism man conjures up. Salvation is attainable to every person - free of charge. Just come to JESUS with sincerity and truth.
When they asked Peter (standing with the eleven other apostles) what must they do to be saved, Peter answered, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42)
And then, stand fast in the liberty that is in Jesus. Read His Word. Step into the offering plate and offer yourself to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Bring yourself to His cross and cling to the God who not only made you but loved you enough to die for you too.
With arms wide open God will pardon you ...
The Lord is one Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is joy and liberty. Did not the Lord say that He came so that man might have life - an abundant life - eternal life?
JESUS breathed upon His disciples saying unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22) The Holy Ghost was the life of the Spirit of God which indwelt His fleshly sin prone body. JESUS' blood was the blood of the Holy Ghost. In fact, JESUS was the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost!
JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. But Mary was not the mother of God. For it is written, that that "holy thing" that shall be born of you Mary, shall be called the Son of God (that holy thing refers to the sin prone flesh in which the SEED of the Holy Ghost would be clothed in whilst in Mary womb.) (Luke 1:30-35)
JESUS descriptive title name is Immanuel - which translated means `God with us.' Appearing in fashion as a son, God appeared in the same fashion as we. Therefore when we call upon His name - the name of JESUS - the name given to all men whereby we can be saved - we understand that it is JESUS who will save HIS people from their sin. (Matthew 1:18-23)
How do we know? In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own accepted Him not ... And the Word was made flesh ..." (John 1:1-18)
Indeed, JESUS was the Word of God, now appearing in flesh for the express purpose of bringing us salvation. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) He also had an underlying purpose and that was to destroy the work of the devil who has (and is) wreaking havoc on His people. And then also to expose the devil for what it is - the cause of sin, sickness, disease, suffering, and death. None of these consequences were what God had intended for men and women when He created the world in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1) Although considerable blame is directed at God, it is yet another lie put forward by the enemy.
This is why JESUS who is God Himself manifest in the flesh came into our world - not to condemn man but rather God took the form of man upon Himself purposely to suffer death on a cross at that place called Calvary! Understand here that God took upon Himself the FULL penalty for all of our sin - the total abolition of our sin which formally required the death penalty. He took all this sin upon Himself - the reality of death on a cross carried out upon Him - a pure, holy, righteous man.
Why would He do this? Because, there was not anyone who was a pure, holy, righteous on earth who could bring salvation to people in the eyes of God. Therefore, God who created humanity veiled Himself in the flesh! What condescension. The very God who made this world entered into the world that he Had created to lay down His sinless life for you and me. (I Timothy 3:16) Now that is what God did, and as a consequence, the whole world revolves and rotates upon this historical fact.
Still, we have options. We can judge ourselves unworthy of the gift of eternal life OR we can yield ourselves to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Each one decides for him or herself. Just like we were created with a free will, we likewise have the responsibility of making the right decision. However, to all who receive JESUS, to them it is given of God that they be endued with power (GRACE) to become the sons and daughters of God.
The scriptures elaborate on salvation, sharing that salvation is the gift of God - a gift that is free to one and all. JESUS paid the PRICE in FULL for our redemption. JESUS is the door. There is a direct connect between Jesus and man. Not a man-made church or religion or for that matter whatever other ism man conjures up. Salvation is attainable to every person - free of charge. Just come to JESUS with sincerity and truth.
When they asked Peter (standing with the eleven other apostles) what must they do to be saved, Peter answered, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42)
And then, stand fast in the liberty that is in Jesus. Read His Word. Step into the offering plate and offer yourself to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Bring yourself to His cross and cling to the God who not only made you but loved you enough to die for you too.
With arms wide open God will pardon you ...
God Has Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear, But of Power, and Love and a Sound Mind - Part 1183
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God -- who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began -- but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (II Timothy 1:7-10)
"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (II Peter 3:8-10)
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night, for when they shall say, "Peace and safety, then sudden destruction shall cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape." (I Thessalonians 5:2-3)
But we brethren are not in darkness, that the day of the Lord should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light and the children of the day ... therefore, let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober.
"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, for an helmet, the hope of salvation, for God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him." (I Thessalonians 5:1-10)
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God ... Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ writes to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, saying, "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance; that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.
Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." (II Peter 3:4-5)
"For this they willingly are ignorant of -- that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water, whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." (II Peter 3:5-7)
What Peter is saying here is that the Lord Jesus is not slack concerning His promise. He will return to gather His church -- the body of Christ -- His bride, when that one last soul finds the peace and joy that comes from personally knowing the King of kings and Lord of lords. When that one last person has removed from his being all religious garments and instead become clothed in His righteousness -- the righteousness that only comes from Jesus.
"For this they willingly are ignorant of -- that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water, whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." (II Peter 3:5-7)
What Peter is saying here is that the Lord Jesus is not slack concerning His promise. He will return to gather His church -- the body of Christ -- His bride, when that one last soul finds the peace and joy that comes from personally knowing the King of kings and Lord of lords. When that one last person has removed from his being all religious garments and instead become clothed in His righteousness -- the righteousness that only comes from Jesus.
"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (II Peter 3:8-10)
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night, for when they shall say, "Peace and safety, then sudden destruction shall cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape." (I Thessalonians 5:2-3)
But we brethren are not in darkness, that the day of the Lord should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light and the children of the day ... therefore, let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober.
"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, for an helmet, the hope of salvation, for God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him." (I Thessalonians 5:1-10)
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God ... Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (II Peter 3:11-18)
If you haven't already, repent by asking Jesus for His forgiveness. Ask Him to become Lord in your life. Be water baptized / buried in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
Study His Word, particularly the new testament which He purchased with His own holy blood. And account that the long-suffering of our Lord included your salvation because He -- even before the world was formed desired that you would enter His fold. In so doing, may your joy be full.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (II Peter 3:11-18)
If you haven't already, repent by asking Jesus for His forgiveness. Ask Him to become Lord in your life. Be water baptized / buried in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
Study His Word, particularly the new testament which He purchased with His own holy blood. And account that the long-suffering of our Lord included your salvation because He -- even before the world was formed desired that you would enter His fold. In so doing, may your joy be full.
Stand in the offering plate.
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