To Know The Love Of Christ, Which Passes Knowledge, That Ye Might Be Filled With All The Fullness Of God - Part 2230

"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise," saith the Lord; "I will set him in safety from him that puffs at him." The words of the Lord are pure words as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." (Psalm 12:1-7)

Thus, the reason why we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith -- the risen Lord and Christ -- recognize the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning -- the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us -- so that you and I might rejoice in His love and mercy forever more. Indeed,  as the scripture saith, the Lord protects us from those who seek to oppress the poor and needy.

It is for this reason that the Lord said, "Now I will arise!" The appointed time had come ... when God willingly became our Saviour -- after His kindness and love. (Titus 3:4-7)

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:19; Acts 20:28)

"... the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [which stood only] in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us.] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

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 9:8-18)
When we begin to understand how much the Saviour's love for us, we recognize the price that was paid too, when the same God who made us in the beginning decided to redeem us from our sins. As John wrote, "He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Let's not fall into the trap of deception wherein the greatest love story ever told becomes misrepresented, but rather, search the scriptures for truth. Be sanctified in truth which is Thy Word -- pure words as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (John 17:17) And press into the mark which is Christ Jesus, standing fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. (Galatians 5:1) Never let go of the One who shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that you and I might have everlasting life.

Rather, be like apostle Paul who wrote:

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

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Stand in the offering plate.

Who Is Lord Over Us? For The Oppression Of The Poor, For The Sighing Of the Needy, Now Will I Arise, Saith the Lord - Part 2229

"The words of the Lord are pure words as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." (Psalm 12:6)

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us ..." (Hebrews 9:22-24)

Given the season, there appears a determination to keep Jesus as a baby in the manger -- "for unto us a child is born." (Isaiah 9:6) Still others focus on the part of the scripture that states "unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder." (Isaiah 9:6) But as we know, there is much more to this Prince of peace that is the visible image of the unseen God. (Hebrews 1:1-3) That is, He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. And that He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) 

For Jesus is the Word made flesh. The same Word that was with God and was God who dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-14) 

But this same Lord that is the One and Only Almighty God does not remain stagnant in showing His love for His beloved creation. Indeed, His salvation plan -- the mystery that was in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning -- so vast that no one should be lost. 

This is why -- "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) 

This is why Jesus said that if ye have seen Him, ye have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) And why also Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30)

Because after the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared toward man. (Titus 3:4-7) God manifest in the flesh so that we could have everlasting, abundant life in Him. (I Timothy 3:16) The birth of Jesus Christ sufficient evidence to show how far our Creator would go to show His abundant love for you and I. 

How wonderful His love to us!

"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 publick 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." (Matthew 1:18-23)

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward [men]." (Luke 1:78)

How? Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited His people; to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79) 

This same Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ -- He is Lord of all. (Acts 10:36) John 16:33 

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." And in another place, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

So that His peace, the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) 

And, as we know, the words of the Lord are pure words as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times, and like Jesus -- never fails. Reach out to the Lord who is over us, the Head of the body of Christ church, and ask Him to come into your heart this day. Don't forget to be immediately water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- as ever individual water baptized in the new testament after the cross. (Acts 2:36-41) 

And know, from this point forward, that the risen Christ desires to dwell in your hearts always. Stand in the offering plate!

Jesus Is Still The Head Of His Body of Christ Church - Part 2228

"Whoso offers praise glorifies Me: and to him that orders [his] conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." (Psalm 50:23)

"The Mighty God, [even] the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence ..." (Psalm 50:1-3)

Note the wording herein -- what a Mighty God we serve. Not gods in the plural -- as the modern day religious culture would have us believe. Indeed,  Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty -- He has provided His right arm for our salvation. His Word made flesh, dwelling among us, so that we might find abundant life in Him. As the scripture saith, He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

In other words, the One and Same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning, took on the form of a body -- in Jesus -- reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 

In other words, there is no trinity. There is no triad god, or multiple gods. Only One God and His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

As Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost declared, "This SAME JESUS whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (acts 2:36) The risen Christ -- our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ -- our Lord, who is and was and is to come, the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8)
Moreover, when Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you ..." He did so in the form of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost -- because He had returned to the glory which He had before. (John 14:18) We see this in Acts 1 -- wherein "until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen: to whom also He [Jesus] shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)

"For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) Who made this statement? Jesus, who now through the Holy Ghost (according to the doctrine of Christ -- Hebrews 6:1-2; II John 1:9) states. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling you and I unto Himself.

Not them. Not three different gods either. As the first commandment states, we are to worship the Lord our God (one!) with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) Why? Because beside Him, there is no other. He became our Saviour -- willingly, so that we might have abundant life in Him. This is why the scriptures never reference God the Son. Study the scriptures for yourself, and find this to be true. At the same time, ask the Lord God to reveal Himself to you. For starters, meditate on the following scriptures, wherein the prophet Isaiah, speaking of things yet to occur, shares the greatest love story ever told to mankind.

"Behold, the Lord God will come with strong [hand], and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him." (Isaiah 40:10)

"Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? [There is] no searching of His understanding" (Isaiah 40:28)

"O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwells between the cherubims, Thou [art] the God, [even] Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made heaven and earth." (Isaiah 37:16)

"Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts; "I AM the first, and I AM the last; and beside Me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)

"I AM the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me ..." (Isaiah 45:5)

"For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I AM the Lord; and [there is] none else." (Isaiah 45:18) 

"Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time? Have not I the Lord? And there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside Me." (Isaiah 45:21)

"For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts [is] His Name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called." (Isaiah 54:5)

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) And this same God, according to I Timothy 3:16, was manifest in the flesh.

Apostle Paul wrote -- "For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ ..." (Philippians 1:19) And again, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17)

Thus, what is His Name in this current dispensation of grace? JESUS! "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)

" ... and he called His Name JESUS." (Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:7, 21, 35; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)

This same God "who ALONE spreads out the heavens, and treads upon the waves of the sea," He was manifest in the flesh for you and I. (Job 9:8; I Timothy 3:16) This same Spirit of God who "hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life" willingly became our Saviour -- after His kindness and love for you and I. (Job 33:4; Titus 3:4-7)

This same God who asked, "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?

When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it, and brake up for it My decreed place, and set bars and doors, and said, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the day spring to know His place; that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?" (Job 38:4-13)

Indeed, the Lord hath made all things for Himself, for His own pleasure hath He redeemed those who respond to His love. (Proverbs 16:4) "This people have I formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise." (Isaiah 43:21) "That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there IS NONE BESIDE ME. I AM THE LORD, and THERE IS NONE ELSE!" (Isaiah 45:6-8)

"I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace ... I the Lord do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it." (Isaiah 45:6-8) The same Lord who came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)

Throughout the old, the prophets declared that God is One. The first commandment states: "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD" and that we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) Yes, "Lo, the volume of the book is written of Me!"

Not another, or a G/god separated into thirds, or multiple personalities as the world would have you believe, but the ONE AND ONLY GOD ALMIGHTY who created the world in the beginning loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood so that we might have life through Him. (Titus 3:4-7; John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16)

Other scriptures worthy of noting?

And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, "O LORD GOD of ISRAEL, which dwells between the cherubims -- THOU ART THE GOD, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; Thou hast made heaven and earth." (II Kings 19:15)

"Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made the heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preserve them ALL; and the host of heaven worship Thee." (Nehemiah 9:6)

On the new testament side, this same "GOD that made the world and all things therein, seeing that HE IS LORD OF HEAVEN and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He gives to all life, and breath, and all things!" (Acts 17:24-25)

"Howbeit the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands," as saith the prophet, "Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool: what house will ye build Me?" saith the Lord, "or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:48-50; I King 8:27; Isaiah 66:1-2; Psalm 102:25)

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him and for Him; and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist." (Colossians 1:16-17; Colossians 2:9)

The dayspring from on high hath visited His people. And thus, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11)

Therefore, as a consequence of His love for you and I, this should similarly be the mind in you -- "which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, wherefore God also hath exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name -- that at the Name of JESUS every knee should bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)

If ye have not yet asked Jesus to be Lord and Christ in your heart, and been water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, receiving His gift of the Holy Ghost, please do so this day, for time is short. (Acts 2:36-41)

Stand in the offering plate.

By The Word Of The Lord Were the Heavens Made - Part 2227

"By the Word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth ..." (Psalms 33:6)

"But to us there is but ONE GOD THE FATHER, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and ONE LORD JESUS CHRIST, by whom are all things, and we by Him." (1 Corinthians 8:6) 

God the Father reconciled all things to Himself by the man Christ Jesus -- in the body that He had prepared for Himself. How? To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19; Acts 20:28) And as we now know from the day of Pentecost, when Peter stood with the eleven, this risen Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41; Revelation 1:8)

The same Word which was with God in the beginning, and was God, is the same God who dwelt among us so that we -- His beloved creation -- could behold His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. As John the baptizer declared, "He that comes after me is preferred before me; for He was before me. And of His fullness have we received, and grace for grace, for the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:1-18)

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 9:6)

But knowing about Jesus, and knowing Jesus personally as our Lord God and Saviour is not one and the same. It is for this reason that we who believe in Jesus by faith seek His instruction and guidance within our very being (as did the disciples to find the Messiah, which is, being interpreted the Christ) so that we too could respond to His open invitation to come unto Him -- and believe on Him -- the call of Jesus in our own heart. (John 1:41)

For this same God "who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ!" (II Corinthians 4:5) But there is more -- so much more to desire in seeking and preaching the glorious gospel of Christ. That is knowing the Christ who became the perfect sacrifice for you and I -- the Christ who is the image of God. (II Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 1:1-13)

And it is herein that we begin to understand this same Spirit of faith, according as it is written, "I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you ... for all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God!" (II Corinthians 4:13-15; Psalm 116:10)

Meditate upon His Word this day. Stand in the offering plate.

Bless The Lord, All His Works In All Places Of His Dominion: Bless The Lord, O My Soul - Part 2226

So great is His mercy toward them that fear Him! (Psalm 103:11) 

This is why we praise the Lord in all things, because we recognize His mercy and grace that has brought us out of the miry clay. It is for this reason also that we bless the Lord with all our soul -- and with all that is within us, we bless His Holy Name. 

As the scripture saith, bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases; who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1-5)

Moreover, the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. And even though, as the psalmist David points out, He will not always chide: neither will He keep His anger for ever, and rightly so, He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities them that fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His Word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His, that do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. (Psalm 103:1-22)

And who is the Word that we are to hearken unto? JESUS -- the Word made flesh and dwelt among us. And His commandments? To love Him -- the Lord God our Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and from His abundant love filling our very essence -- flowing through His love to one another. 

Hearken unto His voice this day. Bless the Lord in all things, because of His mercy that is from everlasting to everlasting. And forget not all His benefits, or He who forgives all thine iniquities, who heals all thy diseases and desires so much so to redeem our lives from destruction. 

As Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) 

And when we come to Him in humbleness of heart, He crowns us with His loving kindness and tender mercies, and satisfies our mouth with good things -- so that our youth is renewed like the eagle's. This is His promise to those who turn their repentant hearts to Him in faith. Taking His instruction one step further (as an answer of a good conscience toward God) we discover that when we are subsequently water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- for the remission of sins, we become clothed in His righteousness, filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)

And then you too can stand and sing -- bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me. 

Stand in the offering plate.

And If Ye Be Christ's, Then Are Ye Abraham's Seed And Heirs According To The Promise - Part 2225

"... Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham ... that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Ephesians 3:6-15)

That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. But there is more ...

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds" -- as of many; but as of one, "And to Thy Seed, which is Christ." ... For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:16-18) 

And thus, the promise that if we be Christ's then we are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29)

Within these posts, much has been written on this topic. We also know that both the doctrine of the fathers (as presented by Rome in 300-400 AD) and Sinai Law is no longer applicable to our salvation. Why? Because we are the children of the free woman. We are not the children of the bondwoman.

Continuing, we read that Abraham returned from the slaughter of the kings. Abraham was offered an opportunity to take a share of the spoils. Abraham refused to take any share for he feared that some might say that they had made Abraham rich. However, he did say that his men should be reimbursed to cover their expenses.

"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the Most High God." (Genesis 14:18)
When Melchisedec, the Priest of the Most High God appears to Abraham, Melchisedec had in His hands bread and wine which He offered to Abraham. The bread and the wine symbolized the body and blood of the Lamb of God, who is/was the Seed of the holy Spirit, being God Himself manifest in flesh and the one who sacrificed Himself at Calvary once and for all. (Acts 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

Please note that Melchisedec did not have in His hands flesh and blood. There was no transubstantiation as many within the modern day religious culture might suggest. Rather, the bread and the wine symbolically remembered the One sacrifice in which JESUS paid the price in full. There being no other (or additional) sacrifice or offering for sin, Melchisedec blesses Abraham in the ministering of the bread and wine.

So Abraham thinks with his Adamic fleshly mind thinking about what it is that he should to add to this already ministered blessing. Recall when God had previously given to Abraham the promised blessing that in him and in his SEED would all the nations of the earth be blest? And in this example, Abraham immediately wanted to add an addendum to the promise?

However, since the promise was already given, it required no addendum. If you read Acts 15 and Galatians 3 and 4 in the Bible, you will see that the promise required no addendum. And so it is here again - the promised blessing being totally secured in the bread and wine requiring no further additions.
Note that the addition that Abraham wanted to add was that Abraham offer one tenth of the spoils to Melchisedec -- the very same spoils that he himself would not be a partaker of.

"... how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 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 9:14-18)
In the new testament, the bread and the wine (the flesh and blood) dictates that there is no one-tenths offered, nor any demands that it should be necessary. For it is written. that believers should give unto the LORD as a cheerful giver - not grudgingly, nor of necessity ... because God loves a cheerful giver.

As such, we should be fully aware that we are complete from the bread and the wine sacrifice that came about -- once and for all, when JESUS died for our sins. He went further when three days and three nights later, Jesus rose again for our justification.

The greatest love story ever told, if we would only adhere to His kindness and love wherein God Himself appeared to man -- with an intention to save His people from their sins. (Titus 3:4-7; II Corinthians 5:19) The King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8) Before Abraham was, I AM!

The Bread of Life. The Light of this world. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. Stand in the offering plate.

Let Them Also That Love Thy Name Be Joyful In Thee - Part 2224

"But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defends them: let them also that love Thy Name be joyful in Thee." (Psalm 5:11)

"O love the Lord, all ye His saints: for the Lord preserves the faithful, and plentifully rewards the proud doer." (Psalm 31:23)

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto Him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." (Revelation 5:12-14)

Stand in awe of His Majesty -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending ... our Heavenly Father, Jesus, who willingly shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that we might be redeemed from condemnation. Indeed, He took the bondage away, and instead, filled us with His joy and peace and love that He freely gives without measure to those who love Him.

Meditate on these things this day.

Stand in the offering plate.

But With The Precious Blood Of Christ, As Of A Lamb Without Blemish And Without Spot - Part 2223

"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God." (Revelation 14:4-5)

Indeed, Paul wrote "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (II Corinthians 11:2-3)

Question: Why is it so important to seek Jesus first? Because He is drawing unto Him a group of people -- His body of Christ Church -- that will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

These are those believers in Jesus by faith which have not defiled their garments -- or permitted another name to be injected in their foreheads. Instead, they walk with Jesus day in and day out becoming worthy of the vocation to which they have been called. (Ephesians 4:1) Not of their own doing or good works but because these believe that Jesus is the Lord of lords and King of kings, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8)

The Word made flesh and dwelling among us ...

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us ... Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

But there is more. While spiritual wickedness in high places increasingly becomes the norm, and the world in which we live ever darker, we are able to stand against the wiles of the devil -- because we have been clothed in His righteousness. (Ephesians 6:11-12) He who knew no sin became sin for us. 

As a consequence, who then can separate us from the love of Christ? "Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." (Romans 8:35-39)

In another place, "he that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name from the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." (Revelation 3:4-5)

This is our promise!

"... forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you!" (I Peter 1:18-20)

"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)

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

Know Ye Therefore That They Which Are Of Faith, The Same Are The Children Of Abraham - Part 2222

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:1-3)

"... knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)

In the last post, we began to understand those who would have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge -- because these remained ignorant of God's righteousness, instead going about to establish their own righteousness, having not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. What is the righteousness of God? Well, as the scripture saith, Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes. 

But as state previously, righteousness which is of faith understands that the Word is nigh unto thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart. That is, the Word of faith which the apostles preached, saying that those that confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him form the dead, shalt be saved. 

The same Word made flesh and dwelt among us -- Jesus -- as John writes. (John 1:1-18) 

The same He who was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. The same He who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) 

And this is what apostle Paul is saying to the saints -- "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which He had 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 [to be] 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 Jesus Christ: to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints ..."

It is herein that we begin to understand that we are saved by grace, and that not of ourselves, but rather the gift of God. And similarly, that our good works are as filthy rags, until we come to the recognition that our righteousness is in the One who loved us enough to display His love on a cross. Indeed, the Good Shepherd who laid down His humanity so that we might have life, shedding His own holy blood so that we might have life through Him. 

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28) 

There is so much to understand, which is why we study the scriptures for His truth. Apostle Paul continues, so that we would not be ignorant of God's righteousness, but rather, submitting ourselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and outside of Him, there is no wisdom or knowledge.

So again, Paul instructs us to delve into the truth and understand that this same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him -- for whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved. Who is the Lord? His Name shall be called JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) He is both Lord and Christ, as Peter (standing with the eleven) declared on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-41) 

From Romans 10:

"Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s 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 believes. For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which does those things shall live by them.

But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, "Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, "Who shall descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it?

The Word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the Word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the SAME LORD over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:1-21)

We are those who are redeemed because of the righteousness of faith, who willingly serve the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, believing in the "risen" Christ! Think on these things, and know that He loves you beyond measure. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

All Day Long, Saith The Lord, I Have Stretched Out My Hands Toward You - Part 2221

"Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." (Romans 10:1-4)

What is the righteousness of God that the scriptures say we have not submitted ourselves to? As the scripture saith, the promised Christ, the prophesied Messiah which provided for us a way to be redeemed.

"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes." (Romans 10:4)

Therefore, when we know the Christ, who is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins, we also know that He is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. And now, as Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost said, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) 

But there is more.

"For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, "That the man which doeth those things shall live by them." But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in thine heart, "Who shall ascend into heaven?" -- (that is, to bring Christ down [from] above:) or, "Who shall descend into the deep?" -- (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it?

"The Word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the Word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 

For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias [Isaiah] saith, "Lord, who hath believed our report?" So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. But I say, "Have they not heard?" Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

But I say, "Did not Israel know?" First Moses saith, "I will provoke you to jealousy by [them that are] no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you." But Esaias [Isaiah] is very bold, and saith, "I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me." 

But to Israel He saith, "All day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." (Romans 10:1-21)

Meditate upon these scriptures this day for your edification and learning, knowing how much our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ loves you! Stand in the offering plate.