THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 447

In Mark chapter 12, the intellectuals of the day, including the Pharisees and some Herodians began asking Jesus inviting questions in the hope that they could entrap Him. This went on for some time with the chief priests, scribes and elders as well joining in and posing different scenarios in order to catch Jesus in a response that would provide them with justification to throw Him in jail. Indeed, these folks kept asking, "By what authority are you doing these things?'  The first line of questioning caught my attention. Mark chapter 12 begins:

In response, Jesus began to speak to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it and dug a pit for the wine press and built a tower and let it out to tenants and went into another country. When the time came, he sent another servant to the tenants, to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they wounded him in the head and treated him shamefully. And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others, some they beat and some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally, he sent him to them saying, "They will respect my son." But those tenants said to one another, "This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours." And they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard. "What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture:

"The very stone which the builders rejected has become the Head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing and it was marvelous in our eyes?""

Mark 12 continues, parable after parable, response after response. "And as Jesus taught in the temple, He said, "How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit declared, "The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand till I put thy enemies under my feet." David himself calls Him Lord so how is he His son? And the great throng heard Him gladly.""

Jesus then warned, "Beware of the scribes who like to go about in long robes and to have salutations in the market places and the best seats in the synagogue and the places of honour at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the great condemnation."  The Pharisees, the scribes, the elders and priests who in all their wisdom could not discern the underlying message in this simple parable spoken by Jesus.


Note too however, that even in the midst of pressing crowds and plans to trap Him, Jesus told His disciples in Mark 12:41-44 to observe the poor widow who contributes not from her abundance (because she lives in poverty) but rather from her heart. Why? Because "this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contribute out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had."  May God richly bless each and every one of you!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 446

Often, the faith statements associated with churches are rooted in the 300- 400 AD time period when certain church fathers declared their statement of faith. But this does not suggest that their acceptance of a particular faith statement should either negate or overrule what the apostles said in the scriptures. After all, wasn't it the apostles that were the foundation of the Church (the Body of Christ)? Certainly, the apostles were Christ’s chosen witnesses - chosen to bear His WORD to the uttermost parts of the earth. In so doing, God confirmed their Word as being His Word. For they are now, as He was, the temple in which the Spirit of God was and still is pleased to dwell.

If we review the contents of earlier postings, we know that there is one Lord, one faith and one baptism. Also, when we read the scriptures, we learn that the Word of the Lord was prophetically spoken of as going forth from Jerusalem. In this context, it only makes sense to adopt the scripturally correct version and adhere to the same Word that went forth from Jerusalem. This same premise should apply to faith statements too. For if the Word that was given to the apostles is indeed the Word of God, then we shouldn't lay the Word aside to embrace statements from so-called church fathers.

We refer specifically here to Matthew 28:19, a controversial topic among established religions because church leaders admitted to altering the scriptures. Yes, that is right. Matthew chapter 28 verse 19 (which pertains specifically to water baptism) was altered by them. As a consequence, the church fathers then adopted words such as .. "In the name of the father, son, holy spirit" to the original scriptures. In so doing they sought to establish the erroneous teaching that still exists today. That is, God is three, distinct, and separate, persons.

One will also notice that there is also others that say that water baptism has nothing to do with salvation. Have these church so called leaders forgotten Acts? Certainly, if anyone were to proceed to Romans, they first must first read the recordings of Acts. For it is within Acts that the church teachings were established!

The other point to note on this issue is that there are false authorities likewise declaring that no one was baptized into the name of JESUS. Rather, these individuals were being baptized only upon the "authority" of the name of Jesus. In this latter presentation, believers were to be baptized in the name of the father, son and holy spirit. But doesn't God's Spirit and God's Word agree? If indeed, we believe this scripture to be foundational and in accordance with the scriptures, then we must also accept that the revisions to the original Biblical text in Matthew 28:19 goes against the original teachings of the apostles.

We already know that JESUS was crucified, buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures. JESUS was buried and in this context, we are planted together in the likeness of His burial. Our old man is buried with Him. The OLD ADAMIC prone to sin nature is buried. But JESUS did not stay buried. No, JESUS arose from the dead. JESUS the second Adam is the Lord Himself. Our redeemer, Saviour and friend lifts us up out of that watery grave as a new creation which is why we can be confident in our salvation. For now we are totally justified. JESUS was raised for our justification.

This is why an understanding of baptism is so vital to Christians. Because when Jesus died, there went forth from JESUS' side blood and water.not blood alone but Water and blood. The saving grace that covers all sin. Similarly, as the scriptures state, the forerunning believers were told to save themselves from this untoward generation. And as a consequence, what did they do? As the scriptures state, believers saved themselves by obedience in the apostles ( Holy Spirit teachings) teachings being baptized into the name of JESUS.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 445

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

For those of you who might not be aware, Isaiah is a book in the Old Testament of the Bible. The words in the Old Testament were written before Jesus' birth so these verses foretold of events that were going to happen in the future. In this case, a child is going to be born that will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Today, however, we have the advantage of looking back within the scriptures to see how God's plan was weaved throughout time. How God's love for each and every one of us unfolded through the ages. By reading the New Testament, we can lay a scriptural foundation in our hearts that provides us with an inside glimpse into how the very same God who created us was willing to become flesh so that we might be saved.

In John chapter 10, Jesus said "I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved." Continuing, Jesus stated, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." When Jesus was at the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem, He was asked by the Jews that were gathered around Him, "Are you the Christ?" Jesus answered them by saying, "I told you and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep."

He continued in verses 27-30. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me and I give them eternal life and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than you all and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and my Father are one." Here the Jews took up stones again to stone Jesus for blasphemy because as the scriptures state, "you being a man [Jesus] make yourself God!" When the Jews tried to arrest Jesus, He escaped from their hands because the appointed time -- the time that was decided before the world was even formed -- had not yet come.

In John chapter 14, Jesus reiterates His earlier point. In verses 6-7, Jesus said to Thomas, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also, henceforth, you know Him and have seen Him."

Philip then said to Jesus, "Lord show us the Father and we shall be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father?" Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me, or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves."

It is in this context that we can be confident that if we ask anything in His name -- Jesus' name -- He will do it. May God richly bless you this day!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 444

In the beginning God. Indeed, God existed first and foremost before the formation of the world and without Him nothing exists. This was true in the days of Genesis when God the Almighty formed the world and it remains true today. The same God who created the world and then became flesh to bring us salvation remains in total control of all things.

Further, the universe is His whether the components of the universe are visible or invisible. He alone spoke this world into its form and equipped mankind with the capability to enjoy its richness from one generation to another. The question is why is it that, even to this day, the Lord God of Glory is so mindful of man? Why does He care so much about you and I?

In the beginning, God set man over the works of His own hands, desiring that man be fruitful and multiply. As such, God continues to replenish His creation, of which God Himself, upon completion of His handiwork, saw His creation to be good. Think of it. God Almighty thought His creation -- man and woman -- you and me -- to be good. Good! But God's love story does not end there.

He loved this creation because the creation was "God Himself invisible in created form." And to this day, the Heavens continue to declare His Glory and the earth continues to show forth His handiwork. All He asks is that we personally acknowledge that without His sacrifice on the cross, we are as nothing. That we desire with all our heart, soul and mind to know His plan for our life in exchange for His Amazing Grace! His amazing love!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear and Grace my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far and Grace will lead us home. The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil a life of joy and peace. When we've been here ten thousand years bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise then when we've first begun. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found was blind but now I see.

May God richly bless each and every one of you!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 443

The scriptures never cease to amaze me. Today, I opened the Bible to the book of Matthew - chapter 23. I wasn't looking for any particular gospel message or a specific topic. Indeed, I just opened my Bible and started reading the text at the point where my eyes first gazed. Beginning at the beginning of the chapter, Matthew wrote:

"Then Jesus said to the crowds and to the disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat so practice and observe whatever they tell you but not what they do; for they preach but do not practice. They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear and lay them on men's shoulders but they themselves will not move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by men, for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and salutations in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by men. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have "one teacher" and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth for you have "one Father" who is in Heaven. Neither be called masters for you have one Master, the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Jesus' message to the crowds is clear. He is referring to those who demand our attention and adoration but are not willing themselves to humble themselves before the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Although admittedly, this may seem to be a simplistic interpretation of the above scriptures, and observed without any deep reflection, these verses serve to remind us as men and women of our humble place in the world and that without our Master, the Christ, we are as nothing. But note that Jesus did not end His message to the crowds there. Jesus had an important message to tell the people -- and by extension to us in the 21st century as well -- one that we all need to hear.

In verse 13 Jesus said, "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites [the religious of the day] because you shut the kingdom of Heaven against men. For you neither enter yourselves, nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites for you traverse sea and land to make a single proselyte. You make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves."

Continuing in verse 23 Jesus further states, "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you tithe mint and dill and cummin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; those you ought to have done without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel."

There is more -- actually much more -- that Jesus said to warn us of the hypocrites who would come and try to lead us astray from this gospel message. In fact, Jesus warned that "many will come in my name saying, I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray." But Jesus doesn't want us to be led astray. The same God who created us loved us so much that He became flesh and sacrificed His blood on the cross so that we might have salvation eternal. This is the reason why Jesus' arms are stretched wide waiting for us to reach out and pray with all our hearts -- "Jesus, here I am."

Stand in the offering plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 442

Someone asked me the other day if there was a simple way of explaining the Godhead, without getting into too much detail. Of course, this is not to suggest that the detail is not necessary, particularly given the number of traditional institutional teachings in today's world that do not align their religious teachings with the scriptures. However, I do understand that not everyone has received the same scriptural foundation in their upbringing and in this case, a simple answer becomes a valued starting point for further study. Where to begin is the question.

First, it might be helpful to note that the word trinity does not appear in the Bible. The word trinity was terminology established by the religious fathers of the day (around 300/400 AD) but yet had no scriptural basis. Unfortunately, many of today's churches have not honed in on this error so the error of tradition continues.

Second, the same God who loved us and created man and woman in the beginning is the same God who became one of us so that we -- you and I -- might have life eternal. Indeed, Jesus was the "begotten" of God. In Jesus, did all the fullness of the Godhead dwell. When Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father, it was an indication that His work on earth -- as a Son -- was finished. Finished! God would never have to become human again because the blood He shed on the cross of Calvary -- the blood that was intended to cover our multitude of sins - was sufficient!

Third, if we look at water baptism as an example, early church believers were baptized in the name of Jesus. They did so because they understood firsthand that Jesus was the name given among men and women whereby we could be saved. But this is not the only reason. Early believers of the gospel recognized that Jesus was God in the flesh. Jesus was the Father, Son and Spirit. Didn't Phillip say "Show me the Father." What was Jesus' response?

John 14 in the New American Standard Bible states: "Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me?"

In the King James version, John 14:8-9 states: "Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?"

There are numerous other scriptural references too but if you are looking for a starting point for delving into the scriptures, this might be it. Remember, the Bible said to search the scriptures for yourself so that you would know Jesus. The Bible also encourages each and every one of us to discern the scriptures so that we would know the truth - the truth that will set us free.

For the individual who asked, I hope this helps! May God richly bless each and every one of you!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 441

It is in God that we all live and move and have our existence. So if God be God, then why would one even want to oppose the revelation which He has personally delivered to mankind. The Spirit of God that fills the heavens and earth even today -- this same God -- unveiled Himself to us.

Still, no man at any time has seen God because God is Spirit. So when we speak of the Lord JESUS the Christ, we speak of the God whom we cannot see who manifested Himself in the flesh in order that we might now be able to look upon Him. Indeed, God is the creator of all things. You and I are the works of His hands. We are intrinsically woven together and although this may be too complex and far beyond man’s capacity to understand, it doesn't negate its validity.

Further, while we study and examine every intricate detail of our world, there still remain those who declare that humans evolved from matter. Sometimes, the world with all its learning cannot humble itself to call upon the God who loved them so much that He would become as one of us. The same God who gave us a mouth to speak and ears to hear with and eyes to see.

But regardless of man's folly, God has a ‘spiritual kingdom’ and a ‘visible natural kingdom.' This latter natural kingdom is displayed in created form while God’s unseen spiritual kingdom is still invisible or as yet unknown to us. In this natural kingdom, God displays His might, wisdom and power. How then can we justify our unbelief when the God who created us loves us so much? God is God so it does not matter if this earthly systemising of error denies God. There are no unbelievers in the front lines.

I remember visiting an old graveyard once. On the tombstone (or marker as they were called in past days) I read the following words. I believe they are important for us all today. That is: "I once stood where you now stand. I cannot come to you so I suggest you now prepare to come to the place where I am."

Stand in the offering plate. Be true to your conscious and offer yourself to our Lord and Saviour Jesus!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 440

God who at different times and in various manners has spoken to men has now in these last days spoken to us in His Son. For God was in the man JESUS the Christ. That means JESUS is the very Son of the Holy Spirit. The embryo was the seeds of the Holy Spirit, and in that embryo did dwell all the fullness of God. Note the word fullness. Not a part of God but rather everything that God is, was found in the embryo. For the embryo is God Himself as a Son!

Further, God is the Father of all natural life imparted into the seed bank of all. The features take on the appearance of their parents clothed in flesh. However, as one matures, the offspring can take on a different lifestyle and mindset. For example, in the scriptures, Adam and Eve brought forth two sons - one became a murderer and the other religious.

JESUS was the SEED of the holy Spirit. The SEED of God has a totally different nature from that of Adam’s sin prone race. And yet, in your veins flows the blood of Adam’s sin prone race. The difference is that in Jesus' veins flowed the life of the Holy Spirit!

Indeed, the embryo of the Holy Spirit was clothed upon in flesh in the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. Because Mary was a descendant of Abraham, JESUS took on the same features of Abraham's natural seed, which seed by the way was totally sin prone in the same fashion as all of Adam’s seed inherit.

All of this came to pass so that we would know one thing. That is God so loved the world -- you and I so much -- that God was willing to sacrifice Himself as the ‘Only Begotten Son.' JESUS being the ‘Lamb of God.'

No, not like Abraham who was going to sacrifice his son as an offering as we read in the Old Testament. And no, this is not God sacrificing someone else on His behalf. This is God sacrificing ‘Himself as a Son‘ for us! Why? Because Adam's sin prone blood could never reconcile man back to a place of fellowship with God.

When God declared that there was none righteous, no not even one, it was the reality. Yes, even worse than Sodom, for God did find in Sodom some persons that could still be considered righteous. But in this case, God was unable to find even one that was righteous. So God Himself made a way when there was no way. How did God do this? Well, according to the scriptures, God raised up of Himself a Saviour, who is ‘God with us as a Son’ (the Lord even JESUS) fathered by the Holy Spirit. JESUS -- the child of God.

The scriptures reveal all of these things to us. Nowhere in the scriptures is a reference made that states God is three distinct and separate persons. This type of religious doctrine is a product of the so called church fathers from 300/400 AD but has no scriptural basis. This is why we are encouraged to read the scriptures -- so that we are aware of the truth contained within the gospel.

It should also be noted that the only New Testament manuscripts found are written in Greek. There are no Hebrew manuscripts. Why? Because none exist. Moreover, nowhere in the Greek manuscripts is there a reference made to ‘yeshua.’

This is in fact a distorted product of the Jews who have always, down through the ages, endeavoured to take your minds and hearts away from the Only One who could and did become man's Saviour. The same Saviour who bears the given name JESUS. The same Saviour who is the embodiment of the Word of God.

Apart from JESUS, who is the child SEEDED by the Spirit of God, salvation is unobtainable. Jesus is the only name under Heaven whereby men and women can be saved. JESUS being the ‘Lord of Glory’ who we crucified. Peace to all!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 439

The Word was veiled in flesh and we beheld His glory as the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth.

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. In fact, so powerful is God’s Word that we read that the very worlds wherein we live were framed by the Word of God. God spoke. Lo and behold, whatever God spoke took on a visible form. Why? Because God made all things after the counsel of His own will.

If we think of God as a potter who moulds all things to His liking, then it is easy to see that some vessels the potter might make are honourable while others might remain dishonourable. Still, all things are purposefully made for God furnishes His house to His own pleasing. Likewise, God at the end of His work of creation said, "It is good."

Further, God made man and God set man over the works of His creation. Indeed, man was made in the likeness of God. Word is Spirit. Word is spoken by means of the flesh. Nevertheless, word is the expression of our spiritual life that dwells within our veil of flesh. The outward shell perishes whereas our inward man grows, seemingly having no limitations. As the scriptures state, "What is man that God is mindful of him or the son of man that God constantly visits him?"

But man stunted his growth by rebelling against God. Man in his sin to prone flesh body resisted God yielding rather to the pleasures of sin. In the battle, we lost an intimate fellowship with our creator. We would have remained in that state forever had not God intervened. And intervened He did.

Before the cross, God had sent many prophets endeavouring to turn man back to Himself. God even added a law in an attempt to define sin so that man would be saved. Still, man with His sin prone nature added more laws which they emphasized more than the Law which was given by God. The law was a covenant between two parties. And as any contract, when one fails to uphold their responsibilities the contract forecloses. Likewise, God walked out and left them. Unfortunately, they did not acknowledge the disablement of the contract. Instead, they arrogantly professed that they were and are still the people of God.

God in a last attempt to redeem man from His fallen state, decides that He will send His own Son. The Holy Ghost provides the SEED which provided the embryo -- which embryo was conceived into the womb of a young virgin girl named Mary. The embryo of the Holy Ghost was clothed in sin prone flesh and brought forth as a Son. The Son of God bearing the ‘given’ name of JESUS. For it is JESUS who shall save His people from sin.

JESUS being ‘God with us’ as a Son. Yes, in JESUS did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. God who is Spirit now manifest in the flesh as a Son. Not another God but the very SAME God who made all things in the beginning. In fact, if one were looking for God then they need look no further than JESUS.

JESUS Himself said that if you have seen Me you have seen the Father. So when JESUS speaks, it is actually God who is speaking. JESUS has said that the Words that He speaks (through my body) are not His Words but the Words of Him who has sent Him - God!

There is only one God who is Father, Son, Spirit --- all manifest in JESUS. Like man (or woman) you are not 3 persons -- you dwell in a son or daughter's body but still are only one being! God bless you all in JESUS! Stand in His offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 438

If it be as the church fathers of 300/400 AD declared -- that God is three distinct and separate persons -- then the question that needs to be asked is which one of these three became my Saviour? For if they were all one, there should be no need of them to be three. Or as some religions present, the three all sat together (meaning the Father, Son and Spirit) at a conference table, banging their heads together trying to decide which one of the three should become man‘s Saviour.

Yes, surely God has sent these religious institutions strong delusion so that they should believe lies. What does the scriptures state? Who has bewitched them, for most certainly to believe such foolishness one must not be of stable mind. What else do the scriptures state? Save yourself from this untoward generation of artists who from their theatrical performances proliferate their message even though it is devoid of a scriptural foundation. The only seed that they plant is to plant the thought into your head that by giving money to them, you are sowing into the work of God. In so doing, they attempt to lure us into their den of deceptiveness.

However, the good news is that the SEED that JESUS sowed amongst us -- the Word of reconciliation -- came at no cost to anyone. JESUS, the Lord Himself from Heaven left Heaven for our sake. Indeed, He became poor for it was not with pomp or money that He brought us redemption. Rather, it was His reconciliatory Word that He Himself brought down from heaven, being the Word of God. As a consequence, we are now restored to unbroken fellowship with God because God our Saviour personally delivered salvation sealed with His blood -- which blood was the blood of the Holy Spirit! After JESUS had completed His redemptive reconciliatory mission wherein He delivered to all the KEY to the Kingdom of Heaven, JESUS then ascended into Heaven and SAT down.

JESUS breathed upon His followers of His Spirit, which Spirit is the Holy Spirit, saying to believers that His Spirit would lead and guide us into ‘all truth’ and that His Spirit would not speak contradictory to the message which He had imparted. JESUS added that His Spirit would bring all things to our remembrance. "Whatsoever He has said."

This is why JESUS told us to test the spirits in the latter times. For if someone says they are of God and does not adhere to the Word which He personally delivered and confirmed, then we ought to - as the scriptures state - to distance ourselves from them. Shake the dust off our feet as a testimony.

Why? Because no one can add to the Word of God and no one can take away from the Word of God for God’s Word is God.

To recap, God entered into His created world at a particular time, and delivered His message in the Greek language. There are no New Testament manuscripts to be found written in any other language. There are none in Hebrew, for example. So rest assured that by learning Hebrew one does not become more acquainted with the Scriptures. The old covenant does not reveal the New Testament. It is the New Testament that reveals the old types and shadow meanings. The New Testament reveals the only name whereby any man or woman can be saved. That is, JESUS the ‘given’ name never translated into Hebrew as yeshua.

As the scriptures state, continue in my WORD so that then you will be my disciples! Three thousand of the early believers obeyed Acts 2:36-42 and so should we. Stand in the offering plate.