Jesus' Promises Are Everlasting - Part 680

Almighty God continues to cry out to you and I – indeed, all humanity -- through His creation -- His created wisdom.  Not once or twice, but every day of the week, confronting us and saying, "I -- even I -- am the Lord and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) God has by Himself broken the barrier of sin. God offered to man and woman a new birthright with an unbelievable inheritance, complete with abundance great and a multiplicity of precious promises, He has provided for man’s redemption, offering a new beginning and a new heart. 

In God's plan of salvation, we can become completely cleansed and forgiven of all sin. His promise includes past, present and future transgressions. Adam and Eve are not the parents of this new family. No, God is the Father. The Spirit of God fathered the man Jesus. He being God Himself manifest in the flesh took our sin onto Himself. He was cursed and yet He loved us. Because of this unbelievable action by our Lord God Almighty, we have an opportunity to be set totally free. He offered Himself for us. Now that is love. Indeed, unmerited love. Amazing grace.

At the end of the day, we might think we have messed up. Blown our life!  And as such, there is no apparent hope. But there is hope! Read the scriptures – the Word – for His wisdom – the wisdom that can only come from our Lord God and Saviour.

Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”  (John 7:37-38)

Why? For I am the Lord thy God that loved you so much that I – even I – would “sacrifice Myself for you.” The Bible states, “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth -- for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by Myself, the Word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” (Isaiah 45:22-23) “In the beginning -- God.” (Genesis 1:1)

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was 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. 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)

Further, this is the same God who would become our Saviour -- prophesied of in the Old Testament. “I have been the Lord your God ever since you came out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me. No Saviour except me.” (Hosea 13:4)

Micah 7:7 states, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait for God my Saviour. My God will hear me.” He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord – in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God – and they will live securely – for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. (Micah 5:4)

Therefore, our hope is in Jesus. He promised that His grace would be sufficient. That our every need would be supplied – according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) That all things work together for good for those who love God – to them who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Indeed, “if God be for us, who can be against us?”

Therefore, not only are we offered salvation and freedom in Jesus, but He says that He will be the first to welcome us home. Just like the father did in the parable of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32)

Trust in Jesus today. Remember too, that in Jesus, we can be confident that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) Stand in the offering plate. 

Salvation, More Precious Than Gold - Part 679

Greatly rejoice that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:3) Further, blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus -- the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved. The one who has given us an inheritance that is incorruptible, and undefiled, and never fades away. The one who has reserved a place in heaven specifically for you and I, just because we willingly call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, and seek His righteousness. (Romans 10:13)

Moreover, as believers, we can be assured that we are kept by His power through faith unto salvation. We can rejoice in Jesus Christ whom we have not seen but we instinctively love. The one in whom we can believe and trust. And respond to His mercy and grace with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 

While we receive this blessed faith freely -- even the salvation of our souls -- the old testament prophets could only enquire and search diligently for the blessings that were to come. They could only prophesy of the grace that should come unto us in this time dispensation, testifying beforehand of the sufferings of Christ. They could only dream of the peace that we experience -- the peace that passes all human understanding -- when we ask Jesus into our lives. 

Still, the prophets' hearts longed for the glory that should follow which may explain why they continued to minister these things.  The glory of the Lord -- the Word -- God Almighty in the flesh. The revelation that was intended solely for us. Revealed not unto themselves but unto us they did minister these things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.

Therefore, as Peter writes, take hold of the promises. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that was brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  Purify your souls and obey the truth through the Spirit. See that you love one another with a pure heart fervently. Be born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, and by the Word of God which lives and abides forever. 

Remember, in all things, it is the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot who was foreordained before the foundation of the world -- that was manifest in these last times for you and me. Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory so that your faith and hope might be everlasting. Rejoice that the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. The same Word which by the gospel is preached unto you through the scriptures. Indeed, salvation more precious than gold. Stand in the offering plate.

Being Justified Freely By His Grace - Part 678

Today is a special period of time for those who believe in Jesus. For one, we are living in the dispensation of grace. Second, we know that each and every one of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Third, we are able to understand from the Old Testament that whatsoever things the Law stated was intended specifically to those people and tribes who were originally under the Law.  Fourth, the scriptures state that we "through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:5)

The Law then was given as a schoolmaster so that we today would be knowledgeable in what practices and thoughts constituted sin. As a consequence, we know that every one of us is guilty before God. (Romans 3:19) Therefore, under the old covenant, none of us were justified in His sight because none of us were capable of adhering to the Law in its entirety. Even the ten commandments were a challenge.

But now, the "righteousness of God" is manifest, being witnessed beforehand by the Law and the prophets. Now, believers in Jesus are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Him -- Christ Jesus -- whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood -- to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. (Romans 3:24-26)

His love for us does not end there. "Even the righteousness of God is -- by faith in Jesus Christ -- unto all and upon all them that believe." (Romans 3:23) For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8) Romans 3:24 states, "and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ." Even when we were dead in transgressions, we were made alive with Christ. "It is by grace [we] are saved." (Ephesians 2:5) Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:5)

The question that emerges then is this. If our sins are forgiven because of the precious blood Jesus shed on the cross, His grace, His mercy and His love, and similarly, our faith in Him, where is the boasting? By what Law are we saved? Are we redeemed by obeying the Law(s) given by Moses? Or is our salvation of good works? The answer is no -- neither.

The righteousness of God that we neither deserved or achieved has been revealed independent of the Law and the old covenant prophets. A righteousness that is not our own. We could not earn Jesus' love. But as many of us that are baptized into Jesus Christ -- according to the scriptures -- are baptized into His death. Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life. (Romans 6:1-4)

"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection. We who once were 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 has no more dominion over Him." (Romans 6:5-10)

For in that He died, He died unto sin once. But in that He lives, He lives unto God. The righteousness of God being Christ Himself who came to fulfill the Law unto all and upon all them that believe. There is no greater love story. In the beginning God. (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-14)

This is why a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:27) This is why we become perfect and holy in God's sight when we believe in Jesus the Christ. The promised Messiah. The Bible states, "Seek first the Kingdom and all His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" so that you too can experience His goodness.

Ask Jesus into your life today. Read His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

Baptism in Jesus Name - Part 677

Smith Wigglesworth once said, "To hunger and thirst after righteousness is when nothing in the world can fascinate us so much as being near to God." In this day and age, Wigglesworth's message is timely. Often, we do not press close to Jesus, distracted instead by the cares of this world. But there is a cost associated with not "earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

Jude (located just before The Revelation of Jesus Christ) wrote, "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:4) John made a similar observation in I John 4:1-6. Therein, John wrote, "Beloved, believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

We find this to be the case when we look at the subject of baptism from a Biblical perspective. Religious institutions and churches have adopted a range of traditions with very little scriptural foundation to support their practices. Certainly, the apostle's teachings are not first and foremost in how baptisms are performed in today's world. Acts chapter two is a prime example. Although this post only touches on a portion of the chapter, it is highly recommended -- for your own knowledge and edification -- that you read the rest of the chapter when you have some time.

In Acts chapter two, Peter is standing with the eleven other disciples on the Day of Pentecost, He told the crowd, "You 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 you yourselves also know -- Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God -- you 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." (Acts 2:22-24)

Peter, referring back to the writings of David the psalmist in the old testament, continued his message. Quoting what David had written concerning Jesus, Peter said, "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. [Why?] 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 Thou countenance." (Acts 2:25-28)

But Peter did not stop there. He went on to explain what was meant by these words. He said:

"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 you now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens but he saith himself, "The Lord said unto my Lord, be thou on my right hand until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all Israel know assuredly that God has made that same Jesus whom we have crucified both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) More recent Bible translations use "both Lord and Messiah."

Still, the hearts of the people listening were pricked. So much so that they asked Peter and the eleven apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Peter did not hesitate in his response. He said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins -- and ye [too] 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."

They that gladly received his word were baptized. That same day there were added about 3,000 to the body of Christ church. These continued in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and payers. Many wonders and signs were done by the apostles and all that believed were together, and had all things common. 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.

If we continue reading Acts, we see that every time someone was baptized, the baptism was performed in the name of our Lord Jesus. Perhaps, this is why the scriptures state, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Consider for yourself what the Word is saying. John 8:32 states, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." Press into Jesus. He never fails. Stand in the offering plate.

We Are Made Free From Sin - Part 676

Surely He took our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But what we didn't know -- at least until we personally come face to face with Jesus -- is that He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was totally on Him. And by His wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5)

Indeed, He was delivered up for our offences. He was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25) Throughout, God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, He died for us. (Romans 5:8) Just as one trespass in the Garden of Eden resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and everlasting life for each and every one of us. (Romans 5:18) He that spared not His only begotten but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32) 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) At the right time -- a time preordained before the foundation of the world was even shaped --- Christ -- God in the flesh -- died for those who knew Him not. (John 1:1-18 / Romans 5:6) Indeed, the scriptures state, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are -- as a consequence of the precious blood shed on the cross -- dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know us not that as many of us baptized into Jesus Christ are 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. Our old man is crucified with Him that the body of sin might be destroyed. As a consequence, death has 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, Romans chapter six encourages us to be dead unto sin "but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body. Neither yield ye your members -- your hands, heart, minds and souls -- as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin. Rather, willingly yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 

Why? Because you and I are not under the law -- but under grace. Thanks be to the King of kings -- that while we were the servants of sin, we obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered -- being then made free from sin, we became servants of righteousness. As we move forward in His Word, we become friends with the most High. Daughters and sons of our Lord God and Saviour. 

And thus, in the same instant that we ask Jesus into our lives, we come to realize that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) So then, no more boasting about human leaders. The scriptures state that all things are yours. (I Corinthians 3:21) We can rejoice in the knowledge that God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us -- so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (II Corinthians 5:21) 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Thank you Jesus. Stand in the offering plate. 

Sheltered in the Arms of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus - Part 675

As Saul, Paul persecuted those who believed in Jesus. In fact, he openly denied Jesus' goodness and mercy. He did not believe the marvelous wonder of life that can only come from our Saviour's love. Nor did Saul/Paul accept that when one asks Jesus into their life, there is a joy and peace that inhabits the believer in such magnitude, that it passes all human understanding. At least, that was the situation until Paul experienced his own encounter with our Lord and Saviour Jesus on the road to Damascus. 

Later, in presenting his personal testimony to the Galatians, Paul became extremely concerned about the direction that new believers were taking. As a consequence, Paul warned against the churches of Galatia about those who would preach another gospel. In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul wrote, "Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Paul did not mince words. 

Why? Because he knew in whom he believed. He knew in whom he trusted. He knew that there was nothing better than being sheltered in the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus. The most high King of kings who willingly gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world.

And he also knew that his apostleship was "not of men [and] neither by man -- but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father who raised Him from the dead." No human could have appointed Paul to be an apostle. Further, no organized religion or institution could appoint Paul to be an apostle, or for that matter a disciple in the Lord's army. Only Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Jesus from the dead through His quickening spirit had that authority.

This is why Paul found it difficult to believe that the Galatians were "so soon removed from Him that called [them] into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. Which is not another but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." And it is because of this that Paul wrote, "But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed," (Galatians 1:1-8)

Paul was adamant on this point because he repeated it for the second time. Read Galatians chapter one for yourself. Paul wrote, "As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:9) Let him be accursed for teaching a message that does not align with the Word.  Paul supported his position by asking, "Do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)

There was a choice to make and Paul was choosing Jesus. So much so that he certified to the Galatian brethren, "that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received this glorious gospel of man, neither was I taught it. I received the gospel by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it. And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

But when it came to pleasing God, who separated [Paul] from my mother's womb, and called [him] by His grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood." (Galatians 1:1-15) 

Yes, this is the same gospel that we willingly preach from the rooftops today. That is, Jesus loves you. He wants you to have the peace and joy that only He can give. His love. His mercy. His grace. Therefore, let Jesus touch you today. Read His Word so that you too can know the truth. Stand in the offering plate.

Seeking Jesus For All Our Needs - Part 674

"The heaven, [even] the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath He given to the children of men." (Psalms 115:16) Even so, Jesus instructs us to first "seek the kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

One important tenet of the gospel is that before faith came, we were under the Law. Old Testament Law -- including the ten commandments -- was originally intended to be our schoolmaster -- pointing us toward the prophesied Christ. As a consequence, an understanding of faith was absent from society even though the scriptures acknowledge that faith "should afterwards be revealed."

However, note that after that faith is come, we are no longer under this schoolmaster. Why is this? Because when we ask Jesus into our lives, we become the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. We become sons and daughters of the most high King. God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) The Bible states, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

No discrimination among persons. Each and every one of us can partake of the goodness of Jesus. Indeed, "there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, neither male nor female --- for all of us believers are one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:23-29) For the promise -- that He should be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to His seed through the law but "through the righteousness of faith." (Romans 4:13)

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me -- though he were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25-26) When we ask Jesus into our hearts and lives, and follow in His work, we are washed -- and sanctified -- and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus -- by the quickening Spirit of our God. (I Corinthians 6:11)

It is for this reason that we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes -- to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein, is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. Because He loved us enough to take on a human sin-prone body and shed His precious blood on the cross of Calvary for you and I. 

Ask Jesus into your life today. Read about His goodness in the Bible. Stand in the offering plate.

Enter Into His Gates With Thanksgiving - Part 673

Jesus often used parables to create memorable teaching moments with His audiences. On one such occasion, Jesus delivered a parable on the theme of prayer. Herein, Jesus encouraged His followers to pray always and in so doing not to become faint or weary. (Luke 18:1-9)

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit: and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:18) Therefore, pray in both the good times as well as those times where blessings -- at least from our limited human perspective -- are not necessarily apparent.

To illustrate His point, Jesus shared a parable about a city judge who did not fear God. Note that among His audience were those who trusted themselves to be righteous. Indeed, as the scriptures stated their hearts were not focussed on God because they despised others. "The city judge," Jesus said, "had little regard even for men." 

Along came a widow who came unto the judge. She said, "Avenge me of mine adversary." At the beginning, the judge did not immediately respond to the woman's request. The scriptures say this went on "for a while." But afterward the judge said within himself -- to himself.  "Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." 

In other words, even though this judge was by this account not a believer in the same Lord God -- who later would become our Saviour -and his motives were not altruistic as we would suggest today - the judge still found a reason to exact a form of satisfaction that would free the woman from her situation. Albeit, admittedly, his motives were completely selfish on his part.

Still, Jesus -- in sharing the parable -- was making a point. He said, "Hear what the unjust judge said?" If an unjust judge focussed solely on his own selfish motives can treat a widow with some kindness, how much more will our Lord God and Saviour provide for you and I if we pray in faith.  Our God who holds the universe in the palm of His hands and yet, knows intimately the innermost desires of our hearts. 

As Jesus said, "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." Why? Because God loves His children. In fact, He loved you and I enough to shed His precious blood on the cross for our transgressions.

Wherefore, pray always "that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power -- that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in Him -- according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Further, in relation to trials and tribulations, Luke encourages believers in Jesus to "watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36)

Throughout our lives, be prepared to pray at any given moment. Not in repetition or in saying alms as the religious do. But rather, in earnest like the widow who only said five words. Give thanks for the Lord's goodness. 

And like David the psalmist, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord -- He is God. It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting and His truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100) Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus - My Saviour God to Me - Part 672

God descended and man ascended but throughout the pages of history, God continually revealed Himself as a faithful creator. As our Lord God and Saviour. As our redeemer and friend if only we would repent and ask Him into our life. At no point did God ever turn away from His creation. 

This is why we can be assured that our Lord God did not send someone else to suffer the pain and agony of the cross. Instead, this same God -- our heavenly Father who created man and woman in the beginning -- loved you and I enough to leave His place in glory -- taking upon Himself the form of a servant -- so that we could experience His peace -- His mercy -- His salvation. 

Equally notable, the decision to shed His precious holy blood on a Roman cross for our sins had been decided before the world was formed. He knew that He would have to die a cruel death as a Son. Not that He as a Son did anything to deserve such a cruel punishment. But rather that we -- His human creation -- could never adhere to the Law.

So when Jesus stood before the judge to be tried -- falsely accused by the religious of the day -- He did so because of His abundant love for us. In other words, God did not send another. He came Himself as the only "begotten" of the Father. With regard to the cross, the scriptures state, "But this cometh to pass, that the Word might be fulfilled that is written in their law -- [that is] -- they hated me without a cause." (John 15:25) 

Even when the judge found no fault in Jesus, openly declaring that Jesus was undeserving of any judicial penalty, Jesus' accusers wanted Him dead. The accusers not only mocked but they scoffed at Jesus, whipped Him, spat at Him and pulled at His beard prior to placing a crown of thorns upon His head. These same accusers also made a Roman cross for Him to carry to the place named Golgotha where He was crucified. 

Still, God was in the man Jesus. The fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus. In fact, Jesus was the two Seeds of promise given by the Holy Spirit of God. The promise being “that the seed of a woman would bruise the serpent’s head.” (Note: the serpent here refers to the devil or satan -- sometimes called lucifer or the deceiver) 

The promise was fulfilled by Jesus at Calvary, when Jesus laid down His natural life. Yes, He offered His life as a sacrificial substitution offering. Jesus who was perfect in every sense -- and had never sinned even once gave up His life for man’s redemption, providing an opportunity for Adam’s prone to sin race to return to our Lord God and Saviour.

The Spirit indwelling Jesus being God who for our sakes manifested Himself as a Son - the Holy Spirit veiled in flesh. All the fullness of the Godhead did dwell within that body. Yes, all that God is as a Son was manifested in that body. What do the scriptures state?

If you have seen me, said Jesus, then you have seen the Father. I and My Father are ONE. The same God who made the world was in the world. Jesus is the wisdom - the Word of God. The book of John records that he had seen and handled the Word of Life. The Word of life referred to here is Jesus.

Jesus, as a man was crucified and buried, rising again the third day. The Holy Spirit who indwelt the man Jesus, raised the man Jesus from death prior to the body of Jesus entering the state of corruption. The Holy Spirit saying that He would not leave “His body" to see corruption.

We then learn that the Holy Spirit of God is a quickening (living) Spirit. This is why Jesus arose from the tomb not as one of Adam’s descendants. Rather, Jesus died and was raised to life by a new Adam - the new Adam being the Lord Himself. Jesus was still clothed in flesh but it was a new kind of flesh - a spiritual flesh!

Yes, Jesus still had bones but Jesus had no longer blood sustaining His life. The life within Jesus was eternal spirit life. Still Jesus spoke as before. He was recognizable as before. The body of Jesus was the Holy Spirit body, for it was God who had laid aside His glory for our sakes. 

In other words, there is no greater love story. Ask Jesus to reign in your life today. Be thankful that our Lord God and Saviour loved us enough to pay the price once and for all. Read His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

Being Made Perfect He Became our Salvation - Part 671

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)

Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- you are our light and my salvation. Therefore, whom shall we fear? Of whom shall we be afraid -- when we have been guaranteed eternal life through your precious blood Lord -- shed on the cross for us. Assured of the gift of salvation through His abundant mercy and grace. Paul wrote, "By the grace of God I am what I am and His grace to me was not without effect." (I Corinthians 15:10)

Why? Because Paul knew in whom he believed. "Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death and was heard in that He feared; though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:7-10) 

Paul recognized that it was this same heavenly Father who predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will. (Ephesians 1:5) And He did so in order that we would be equipped with everything good for doing His will -- in order that He may work in us what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 13:21)

When we willingly seek to do His will in our lives, God works in us to fulfill His good purpose. (Philippians 2:13) In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. (Ephesians 1:11)

This may explain why -- when the Gentiles heard the gospel, "they were glad -- and honoured the Word of the Lord -- and all who were appointed for eternal life believed." (Acts 13:48) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship Him acceptably with reverence and awe. 

Worship Jesus today. Read His Word. Seek to willingly do His will. Stand in the offering plate.