If You Know That He Is Righteous, Then Everyone That Does Righteousness Is Born of Him - Part 722

"I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5:20) In other words, Jesus was telling His disciples that it is not enough to say that we obey the ten commandments or perform good works in the community.Indeed, Jesus said, "except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." 

From this perspective, we already know that the Scribes and Pharisees adhered to the Law. In fact, often, the Scribes and Pharisees used the tenets of the Law to confound Jesus, albeit without success. As a consequence, overcoming the Law became a stumbling block to Jews -- preventing them from accepting salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

But for those of us who have accepted Jesus into our hearts, and willingly desire to do His will in our lives, the righteousness of Jesus means so much more. Titus wrote, "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared -- not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost -- which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:3-7)

Other scriptural references repeatedly confirm the same gospel message. That is, there is nothing we can do to deserve salvation. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21) "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins should live unto righteousness -- by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24)

Further, the God of all grace has called us unto His glory by Christ Jesus. (I Peter 5:10) "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 flesh shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16) "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one -- Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17)

Therefore, rejoice for we are fully justified by faith. In so doing, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1) And as such we can be "found in Him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." (Philippians 3:9) "

Paul wrote, "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." (I Corinthians 1:30) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 
(Romans 1:17) 

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Stand in the offering plate. 

Be Ye Perfect Even As Your Father Which Is In Heaven is Perfect - Part 721

In contrast to the high priests and the sacrifices made in the Old Testament, Jesus brought a new living covenant to humanity. In fact, when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross, He entered through the second veil into the holy of holies, where was the symbol of the majesty of God -- Jesus -- our High Priest bringing His ultimate plan of salvation to humanity. (Clark's Commentary re: Hebrews 4:14)  

As a consequence, "we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are -- yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

But as we know from the historical record, the Jews did not accept Jesus as the King of Jews. Instead, they pointed to a lack of a tabernacle or temple or high priest or blood sacrifice as legitimate criticisms against Jesus' good news message of HIs Kingdom. Further, the Scribes and Pharisees relied solely on the Law and the Ten Commandments for their justification, salvation and righteousness.

However, Hebrews 4:14 states, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God -- let us hold fast our profession." For as Jesus told His disciples in the mountain, "I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20) In other words, the religious of the day already kept the commandments. Nevertheless, their actions, in and of itself, could not bring salvation. Only the blood of Jesus could wash us clean. 

Moreover, Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

This is why Jesus compelled each and every one of us to love our enemies -- even when it requires travelling two miles instead of one. And similarly to give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not to turn him away. Indeed, you have heard that it hath been said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy." (Matthew 5:38-43)

"Bless them that curse you -- do good to them that hate you -- and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you that you may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven, for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Jesus did not discriminate. 

"For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? Do not even the publicans the same? And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect."

Acknowledge Jesus' gift of salvation into your life today. Come boldly unto the Throne of Grace.  "Willingly desire to do His will" becoming the sons and daughters of the Most High -- the same Lord God who became our Saviour. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Free Gift -- Justification of Life - Part 720

	Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, it is because of our Lord Jesus Christ -- by whom also we have access by faith into this grace -- wherein we stand, and can rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only rejoice in hope of the glory of God, but as a consequence of God's mercy and grace, we are able to glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. In fact, God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him -- for if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His only begotten, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him that is to come. But not as the offense, so also is the free gift -- for if through the offense of one, many be dead, much more the grace of God and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many, and not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift; for the judgement was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. For if by one man's offense death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ. Therefore, as by the offense of one judgement came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
	For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover, the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound -- that as sin hath reigned unto death -- even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 8:1-23) Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us? - Part 719

Who shall separate us from the love of Jesus the Christ? The scripture states that whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed "for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one [of us] that believes." (Romans 10:4) This is why "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, though shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)

If we pursue these scriptures further, we begin to realize that "if God be for us, who can be against us?" For of Him, and through Him and to Him are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Indeed, He that spared not His only begotten but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Therefore, who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? After all, it is God that justifies. Or who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, making intercession for us. "He is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

In fact, when we believe in Jesus and willingly desire to do His will, we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. "And every priest stands daily ministering and offering, oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this man after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God, from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool. For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:11-14)

In other words, as believers in the Most High, we become more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Therefore, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful that promised). And be persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any 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.

Purified Unto Himself A Peculiar People - Part 718

"Look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14) This is the promise of salvation to those of us who accept Jesus as our Saviour and King, and similarly follow in His Word. 

Admittedly, it was not always this way. From the beginning of time, each and every one of us -- like Adam and Eve -- failed miserably, falling short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) As a consequence, none are righteous -- not one -- save Jesus. However, our heavenly Father chose not to abandon us to our own earthly vices. Even when we were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another, our Lord loved us -- willingly becoming our Saviour.

"The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in His heart, "Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done." (Genesis 8:21) Rather, the Lord God became our Saviour, shedding His precious holy spirit blood on the cross for our transgressions.

"After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

That [therefore] being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:3-7)

Thus, when we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things shall be added unto you -- purified unto Himself a peculiar people. (Matthew 6:33) Stand in the offering plate.

We Are A Chosen Generation - An Holy Priesthood- Part 717

God's promises are true. Indeed, we can rest assured that there is always hope for our lives. In fact, hope in our Lord God and Saviour provides an anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast. (Hebrews 6:19) We initially enter into this understanding when we ask Jesus for forgiveness for our transgressions. Often, unfortunately, we remain at this point spiritually -- failing to fully engage in the Word of God which teaches us all things. 

However, the Word teaches us as newborn babes to desire the sincere milk of the Word so that we may grow thereby. (I Peter 2:2) The Word also encourages us to "Labour not for the meat which perishes but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you, for Him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:27) 

Why? Because the Lord is gracious to those whom He calls. "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God and precious -- you also -- as living stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God and precious." (I Peter 2:2-10)

Further, we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people. As such, we should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you and I out of darkness into His marvellous light, which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2:2-10) 

In this context then, taste the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come. Don't fall away from your gift of salvation -- paid for with the blood of Jesus on the cross. Rather become strengthened in Christ Jesus.  Be not slothful either, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. When we willingly do His will, we become disciples of the Most High King. Sons and daughters in Christ Jesus. "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which you have showed toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." (I Peter 2:10) His name is Jesus.

"Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name -- that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

When we understand that "neither is there salvation in any other" and that "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" we are able to move forward from the principles of the doctrine of Christ, going on unto perfection. (Acts 4:12, I Timothy 2:5)

Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Instead take hold of the gospel message of Jesus' kingdom today. "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." (Mark 9:41) And this will we do, if God permit. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus' Witnesses To The Uttermost Parts of the World - Part 716

While some believe that Jesus' good news ministry of the Kingdom ended with His humanity dying on the cross, the truth is that Jesus continued His ministry up until the day of His ascension. Throughout the New Testament, the scriptures share how Jesus appeared unto His apostles. Not only was the Word confirmed but herein Jesus ministered to His chosen apostles -- those believers in Jesus who were destined to be His witnesses, even to the uttermost parts of the earth. 

It all began in Acts chapter two when 120 people gathered together in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost. Therein, the group began to speak in an unknown tongue -- a heavenly language -- that observers heard and understood in their own native language. When the multitude who had gathered at Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost heard the strange tongues, they initially thought that these men were drunk. At this point, the miracle for those questioning what was transpiring was that the words spoken by Peter and the others were miraculously changed into other languages. Note that by this time, many of the folks who had gathered in that room for the feast spoke a different dialect.

As revealed in Acts, Peter (standing with the eleven) began speaking. The message that Peter spoke was an interpretation of the unknown heavenly tongue. So in effect, Peter's message was a direct message from the Holy Spirit of God to the people in the crowd. As a consequence, many in the upper room believed and were convicted in their personal conscience, that they had crucified not just a man. Rather, when they crucified Jesus, their hearts were convicted of Jesus' supreme and absolute authority. Indeed, as we know now,  Jesus was the Lord Himself -- the Lord of Glory -- the King of kings. 

In recognizing their actions, members of this audience were so convicted in their hearts that they cried out to the Apostles, "Men and brethren, what must we do?" The intensity of their plight filled the atmosphere. Peter replied saying each and every one of them should repent and be baptized into the name of Jesus the Christ for the remission of their sin and by so doing they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to indwell them. 

From this first day forward, these believers continued steadfastly in the teaching of the Holy Spirit of Jesus. Why? Because they recognized that the message being delivered to them was from Jesus through His chosen apostles. The Holy Spirit confirmed the words spoken, with the Lord adding believers to His church daily! 

As we read then, the first believers continued steadfastly in the Holy Spirit teachings. So we must ask the question here. Have you obediently obeyed the Holy Spirit directives or are you being misled by self-appointed men who long time ago abandoned Jesus' teachings?Remember, the Word of God does not come from you or I. Indeed, we receive the engrafted Word with meekness. 

Although this was only the beginning of the body of Christ being established, we are reminded of God’s ultimate promise that salvation and grace extend to both their/our children and grandchildren, and to all those who are afar off. In fact, this promise extends to all those who believe the good news gospel message of the Kingdom and continue in His Word.

Become a Jesus witness to the uttermost parts of the world today. Stand in the offering plate.

Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom - Part 715

In contrast to the ultimate salvation message of our Lord God and Saviour, the spirits of this world continually work – ever zealously -- to create a world full of division and chaos, whereby Jesus’ teachings are often misinterpreted by the status quo religious of this day. Indeed, even our Lord God and Saviour Jesus faced this same type of situation when the Pharisees heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than his forerunner, John the Baptist. 

However, as we read in John chapter four, the Lord already knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John the Baptist. Still, had the Pharisees searched their scriptural premises, these would have recognized that Jesus Himself had not baptized anyone. Rather, according to John chapter four, Jesus’ disciples baptized people. (John 4:1-4)

This raises an interesting point. Certainly, if Jesus’ disciples were responsible for baptizing those who believed while Jesus walked on earth, then these same disciples would have understood the principles and teachings associated with water baptism. These would have aligned their actions with the Master’s teachings.

For example, when Peter, standing with the eleven in Acts chapter two said to the three thousand on the Day of Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” the disciples would have already been acting in accordance with the teachings of Jesus. After all, Jesus had instructed them that in whatsoever they do in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus.

Further, as we know from Matthew chapter 28, Jesus confirmed His teachings when He spoke with His disciples on the mountain. Jesus said, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore baptizing them “in the name” of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Mark chapter sixteen elaborates further on this point, Therein, Jesus appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed that Jesus had risen, as they had been informed by Mary Madgalene. 

Herein, Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues, they shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them, they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

As we know also, the disciples went forth, “preaching the good news gospel message of Jesus everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following.” (Mark 16:15-20)  Preaching the good news gospel of the Kingdom – His Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Throughout the book of Acts, the disciples baptized people in the name of the Lord Jesus. In fact, there are no examples of baptism written in the book of Acts whereby a person (or persons) were baptized using any reference other than the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus.

So why then do so many churches today baptize parishioners and people within their congregations using any other reference than the name of Jesus? The same Christ who people said, “Never man spake like this man.” (John 7:46) The same Jesus whereby the scriptures record as the “only name” under heaven given among men whereby we can be saved. Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords whose footstool is earth itself. The same God in the flesh who commands the winds to stop.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He that follows Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) “I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) “I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25) “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes on Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46) Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38)

Like the disciples, we need to align our hearts and actions with the Word, doing all things that we do in word or deed – in the name of Jesus. (John 1:1-18) This includes water baptism – because at the end of the day, our focus should be to “willingly do His will” conforming not to the spirits of this world, and the divisions and havoc that result.

Ask Jesus for wisdom and knowledge to do the things that are righteous and just in His eyes. Stand in the offering plate.

Declared Righteous By His Grace - Part 714

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) Why? Because He who knew no sin became sin for us. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21)


As believers in Jesus, we are instructed to be "doers of the Word, and not hearers only." (James 1:22) Indeed, the scriptures state that when we are "hearers" of the Word only, we are actually deceiving ourselves. The rationale for this stance is that when we are only hearers of the Word, and not a doer, we become "like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass" -- beholding himself and going his own way "straightway forgetting what manner of man he was."

But for those who look into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein -- he being not a forgetful hearer AND a doer of the work -- this man shall be blessed in his deed. What is being stated here is that those who look to Jesus for salvation and as a consequence continue in His Word, they will be set free. By His grace, we are saved. 

This was the initial purpose in God becoming flesh so that we might have salvation. Christ fulfilled the old covenant when He shed His precious blood on the cross. In so doing, He set us free giving us true liberty. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) 
For "if the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)

When we take this initial step of trusting Jesus further, we begin a new relationship with our Most High King. Jesus said to the Jews that believed on Him -- "if you continue in my Word, then you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." 

Unlike the Jews who answered Jesus saying, "We be Abraham's seed and were never in bondage to any man -- how say you, You shall be made free?" (John 8:30-34) Likewise, very different from the law under the old covenant that dictated how we should live according to endless laws and commandments. Or the man who seemed religious and bridled not his tongue -- deceiving his own heart -- and as the scriptures state, his religion being in vain. 

Rather, reading HIs Word daily gives us knowledge and wisdom. For "the law was given through Moses, grace and truth through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) We all have a choice. My choice is to willingly desire to His will. I hope your heart's desire is the same. Stand in the offering plate. 

I Can Do All Things Through Jesus Christ Who Strengthens Me.- Part 713

Rejoice in the Lord always. Likewise, "be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ... and the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Unfortunately, we live during a time when many voices cry out in defiance of the original good news salvation message delivered to humanity personally by our Lord God and Saviour Jesus. This same defiance is not new. In the old testament, Hosea wrote that "people would be destroyed from a lack of knowledge." Moreover, the prophet wrote, "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as My priests, because you have ignored the law of your God. [Indeed,] the more priests there were, the more they sinned against Me. They exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful. They feed on the sins of My people and relish their wickedness." (Hosea 3:4-5)

What is sad is that we see this same tendency in many religious institutions today. Instead of focusing on the ultimate salvation message that gives people from all walks of life an opportunity to experience true peace and freedom, the tendency by institutions is to promote some form of legalism as the norm, encouraging members of congregations and parishioners alike to become subject to the Law and Ten Commandments that was prevalent under the Old Covenant. 

The idea that as believers "we are victorious through our Lord Jesus Christ" is rarely mentioned. Neither is Romans 8:2 which states that "through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set [us] free from the law of sin and death." The salvation message that states when we believe in Jesus, we are "made free from sin ... we become the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:18) 

Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:16-18) He is the only mediator 

This is why we as believers should read the Word daily -- and willingly desiring to do His will in our lives -- so that we will know the truth -- the truth that will set us free. (John 8:32) And as a consequence, we can understand the importance of embracing the new covenant -- His salvation message that includes abundant grace, mercy and love that passes all human understanding.

You see, death was swallowed up in victory when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God -- who gave us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."(I Corinthians 15:54-57) 

It is here that we were set free from sin once and for all. No more weekly confessions to priests and their institution appointed representatives but rather given a direct connection to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- our heavenly Father who became flesh so that you and I might have life -- and have life more abundantly. Remember, we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. 

Or, as Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) This is why we take hold of His promises that were intended from the beginning of time. And God's plan of salvation decided before humanity was ever made -- so that we can become sons and daughters of the Most High King -- Jesus -- the Word in the flesh -- our Lord God and Saviour.

Therefore, be ye steadfast, un-moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Stand in the offering plate.