"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service ... and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)
Know that nothing is impossible with the Lord. And know too that He is forever faithful to those who seek Him and His righteousness -- with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.
"For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. [Instead,] be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God -- who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." (II Timothy 1:7-9)
Why? Because He "is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (II Timothy 1:10)
"The Father which hath made us meet to be partakers in the inheritance of the saints in light -- who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins -- who is the image of the invisible God -- the firstborn of every creature." (Colossians 1:12-15)
The Word that was in the beginning with God but was God who then became flesh so that we could experience His goodness and grace. (John 1:1-18)
Yes, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. The one and only.
"By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things and by Him all things consist." (Colossians 1:16-17)
We know in whom we have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against that day. Therefore, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Hold fast in the faith and love which can only be found in Christ Jesus ... "that good thing which was committed unto you keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." (II Timothy 1:14)
Most of all, may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Rejoice in His grace -- even when these perilous times try to steal your joy. Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Thursday, April 10, 2014
That Thou Might Be Justified in Thy Sayings - Part 878
Again, believers are being misled from the real truth of the gospel because modern biblical translations are presenting scripture to the public that is not accurate. For example, in more recent versions of the Bible, the word Easter has been replaced with the word Passover. This is important since Easter, originally celebrated as a pagan holiday, is mentioned only once in the original text and King James version.
We know this because the scriptures clearly state that Peter was arrested during the days of unleavened bread. (Acts 12:1-4)
"Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people." (Acts 12:1-4)
Note that Peter had been captured during the days of unleavened bread. In order to see how these days compare chronologically to the passover, we need to review Leviticus 23:4-6. These verses state that the passover occurs on the 14th day of the month and the feast of unleavened bread on the 15th day of the same month.
"These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the Lord: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread." (Leviticus 23:4-6; Numbers 28:16-18)
It is after passover and the days of unleavened bread that Herod celebrates pagan Easter. Note here that Herod did not kill Peter during the days of unleavened bread, preferring instead to wait until Easter. There must have been a reason for this. Certainly, precedents had already been established for killing "certain of the church" during regular festivals and celebration. (Acts 12:1)
We definitely know that Herod killed John the Baptist as part of Herod's birthday celebration. (Matthew 14:1-12) James was killed during the days of unleavened bread. (Acts 4:2-4) And Jesus too was crucified and His body removed from the cross "for that sabbath day was an high day." (John 13:1; John 19:1-14; John 19:29-31)
Earlier, Jesus had said, "Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified." (Matthew 26:2; Mark 14:1) Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas ... and consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill Him. But they said, "Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people." (Matthew 26:1-5)
We then read about the woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment who proceeded to pour it on Jesus' head. After this, Judas sought his opportunity to betray Jesus.
In terms of timing, "now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus saying unto Him, "Where wilt Thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover." Jesus answered, saying: "Go into the city to such a man, and say unto Him, "The Master saith, "My time is at hand." I will keep the passover at thy house with My disciples." (Matthew 26:14-18; Mark 14:12)
"And His disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as He had said unto them; and they made ready for the passover." (Mark 14:16-17) And the rest as we know --- Jesus rising early on the first day of the week -- is confirmed later in the scriptures.
But with Peter, it was evident that Herod wanted to wait until his own pagan festival (known as Easter) to kill Peter. Thus, an accurate Bible would have to use the word Easter here and not passover if its purpose was to make the scriptures chronologically correct.
"And when he had apprehended him, he put [Peter] in prison, and delivered [Peter] to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people." (Acts 12:4)
This is why in this day and age, it is important to study the scriptures at every opportunity -- like a workman -- to show ourselves approved. Jesus said, "Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me and you will not come to Me that ye might have life." (Matthew 5:39-40)
Finally, don't be fooled by any religious teachings that do not align accurately with the Word. Indeed, "let God be true, but every man a liar." As it is written, "That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:4) Stand in the offering plate.
We know this because the scriptures clearly state that Peter was arrested during the days of unleavened bread. (Acts 12:1-4)
"Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people." (Acts 12:1-4)
Note that Peter had been captured during the days of unleavened bread. In order to see how these days compare chronologically to the passover, we need to review Leviticus 23:4-6. These verses state that the passover occurs on the 14th day of the month and the feast of unleavened bread on the 15th day of the same month.
"These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the Lord: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread." (Leviticus 23:4-6; Numbers 28:16-18)
It is after passover and the days of unleavened bread that Herod celebrates pagan Easter. Note here that Herod did not kill Peter during the days of unleavened bread, preferring instead to wait until Easter. There must have been a reason for this. Certainly, precedents had already been established for killing "certain of the church" during regular festivals and celebration. (Acts 12:1)
We definitely know that Herod killed John the Baptist as part of Herod's birthday celebration. (Matthew 14:1-12) James was killed during the days of unleavened bread. (Acts 4:2-4) And Jesus too was crucified and His body removed from the cross "for that sabbath day was an high day." (John 13:1; John 19:1-14; John 19:29-31)
Earlier, Jesus had said, "Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified." (Matthew 26:2; Mark 14:1) Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas ... and consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill Him. But they said, "Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people." (Matthew 26:1-5)
We then read about the woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment who proceeded to pour it on Jesus' head. After this, Judas sought his opportunity to betray Jesus.
In terms of timing, "now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus saying unto Him, "Where wilt Thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover." Jesus answered, saying: "Go into the city to such a man, and say unto Him, "The Master saith, "My time is at hand." I will keep the passover at thy house with My disciples." (Matthew 26:14-18; Mark 14:12)
"And His disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as He had said unto them; and they made ready for the passover." (Mark 14:16-17) And the rest as we know --- Jesus rising early on the first day of the week -- is confirmed later in the scriptures.
But with Peter, it was evident that Herod wanted to wait until his own pagan festival (known as Easter) to kill Peter. Thus, an accurate Bible would have to use the word Easter here and not passover if its purpose was to make the scriptures chronologically correct.
"And when he had apprehended him, he put [Peter] in prison, and delivered [Peter] to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people." (Acts 12:4)
This is why in this day and age, it is important to study the scriptures at every opportunity -- like a workman -- to show ourselves approved. Jesus said, "Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me and you will not come to Me that ye might have life." (Matthew 5:39-40)
Finally, don't be fooled by any religious teachings that do not align accurately with the Word. Indeed, "let God be true, but every man a liar." As it is written, "That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:4) Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
In the Beginning, The One and Only God - Part 877
"For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. They conceive mischief and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepares deceit." (Job 15:34-35)
As I read through the first chapter of Genesis, I was reminded of how the religious culture of today relies on a single verse within the chapter to justify their false teachings. Instead of acknowledging -- "In the beginning -- God" as it is written -- and aligning this scripture with the numerous confirmation scriptures in the new testament -- these same church organizations present Genesis 1:26 as justification for advocating their false "trinity" or "God in three persons" doctrine.
For the record, Genesis 1:26 states: And God said, "Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air; and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26)
Note that the religious culture focuses only on the "let us make man in our own image, after our likeness" in this verse but not the One and Only God that is referred to and then repeated 28 times within the remainder of Genesis 1.
Did you catch that? This same religious culture ignores the 28 scriptural references in Genesis 1 that proclaims God to be the One and Only God -- or that He alone created the heavens and the earth and all the inhabitants within.
Further, these same religious ignore Genesis 1:2 that states: "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."
And these same religious ignore Genesis 1:27 -- the verse immediately following Genesis 1:26 -- that states: "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them." (Genesis 1:27)
Additionally, this same theological bias can be seen when this same religious culture negates the numerous other scriptures that elaborate on the actual meaning of Genesis 1:26 -- both from the old and new testaments. Why? Because if these same religious actually admitted the truth as it is written in the Word, then significant changes to religious doctrines and their respective statements of faith would have to be made.
Still, we know that God is not the author of confusion. In fact, He desires that we press into His Word so that He can reveal the mystery that has been kept hidden from the people until this time. This is why we study the scriptures -- so that we can understand how God counselled both with and within Himself. For example,
In Isaiah: "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being the counsellor hath taught Him? With whom took He counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of judgement, and taught Him knowledge and showed to Him the way of understanding?" (Isaiah 40:11-14)
In Jeremiah, "For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord and hath perceived and heard His Word? Who hath marked His Word and heard it?" (Jeremiah 23:18)
And, in Romans, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who hath known in the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things to whom be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:33-36)
How many times has the Lord said, "I am the Lord thy God and beside Me there is NO other" or, "thou shalt worship the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind"? (Hosea 13:44; Isaiah 43:11) And who is that God?
The same God "in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence: having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself .. that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ ... (Ephesians 1:3-10)
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will ..." (Ephesians 1:11)
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ ... according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 2:9-11)
John 1:1-18 says it differently. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not any thing made that was made. ... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
In Collosians: "In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature -- for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things and by Him all things consist ... and He is the Head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should ALL fulness dwell." (Colossians 1:12-19)
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
"For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called -- Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
The point is that the same God who created the world and its inhabitants in the beginning willingly became our Saviour. He who knew no sin became sin for you and I. His name is Jesus! Stand in the offering plate.
Genesis 1:
"In the beginning, God created the heaven and earth." (Genesis 1:1)
And God said, "Let there be light and there was light" and God saw the light -- that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." (Genesis 1:3-5)
And God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament and divided in the waters and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters that were above the firmament and it was so." (Genesis 1:6-7)
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, "Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place and let the dry land appear, and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called He seas; and God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:8-10)
And God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind; whose seed is in itself upon the earth and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass and herb yielding seed after his kind and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind; and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day." (Genesis 1:11-13)
And God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years. And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also." (Genesis 1:14-16)
"And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." (Genesis 1:31)
As I read through the first chapter of Genesis, I was reminded of how the religious culture of today relies on a single verse within the chapter to justify their false teachings. Instead of acknowledging -- "In the beginning -- God" as it is written -- and aligning this scripture with the numerous confirmation scriptures in the new testament -- these same church organizations present Genesis 1:26 as justification for advocating their false "trinity" or "God in three persons" doctrine.
For the record, Genesis 1:26 states: And God said, "Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air; and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26)
Note that the religious culture focuses only on the "let us make man in our own image, after our likeness" in this verse but not the One and Only God that is referred to and then repeated 28 times within the remainder of Genesis 1.
Did you catch that? This same religious culture ignores the 28 scriptural references in Genesis 1 that proclaims God to be the One and Only God -- or that He alone created the heavens and the earth and all the inhabitants within.
Further, these same religious ignore Genesis 1:2 that states: "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."
And these same religious ignore Genesis 1:27 -- the verse immediately following Genesis 1:26 -- that states: "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them." (Genesis 1:27)
Additionally, this same theological bias can be seen when this same religious culture negates the numerous other scriptures that elaborate on the actual meaning of Genesis 1:26 -- both from the old and new testaments. Why? Because if these same religious actually admitted the truth as it is written in the Word, then significant changes to religious doctrines and their respective statements of faith would have to be made.
Still, we know that God is not the author of confusion. In fact, He desires that we press into His Word so that He can reveal the mystery that has been kept hidden from the people until this time. This is why we study the scriptures -- so that we can understand how God counselled both with and within Himself. For example,
In Isaiah: "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being the counsellor hath taught Him? With whom took He counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of judgement, and taught Him knowledge and showed to Him the way of understanding?" (Isaiah 40:11-14)
In Jeremiah, "For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord and hath perceived and heard His Word? Who hath marked His Word and heard it?" (Jeremiah 23:18)
And, in Romans, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who hath known in the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things to whom be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:33-36)
How many times has the Lord said, "I am the Lord thy God and beside Me there is NO other" or, "thou shalt worship the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind"? (Hosea 13:44; Isaiah 43:11) And who is that God?
The same God "in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence: having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself .. that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ ... (Ephesians 1:3-10)
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will ..." (Ephesians 1:11)
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ ... according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 2:9-11)
John 1:1-18 says it differently. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not any thing made that was made. ... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
In Collosians: "In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature -- for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things and by Him all things consist ... and He is the Head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should ALL fulness dwell." (Colossians 1:12-19)
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
"For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called -- Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
The point is that the same God who created the world and its inhabitants in the beginning willingly became our Saviour. He who knew no sin became sin for you and I. His name is Jesus! Stand in the offering plate.
Genesis 1:
"In the beginning, God created the heaven and earth." (Genesis 1:1)
And God said, "Let there be light and there was light" and God saw the light -- that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." (Genesis 1:3-5)
And God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament and divided in the waters and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters that were above the firmament and it was so." (Genesis 1:6-7)
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, "Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place and let the dry land appear, and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called He seas; and God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:8-10)
And God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind; whose seed is in itself upon the earth and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass and herb yielding seed after his kind and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind; and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day." (Genesis 1:11-13)
And God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years. And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also." (Genesis 1:14-16)
"And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And God said, "Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven." (Genesis 1:17-20)
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day." (Genesis 1:21-23)
And God said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:24-25)
And God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26)
"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them." (Genesis 1:27)
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so." (Genesis 1:28-30)
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Walking in Newness of Life - Part 876
"Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of One, the free gift came unto 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 offence might abound. But where sin abounded grace did much more about that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:18-21)
Herein, the entire reason for existence on earth is summarized in these three verses in Romans. That is, by the sin of one man -- Adam -- all of the human race came under condemnation. "For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death." (Romans 7:5)
Each and every one of us have fallen short of the glory of God. The Law could not save us because in our humanity, we could never measure up. We could never make the grade under the schoolmaster known as the Law. If this was all there was to life, there would be no hope for any of us.
However, the Lord God had a better plan that He ordained before the foundation of the earth was formed, whereby we could be "delivered from the Law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:6)
So, when we ask Jesus into our life, and seek His righteousness, there is "now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made [us] free from the law of sin and death ...
For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-8)
Yes, He who knew no sin became sin for us -- shedding His precious blood on the cross for you and I. He said in Isaiah 52, "Therefore, my people shall know My name; therefore, they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold it is I." (Isaiah 52:6)
The precious name of Jesus -- the only name given under heaven whereby we must be saved.
Because of His love for us, we can walk in newness of life. We have been set free by the hope that is in Jesus. He fills us with "all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost ... and I myself am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness [and] filled with all knowledge." (Romans 15:13-14)
Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began ... but is now made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. (Romans 16:25-27)
Indeed, the entire reason for this world is wrapped up in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. The volume of the scriptures is written of Him. Trust His guidance in your heart. Seek Him through His Word. And may His grace be with you all. Stand in the offering plate.
Herein, the entire reason for existence on earth is summarized in these three verses in Romans. That is, by the sin of one man -- Adam -- all of the human race came under condemnation. "For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death." (Romans 7:5)
Each and every one of us have fallen short of the glory of God. The Law could not save us because in our humanity, we could never measure up. We could never make the grade under the schoolmaster known as the Law. If this was all there was to life, there would be no hope for any of us.
However, the Lord God had a better plan that He ordained before the foundation of the earth was formed, whereby we could be "delivered from the Law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:6)
So, when we ask Jesus into our life, and seek His righteousness, there is "now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made [us] free from the law of sin and death ...
For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-8)
Yes, He who knew no sin became sin for us -- shedding His precious blood on the cross for you and I. He said in Isaiah 52, "Therefore, my people shall know My name; therefore, they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold it is I." (Isaiah 52:6)
The precious name of Jesus -- the only name given under heaven whereby we must be saved.
Because of His love for us, we can walk in newness of life. We have been set free by the hope that is in Jesus. He fills us with "all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost ... and I myself am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness [and] filled with all knowledge." (Romans 15:13-14)
Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began ... but is now made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. (Romans 16:25-27)
Indeed, the entire reason for this world is wrapped up in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. The volume of the scriptures is written of Him. Trust His guidance in your heart. Seek Him through His Word. And may His grace be with you all. Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Let Him That Is Athirst, Come - Part 875
"Hear the Word of the Lord -- [all] ye that tremble at His Word. Your brethren that hated you and cast you out for My names sake said, "Let the Lord be glorified." But He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." (Isaiah 66:5)
Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it -- Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets," (Matthew 22:37-40)
Note that while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying: "What think ye of the Christ? Whose son is He?" (Matthew 22:42-42)
They replied unto Jesus, "The son of David." (Matthew 22:42)
What did Jesus say? He said unto them, "How then doth David in spirit call Him Lord, saying: "The Lord said unto my Lord, "Sit Thou down on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool?" If David then call Him Lord, how is He his son?" (Matthew 22:43-45)
The scriptures state: "And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forward ask Him any more questions." (Matthew 22:46)
We have the same problem with the religious today. These do everything but accept Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, and when you ask them to justify their beliefs, these same refer to their respective church teachings. Not the Word, because there is no justification in the scriptures for believing in a trinity, or a triune God, or God in three persons. There is only one God -- His name is Jesus -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)
If you have been cast out from the religious culture of this day because of His precious name -- Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, -- rejoice because He shall appear in that day "to your joy" and they shall be ashamed. (Isaiah 66:5)
And if you don't know Jesus, respond to His call right now. He said, "Come. And let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)
Trust Jesus -- the Lord thy God and Saviour today. Study His Word. Seek Him in everything you do, including water baptism. (Acts 2:37-42) Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it -- Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets," (Matthew 22:37-40)
Note that while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying: "What think ye of the Christ? Whose son is He?" (Matthew 22:42-42)
They replied unto Jesus, "The son of David." (Matthew 22:42)
What did Jesus say? He said unto them, "How then doth David in spirit call Him Lord, saying: "The Lord said unto my Lord, "Sit Thou down on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool?" If David then call Him Lord, how is He his son?" (Matthew 22:43-45)
The scriptures state: "And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forward ask Him any more questions." (Matthew 22:46)
We have the same problem with the religious today. These do everything but accept Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, and when you ask them to justify their beliefs, these same refer to their respective church teachings. Not the Word, because there is no justification in the scriptures for believing in a trinity, or a triune God, or God in three persons. There is only one God -- His name is Jesus -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)
If you have been cast out from the religious culture of this day because of His precious name -- Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, -- rejoice because He shall appear in that day "to your joy" and they shall be ashamed. (Isaiah 66:5)
And if you don't know Jesus, respond to His call right now. He said, "Come. And let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)
Trust Jesus -- the Lord thy God and Saviour today. Study His Word. Seek Him in everything you do, including water baptism. (Acts 2:37-42) Stand in the offering plate.
Touch the Master's Hand - Part 874
"Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth -- ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the isles and the inhabitants thereof -- let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice. Let them shout from the top of the mountains." (Isaiah 42:10-12)
Why? Because the very same God who created the heavens and earth in the beginning loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I. He who knew no sin willingly became sin for us -- shedding His holy blood so that we might be saved. The same Lord who said "I am the Lord thy God, your Saviour, your Redeemer, and there is none beside Me" -- He willingly paid the price. The greatest love story ever told.
Thus saith the Lord -- "He that created the heavens and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth and that which comes out of it; He that gives breath unto the people upon it and spirit to them that walk therein; I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles ... to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house -- I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images ... behold the former things are come to pass and new things do I declare, Before they spring forth I tell you of them. (Isaiah 42:5-9)
This point continues in Isaiah 53:
"Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.
Why? Because the very same God who created the heavens and earth in the beginning loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I. He who knew no sin willingly became sin for us -- shedding His holy blood so that we might be saved. The same Lord who said "I am the Lord thy God, your Saviour, your Redeemer, and there is none beside Me" -- He willingly paid the price. The greatest love story ever told.
Thus saith the Lord -- "He that created the heavens and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth and that which comes out of it; He that gives breath unto the people upon it and spirit to them that walk therein; I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles ... to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house -- I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images ... behold the former things are come to pass and new things do I declare, Before they spring forth I tell you of them. (Isaiah 42:5-9)
This point continues in Isaiah 53:
"Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him. He was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows ... yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned every one to his own way and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth.
He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken.
And He made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him.
He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see hisseed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.
By His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong because He hath poured out His soul unto death. And He was numbered with the transgressors and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:1-12)
Therefore, "hear the Word of the Lord -- you that tremble at His Word. Your brethren that hated you and cast you out for My names sake, said, "Let the Lord be glorified." But He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." (Isaiah 66:5)
The name in this dispensation of grace? Jesus -- the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved. Let him that hath an ear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, April 4, 2014
The Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 873
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) -- which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel.
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ ... and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ... and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, "Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end." Amen. (Ephesians 3:1-21)
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
They Profess to Know God But in Works Deny Him- Part 872
"Father" is not a name. Most certainly, Father is not a name to be used when calling upon the name of the Lord. And yet, this morning, in one of the blogs I read regularly, there it was -- a message stating that Father is a name. I suspect that this same religious organization promotes this perspective in order to justify their own religious traditions. That is, God exists in three persons. Or, as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. However, regardless of the underlying motivation, there is only one name for God in this current dispensation of grace. His name is Jesus.
"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)
Further, it is important to note that the words "Father God" are not ever used in the scriptures. Neither is the reference -- "God in three persons." Why is this?
Because God is one God. "In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1) And this very same God delivered of His own accord the greatest love story ever told. That is, this very same God who created man and woman in the beginning shed His precious holy blood on the cross so that we might experience His love, His grace and His mercy.
How do we know this? Because throughout the old and new testaments, this one God reveals Himself as the Father in creation, the Son in redemption and now as the Comforter who leads and guides us into all truth. The same God that Mary understood when she said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour ... and holy is His name." (Luke 1:46-54)
The same God that Zacharias prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for He hath visited and redeemed His people." (Luke 1:67)
If not God Almighty, then who redeemed His people? If God Almighty Himself did not become flesh as stated in John 1:1-18, then when did God become our Saviour?
"And [Mary] shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:22-23)
Under the old covenant, God used different names to reveal Himself to His people but He always referred to Himself as one God.
"I [am] the LORD: that [is] My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8)
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
"I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11)
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and His redeemer the LORD of hosts; "I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside Me [there is] no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
"Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? Ye [are] even My witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any]." (Isaiah 44:8)
Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, "I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreads abroad the earth by Myself ..." (Isaiah 44:24)
For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: "I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else." (Isaiah 45:18)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
Under this new covenant of grace -- beginning when the veil was torn from top to bottom -- we are given a new name. His name is Jesus.
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13)
"For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fulness dwell." (Colossians 1:19)
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)
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], "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:9)
Why is this important? Because in the book of Revelation, we read that Jesus is coming for a people who hast not denied His name. A people that has kept His Word and hast not denied His name. A people that hath hold fast His name and in so doing, hast not denied His faith.
"I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name." (Revelation 3:8)
"And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." (Revelation 2:3)
"Thou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith." (Revelation 2:13)
Paul writes: "But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour." (Titus 1:3)
God our Saviour. The same God who loved us from the beginning loved us enough to become our Saviour. His name is Jesus -- the only name whereby we must be saved. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, which is and which was and which is to come. (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:18)
So the next time the religious culture tries to tell you about Father God, or Daddy God, or God in three persons, ask them to verify their doctrinal teachings from the scriptures.
God is not the author of confusion. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16) Stand in the offering plate.
"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)
Further, it is important to note that the words "Father God" are not ever used in the scriptures. Neither is the reference -- "God in three persons." Why is this?
Because God is one God. "In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1) And this very same God delivered of His own accord the greatest love story ever told. That is, this very same God who created man and woman in the beginning shed His precious holy blood on the cross so that we might experience His love, His grace and His mercy.
How do we know this? Because throughout the old and new testaments, this one God reveals Himself as the Father in creation, the Son in redemption and now as the Comforter who leads and guides us into all truth. The same God that Mary understood when she said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour ... and holy is His name." (Luke 1:46-54)
The same God that Zacharias prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for He hath visited and redeemed His people." (Luke 1:67)
If not God Almighty, then who redeemed His people? If God Almighty Himself did not become flesh as stated in John 1:1-18, then when did God become our Saviour?
"And [Mary] shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:22-23)
Under the old covenant, God used different names to reveal Himself to His people but He always referred to Himself as one God.
"I [am] the LORD: that [is] My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8)
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
"I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11)
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and His redeemer the LORD of hosts; "I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside Me [there is] no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
"Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? Ye [are] even My witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any]." (Isaiah 44:8)
Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, "I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreads abroad the earth by Myself ..." (Isaiah 44:24)
For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: "I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else." (Isaiah 45:18)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
Under this new covenant of grace -- beginning when the veil was torn from top to bottom -- we are given a new name. His name is Jesus.
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13)
"For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fulness dwell." (Colossians 1:19)
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)
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], "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:9)
Why is this important? Because in the book of Revelation, we read that Jesus is coming for a people who hast not denied His name. A people that has kept His Word and hast not denied His name. A people that hath hold fast His name and in so doing, hast not denied His faith.
"I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name." (Revelation 3:8)
"And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." (Revelation 2:3)
"Thou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith." (Revelation 2:13)
Paul writes: "But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour." (Titus 1:3)
God our Saviour. The same God who loved us from the beginning loved us enough to become our Saviour. His name is Jesus -- the only name whereby we must be saved. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, which is and which was and which is to come. (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:18)
So the next time the religious culture tries to tell you about Father God, or Daddy God, or God in three persons, ask them to verify their doctrinal teachings from the scriptures.
God is not the author of confusion. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16) Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
The Purchase Price of Redemption - Part 871
"Yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight." (Colossians 1:20-22)
Forasmuch as we -- God’s children are veiled in flesh and blood, God also likewise veiled Himself when He became flesh. (John 1:1-18)
God’s purposed plan being through the sacrificial death of His veil of flesh (the purchased price demanded for our redemption), such a sacrificial offering would usher in our deliverance from the bondage of sickness and disease -- the pathway leading us into death. Indeed, because of the precious blood Jesus shed on the cross, we have been redeemed. We have been set free.
Note that God did not take upon Himself the veiled nature of angels. Rather, God took upon Himself the nature of man’s sin prone flesh. The Holy Spirit providing of Himself the SEED of the Christ as was promised to Abraham. God promised Abraham that in his SEED should all the nations of the earth be blessed.
The SEED spoken of here is the SEED of the Holy Spirit -- which SEED is the Christ. Therefore, God implanted into Abraham His SEED. The promised SEED is not the seed of Adam's sin prone race for Adam’s seed could never have redeemed man.
To redeem man from sin then, it necessitated the death of a righteous man. The problem was that there was no righteous person for God to find. So it behooved the SEED of the holy Spirit [JESUS] to be veiled in flesh - in a body like ours - in order for the SEED of the holy Spirit [JESUS] to become our Saviour. In other words, the price of man's redemption demanded the sacrificial death of a sinless righteous man’s flesh.
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7) "In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:14)
"Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren." (I John 3:16)
"And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were some time alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight." (Colossians 1:20-22)
So the consequence was that JESUS -- the SEED of the holy Spirit provided this sinless life. He who knew no sin became sin for you and I. JESUS being the humanity of God - the SEED of His holy Spirit providing Himself as the only righteous man, who could willingly sacrificing Himself as a Son. And, in so doing, He becomes to us a merciful and faithful high priest -- man's only Saviour after the Order of Melchisedec.
Therefore, it is JESUS' sacrificial death that has made possible redemption and reconciliation for the sins of all people. JESUS Himself veiled in flesh who suffered and was tempted in all points even as we are, and yet without sin.
Yes, God Himself as a Son lay down His sinless body as a once and for all time sacrifice for you and I so that we could be saved. How? JESUS who knew no sin took upon Himself our sin so that we as sinners could be clothed in His righteousness. He -- the only sinless righteous man was clothed in our unrighteousness.
For the Spirit of the Lord has laid upon His own body the iniquity of us all. This is why -- as it is written -- there is no condemnation to all those who have repented and been baptized (and buried with JESUS) into the likeness of JESUS' death and are raised up from the symbolic watery grave in the likeness of JESUS resurrection.
Our old nature -- our former lives - buried once and for all with JESUS. We have so very much to be thankful for. Stand in the offering plate.
Forasmuch as we -- God’s children are veiled in flesh and blood, God also likewise veiled Himself when He became flesh. (John 1:1-18)
God’s purposed plan being through the sacrificial death of His veil of flesh (the purchased price demanded for our redemption), such a sacrificial offering would usher in our deliverance from the bondage of sickness and disease -- the pathway leading us into death. Indeed, because of the precious blood Jesus shed on the cross, we have been redeemed. We have been set free.
Note that God did not take upon Himself the veiled nature of angels. Rather, God took upon Himself the nature of man’s sin prone flesh. The Holy Spirit providing of Himself the SEED of the Christ as was promised to Abraham. God promised Abraham that in his SEED should all the nations of the earth be blessed.
The SEED spoken of here is the SEED of the Holy Spirit -- which SEED is the Christ. Therefore, God implanted into Abraham His SEED. The promised SEED is not the seed of Adam's sin prone race for Adam’s seed could never have redeemed man.
To redeem man from sin then, it necessitated the death of a righteous man. The problem was that there was no righteous person for God to find. So it behooved the SEED of the holy Spirit [JESUS] to be veiled in flesh - in a body like ours - in order for the SEED of the holy Spirit [JESUS] to become our Saviour. In other words, the price of man's redemption demanded the sacrificial death of a sinless righteous man’s flesh.
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7) "In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:14)
"Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren." (I John 3:16)
"And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were some time alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight." (Colossians 1:20-22)
So the consequence was that JESUS -- the SEED of the holy Spirit provided this sinless life. He who knew no sin became sin for you and I. JESUS being the humanity of God - the SEED of His holy Spirit providing Himself as the only righteous man, who could willingly sacrificing Himself as a Son. And, in so doing, He becomes to us a merciful and faithful high priest -- man's only Saviour after the Order of Melchisedec.
Therefore, it is JESUS' sacrificial death that has made possible redemption and reconciliation for the sins of all people. JESUS Himself veiled in flesh who suffered and was tempted in all points even as we are, and yet without sin.
Yes, God Himself as a Son lay down His sinless body as a once and for all time sacrifice for you and I so that we could be saved. How? JESUS who knew no sin took upon Himself our sin so that we as sinners could be clothed in His righteousness. He -- the only sinless righteous man was clothed in our unrighteousness.
For the Spirit of the Lord has laid upon His own body the iniquity of us all. This is why -- as it is written -- there is no condemnation to all those who have repented and been baptized (and buried with JESUS) into the likeness of JESUS' death and are raised up from the symbolic watery grave in the likeness of JESUS resurrection.
Our old nature -- our former lives - buried once and for all with JESUS. We have so very much to be thankful for. Stand in the offering plate.
They Being Blind Leaders of the Blind - Part 870
"If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself ..." (James 2:8)
Salvation is not of our own doing. Indeed, there is nothing we can do to be saved. Neither can we be assured of salvation simply because we fill our spare time with required church responsibilities for the religious culture. The only way to obtain salvation is to turn our hearts to Jesus -- as the first 3,000 believers did on the day of Pentecost.
That is, upon hearing the good news gospel message from Peter, (standing in unison with the eleven apostles), these 3,000 believers repented and were immediately baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin .. so that each and every one of them could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
Salvation then is a gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
Paul writes: "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 3:4-7)
But once saved, does this mean that we are to turn our back on what the scriptures state, and blindly follow the teachings that exist within the religious culture of this day? Of course not. In fact, the apostles encourage us to study the scriptures to show ourselves approved like a workman who is worthy. To remain steadfast in the apostle's doctrine.
But we can't do this if we never open our Bibles to find out His teachings. This is why Paul wrote that we are to "adorn" the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. If we consider what the word adorn means, then we as believers in Jesus should have an inward desire to decorate and embellish and enhance and beautify the doctrine of God our Saviour.
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men ... [therefore] 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 2:10-15)
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)
Paul wrote: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him .. God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His own will?" (Hebrews 2:3-4)
Yes, God Almighty has declared His name to His chosen people. His name is Jesus. Trust Him today with all your heart, soul, mind and strength because He was "made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour, that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man -- for it became Him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things ..." (Hebrews 2:9-10)
Thank you Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.
Salvation is not of our own doing. Indeed, there is nothing we can do to be saved. Neither can we be assured of salvation simply because we fill our spare time with required church responsibilities for the religious culture. The only way to obtain salvation is to turn our hearts to Jesus -- as the first 3,000 believers did on the day of Pentecost.
That is, upon hearing the good news gospel message from Peter, (standing in unison with the eleven apostles), these 3,000 believers repented and were immediately baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin .. so that each and every one of them could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
Salvation then is a gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
Paul writes: "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 3:4-7)
But once saved, does this mean that we are to turn our back on what the scriptures state, and blindly follow the teachings that exist within the religious culture of this day? Of course not. In fact, the apostles encourage us to study the scriptures to show ourselves approved like a workman who is worthy. To remain steadfast in the apostle's doctrine.
But we can't do this if we never open our Bibles to find out His teachings. This is why Paul wrote that we are to "adorn" the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. If we consider what the word adorn means, then we as believers in Jesus should have an inward desire to decorate and embellish and enhance and beautify the doctrine of God our Saviour.
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men ... [therefore] 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 2:10-15)
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)
Paul wrote: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him .. God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His own will?" (Hebrews 2:3-4)
Yes, God Almighty has declared His name to His chosen people. His name is Jesus. Trust Him today with all your heart, soul, mind and strength because He was "made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour, that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man -- for it became Him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things ..." (Hebrews 2:9-10)
Thank you Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)