No Servant Can Serve Two Masters - Part 924

"If you continue in my Word, then you shall you be My disciples and know the truth. And, in knowing the truth, you shall be set free." (John 8:31-32) "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

As we continue the study of Luke 16 -- known in religious circles as the "parable of the unjust steward" -- we begin to see how humanity has been manipulated from the very beginning. We begin to understand how we have been beguiled with enticing words -- by the elemental spiritual forces of this world -- by allowing men to spoil us through philosophy and vain deceit after the traditions and rudiments of this world -- rather than through Christ Jesus our Saviour.

Paul elaborates on this point in Colossians chapter 2. He writes:"For I would that you know [how I contend] for you and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be comforted -- being knit together in love -- and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God and of the Father and of Christ -- in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words -- for though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him -- rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith as you have been taught -- abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him (Christ) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily ... and you are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised Him from the dead, And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh hath He quickened together with Him having forgiven you all trespasses ... blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us -- which was contrary to us -- and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.

And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly triumphing over them in it.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of any holy day or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days -- which are a shadow of things to come.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vanity puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered and knit together increases with the increase of God.

Wherefore, if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances? (Touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship and humility and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." (Colossians 2:1-23)

The point being -- since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why -- as though you still belonged to the world -- do you still submit to its rules? Rules that suggest that we can't handle or taste or touch -- these rules which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use and likewise based on human commands and teachings. Indeed, such regulations that have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Moreover, why are we willing to negotiate our Christianity -- our salvation that is a gift -- to instead become half-hearted in living the good news gospel of Jesus and His kingdom. (More on this point later)

These are the underlying messages that the unjust steward (or satan) in the Luke 16 parable does not want us to understand as believers in Jesus. The message that we are saved by His grace through the shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross of Calvary, and as such, have been set free once and for all -- renewed in our spirits, hearts and minds -- and thus, no longer captives to the whims and traditions of the worldly forces.

"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13)

"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:18)

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Romans 6:22)

In making your decision to believe on Jesus, and subsequently seeking His righteousness, let no man rob you of God's way of salvation for it is the Lord your God who is mankind's only Saviour. Jesus the Christ said, "I thank you Father that you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, but you have revealed these [important truths] to babes.

Let us then earnestly contend for this one faith that was delivered to us by the Lord Jesus. Still more to come on Luke chapter 16. Meanwhile, stand in the offering plate.

When the Prisoners Don't Know They Are Prisoners - Part 923

The parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16 continues ... again from the perspective that the prisoners referred to here don't even realize that they are prisoners.

Jesus said, “If you continue in My Word, then you shall you be My disciples.” (John 8:31) By continuing in the Word, you will know the truth and be set free by His grace. Set free from the bondage contained under the old covenant Law. The Ten Commandments that is often quoted as a schoolmaster, but hardly stated in the context that Jesus fulfilled the Law. 

Indeed, we have been set free from being captives to this world because of the precious blood that Jesus – our Lord God who willingly became our Saviour -- God in the flesh – shed on the cross for you and I.

The scriptures state: "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

Further, "he that commits sin is of the devil for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (I John 3:)

When Jesus satisfied the Law, satan -- the unjust steward -- became condemned. (John 12:31) Fired. No longer would satan be able to repress the sons and daughters of the Most High King. Jesus said, "concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me, and concerning judgement because the ruler of this world has been judged." John 16:-11)

But like the example of the unjust steward in Jesus' parable, satan had to act quickly to regain his stature in the world. The new goal then was to make us half hearted in our salvation - so that we would never serve Jesus with ALL our mind, soul, heart and strength -- but rather, rendering our hearts to a religious system that doesn't rock the boat. 

Remember that thought while we digress for a moment and focus on the Pharisees who were also listening to Jesus share this parable. As Jews, they believed that they were Abraham's Seed and therefore, never in bondage. "We be Abraham's Seed and were never in bondage to any man. How sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?" (John 8:33) 

Note that when the Jews said that they were of Abraham’s seed, they were referring to Abraham's natural seed. As we read in the scriptures, Ishmael was born of Abraham's natural seed to a bondwoman. Sarah, who was Abraham's wife died and when Abraham remarried, he had born of his natural seed six more children.

If we further examine the scriptures concerning Abraham and Sarah, we learn that Sarah's womb was sealed. However, within Sarah did dwell the SEED of promise - the Seed promised by God and first mentioned to Eve in the Eden garden. The scriptures also declare that Eve was the mother of all living with God declaring that it would be the Seed of a woman that would bruise the serpent. The serpent being the same accuser of the brethren -- known as satan -- yes, the unjust steward portrayed in the Luke 16 parable.

This promised Seed was not one of Adam’s now sin prone seed. Rather, the promised Seed was a pure Seed, which Seed contained ALL the fullness of the spiritual humanity of God. Or, put another way, the Son of God or God Himself as a Son. The Seed then was the Seed of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Jesus is God Himself as a Son. (John 1:1-18; Colossians 1:26)

"For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

The aforementioned Seed of promise passed from Eve into Seth and thus, we are introduced into the generational travels of the promised Seed through the scriptures. Sarah caused her bond maid to lie with Abraham which led to Ishmael being born from Abraham's natural seed. Ishmael was not born a Muslim. Why? Because at this time, the Muslim religion was non-existent. But nevertheless, God did promise that Ishmael who had twelve sons would, as a consequence become a great nation.

How do we know this account of Abraham to be true? Because in everything that has transpired, our Lord God has always been a God of impossibilities. There is nothing too hard that God cannot do. However, God’s way of doing things is not necessarily bound to man’s ways or the norms established within society. So when Abraham was one hundred years of age and Sarah, Abraham's wife 90 years of age, God promised Abraham that in his Seed would all the nations of the earth be blessed. But as expected, Abraham's capabilities to reproduce were now non-existing. In the mind of humans, this would have been the end of the story.

However, as mentioned earlier, God deals with impossibilities. This means that God intervened and resurrected Abraham's capabilities as a man. At the same time, God implanted into Abraham the Seed of promise, wherein, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Yes, God is God and He is still God. As a result, Abraham and Sarah were both rejuvenated of God.

God opened Sarah's womb. Isaac was born. Isaac was the product of Abraham and Eve’s natural seed whereby the SEED of promise passed into Isaac. Indeed, the SEED of promise continued on their generational travels until God’s appointed time when they would be brought together by the Holy Spirit. That moment between the two covenants when time stood still.

In this, neither Ishmael or Isaac did bring forth or show forth the life of God. Ishmael for sure was not in the genealogy.

But Abraham was declared as a friend of God. In John chapter 8, the Jewish audience told Jesus that they had never been in bondage. 

Specifically, in John 8:34, Jesus replied with the following – “Whosoever commits sin is a servant of sin.” The point to note here is that Jesus was speaking directly to the Jewish audience. Ditto to the Pharisees who stood listening to Jesus share the parable of the unjust steward with His disciples.

Moreover, Jesus’ death – which had still not occurred at this point -- extends to the “whosoever” including both you and I, and all of Adam’s prone to sin offspring. Because every one of us has fallen short of the glory of God -- thereby having sinned – makes salvation necessary. For salvation to be given, it necessitated that sin prone persons (both male and female, prophet, priest, or king) recognize their personal need for a Saviour.

Unfortunately, in man’s eyes there is – either as a result of man-made religious constructs or secular influenced doctrines -- an abundance of ways to be saved. However, in God’s eyes there is only "one way" to be saved. (Acts 2:38-42; John 14:6)

So, at the appointed time, the holy Ghost brought together the promised SEED in the womb of a willing surrogate mother named Mary. 

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." (Galatians 3:16)

Herein, the Seed was united and clothed with Mary’s sin prone flesh. He who came forth was none other than God Himself -- appearing in fashion as a Son. The only begotten Son of God. The flesh birthed -- in the image of God in "created form" whereas the Spirit within that flesh being -- the very life of the holy Spirit of God. Yes, in this SEED is life.

Thus, the essence of the parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16.  The message -- that we could personally enter into a relationship with the Holy of holies by seeking Jesus first and His righteousness ... and, in so doing, we can know the truth that sets us free. 

But His grace is not just about the "generosity" of our Lord (as cited in the parable) but also His willingness to forgive our sins. An inner knowledge and heart of gratefulness knowing how far our heavenly Father would go to reconcile His creation back to Him. God’s gift of salvation. The one who knew no sin willingly becoming sin for us so that we might acknowledge His desire to know us personally. The Lord our God willingly became mankind’s only Saviour.

But satan, who stood condemned forever because of Jesus’ shed blood on the cross for our sin, had to devise a plan that would once again make us debtors to the Law. The same Law known as the schoolmaster that Jesus satisfied once and for all when He shed His blood on the cross. And consequently, satan knew he had to act quickly before the Lord’s friends (the community of believers) would discover his lie. 

Why? Because Jesus was about to expose men for who they really were - captives and prisoners of the devil – in bondage to satan -- that required salvation. For Jesus made the statement that we as humans are of our father the devil and as a consequence partake in lusts which proves that we are in bondage to our father the devil. Unfortunately, try as we might to escape this bondage in and of our own selves, we continue repeating the same sin over and over again because we are held in captivity by the devil. Ever since the day that our ancestral father Adam ignored God’s instructions and obeyed satan, we were led into sin by satan who was and is a murderer -- the father of all lies. Just like Adam and Eve submitted to satan's voice, we are likewise being led away into the captivity of a sinful nature.

As a consequence, satan runs to and fro hoping to keep us contained within that initial bondage and captivity. The lie and deception being that we are not free as a consequence of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. Or, if we are, we are only a little bit free. (Remember, the dealing with the debtors in the parable?) To be successful in his mission, satan had to enlist others to promote his lies. 

Indeed, prophecies within the scriptures foretell of a time when false prophets and teachers will come and deceive many. And as the scriptures also reveal, many shall follow their pernicious ways departing from the truth. Indeed, the truth shall become as if it were error, and error as if it were truth.

In sharing this parable, the Lord Himself was forewarning believers that such things would come to pass, and that unfortunately, there would be a great falling away. In fact, the Lord said that the church which ought to be witnesses to the kingdom truth would have their candlestick removed. 

Why? Because churches/religion would no longer be representatives of the gospel truth. The churches' initial love affair with the Lord Jesus growing cold or at best lukewarm. We see this today. Many churches and religious organizations teach adherence to the Law and ten commandments – the old covenant whereby believers are misled to believe that the ten commandments and laws in Leviticus still apply today. That Jesus did not really set us free. In other words, the lie continues. The prince of this world continues to keep us indebted to a Law and worldly system that God Himself satisfied once and for all. It is in this context that the Lord will vomit the “neither hot nor cold” church out of His mouth.

  

Still, in spite of man-made, traditional church institutions, the Lord continues to seek and to save those who are lost. And His love goes beyond the "generosity" that is exhibited in the parable. In fact, God’s faithfulness is true. This is why God stands at the door of our hearts knocking. When we say yes to Jesus, we open up our hearts. We let His Son shine in so that we can live the very life that God Himself intended for us to live from the very beginning -- as His sons in the likeness of Jesus. For to us is the Word of this salvation sent.

Let us therefore earnestly contend for this one faith that was delivered to us by the Lord Jesus Himself. The same Lord God who created us in the beginning decidedly becoming our Saviour. Don't settle for the ho-hum that religion and its culture offers. Become fishers of men, as did the disciples. 

There is still more to come on this parable so keep reading. In the interim, stand in the offering plate and offer yourself to the Most High King!

There Was a Certain Rich Man Which Had a Steward - Part 922

Jesus' sermon that begins in Luke chapter 15 and continues to the first part of Luke chapter 17 should be a must read for all believers seeking Jesus. 

Therein, Jesus is sharing a parable with the multitudes of people who were following Him. The scribes and Pharisees are present. So are the disciples. If one looks to theological experts for an explanation, they are often told that this parable is notorious for its difficulty primarily because the dishonest person in the parable is praised. (Shelley, 2014) As a consequence, most times there isn't a reasonable explanation for these scriptures so Jesus' sermon is often passed over. But that won't be the case today. Let's begin with Luke chapter 16.

Essentially, the parable points to a dishonest steward who — in managing an estate — was accused of wasting and squandering the lord’s goods. By definition, steward means “one who manages another’s property, finances or other affairs,” or “one who is in charge of household affairs.”

“And He [Jesus] said unto His disciples, “There was a certain rich man which had a steward, and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.” (Luke 16:1-2)

In today’s terms, this situation would be akin to a manager calling into question an employee’s conduct, before firing this same employee. The steward here is now concerned because he is going to be — if we use the analogy above — out of a job. Clearly, the steward has a problem.

The steward said within himself, “What shall I do? For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig [and] to beg I am ashamed.” (Luke 1:3)

So the steward begins to seek options using his worldly wisdom. But the steward must act quickly because if he doesn’t, his plight will be found out within the community, and most particularly among the lord’s friends. So the steward cleverly devises a plan that will keep him gainfully employed. The steward states, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

Thinking quickly, the steward hurriedly turns the rich man’s debtors into his friends. In his haste to remain employed, he calls every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, asking, “How much owest thou unto my lord?”

The first said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And the steward said, “Take thy bill and sit down quickly and write fifty.”

Then the steward said to another, “And how much owest thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And the steward said unto him, “Take thy bill and write fourscore.” (Luke 16:5-7)

What the steward is doing here is changing the terms of the relationship between the debtor and the lord. On the surface, the steward who in his job was previously responsible for collecting all outstanding debts is now turning the rich man's debtors into his friends by forgiving some of the debt.

Jesus cited two examples in the parable. In one, the account holder's debt was forgiven by half. But the steward's negotiating did not just stop at two debtors. In fact, according to the scriptures, the steward called “every single one” of the lord’s debtors. Not one person was missed in the steward’s determination to negotiate a new debt with one and all. As a consequence, the total cost — if we were only looking at monetary terms — would be significant. But obviously, we are not only looking at monetary matters here.

When the lord discovered what the steward was doing, he commended the unjust steward for using worldly ways to justify his continued existence. It is here that the real message of the parable begins to unfold. No longer is the parable focused solely on the steward wasting the lord’s estate — for which the steward was fired. 

“The lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:8-9)

Herein, the lord is commenting on how the unjust steward found a way — albeit using evil cunning and deviousness — to increase his reputation among the fold. From the unjust steward’s perspective, he was able to retain some form of credence within the community as a whole by arranging a better deal for the debtors. Can you hear them saying, “Well, he can’t be all bad.”

From the debtor’s perspective, they would be most grateful for a portion of their debts being forgiven. Normally, for a debt to be forgiven (if you use the agricultural example that would have been prominent in Biblical times) there would have to be extenuating circumstances in the farming sector that precipitated making a special request. But note here that forgiveness of the debt came about without any solicitation by the debtors to the lord. The debts were seemingly freely given — without a list of conditions — from the debtor’s point of view. (More on this point later)

However, it is also critical to notice that in acknowledging the steward’s deal to the debtors, the lord was not commending the steward’s dishonesty or behaviour. What the unjust steward did to further his own self-preservation was still wrong on every level.

Still, the unjust steward knew enough about the lord to recognize that the lord would not go back and collect the difference in the debts owing from the debtors – regardless of the amount. Why? Because the steward knew the lord was gracious. The steward also knew that the lord had already forgiven the debt in full. He had come to fulfill the law, thereby bringing the law to fruition. It was this acknowledgement — the ability of even the steward to recognize the ultimate generosity of the lord that the lord commended.

So what does all this mean? First, the key to understanding this parable is recognizing the true identity of the characters. The rich man is our Lord God and Saviour, satan is the steward/manager and the accuser of the brethren, and the debtors represent all humanity — you and I.

Second, as we know from Genesis, satan gained authority and rule over the earth when Adam and Eve fell in the garden. There and then, satan became the prince of this world working through mankind — evil in every aspect. His objective was to seek and devour everyone that he could, always luring people to do his bidding. In essence, satan was always seeking ways to repress God’s people -- and if he couldn't, at least get them to settle into the established traditions of men. In this situation, however, he made them debtors. Debtors again to the Law and the old covenant that was prevalent in the old testament. The same Law that our Lord God brought to an end when He died on the cross.

But what satan did not count on was this. The generosity of our Lord extended from His abundant love for His creation. So when our Lord God — who created man and woman in the beginning — willingly became our Saviour, satan lost his stronghold. Indeed, when Jesus’ precious holy blood was shed on the cross for you and I, the prince of this world stood condemned. (John 16:11)

Fired.

Why? Because when Jesus blood was shed, the Law was satisfied once and for all. When Jesus died and rose again, we were forgiven of our sins when we chose to believe in Him by faith ... and seek His righteousness. This meant that satan could no longer misuse the Law in order to repress God’s chosen people.

Neither could the prince of this world accuse those who seek Jesus and all His righteousness because in salvation -- which God gave us as a gift -- we are totally forgiven by His grace and mercy. 100% forgiven of our past, present and future sins -- covered by the precious blood of Jesus -- so although our sins were crimson, they are now white as snow.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves — it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As a consequence, satan — like the unjust steward in the parable — recognized that in order to retain his worldly status, he would have to act quickly. Call in IOU’s — even if one has to make them up, and thus, lure us through deceitful negotiation into making a deal. A different deal for every person. A varying discount depending on the spiritual situation. 

Nevertheless, the ultimate objective being to make one and all debtors.
This is why he said, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

The intent then was for satan to ensure that we remain as debtors — with at least one foot in the world. Half-hearted in our love for Jesus. Giving only a little bit of our life to being free in Jesus — with one foot in the Law, citing the ten commandments as critical in our daily living, while only half-heartedly acknowledging God's grace and mercy that set us free -- standing in His liberty. Sprinkling the gospel in our life while immersing ourselves in the labour of this world. Going to church just enough to show the Lord that we are willing to participate — at least to some extent but never really experiencing His awesome freedom and grace. Conforming to the traditions of men, rather than worshipping our Lord.

As a consequence, we end up serving two masters rather than wholeheartedly seeking the absolute — the one and only — Jesus the Christ — the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

The same Jesus who said that we “are bought with a price” and therefore the reason why we should “glorify God in our body, and in our spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:20)

Contemplate on this part of the revelation because this is only the beginning. Indeed, there’s much more to come in the posts ahead. In the interim, put "yourself" in His offering plate because Jesus doesn't want your money. He wants your heart!

Seek the Lord If Haply They Might Feel After Him and Find Him - Part 921

"Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them  ... shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12:9)

Interestingly, the corresponding scripture takes us back to the book of Job. Therein, Job answers and says: "No doubt but you are the people, and wisdom shall die with you but I have understanding as well as you .... ask now the beasts and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee; or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?" (Job 12:1-13)

Why is this important? Because for those who believe in Jesus, and seek His righteousness, we need to understand that if our Lord God and Saviour would shed His precious blood on the cross for us -- while we were yet sinners, how much more does He want to bless us now that we are His friends.

"For in Him we live, and move and have our being, as certain also of your own poets have said, "For we are also His offspring." Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device." (Acts 17:27-29)

In fact, in "times of this ignorance, God winked." (Acts 17:30) For those who have not yet asked Jesus to be Lord in your life, repent -- "but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent because He hath appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man in that He hath raised Him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31)

As Jesus said, come and be fishers of men, telling everyone you meet about the wonderful blessings of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Praise Jesus that we can be in subjection unto Him -- the Father of spirits -- and live. (Hebrews 12:9) Stand in the offering plate.

And of His Fullness Have All We Received - Part 920

"Behold, His soul which is lifted up is not upright in Him, but the just shall live by His faith." (Habakkuk 2:4) "For He whom God hath sent speaks the words of God; for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him" ... Jesus. (John 3:34)

This is why the Jews marveled, saying about Jesus, "How knows this man letters, having never learned?"  Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory, but he that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you keeps the Law? Why go you about to kill Me?" (John 7:15-19)

You see, God was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) Indeed, He was the true Light which lights every man that comes into the world. He is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:13) 

"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) His name is Jesus .. "for the Law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) 

In fact, "it was imputed unto Him for righteousness." (Romans 4:22; Genesis 15:5-6) "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse ... because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful." (Romans 1:20-21)

This explains why Paul wrote in Romans, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes ... for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." (Romans 1:16-17)

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:" (Romans 3:22)
We who seek Jesus in all that we do and think live by faith. "And 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) 

Therefore, glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ -- the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all  and upon all them that believe. Let him that has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

How Much Then Is A Man Better Than a Sheep? - Part 919

But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto Jesus, "Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day." (Matthew 12:2)

But Jesus said unto them, "Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; how he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?" (Matthew 12:3; Luke 6:3-4)

But I say unto you, "That in this place is One greater than the temple."

How often do we go through life trying to resolve our issues, without consulting the one within our midst -- who IS greater than the temple? Indeed, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ keeps the earth turning repeatedly on its axle -- in perfect precision -- for both those who are good and those that are evil, and yet we can't bring ourselves to have faith such as a little child.

Furthermore, He feeds the birds day in and day out. The daisies awaken each spring without toil. The seasons come and the seasons go like clockwork. And as well, our human bodies come with a miraculous ability to heal. All of these signs and wonders, and more, are the handiwork of our Lord and Saviour. And yet, here we are -- like the Pharisees in the time that Jesus walked the earth -- trying to muddle our way through life without acknowledging that there is "One" that is greater than the temple. There is a God who loved us enough that He Himself would become flesh, shedding His holy blood for our transgressions.

But since the Pharisees did not recognize Him for who He was, Jesus continues ...

"But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." (Matthew 12:7-8) Luke records the same event this way: "And Jesus said unto them, "That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." (Luke 6:5)

Mark wrote even more: "And [Jesus] entered again into the synagogue ad there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched Him [Jesus] whether He would heal him on the sabbath day -- that they might accuse Him. And He said unto the man which had the withered hand -- "Stand forth." And He said unto them [the Pharisees] "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill?" (Mark 3:1-5)

Note that they held their peace. And when Jesus looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He said unto the man, "Stretch forth thine hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored like the other. (Mark 3:1-5)

Matthew elaborated further on what happened in the temple. "And when He was departed thence, He went into their synagogue. And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days?" that they might accuse Him. And Jesus said unto them, "What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?" How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days."

Then saith Jesus to the man, "Stretch forth thine hand." And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other." (Matthew 12:2-13)

What an awesome Lord we serve. In fact, this is yet another example of how much the Lord loves us, and wants to bestow His goodness upon those who love Him, and seek His righteousness. Trust Jesus today -- and know that the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. Stand in the offering plate.

For Christ Is the End of the Law for Righteousness - Part 918

"For the Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) "For Christ is the END of the Law for righteousness, which is of the Law ... for Moses describes the righteousness which is of the Law -- "That the man which doeth those things shall live by them." (Romans 10:4)

"Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith .. but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)

Sadly, many representatives in today's religious culture subscribe to the Law -- that we as believers who believe in Jesus and seek His righteousness must (even in this dispensation of grace) be subservient to old covenant law. This stance, even when Jesus proclaims that He will set us free through His precious blood shed on the cross. 

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

But don't let the religious hinder you so that you would not obey the truth. "This persuasion cometh not of Him that called you." (Galatians 5:7-8) Rather, know that "all the law is fulfilled in one Word, even in this -- "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:15) 

Why? Because we have been called unto liberty. His liberty. The liberty that allows us to walk and live in the Spirit -- and in His grace -- and to do good unto all men -- especially them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

For other scriptures confirming Christ is the end of the Law -- the same Christ in whom we have obtained an inheritance -- that we should be to the praise of His glory, read on:

"But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, "Say not in thine heart, who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above;) Or, who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it?" (Romans 10:1-8)

"The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the Word of faith, which we preach -- that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith: "Whosoever believes on Him shall be saved." (Romans 10:8-13)

"Wherefore then the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made -- ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." (Galatians 3:19)

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." Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For 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 5:17-20)

"Now we know that what things soever the Law saith - it saith to them who are under the Law; that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the Law, there shall be no flesh be justified in His sight; for by the Law is the knowledge of sin ... but now the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference ... for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God ... being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood -- to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness; that He might be just, and the justifier for Him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:19-26)

There is therefore 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 hath made me 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 only begotten 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 8:1-4)

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus ... for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26-29)

"And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses." (Acts 13:39) 

In other words, Jesus came to redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the adoption of sons -- and because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:4-5) Stand in the offering plate. 

We Have Been Set Free Through Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ - Part 917

Certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved." 

These determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. On their way, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, causing great joy unto all the brethren. They were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, "That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said, "Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:1-11)

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon has declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up ... that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My name is called," saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God, but that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren. And they wrote letters by them after this manner; 

"The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, "Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul -- men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." (Acts 15:12-29)

God Was Manifest in the Flesh - Part 916

Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid for the Lord is my strength and my song. He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. The scriptures state that in that day shall we say, “Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted.” 

Isaiah 9:6 states, “For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”

Yes, Jesus is God in the flesh. The same Word that was with God in the beginning is God in these latter times. Jesus is the last name given among men whereby we can be saved. It was His sacrifice on the cross, His blood shed for you and I that opened the door so that we might have salvation. So that we might abide fully in His grace.

Yes, the same God who created this world loved us enough that He Himself would become flesh. His humanity dying on the cross for us. "God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world and received up into glory.” (I Timothy 3:16) All this so that you and I might know our Lord God our Saviour. The greatest love story ever told. Stand in the offering plate!

Jesus! The Author and Finisher of Our Faith - Part 915

"Looking unto Jesus -- the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus said to the Jews who were seeking to kill Him, "Search the scriptures for in them, ye think you have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me --[but[ you will not come to Me that you might have life. I receive not honour from men but I know you, that you have not the love of God in you." (John 5:39-42)

At the time, the Jews wanted to kill Jesus because He had not only broken the Sabbath (for healing a man who had an infirmity for 38 years) but because Jesus said that God was His Father. When He said this, the Jews accused Jesus of making Himself equal with God." (John 5:18) 

But Jesus did not leave them without a response. Indeed, Jesus followed by sharing many insights into who He was, and why His salvation message of the Kingdom was one that every person needs to take hold of.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for what things soever He does, these also does the Son likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that Himself does, and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickens them; even so the Son quickens whom He will. For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment unto the Son, that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honours not the Son honours not the Father which has sent Him.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself ... AND hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man." (John 5:21-27)

Jesus then said, "Marvel not at this for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of Mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." (John 5:28-30)

If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another that bears witness of Me; and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me. And the Father Himself, which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

And ye have not His word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not." (John 5:31-45) 

This is why we are encouraged to search the scriptures because as Jesus said -- they testify of Me. Believe in Jesus today. Believe His words for your sustenance. He is the author and finisher of our faith. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Stand in the offering plate.