How Shall We Escape If We Neglect Such Great Salvation - Part 976

We read in the book of Hebrews that God, at different times and in different ways spoke in time past to believers via the prophets. In today's dispensation of grace, God has spoken unto us via His only begotten JESUS, noting that JESUS is the appointed heir of all things. Indeed, all things were made by JESUS and similarly all things were made for JESUS. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

This is the same JESUS the Christ that is described as the brightness of His glory. The same JESUS the Christ being the express image of God’s holy Spirit. In fact the same Jesus - God in Christ - who upheld all of His promises by the power of His own Word. And the same JESUS the Christ that provides us with His gift of salvation.

In other words, God in Christ had -- by Himself -- purged our sins. He had by Himself finished (or completed) the work of man’s redemption. This is why JESUS said “It is finished” on the cross. It is also why JESUS then ascended into Heaven and sat down. (Acts 1:9; Hebrews 1:3) By the act of sitting down, JESUS declared that no one can add or diminish from His preordained plan of redemption and salvation.

Indeed, JESUS sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (the right hand being the hand of power and work). It is important to note here that JESUS was much more superior than the angels. The Spirit of God had never referred to angels as His sons. It is also important to note that His name - the name of JESUS - is superior to every other name in heaven or on earth. 

Jesus -- the ONLY name given under heaven whereby men and women can be saved.

"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)

“God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is written in the second psalm: Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee.” (Acts 13:33; Psalm 2:7; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5) And again the Spirit declaring of JESUS - “I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to me a Son."  (Hebrews 1:5)

Said another way, when He brings His Only Begotten into this world, the Spirit says, “And let all the angels of God worship JESUS." 

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds. Who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high -- being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 

For unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?" And again, "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" 

And again, when He bringeth in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." And of the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son [He saith], "Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands.

They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said He at any times, "Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?" Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward, 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 1:1-14; Hebrews 2:1-4)

Regarding the angels, the Spirit declares that He has made His angels spirits - His ministers - a flame of fire. But the Holy Spirit speaks concerning His Only Begotten Son saying, “Your Throne, O God is forever and ever a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom."

Why is this? Because JESUS loved righteousness and hated iniquity. Therefore, saith the scriptures, the Holy Spirit your Father and God has anointed you with the oil of gladness above all others. For it was you Lord who in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth and the Heavens are the works of your hands. All things corruptible shall perish but you LORD do not change. Indeed, JESUS you are the same yesterday, today and forever. Whereas, everything else waxes old just like a garment.

But as a vesture you shall fold the remnants up and yes, they shall be changed. But you Lord are the same. You Lord never fail.

Further, the Holy Spirit has never said to the angels at any time “Sit on my right hand, UNTIL I make your enemies to be your footstool." Rather, all angels are proclaimed of God to be ministering spirits sent forth of God to minister to the heirs of salvation.

It is for this reason that the Holy Ghost shall lead and guide believers into all truth. After JESUS ascended up into Heaven, then this same JESUS ministered to believers through His Spirit. Therefore, let us hear by the ministry of JESUS what is being said today, knowing that the truth - the gospel - shall set us free. 

Peace to all in Jesus name! Stand in His offering plate.

Behold His Wondrous Glory - Part 975

Jesus said, "I am come a light into the world that whosoever believes on Me should not abide in darkness." (John 12:46)

The people stood by and heard Jesus' good news message of peace. Jesus had just informed them that if He be lifted up from earth He would draw all people unto Him. This Jesus said, signifying what death He should die. But the people answered Him, saying: "We have heard out of the law that Christ abides forever [so] how sayest Thou, "The Son of an must be lifted up?" Who is this Son of man?"

Then Jesus said unto them. "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you ... for He that walketh in darkness knows not whither He goes. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light." (John 12:32-36)

Who is the light of the world? Jesus! How do we know this? Because Jesus did not hide the truth from those who seek Him and His righteousness.

Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world. He that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

The same message is portrayed in the first chapter of John,

"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 anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-4)

As we note later in the same chapter, John was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That is, Jesus was the light -- "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John 1:6-9)

Yes, this same Jesus -- "He 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 ... but as many as received Him -- to them gave He power to become the sons of God -- to them that believe on His name." (John 1:10-12)

Jesus is the Light of the world, who proclaimed peace to one and all. This is why we are no longer in darkness "that the day should overtake you as a thief." (I Thessalonians 5:4) Rather, ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day. Indeed, we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober. (I Thessalonians 5:3-5)

Know too that the Word that was with God and WAS God in the beginning, was made flesh and dwelt among us so that we might experience His gift of salvation. Behold His glory -- the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) Stand in the offering plate.

Sharing the Light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ - Part 974

Interestingly, the good news gospel ministry that the apostles presented "without fainting" did not include taking it upon themselves to promote their own personal agenda. Indeed, their ministry was not about making money. Neither were their ministries carried out in their own name. Rather,as Paul wrote, their sole motive was to preach Jesus in everything they did in word or deed.

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." (II Corinthians 4:5)

"Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)

As you can see, their motive was to share the life-changing message of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. How He who knew no sin willingly became sin, shedding His precious blood on a cross so that we could obtain His gift of salvation. "This treasure in earthen vessels." (II Corinthians 5:7)

"For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)

Further, apostle Paul wants us to experience the Spirit of the living God that lives not in "tables of stone but in fleshy tables of the heart ... [so that] such trust have we through Christ to Godward, not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency of God ... who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament." (II Corinthians 3:3-6) 

"Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the glorious gospel of Christ -- who IS the image of God should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:1-4)

But then Paul writes: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (II Corithians 4:7)

Note -- "not of us." It is not the apostles who heal the sick, or cast out demons. It is not the apostles (in and of themselves) that can give hope to the lost. It is not the apostles who turn the world correctly on its axle day in and day out for both the good and evil. It is not the apostles who can give life everlasting to those who seek Jesus. 

In fact, the apostles knew firsthand that this treasure in earthen vessels -- this treasure that exists within you and I when we seek Jesus and His righteousness by faith -- and the power that comes from His gift of the Holy Ghost is not of them. "Not of us," they proclaimed, always pointing to Jesus as the author and finisher of their/our faith. (II Corinthians 4:7)

"Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body .. for we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh -- so then death works in us, but life in you. 

We have the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak, knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus and shall present [us] with you. For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God ... for which cause we faint not." (II Corinthians 5:10-16)

Like Mary (the mother of Jesus) said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47)

Now if only those who proclaim to be ministers of the good news gospel of Jesus the Christ today would remember the apostles' words when they preach the gospel. Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

I AM The Way, the Truth and the Life - Part 973

Moving beyond the two covenants -- the old and the new (of which the latter is actually referred to as a testament defined by the blood shed by our Lord God and Saviour on the cross), we begin to understand the uniqueness of the gospel message of Jesus and His kingdom. 

That is, the same God who created us in the beginning so loved the world - meaning you and I - that He gave His only begotten Son so that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not perish but shall have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

Think about this for a moment. For God so loved! A love so deep for His creation that He openly and willingly declared "peace" to one and all. And, in so doing, He ushered in a brand new covenant in which we could know our Lord God and Saviour personally. A last will and testament offered to us who were not God's chosen people but now are God's chosen people by adoption -- which can only be understood through the ultimate sacrifice made on the cross. 

Through Jesus, we are able to share in the world's greatest love story ever told. His Word that was with God in the beginning and WAS God, became flesh and dwelt among us so that we could have life everlasting. (John 1:1-18) 

The love of God that is far greater than anyone’s pen or tongue could ever tell. John, motivated by the Holy Ghost portrays the life of JESUS openly declaring to readers that if all the things JESUS began both to say and do were to be written -- the world itself would be unable to contain all the books that would be authored as a consequence. 

Note however, that there was an addendum to this point. John said - however these things are written so that you might believe that JESUS IS the Christ!

Yes God so loved! He so loved us that He gave His ONLY begotten Son. The JESUS here is the ONLY begotten Son! JESUS was not begat as we are. And no, God did not send someone else in His place. God Himself came as a Son so that we might receive salvation through His grace and mercy.

For it is written, that JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost. Indeed, JESUS is the SEED of the Holy Ghost - the very life giving blood of His Spirit flowing within the veins of the man JESUS. This is why at Calvary, blood and water came forth from JESUS' side. And, as prophesied in the old covenant, not one bone of JESUS' body was broken. 

Still, all of the aforementioned were sinless, not under the curse for they were the SEED of the Holy Ghost. Conversely, the body which was sin prone but yet remained sinless was offered as the redeeming sacrifice for sin. That sin prone body was more marred than any other human body has ever been. In fact, all that remained was as a shell of a man.

Therefore, the willing sacrificial death of JESUS' sinless body broke all the fetters of sin which had befallen man resulting from Adam's disobedience, where the curse of sin was awarded to Adam and his future offspring. It was this curse that Jesus took upon Himself. For it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'

It is in this context that there is no other gospel worth noting. No other gospel whereby God was willing to sacrifice His humanity for you and I. 

For within the life of the man JESUS the Christ, we are introduced to the manifestation of God Himself. As it is written, "In JESUS, did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." Now if all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily within JESUS and God is the One Spirit unseen, then JESUS is God manifest. We do right in worshiping JESUS who is God manifest. We further read in the scriptures about those who asked JESUS if they should look for another. JESUS replied, "If you do not believe that I AM [HE], you shall die in your sin."

In Acts chapter 2, the Jews and proselytes on the day of Pentecost -- which incidentally was the opening day of this dispensation of God's grace and mercy toward all men -- were told by the twelve apostles that JESUS who was crucified at Calvary was indeed the Lord of Glory. As a result of hearing these words they were convicted in their heart crying out to the apostles, "Men and brethren, what must we do?" As we read in the book of Acts, the people were instructed to "Repent and be baptized in the name of JESUS the Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42) In response, 3000 people repented and were baptized in Jesus' name that very day.

This good news gospel message of Jesus and His kingdom has not changed. And it will not change regardless of the efforts made by some to misconstrue the scriptures. JESUS is GOD with us. And He bears the name JESUS which name is given of God. 

"There is no other name GIVEN whereby men can be saved." Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

I Am Ready to Die For the Name of the Lord Jesus - Part 972

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God ..." (Acts 21:24-25)

The book of Acts is a must read for believers interested in moving forward in their faith journey. Why? Because throughout the book of Acts, we learn of the first principles of the doctrine of Christ -- the foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement. (Hebrews 6:1)

We learn how the apostles implemented Jesus' teachings into their respective ministries. But that is not all. 

"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He -- through the Holy Ghost -- had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. To whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father, which ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)

The question the apostles asked was this: "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"  

Jesus said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has put in His own power, but ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:7-8)

And when Jesus had spoken these things, while they beheld He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  

The apostles then return to Jerusalem and when they had come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James to son of Alphaeus and Simon Zelotes and Judas the brother of James. What did they do?

These all continued with one accord in prayer and in supplication. Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry." (Acts 1:14-17)

Peter's message did not stop there. Matthias was chosen through lots to "take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell" and as a consequence, he was numbered with the twelve. (Acts 1:26)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place when suddenly from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, filled all the house where they were sitting. First, the people spoke in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Then Peter, standing with the eleven apostles, proclaimed the good news gospel message of salvation to one and all.

When the people were pricked in their hearts, they asked the men and brethren, what shall we do to be saved? (Acts 2:37)  Peter answered unto them, saying, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38-42)

Three thousand people gladly received the Word and were baptized "and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:37-42)

These are the beginnings of the early church that changed the known world at that time. Jesus wants us to be world changers today, but we can only do so when we align our beliefs and faith with His Word. This includes water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Read Acts today and discover with gladness and singleness of heart the goodness of our Lord God and Saviour. Stand in His offering plate.

There is Laid Up For Me A Crown of Righteousness - Part 971

"For since the beginning of the world, [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, [what] He hath prepared for him that waits for Him. Thou meets him that rejoices and works righteousness -- remember Thee in Thy ways. Behold, Thou are wroth for we have sinned: in those is continuance and we shall be saved." (Isaiah 64:4-5)

"Eye hath not see nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

Indeed, "behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure." (I John 3:1-3)

These are not only promises that have stood the test of time (from the beginning of time) but should reflect the everlasting hope that we as believers have every day in Christ Jesus ... "for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven (whereof ye heard before in the Word of the truth of the gospel) which is come unto you, as in all the world, and brings forth fruit, as also in you since the day ye heard the grace of God in truth." (Colossians 1:5-6)

Throughout the scriptures (as evidenced herein) our Lord God and Saviour has and is reaffirming His Word to each and every one of us, declaring His powerful love and mercy unto us so that we might walk worthy of the Lord, "unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:10)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ explained it this way: "For this cause -- we also, since the day we heard, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9)

The question is -- how do we get there? How can we be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding? What can we do so that we understand the manifold wisdom of God -- "according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:11)

First and foremost, we need to seek Jesus, and His righteousness in everything that we do, praising Him continually for His goodness. 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them ..." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Second, we need to recognize that "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 3:16-17)

Why do I say this? Because God is NOT the author of confusion, but rather, of peace, and He wants to hide His Word in our hearts. (I Corinthians 14:33) This is why Paul charged Timothy to "preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine ..." (II Timothy 4:1-3)

Third, we need to understand that "when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:13) And His Word will align with the Word that was with God, and was God, who willingly became flesh so that we might know Him. (John 1:1-18)

And then know, beyond a shadow of  a doubt that "God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God ... which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (I Corinthians 2:11-13)

No longer walking according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience ... but instead, reaching out to our Lord God and Saviour, "who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved) and hath raised up together and made us sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-5)

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (I John 3:2) Stand in the offering plate.

Why Would a King Shed His Precious Blood For You and I - Part 970

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God: therefore, the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." (I John 3:1-2)

The question that we all need to consider is this. Why would Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the Creator of all things in the earth and in the heavens, but most of all, Almighty God who willingly becoming flesh -- shed His precious blood on a cross so that you and I might find life eternal in Him? (John 1:1-18)

In other words, why would He care enough about His creation to die on a cross for us? As I thought about the abundance of love that God must have had for His creation -- even from the beginning -- I realized how it must grieve our Lord God and Saviour when we do not accept His free gift of salvation and love.

Even when we learn that Jesus "will give unto him [us] that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6) Indeed, Jesus said, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (Revelation 21:6)

This is the same living water that Jesus offered the woman at the well. Therein, Jesus said, "whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14)

You see, He loved us enough to give us the kingdom, if we would only reach out and ask Jesus into our heart and lives, seeking His righteousness over worldly things.

"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)

"According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the word, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love ... having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded to 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 ..." (Ephesians 1:4-5)

This is the salvation message that God intended for His people from the very beginning -- that He -- the King of kings loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I. 

Sadly, not every one will accept His grace and mercy.

John wrote: "He 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 ... but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, to them that believe on His name ... which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:10-12)

It is this latter promise that we need to take hold of. Why? Because this explains why our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- the Christ -- invites us to come and stand in His presence, and to drink of the living water that springs up into everlasting life. This is why Paul the apostles said, "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

His salvation message to mankind cannot be emphasized enough. That is, "in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded to 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." (Ephesians 1:7-9)

Therefore, ask Jesus into your heart today. Make Him the King of kings in all your daily endeavours. And, as Peter standing with the eleven instructed the first three thousand believers on the day of Pentecost, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-38)

So, when the worldly struggles emerge against us, "let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms, for the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods." (Psalm 95:2-4)

Stand in the offering plate.

For Who Hath Known the Mind of the Lord? - Part 969

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But "we" have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:16)

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (I Corinthians 1:12-16) Herein, we can even substitute "another name" for Paul (including our own) because to some extent, that is exactly what is happening within the religious culture of this day. 

Instead of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ (who willingly accepted the suffering of the cross so that we might have life eternal) we talk about our church or religion. Instead of proclaiming Jesus and His abundance of goodness and grace, we speak highly of spiritual leaders and pastors who lord over us. Instead of looking to Jesus for all our daily needs, we are quick to say, "I declare" (as if there is anything we can accomplish of our own doing) rather than recognize that "the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard." (Psalm 19:1-3)

It is for this reason that we need to reacquaint ourselves with Paul's writing in I and II Corinthians. He wrote: "Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and there be no divisions among you but ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement." (I Corinthians 1:10)

This does not mean unity among religious faiths as some are suggesting. Neither does it mean that we become content in running with our own agenda, or promoting church doctrine(s) or statement(s) of faith or teaching(s) that are contrary to the Word. Rather, we are remain steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:37-42)

Moreover, Paul talked about preaching the cross. "For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.

For it is written: I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND WILL BRING TO NOTHING THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRUDENT.

Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified -- unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness -- but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God ... because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 

"For ye see your calling ... God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

But of Him are ye made in Christ Jesus -- who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption that, according as it is written, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:17-31)

Receive your calling today. Get to know the mind of Christ by studying His Word as a workman does, and hide it in your heart, so that your faith should not stand only in the wisdom of God but in the power of God. Stand in the offering plate.

The Shield of Faith, Wherewith Ye Shall Quench All the Fiery Darts of the Wicked - Part 968

As our world quickly spirals into unprecedented chaos and confusion, remember that we have a Lord and Saviour who willingly shed His precious blood on a cross so that we might experience abundance of life and peace through Him and in Him. And He never fails -- even in the midst of trial and tribulation.

Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you." (John 14:16-20)

Therefore, as you begin another new day (or another white page, as it is stated in our abode), take hold of His knowledge and wisdom by studying His Word ... and putting on "the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand -- stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Quenching all the fiery darts of the wicked through Jesus Christ our Lord God and Saviour -- the Word of God in the flesh. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-18) No other name under heave whereby we can be saved in this current dispensation of grace. 

Ask Jesus into your life today. Thank Him for His goodness and grace and mercy and peace ... that surpasses all human understanding. Stand in His offering plate.

Perverted Shades of Truth - Part 967

"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the Law." (Galatians 5:18) "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8) "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:11)

Many institutions (including the religious, political and cultural of this day) would have us believe that we are subject to old covenant law, including the ten commandments. These respective organizations do not inform their members that we are NOT saved of ourselves but rather, because of the precious blood that Jesus -- God Himself in the flesh -- shed on the cross. (John 1:1-18) Instead these offer varying shades of truth hoping that we would not ourselves read His Word for knowledge and understanding. Still, the scriptures remain explicit on this point.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Even the apostle Paul wrote from prison, saying, "But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God, who hath saved us, and called 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 ... but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (II Timothy 1:8-10)

For God who is rich in mercy for His great love wherewith He loved us, even while we were dead in sins has quickened us together with Christ ... and it is because of His sacrifice on the cross -- the sacrifice of He who knew no sin becoming sin for our sake -- that we have been made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus -- so that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace and kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7)

Therefore, if we inherit our salvation by grace, then it can no longer be of works -- "otherwise, grace is no more grace." (Romans 11:5-6)

Take hold of the good news gospel truth that Jesus wants to instill in you today. Don't let the worldly shades of truth blind you to the peace that He has declared to us in this generation. That is the same God who created Adam and Eve in the beginning, loved us enough to become as one of us, in the human body of an "only begotten" son, so that we could have life everlasting.

Yes, this is the gist of God's salvation message to you and I.

"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 -- 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 at this time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:23-28)

Respond to His message of love today. Ask Jesus to become Lord in your life. Study His Word to show thyself approved. Stand in the offering plate.