As we examine the topic, separating the wheat from the tares, we find that the apostle Paul starts asking pointed questions to confirm his initial suspicions. Think about this. In his endeavour to separate the wheat from the tares, Paul asks dubious questions of the believers. In the beginning, these questions may sound harsh. They were definitely not simple questions, but they were questions that were asked with the intention of shaking the tree. Questions regarding the very Biblical foundations and truths were asked of these supposedly professing believers. Let's see what falls out the tree.
Paul never withheld the punches when it came to staying steadfast in the truth. And in his mind, it had become abundantly evident that a fox had entered the chicken pen.
O foolish believers! Who has fascinated you? Have you been bewitched?
In today's terms, it could be a television evangelist (with glitz and glamour) who entices you to depart from the truth -- the Biblical truth that you had earlier embraced. But as the Bible reveals, truth does not bow the knee to error. There is only one gospel message and it is the same gospel message yesterday, today and forever.
Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law? Or, as the Bible states, because you heard the gospel of Jesus and believed? Man does not begin his spiritual life in the Spirit and then complete it by reverting to outward materialistic observances? Are the gifts of Him (spiritual gifts) who furnishes you with the fullness of the Spirit, and works within you the power of miracles now of no effect? It is in the context of these opposing perspectives that the theme separating the wheat from the tares continues.
Abraham had faith in God, and the resulting effect was God imputing toward him righteousness. Know this -- that only those who have faith to believe God, as Abraham expressed, became clothed in God’s imputed righteousness. Surely, you must see, that the true descendants of Abraham are men who have faith.
You must also see that throughout, the scriptures anticipated God’s justification of the Gentiles. God said to Abraham, "Because you have believed, then in blessing, I will bless you. Similarly, as a consequence of faith, you too are able to enjoy all of God's blessings, just as Abraham of the Old Testament did as a result of believing God.
But for all those who prefer observance of the law over God's plan of salvation, the scriptures say to let those people remain under the curse. That is, "Cursed be everyone who does not persist in carrying out all that this book of the law prescribes." The law teaches that he who preaches living under the rules and dictates of the law had better live and obey all the laws prescribed therein.
But even though the law was given through Moses, God had a better plan. He said that grace and truth and justification comes from believing. This is why the law is not a matter of faith, nor does the good works expected under the law result in salvation. Rather, as the scriptures point out, the justified shall live because of their faith in God.
Further, there are reasons why the law has nothing to do with faith. That ability to stand before God would be an impossibility if it wasn't for God's plan of salvation. Christ (God veiling Himself in flesh as an only begotten Son) has ransomed us from the curse pronounced in the law, by taking on the pronounced curse on Himself. For us. For the scripture states, "There is a curse on every man who is crucified on a tree."
God’s purpose is therefore made plain. The promised blessing given to Abraham was also to be imparted to the non Jews from all nations in the days to follow. The promised blessing was so that all men and women could receive the promised gift of God’s Spirit.
Yes, the law may have been given through Moses but grace and truth and justification comes by believing the word of God (Jesus.). Salvation then is not of works. Salvation is obtained by putting your hand in the hand of the man who stills the water -- the same man that even the wind and the sea obey.
And yet, in spite of God's willingness to die on the cross for us, we harden our hearts. What we should be doing instead is accepting that God is love. And that His love demonstrated and conveyed toward all men when He laid down His life as a Son for you and me. Let the preaching of His word and the praising of His name begin so that we all may flourish. His name is Jesus. The first and the last, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega. Beside Jesus, there is no other. Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Because There Is No Truth Nor Mercy Nor Knowledge of God In The Land - Part 985
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me; seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." (Hosea 4:6)
This scripture has been cited here numerous times but often in a different context from the direction I will be taking this day. Instead, I would like to compare the above prophecy from Hosea with the following promise from the Lord, when He said, "Put Me in remembrance." (Isaiah 43:26) Indeed, put this same Lord God in remembrance today -- "I, even I, He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins ... put Me in remembrance." (Isaiah 43:25-26)
Who is the Lord speaking to here? "This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise." (Isaiah 43:21) As we know from the new testament, He is speaking to a peculiar people. A chosen generation. A royal priesthood willing to show forth His praises day in and day out. Willing to walk in the cool of the day with our Lord and Saviour, praising Him continually for His goodness and mercy. Why? Because we are a chosen generation.
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (I Peter 2:9)
This is why we are instructed to "hear the Word of the Lord." (Hosea 4:1) To diligently study His Word for our wisdom and knowledge. To "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
Further, Paul who is an apostle of Jesus Christ, puts us in remembrance "that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee ..." (II Timothy 1:6)
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power , and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God who has 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 though the gospel ..." (II Timothy 1:7-10)
We have so very much to be thankful for. In fact, David from the Psalms, so eloquently explains the many blessings of the Lord this way.
You see, David personally knew the Lord God that was reaching out to him in love. Today, this same Lord God and Saviour is still saying: "Come now, and let us reason together," saith the Lord, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
This scripture has been cited here numerous times but often in a different context from the direction I will be taking this day. Instead, I would like to compare the above prophecy from Hosea with the following promise from the Lord, when He said, "Put Me in remembrance." (Isaiah 43:26) Indeed, put this same Lord God in remembrance today -- "I, even I, He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins ... put Me in remembrance." (Isaiah 43:25-26)
Who is the Lord speaking to here? "This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise." (Isaiah 43:21) As we know from the new testament, He is speaking to a peculiar people. A chosen generation. A royal priesthood willing to show forth His praises day in and day out. Willing to walk in the cool of the day with our Lord and Saviour, praising Him continually for His goodness and mercy. Why? Because we are a chosen generation.
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (I Peter 2:9)
This is why we are instructed to "hear the Word of the Lord." (Hosea 4:1) To diligently study His Word for our wisdom and knowledge. To "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
Further, Paul who is an apostle of Jesus Christ, puts us in remembrance "that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee ..." (II Timothy 1:6)
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power , and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God who has 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 though the gospel ..." (II Timothy 1:7-10)
We have so very much to be thankful for. In fact, David from the Psalms, so eloquently explains the many blessings of the Lord this way.
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day, [nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked, because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because He hath set His love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." (Psalms 91:1-16)
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day, [nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked, because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because He hath set His love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." (Psalms 91:1-16)
You see, David personally knew the Lord God that was reaching out to him in love. Today, this same Lord God and Saviour is still saying: "Come now, and let us reason together," saith the Lord, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
Yes, Jesus loves you and wants to perform in you a new thing -- one that shall spring forth -- one where "He will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert" for His chosen people. (Isaiah 43:9)
Therefore, ask Jesus into your heart today. Seek His Word, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:12) Pray always, counting your salvation worthy of this calling, "and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power. Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Baptism Without Using the Name of Jesus Is An Inaccurate Teaching - Part 984
When the religious culture of this day baptizes people without using the name of Jesus, they are clearly not aligning their teachings with the apostles' doctrine, as presented within the scriptures. Sadly, however, those being baptized miss the power and authority that was destined to be theirs from the beginning because in following through with water baptism, the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved has been deliberately omitted.
In other words, using the titles -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) without acknowledging the name Jesus -- who IS the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- is a false teaching.
How can I say this? Because when the apostles (who walked with Jesus throughout His ministry) baptized believers in water, we read that every single person was baptized in the name of Jesus. Even when those that were pricked in their hearts asked Peter, standing with the eleven apostles, "What must we do?" Peter said unto them:
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation."
Catholic Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger: He makes this confession as to the origin of the chief trinity text of Matthew 28:19. "The basic form of our [Matthew 28:19 trinitarian] profession of faith took shape during the course of the second and third centuries in connection with the ceremony of baptism. So far as its place of origin is concerned, the text [Matthew 28:19]came from the city of Rome." The trinity baptism and text of Matthew 28:19 therefore did not originate from the original Church that started in Jerusalem around AD 33. It was rather, as the evidence proves, a later invention of Roman Catholicism -- completely fabricated. Unfortunately, very few know about these historical facts.
"The Demonstratio Evangelica" by Eusebius: Eusebius was the Church historian and Bishop of Caesarea. On page 152, Eusebius quotes the early book of Matthew that he had in his library in Caesarea. According to this eyewitness of an unaltered Book of Matthew, it could have been the original book or the first copy of the original book of Matthew. Eusebius informs us of Jesus' actual words to his disciples in the original text of Matthew 28:19: "With one word and voice He said to His disciples: "Go, and make disciples of all nations in My Name, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." That "Name" is Jesus.
On page 61, Professor and Church historian Walker, reviles the true origin and purpose of Matthew 28:19. This text is the first man-made Roman Catholic Creed that was the prototype for the later Apocryphal Apostles' Creed. Matthew 28:19 was invented along with the Apocryphal Apostles' Creed to counter so-called heretics and gnostics that baptized in the name of Jesus Christ!
Marcion although somewhat mixed up in some of his doctrine still baptized his converts the Biblical way in the name of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19 is the first non-Biblical Roman Catholic Creed! The spurious Catholic text of Matthew 28:19 was invented to support the newer triune - trinity -doctrine.
Therefore, Matthew 28:19 is not the "Great Commission of Jesus Christ." Rather, Matthew 28:19 is the great Catholic hoax! Acts 2:38, Luke 24:47, and I Corinthians 6:11 give us the ancient original words and teaching of Jesus.
Further to this point, is it not also strange that Matthew 28:19 is missing from the old manuscripts of Sinaiticus, Curetonianus and Bobiensis?
The Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C. 1923, New Testament Studies Number 5: "The Lord's Command To Baptize An Historical Critical Investigation." by Bernard Henry Cuneo states, quoting from page 27, "The passages in Acts and the letters of St. Paul. These passages seem to point to the earliest form as baptism in the name of the Lord. ... Is it possible to reconcile these facts with the belief that Christ commanded his disciples to baptize in the trine form?
Had Christ given such a command, it is urged, the Apostolic Church would have followed him, and we should have some trace of this obedience in the New Testament. No such trace can be found. The only explanation of this silence, according to the anti-traditional view, is this the short christological (Jesus Name) formula was (the) original, and the longer triune formula was a later development."
Thankfully, to you and I, the Word of salvation was sent. Therefore, save yourself from this untoward generation of religious traditions that attempt to circumvent His Word. Instead, be obedient, obeying the message of the Holy Ghost as recorded in Acts chapter 2 verses 37-42. It was here that the first 3000 believers were "gladly baptized" into the Name of the Lord Jesus the Christ.
Peace to all as you submit to the command of the Holy Spirit of JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.
In other words, using the titles -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) without acknowledging the name Jesus -- who IS the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- is a false teaching.
How can I say this? Because when the apostles (who walked with Jesus throughout His ministry) baptized believers in water, we read that every single person was baptized in the name of Jesus. Even when those that were pricked in their hearts asked Peter, standing with the eleven apostles, "What must we do?" Peter said unto them:
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation."
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:38-42)
The message is clearly stated, and if we read through the book of Acts, we see that in every example of water baptism, the new believer was baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus. This was not just a message for the early church. We also are to continue steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
And if His Word is not sufficient for believing, then read the following partial list of evidence disputing the authenticity off Matthew 28:19 -- "A Collection of Evidence Against the Traditional Wording of Matthew 28:19" written by Clinton D. Willis [CWillis@ipa.net]Catholic Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger: He makes this confession as to the origin of the chief trinity text of Matthew 28:19. "The basic form of our [Matthew 28:19 trinitarian] profession of faith took shape during the course of the second and third centuries in connection with the ceremony of baptism. So far as its place of origin is concerned, the text [Matthew 28:19]came from the city of Rome." The trinity baptism and text of Matthew 28:19 therefore did not originate from the original Church that started in Jerusalem around AD 33. It was rather, as the evidence proves, a later invention of Roman Catholicism -- completely fabricated. Unfortunately, very few know about these historical facts.
"The Demonstratio Evangelica" by Eusebius: Eusebius was the Church historian and Bishop of Caesarea. On page 152, Eusebius quotes the early book of Matthew that he had in his library in Caesarea. According to this eyewitness of an unaltered Book of Matthew, it could have been the original book or the first copy of the original book of Matthew. Eusebius informs us of Jesus' actual words to his disciples in the original text of Matthew 28:19: "With one word and voice He said to His disciples: "Go, and make disciples of all nations in My Name, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." That "Name" is Jesus.
On page 61, Professor and Church historian Walker, reviles the true origin and purpose of Matthew 28:19. This text is the first man-made Roman Catholic Creed that was the prototype for the later Apocryphal Apostles' Creed. Matthew 28:19 was invented along with the Apocryphal Apostles' Creed to counter so-called heretics and gnostics that baptized in the name of Jesus Christ!
Marcion although somewhat mixed up in some of his doctrine still baptized his converts the Biblical way in the name of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19 is the first non-Biblical Roman Catholic Creed! The spurious Catholic text of Matthew 28:19 was invented to support the newer triune - trinity -doctrine.
Therefore, Matthew 28:19 is not the "Great Commission of Jesus Christ." Rather, Matthew 28:19 is the great Catholic hoax! Acts 2:38, Luke 24:47, and I Corinthians 6:11 give us the ancient original words and teaching of Jesus.
Further to this point, is it not also strange that Matthew 28:19 is missing from the old manuscripts of Sinaiticus, Curetonianus and Bobiensis?
The Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C. 1923, New Testament Studies Number 5: "The Lord's Command To Baptize An Historical Critical Investigation." by Bernard Henry Cuneo states, quoting from page 27, "The passages in Acts and the letters of St. Paul. These passages seem to point to the earliest form as baptism in the name of the Lord. ... Is it possible to reconcile these facts with the belief that Christ commanded his disciples to baptize in the trine form?
Had Christ given such a command, it is urged, the Apostolic Church would have followed him, and we should have some trace of this obedience in the New Testament. No such trace can be found. The only explanation of this silence, according to the anti-traditional view, is this the short christological (Jesus Name) formula was (the) original, and the longer triune formula was a later development."
Thankfully, to you and I, the Word of salvation was sent. Therefore, save yourself from this untoward generation of religious traditions that attempt to circumvent His Word. Instead, be obedient, obeying the message of the Holy Ghost as recorded in Acts chapter 2 verses 37-42. It was here that the first 3000 believers were "gladly baptized" into the Name of the Lord Jesus the Christ.
Peace to all as you submit to the command of the Holy Spirit of JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Raising the Horn of Salvation For You and I - Part 983
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. (John 1:18) Indeed, He who knew no sin became sin for you and I, which means God Himself visited us. And, when He did, He raised up a horn of salvation.
Yes, Jesus was the only begotten of God. (John 1:18; I John 4:9; John 3:16) As it is written, He being the SEED of the Holy Spirit, and likewise, in the veins of Jesus did flow the very life of the humanity of God. Therefore, the blood in Jesus' veins was not like our blood. Why? Because in our blood flows the sinful nature of the devil acquired from our forefather Adam -- who was disobedient to the words of his Creator -- in the Garden of Eden. It is for this reason that we all have a prone to sin nature, which no man of himself can tame.
But something else happened in the very beginning. That is, our Lord and Saviour decided that He would have to become our salvation. Why? Because He knew even then that there would be no other worthy of making such a sacrifice. It is within this framework that we learn how His plan of salvation for you and I became a reality.
You see, Jesus was not the natural seed of Abraham. JESUS was (and is) the promised SEED of the Holy Ghost. In this SEED alone, all the nations of the earth who confess and profess a believing faith in Jesus -- the same Jesus who is the promised Seed -- shall henceforth be blessed of Him [JESUS].
How do we know this? Because the blessing is found in both the turning and the expecting that believing faith can move forward, and, as a consequence, JESUS the SEED of promise will usher in the prosperity blessings!
Still, please note that Abraham's offspring are not the promised SEED of blessing. JESUS bore the visible features of Abraham's natural offspring. And yes, JESUS came forth from Mary in whose womb the promised SEED of the Holy Ghost was clothed in sin prone flesh. Mary became a willing surrogate as pertaining to the flesh but He who was inside that veil of flesh was none other than the SEED LIFE of the Holy Ghost. (Luke 1:15) Mary believed in the promised SEED of the Holy Spirit. She herself rejoiced to be the handmaid of the Lord, exclaiming that the Lord her God had become her Saviour.
This is the point we similarly need to recognize. That God our Creator -- the same Lord God who created us in the beginning -- was willing to take on the form of man so that we might have salvation. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." (I John 3:9)
This is not to suggest that Abraham believed God any less. Certainly that belief was accredited to him as if he were righteous. But of course he was not, for he also lived in a prone to sin natural body. Rather, it was the application of faith that brought upon him unforeseen blessings. God told Abraham that in his SEED would all the nations of the earth be blessed. We are not speaking here of Abraham‘s natural seed. In fact, most of Abraham’s natural seed even today do not believe in the promised SEED of the pure, holy, undefiled SEED of the Holy Ghost, which SEED is JESUS the CHRIST. (I John 3:9)
"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. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:16-18)
Still, from this message we need to understand that God is not the God of the Jews only. No sir. Peter also had that seated mindset in the early days but as the scriptures reveal, this mindset was soon removed and replaced with the pure thought that God is also the God of the Gentiles. And that God has poured out upon the Gentiles the very same gift of His Holy Ghost.
In Acts chapters 2 and 10 we read that there was no difference between them - the Jewish and the Gentiles. In fact, God is building a nation. But within this nation, the only inhabitants in the Kingdom of God are those who have been born again (John 3:15-18). How does one enter? The door into God’s kingdom is through faith in the SEED of promise JESUS the Christ, and acknowledging that God Himself laid down His life as a Son for each and every one of us. He alone offers eternal life as a free gift. This is why we willingly can stand in the offering plate -- because our Lord God willingly became our Saviour. Stand in the offering plate.
Yes, Jesus was the only begotten of God. (John 1:18; I John 4:9; John 3:16) As it is written, He being the SEED of the Holy Spirit, and likewise, in the veins of Jesus did flow the very life of the humanity of God. Therefore, the blood in Jesus' veins was not like our blood. Why? Because in our blood flows the sinful nature of the devil acquired from our forefather Adam -- who was disobedient to the words of his Creator -- in the Garden of Eden. It is for this reason that we all have a prone to sin nature, which no man of himself can tame.
But something else happened in the very beginning. That is, our Lord and Saviour decided that He would have to become our salvation. Why? Because He knew even then that there would be no other worthy of making such a sacrifice. It is within this framework that we learn how His plan of salvation for you and I became a reality.
You see, Jesus was not the natural seed of Abraham. JESUS was (and is) the promised SEED of the Holy Ghost. In this SEED alone, all the nations of the earth who confess and profess a believing faith in Jesus -- the same Jesus who is the promised Seed -- shall henceforth be blessed of Him [JESUS].
How do we know this? Because the blessing is found in both the turning and the expecting that believing faith can move forward, and, as a consequence, JESUS the SEED of promise will usher in the prosperity blessings!
Still, please note that Abraham's offspring are not the promised SEED of blessing. JESUS bore the visible features of Abraham's natural offspring. And yes, JESUS came forth from Mary in whose womb the promised SEED of the Holy Ghost was clothed in sin prone flesh. Mary became a willing surrogate as pertaining to the flesh but He who was inside that veil of flesh was none other than the SEED LIFE of the Holy Ghost. (Luke 1:15) Mary believed in the promised SEED of the Holy Spirit. She herself rejoiced to be the handmaid of the Lord, exclaiming that the Lord her God had become her Saviour.
This is the point we similarly need to recognize. That God our Creator -- the same Lord God who created us in the beginning -- was willing to take on the form of man so that we might have salvation. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." (I John 3:9)
This is not to suggest that Abraham believed God any less. Certainly that belief was accredited to him as if he were righteous. But of course he was not, for he also lived in a prone to sin natural body. Rather, it was the application of faith that brought upon him unforeseen blessings. God told Abraham that in his SEED would all the nations of the earth be blessed. We are not speaking here of Abraham‘s natural seed. In fact, most of Abraham’s natural seed even today do not believe in the promised SEED of the pure, holy, undefiled SEED of the Holy Ghost, which SEED is JESUS the CHRIST. (I John 3:9)
"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. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:16-18)
Still, from this message we need to understand that God is not the God of the Jews only. No sir. Peter also had that seated mindset in the early days but as the scriptures reveal, this mindset was soon removed and replaced with the pure thought that God is also the God of the Gentiles. And that God has poured out upon the Gentiles the very same gift of His Holy Ghost.
In Acts chapters 2 and 10 we read that there was no difference between them - the Jewish and the Gentiles. In fact, God is building a nation. But within this nation, the only inhabitants in the Kingdom of God are those who have been born again (John 3:15-18). How does one enter? The door into God’s kingdom is through faith in the SEED of promise JESUS the Christ, and acknowledging that God Himself laid down His life as a Son for each and every one of us. He alone offers eternal life as a free gift. This is why we willingly can stand in the offering plate -- because our Lord God willingly became our Saviour. Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
God Himself Became Our Saviour - Part 982
"Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works ..." (Titus 2:13-14)
"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared." (Titus 3:4)
Recently, the religious culture of this day has adopted the terminology "Father God" into their dogma, even though there is no such reference given in the scriptures. Before one contests, thinking that the word dogma may be too harsh a word, look at the example given in the definition.
Therein, dogma is described as "a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true." Example: "the Christian dogma of the Trinity."
Another takes this definition further, elaborating on the point being made here today. That is, "dogma definition -- A teaching or set of teachings laid down by a religious group, usually as part of the essential beliefs of the group. Note: The term dogma is often applied to statements put forward by someone who thinks, inappropriately, that they should be accepted without proof."
However, the truth is that both Jesus and the apostles instructed us (as believers in the good news gospel) to align our understanding of His teachings with the Word - never forsaking the apostles' doctrine.
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42) Indeed, "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth ..." (II Timothy 2:15-16)
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared." (Titus 3:4)
Recently, the religious culture of this day has adopted the terminology "Father God" into their dogma, even though there is no such reference given in the scriptures. Before one contests, thinking that the word dogma may be too harsh a word, look at the example given in the definition.
Therein, dogma is described as "a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true." Example: "the Christian dogma of the Trinity."
Another takes this definition further, elaborating on the point being made here today. That is, "dogma definition -- A teaching or set of teachings laid down by a religious group, usually as part of the essential beliefs of the group. Note: The term dogma is often applied to statements put forward by someone who thinks, inappropriately, that they should be accepted without proof."
However, the truth is that both Jesus and the apostles instructed us (as believers in the good news gospel) to align our understanding of His teachings with the Word - never forsaking the apostles' doctrine.
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42) Indeed, "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth ..." (II Timothy 2:15-16)
Too often we accept what man-made religion presents without checking its position for ourselves. The example given above points to the trinity, even though there is no scriptural reference to the trinity. This is why we study His Word, so that we are not carried away with diverse doctrines. So that we can fully understand what Jesus meant when He said, "I and My Father are one."
Other scriptures?
"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him and for Him and He is before all things and by Him all things exist ... and He is the head of the body, the Church." (Colossians 1:15-18)
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angles, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18)
"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him and for Him and He is before all things and by Him all things exist ... and He is the head of the body, the Church." (Colossians 1:15-18)
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angles, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18)
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
"In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1)
Do not err my beloved. Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1:22) In fact, trust in the ONLY Lord God and Saviour for your salvation today. Why? Because He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. His name is Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.
Do not err my beloved. Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1:22) In fact, trust in the ONLY Lord God and Saviour for your salvation today. Why? Because He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. His name is Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, September 29, 2014
That Your Faith Should Not Stand in the Wisdom of Men But ... - Part 981
This writes like an eloquent speech but the message should speak to our hearts. From the second chapter of I Corinthians, a message of hope and love that everyone needs to hear ...
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you -- save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling, and my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power -- that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (I Corinthians 2:1-5)
"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought, but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom] which God ordained before the world unto our glory, which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." (I Corinthians 2:10)
"But 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.
But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned ... but he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man, for who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?
But we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:11-16) Stand in the offering plate.
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you -- save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling, and my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power -- that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (I Corinthians 2:1-5)
"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought, but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom] which God ordained before the world unto our glory, which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." (I Corinthians 2:10)
"But 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.
But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned ... but he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man, for who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?
But we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:11-16) Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Save Yourself From This Untoward Generation - Part 980
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20-21) "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)
Indeed, the name of JESUS was a given name delivered by an angel. In the scriptures, angels were messengers of God. We also read that this particular angel said, "Call His name JESUS." This question remains critical to our understanding of the scriptures today. That is, what was His name?
If we pare this example down to our own personal lives, we can ask the same question - "what is our given name?" Yes, admittedly, we can abbreviate our names and/or be called by some other form of name but at the end of the day, our given name is our proper name. Moreover, if one so desires, he or she can even pronounce their name in another language. Nevertheless, it does not replace one's assigned given name. Certainly, when we sign official documents with another name we can see the chaos it causes. This example is intended to show that the same given name (and the principles regarding given names) applies to God Almighty.
In Acts 2:7-11, we learn that on the day of Pentecost there were devout men from every nation saying among themselves, "How is it that we hear them speak in our own tongue?" The answer is simple. The wonderful works of God. Peter, along with the other eleven apostles who had been given (by JESUS) the keys to the Kingdom of God delivered this first redemptive message to the gathered crowd, saying to them that they in their ignorance had indeed crucified the ‘Lord of Glory’ (whose given name was JESUS).
Upon hearing this message, the crowds were pricked in their hearts (or put another way deeply troubled) saying to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, "Men and brethren what must we do?"
The answer given to them was this. That each individual ought to repent of their sins, confessing before God their guilt, asking their Lord God and Saviour for His forgiveness. Having done this the next step was to be baptized into a watery grave (symbolically they themselves being buried into the grave in like manner as was JESUS the Lord of Glory death and burial). In so doing, their sins would be forgiven and their sin transferred onto JESUS who willingly sacrificed His own sinless body for them.
In sacrificing His own sinless body, He would hereby provide eternal salvation to each and every one who repents and is baptized calling upon the Saviour’s given name JESUS, thereby washing away their sin. By doing this, each would arise from the watery grave in the likeness of JESUS' resurrection, as a new creation cleaned of all guilt. In fact, it would be just as if their sin had never been committed!
So into whose name were they all baptized? Of course, they were all baptized into the given name that was spoken of by the angelic messenger of God. This name is JESUS. His name is JESUS. On that day of Pentecost, 3000 persons repented and were baptized into the name given whereby we could be saved. JESUS. That's right - the same Jesus who came to save His people from their sin!
Everyone who received the Word of God repented and were that same day baptized into the given name JESUS! Why? For the remission of their sin. Yes, as Acts 2 presents, Jews out of every nation were baptized into the given name of JESUS.
So how can some believe that the first 3,000 believers were baptized wrongfully? Or that 2000 years later, some still choose to resist the Holy Ghost teaching of baptism into the given name of JESUS. Do they prefer to be misled? Because the scriptures are very clear on this message.
First, JESUS said that the WORD of God should go forth beginning at Jerusalem. Second, this is the WORD of God that stated that all men and women everywhere are commanded of God to repent. Third, that all men and women were to be baptized into the given name of JESUS! And fourth, we read that the Lord added to His Church body daily such as were being saved. Yes, in Acts these believers continued steadfastly in the Holy Ghost teaching through the apostles -- and as we also know, their teachings and works were later confirmed by God.
This is why when the scriptures say to you - "save yourself from this untoward generation" - it is because we all need to be reminded that the Word of God is not coming out from you or I. Rather, the Word of God is coming to us.
Peace to all who are obedient to the Spirit of Christ in God! Stand in the offering plate.
Indeed, the name of JESUS was a given name delivered by an angel. In the scriptures, angels were messengers of God. We also read that this particular angel said, "Call His name JESUS." This question remains critical to our understanding of the scriptures today. That is, what was His name?
If we pare this example down to our own personal lives, we can ask the same question - "what is our given name?" Yes, admittedly, we can abbreviate our names and/or be called by some other form of name but at the end of the day, our given name is our proper name. Moreover, if one so desires, he or she can even pronounce their name in another language. Nevertheless, it does not replace one's assigned given name. Certainly, when we sign official documents with another name we can see the chaos it causes. This example is intended to show that the same given name (and the principles regarding given names) applies to God Almighty.
In Acts 2:7-11, we learn that on the day of Pentecost there were devout men from every nation saying among themselves, "How is it that we hear them speak in our own tongue?" The answer is simple. The wonderful works of God. Peter, along with the other eleven apostles who had been given (by JESUS) the keys to the Kingdom of God delivered this first redemptive message to the gathered crowd, saying to them that they in their ignorance had indeed crucified the ‘Lord of Glory’ (whose given name was JESUS).
Upon hearing this message, the crowds were pricked in their hearts (or put another way deeply troubled) saying to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, "Men and brethren what must we do?"
The answer given to them was this. That each individual ought to repent of their sins, confessing before God their guilt, asking their Lord God and Saviour for His forgiveness. Having done this the next step was to be baptized into a watery grave (symbolically they themselves being buried into the grave in like manner as was JESUS the Lord of Glory death and burial). In so doing, their sins would be forgiven and their sin transferred onto JESUS who willingly sacrificed His own sinless body for them.
In sacrificing His own sinless body, He would hereby provide eternal salvation to each and every one who repents and is baptized calling upon the Saviour’s given name JESUS, thereby washing away their sin. By doing this, each would arise from the watery grave in the likeness of JESUS' resurrection, as a new creation cleaned of all guilt. In fact, it would be just as if their sin had never been committed!
So into whose name were they all baptized? Of course, they were all baptized into the given name that was spoken of by the angelic messenger of God. This name is JESUS. His name is JESUS. On that day of Pentecost, 3000 persons repented and were baptized into the name given whereby we could be saved. JESUS. That's right - the same Jesus who came to save His people from their sin!
Everyone who received the Word of God repented and were that same day baptized into the given name JESUS! Why? For the remission of their sin. Yes, as Acts 2 presents, Jews out of every nation were baptized into the given name of JESUS.
So how can some believe that the first 3,000 believers were baptized wrongfully? Or that 2000 years later, some still choose to resist the Holy Ghost teaching of baptism into the given name of JESUS. Do they prefer to be misled? Because the scriptures are very clear on this message.
First, JESUS said that the WORD of God should go forth beginning at Jerusalem. Second, this is the WORD of God that stated that all men and women everywhere are commanded of God to repent. Third, that all men and women were to be baptized into the given name of JESUS! And fourth, we read that the Lord added to His Church body daily such as were being saved. Yes, in Acts these believers continued steadfastly in the Holy Ghost teaching through the apostles -- and as we also know, their teachings and works were later confirmed by God.
This is why when the scriptures say to you - "save yourself from this untoward generation" - it is because we all need to be reminded that the Word of God is not coming out from you or I. Rather, the Word of God is coming to us.
Peace to all who are obedient to the Spirit of Christ in God! Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
For God Who Was In Christ Is Now the Christ in God - Part 979
"For in Christ JESUS neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor un-circumcision but a new creature -- and as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the ISRAEL OF GOD." (Galatians 6:15-16)
Galatians 4:22 states that Abraham had two sons -- one by a bond maiden and the other by a free woman. The son born to the bond maiden was born after the flesh whereas the second son (born to the free woman) was born by promise. This is an allegory which represents two covenants. The one covenant is issued from Sinai and genders to bondage representing Hagar the bondwoman. This "Hagar" is Mount Sinai in Arabia which answered to Jerusalem - a place which is in bondage along with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above all is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice [thou] barren woman [Sarah] that bearest not [no children]. Break forth and cry, thou that travailed not; for the desolate [barren woman Sarah] hath many more children than she which hath an husband [the bondwoman]." (Isaiah 54:1; Galatians 4:27)
"Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:1)
Now we, as Isaac was, (Sarah the free woman child) are the children of promise. “What saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." (Galatians 4:30)
Read that verse again. Cast out the bondwoman and her son for the son of the bondwoman shall NOT be HEIR along with the son of the free woman. So then we are NOT the children of the bond woman but rather, the children of the free woman.
Return then to Abraham and the God-given promise that states: "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed My voice." (Genesis 22:18) Or, "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)
God did not say that the promises were applicable to seeds as in "seeds" plural. Instead, God said specifically to your seed in the singular. It is this one SEED singularly spoken of that is the SEED of the holy Spirit of God -- which SEED is Christ.
Isaac was born of Abraham and Sarah's natural seed. God at His appropriate time had resurrected Abraham's capabilities as a man, implanting into Abraham the SEED of promise (CHRIST). We read this new genealogy in the first chapter of Matthew.
Therein, we understand that the promised SEED was not Isaac or Jacob. The promised SEED moved through them but they were NOT the PROMISED SEED in whom all the nations of the earth were going to be blessed. The promised SEED came forth at the fullness of time.
In Mary’s womb, the embryo was clothed with Adam’s sin prone flesh. Note the bones and the blood were the embryo of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, at Calvary not one bone of JESUS' body was broken. The embryo had no sin. However, JESUS' flesh becoming more marred than any other human, Jesus' flesh being reduced to a shell of a man.
In other words, God descended, revealing Himself in the man JESUS the Christ who was God manifest in the flesh. “GOD in CHRIST." The same God -- JESUS -- who descended now ascends to where He was prior to His descent and meeting Paul as he journeyed. That is, God who was in Christ is now the CHRIST IN GOD.
The same Word that was with God and was God became flesh -- a love story that was decided even before the world began. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16)
Galatians 4:22 states that Abraham had two sons -- one by a bond maiden and the other by a free woman. The son born to the bond maiden was born after the flesh whereas the second son (born to the free woman) was born by promise. This is an allegory which represents two covenants. The one covenant is issued from Sinai and genders to bondage representing Hagar the bondwoman. This "Hagar" is Mount Sinai in Arabia which answered to Jerusalem - a place which is in bondage along with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above all is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice [thou] barren woman [Sarah] that bearest not [no children]. Break forth and cry, thou that travailed not; for the desolate [barren woman Sarah] hath many more children than she which hath an husband [the bondwoman]." (Isaiah 54:1; Galatians 4:27)
"Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:1)
Now we, as Isaac was, (Sarah the free woman child) are the children of promise. “What saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." (Galatians 4:30)
Read that verse again. Cast out the bondwoman and her son for the son of the bondwoman shall NOT be HEIR along with the son of the free woman. So then we are NOT the children of the bond woman but rather, the children of the free woman.
Return then to Abraham and the God-given promise that states: "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed My voice." (Genesis 22:18) Or, "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)
God did not say that the promises were applicable to seeds as in "seeds" plural. Instead, God said specifically to your seed in the singular. It is this one SEED singularly spoken of that is the SEED of the holy Spirit of God -- which SEED is Christ.
Isaac was born of Abraham and Sarah's natural seed. God at His appropriate time had resurrected Abraham's capabilities as a man, implanting into Abraham the SEED of promise (CHRIST). We read this new genealogy in the first chapter of Matthew.
Therein, we understand that the promised SEED was not Isaac or Jacob. The promised SEED moved through them but they were NOT the PROMISED SEED in whom all the nations of the earth were going to be blessed. The promised SEED came forth at the fullness of time.
From the SEED of the Holy Ghost, a new blood line began. In this context, the blood of the Holy Spirit life in Jesus' veins, being brought together in the womb of a willing surrogate named Mary. And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
In Mary’s womb, the embryo was clothed with Adam’s sin prone flesh. Note the bones and the blood were the embryo of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, at Calvary not one bone of JESUS' body was broken. The embryo had no sin. However, JESUS' flesh becoming more marred than any other human, Jesus' flesh being reduced to a shell of a man.
In other words, God descended, revealing Himself in the man JESUS the Christ who was God manifest in the flesh. “GOD in CHRIST." The same God -- JESUS -- who descended now ascends to where He was prior to His descent and meeting Paul as he journeyed. That is, God who was in Christ is now the CHRIST IN GOD.
The same Word that was with God and was God became flesh -- a love story that was decided even before the world began. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16)
As for us, "now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you." (I Peter 1:22-25)
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Out of His Belly Shall Flow Rivers of Living Water - Part 978
And Jesus said unto them that listened, "I am the bread of life. He that comes to Me shall never hunger, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35-36)
Note here that Jesus doesn't just say this once. Indeed, Jesus confirms again who He is when He repeats the same message, "I am that bread of life." (John 6:48)
And again, "This is the bread which comes down from heaven that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread which I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)
And yet again, "This is that bread which came down from heaven, not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead; he that eats of this bread shall live forever." (John 6:58)
But this is not all. Indeed, Jesus told the woman at the well that if she believed on Him, she would never thirst again. Therein, Jesus answered and said unto her, "Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again, but whosoever drinks 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)
In other words, when we ask Jesus to become Lord of lords, and King of kings in our life, we will never hunger or thirst. Why? Because Jesus' blessings are akin to a fountain that never runs dry.
This is why Jesus said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scriptures hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38) Or when Jesus said, "Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
So when pressing into our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, "let us hold fast the profession of faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:23) Remember too that "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord." (I Corinthians 1:9)
And yet again, "This is that bread which came down from heaven, not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead; he that eats of this bread shall live forever." (John 6:58)
But this is not all. Indeed, Jesus told the woman at the well that if she believed on Him, she would never thirst again. Therein, Jesus answered and said unto her, "Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again, but whosoever drinks 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)
In other words, when we ask Jesus to become Lord of lords, and King of kings in our life, we will never hunger or thirst. Why? Because Jesus' blessings are akin to a fountain that never runs dry.
This is why Jesus said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scriptures hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38) Or when Jesus said, "Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
You see, Jesus knows what we have need of -- even before we ask. In fact, Jesus knows the innermost desires of our hearts, which is why His gift of salvation to us never changes. Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever. This is why, in the book of Revelation, the Spirit and the bride say, "Come. And let him that heareth say, "Come." And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)
Jesus wants to bless us with His peace and mercy. And "to the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7)
Jesus wants to bless us with His peace and mercy. And "to the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7)
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
So when pressing into our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, "let us hold fast the profession of faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:23) Remember too that "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord." (I Corinthians 1:9)
And when you do, "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, and 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 3:16) Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
For Through Him We Both Have Access By One Spirit Unto the Father - Part 977
" ... in blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed My voice." (Genesis 22:17-18)
"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2)
Saying, "Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." (Hebrews 6:14)
Let me first state (for the benefit of those who may not know), the words "thy seed" refers to descendants. We see the same example in Acts 2 -- when Peter standing with the other apostles responded to the question, "Men, brethren, what shall we do?"
Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost ... for the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:37-39)
These promises are unique because the same promise transcends both the old and new covenant. These also show how much our Lord God and Saviour -- who willingly redeemed us with His blood -- desires to bless us (and future generations) in all their endeavours. Often, however, we miss the key that unlocks this promise. That is, aligning our faith and statements of belief with His Word -- obeying His voice in everything we do.
"For the promise, that He should be heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." (Romans 4:13)
The righteousness of faith. The dispensation of grace that we currently live in. So that we could not only know but experience "the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe ..." (Romans 3:22)
"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The just shall live by faith" for the wrath of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-18)
And how do we do this? Believe in Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Seek His righteousness and the gift of salvation. Read His Word for your knowledge and wisdom, including repentance, and baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that you too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Become effectual in your communications so that others will know that you have been renewed in Jesus Christ, always willing to share your personal testimony. (Philemon 1:6)
And throughout, know beyond a shadow of a doubt that "now in Christ Jesus, you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us] having abolished in His flesh the enmity, the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself to twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:13-18)
Only in adhering to His Word can we (and our nations) be blessed. "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed My voice." (Genesis 22:17-18) Stand in the offering plate.
"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2)
Saying, "Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." (Hebrews 6:14)
Let me first state (for the benefit of those who may not know), the words "thy seed" refers to descendants. We see the same example in Acts 2 -- when Peter standing with the other apostles responded to the question, "Men, brethren, what shall we do?"
Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost ... for the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:37-39)
These promises are unique because the same promise transcends both the old and new covenant. These also show how much our Lord God and Saviour -- who willingly redeemed us with His blood -- desires to bless us (and future generations) in all their endeavours. Often, however, we miss the key that unlocks this promise. That is, aligning our faith and statements of belief with His Word -- obeying His voice in everything we do.
"For the promise, that He should be heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." (Romans 4:13)
The righteousness of faith. The dispensation of grace that we currently live in. So that we could not only know but experience "the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe ..." (Romans 3:22)
"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The just shall live by faith" for the wrath of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-18)
And how do we do this? Believe in Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Seek His righteousness and the gift of salvation. Read His Word for your knowledge and wisdom, including repentance, and baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that you too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Become effectual in your communications so that others will know that you have been renewed in Jesus Christ, always willing to share your personal testimony. (Philemon 1:6)
And throughout, know beyond a shadow of a doubt that "now in Christ Jesus, you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us] having abolished in His flesh the enmity, the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself to twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:13-18)
Only in adhering to His Word can we (and our nations) be blessed. "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed My voice." (Genesis 22:17-18) Stand in the offering plate.
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