Is this the experience which was previously spoken of by the prophet Joel? Is this what the scriptures intended when we read that in the last days the Lord would pour out His spirit upon all flesh? Certainly, Joel prophesies of the last days. As well, in Acts chapter two, it is revealed that not only do the Heavens open but we see the outpouring of God‘s spirit into the lives of Adam‘s redeemed race of believers. The actual event recorded plainly for us in the scriptures, so that we also could be partakers of the goodness that God has for us. (Acts 2:37-42)
Yet in spite of the succinctness and accuracy of the scriptures, and the eventuality of Joel's prophesy coming to realization, we are left wondering as to why someone would endeavour to misrepresent this grand opening of the entrance of the new covenant sealed with Holy Spirit blood and confirmed by the Spirit of God. Why would that be? The new covenant entering in, complete with sound effects sounding as if a mighty wind was blowing, this sound so effective that its sound filled all the place where they were sitting should have been sufficient evidence. Indeed, the prophesy now fulfilled in Acts chapter two definitely demanded their priority attention and focus.
We should have been saying wow to the events that were transpiring in Acts. Their tongues and language now also affected by the spirit of God. Their tongues somehow feeling as if they had become cloven (split or divided) in a way that made them appear to be on fire. This experience felt as if someone was sitting on them. Certainly, something unexplainable was happening to those individuals assembled together. Everyone appeared to be moving from one episode to another, with each one in step one with the other one. In essence, what was happening? Well, they were all filled with God’s holy spirit.
While the noise filled the room, the dialect was unknown to those listening. As they observed the proceedings, they noted that the sounds being expressed by those who were assembled were emanating from their own mouths. It seemed like their tongues were on fire, just like a lot needed to be said and yet, there was not enough time to say it. This cloven tongue on fire experience just remained on them. Again, to those observing, it appeared as if they were not in command.
Then wonders of wonders, an emotional high occurred within the midst. It was as if a spring of waters began rising up. Just when the people had thought there could be no higher or greater joy, peace covered them like a blanket. What better peaceful experience than the peace that comes with redemption? These experiences birthed them into a new covenant, a new creation experience. They have now been filled with the His Spirit. They have now engaged in a born again experience. They had been born of God. Indeed, these people had been adopted by the one true God who was in the man Jesus and reconciled us to Himself by the shedding of His own blood. (for more on Pentecost, see Leviticus 23 )
No longer is God on the outside knocking on hearts but now God on the inside. We, as new born children, now desire more than ever before to be fed with the sincere word of God. Yes! With cloven tongues we speak as men in everyday happenings. We speak with surety of the wonderful words of life which allow individuals who receive Jesus into their lives to secure God's plan of redemption and enjoy a born again life. Although this life experience is unimaginable in the eyes of unbelievers, it is true nonetheless. I repeat the words Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Are you a ruler and you do not know these things? Except a man be born again, he can neither see nor can he enter the kingdom of God." But the good news is that we can see clearly now.
Why? Because you alone Lord have the words of eternal life. The Lord alone has given freely the gift of salvation. Therefore, be still and know that I am God. Remember too that when the He enters into our heart. we, like the bush in the old testament may burn as with fire, but we will not be consumed. Indeed, thanks to the goodness and grace of God, we are regenerated and reborn.
Peace be. 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
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Having Therefore Brethren Boldness to Enter Into the Holiest By the Blood of Jesus - Part 1009
"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year." (Hebrews 1:3)
When the Spirit referred here to sacrifice and burnt offerings and offerings for sin and stated "I do not desire, neither have I had any pleasure therein" - which things are offered by the law - I now say, "Lo, I come [as a Son] to do Your will, O God. This is the turning point! This is the point that matters most.
He - God is taking away the first covenant of law so that He - God - may establish the second testament. Read this line again. He - God is taking away the first Law covenant so that He - God - may establish a second testament. Therefore, by the will of God we are now sanctified through the sacrificial offering of the body of JESUS the Christ (humanity) once and for all.
"Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second, by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Why? For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. However, when He comes into the world -- when God as a Son comes into the world -- He said, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared for Me." (Hebrews 10:5) So in fact, God did not have a body (nor did He desire a body) He had a body prepared for Himself nevertheless.
"Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, Thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, "Lo, I come [in the volume of the book it is written of Me] to do Thy will, O God. Above when He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;" (Hebrews 10:5-8)
When the Spirit referred here to sacrifice and burnt offerings and offerings for sin and stated "I do not desire, neither have I had any pleasure therein" - which things are offered by the law - I now say, "Lo, I come [as a Son] to do Your will, O God. This is the turning point! This is the point that matters most.
He - God is taking away the first covenant of law so that He - God - may establish the second testament. Read this line again. He - God is taking away the first Law covenant so that He - God - may establish a second testament. Therefore, by the will of God we are now sanctified through the sacrificial offering of the body of JESUS the Christ (humanity) once and for all.
"Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second, by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Still, in spite of a personally delivered message to all of humanity that brought to us the gift of salvation, the religious community of this day, both priests and ministers stand offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away the people's sins. Hebrews 10:11 states: "And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can NEVER take away sins:" (Hebrews 10:11)
But thankfully, we know the One who can. Reading on ... this man, JESUS the Christ after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, SAT DOWN (the sacrifice now complete) on the right hand of God.
"But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;, from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool. For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us for after that He had said before -- "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:12-17; Jeremiah 31:33-34)
In other words, now where remission of sin is, there is no more offering for sin. Why? Because God Himself took away the first covenant of law so that He could establish a second testament of grace. What does this mean?
"Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin --- having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh -- and having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:18-22)
So, let us -- one and all -- "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," (Hebrews 10:23-26)
Therefore brethren, with boldness enter into the holiest of holies by the blood of JESUS the Christ which was the very blood of the Holy Spirit of God. This is the new and living way -- the new testament, which God in Christ has consecrated for us, through the veil (i.e. curtain) which was a representative of the veil - the curtain of JESUS flesh!
As a consequence, we have one High Priest over the house of God. His name is JESUS. The only name given to men whereby we shall be saved. Believe on Jesus today. Draw near with a true heart in full ASSURANCE of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second." (Hebrews 8:7)
JESUS - GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH SACRIFICED HIMSELF ONCE AND FOR ALL FOR YOU AND I. As such, there is no such teaching in the Biblical scriptures called transubstantiation. JESUS OFFERED HIMSELF ONCE -- IT IS FINISHED!
Let those who have ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
But thankfully, we know the One who can. Reading on ... this man, JESUS the Christ after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, SAT DOWN (the sacrifice now complete) on the right hand of God.
"But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;, from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool. For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us for after that He had said before -- "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:12-17; Jeremiah 31:33-34)
In other words, now where remission of sin is, there is no more offering for sin. Why? Because God Himself took away the first covenant of law so that He could establish a second testament of grace. What does this mean?
"Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin --- having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh -- and having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:18-22)
So, let us -- one and all -- "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," (Hebrews 10:23-26)
Therefore brethren, with boldness enter into the holiest of holies by the blood of JESUS the Christ which was the very blood of the Holy Spirit of God. This is the new and living way -- the new testament, which God in Christ has consecrated for us, through the veil (i.e. curtain) which was a representative of the veil - the curtain of JESUS flesh!
As a consequence, we have one High Priest over the house of God. His name is JESUS. The only name given to men whereby we shall be saved. Believe on Jesus today. Draw near with a true heart in full ASSURANCE of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second." (Hebrews 8:7)
JESUS - GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH SACRIFICED HIMSELF ONCE AND FOR ALL FOR YOU AND I. As such, there is no such teaching in the Biblical scriptures called transubstantiation. JESUS OFFERED HIMSELF ONCE -- IT IS FINISHED!
Let those who have ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
For How Should My Name Be Polluted? My Name Will I Not Give To Another - Part 1008
Hear Ye This ... saith the Lord.
"Thou hast heard -- see all this -- and will not ye declare [it]? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them. They are created now and not from the beginning, even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldst say, "Behold, I knew them." Yea, thou heardest not, yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously and wast called a transgressor from the womb.
For My name's sake, will I defer Mine anger, and for My praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, not with sliver. I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction for Mine own sake, [even] for My own sake, will I do [it]. For how should [My name] be polluted? And I will not give My glory to another.
Hearken unto Me, O Jacob and Israel, My called -- I [am] He; I [am] the first, I also [am] the last." (Isaiah 48:6-22)
Thus saith the Lord -- thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel -- who said, "I am the Lord thy God that teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way [that] thou shouldest go ... O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandment." (Isaiah 48:17-18) "I am the Lord, that My name and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
Interestingly, these very same words that were declared by our Lord God in the old covenant are spoken by Jesus in the new testament. Not a different God but the one and same God -- our heavenly Father who loved us enough to become as one of us in a sin-prone flesh -- so that He could shed His precious blood on the cross for our transgressions. (John 1:1-18) It is He who reveals Himself in the new covenant -- the same He that would not give either His name or His glory to another in the old. He who knew no sin devised a plan of salvation that included becoming our righteousness -- but the only way that we (as believers) would know this is by searching His Word with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Certainly, the religious community of this day is not going to tell you.
But regardless of their stance, there is still "only one mediator between God and man -- the man Christ Jesus" -- the only name given under heaven whereby we shall be saved. (Acts 4:12; I Timothy 2:5)
This is why we as believers need to cherish His Word. "Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." (Revelation 22:7) "Blessed is he that readeth and they hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein' for the time is at hand." (Revelation 1:3)
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God -- when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4)
This same Lord God and Saviour who said -- "And behold, I come quickly, and My reward is with Me -- to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:12-13) " ... I am Lord, the first, and with the last, I am He." (Isaiah 41:4)
And He said unto me, "It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (Revelation 21:6-7; John 4:10)
"Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until He receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (James 5:7-8)
Jesus told us, "Yea, rather blessed [are] they that hear the Word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:28; Luke 8:21) The former things are come to pass and new things has the Lord declared. And before they sprang forth, we were told of these things through the prophets. That's right. Our Lord God and Saviour has never stopped declaring His wisdom, knowledge and truth to those who seek Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Therefore, "sing unto the Lord a new song, [and] His praise from the end of the earth ... give [Him] His glory and declare His praise." (Isaiah 42:10-12) Stand in the offering plate with Jesus today.
"Thou hast heard -- see all this -- and will not ye declare [it]? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them. They are created now and not from the beginning, even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldst say, "Behold, I knew them." Yea, thou heardest not, yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously and wast called a transgressor from the womb.
For My name's sake, will I defer Mine anger, and for My praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, not with sliver. I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction for Mine own sake, [even] for My own sake, will I do [it]. For how should [My name] be polluted? And I will not give My glory to another.
Hearken unto Me, O Jacob and Israel, My called -- I [am] He; I [am] the first, I also [am] the last." (Isaiah 48:6-22)
Thus saith the Lord -- thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel -- who said, "I am the Lord thy God that teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way [that] thou shouldest go ... O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandment." (Isaiah 48:17-18) "I am the Lord, that My name and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
Interestingly, these very same words that were declared by our Lord God in the old covenant are spoken by Jesus in the new testament. Not a different God but the one and same God -- our heavenly Father who loved us enough to become as one of us in a sin-prone flesh -- so that He could shed His precious blood on the cross for our transgressions. (John 1:1-18) It is He who reveals Himself in the new covenant -- the same He that would not give either His name or His glory to another in the old. He who knew no sin devised a plan of salvation that included becoming our righteousness -- but the only way that we (as believers) would know this is by searching His Word with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Certainly, the religious community of this day is not going to tell you.
But regardless of their stance, there is still "only one mediator between God and man -- the man Christ Jesus" -- the only name given under heaven whereby we shall be saved. (Acts 4:12; I Timothy 2:5)
This is why we as believers need to cherish His Word. "Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." (Revelation 22:7) "Blessed is he that readeth and they hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein' for the time is at hand." (Revelation 1:3)
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God -- when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4)
This same Lord God and Saviour who said -- "And behold, I come quickly, and My reward is with Me -- to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:12-13) " ... I am Lord, the first, and with the last, I am He." (Isaiah 41:4)
And He said unto me, "It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (Revelation 21:6-7; John 4:10)
"Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until He receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (James 5:7-8)
Jesus told us, "Yea, rather blessed [are] they that hear the Word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:28; Luke 8:21) The former things are come to pass and new things has the Lord declared. And before they sprang forth, we were told of these things through the prophets. That's right. Our Lord God and Saviour has never stopped declaring His wisdom, knowledge and truth to those who seek Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Therefore, "sing unto the Lord a new song, [and] His praise from the end of the earth ... give [Him] His glory and declare His praise." (Isaiah 42:10-12) Stand in the offering plate with Jesus today.
Friday, November 7, 2014
The New Covenant Predetermined of God Before the World Was Formed - Part 1007
JESUS is the promised SEED. As a consequence, there is no salvation in any other. And there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby salvation is offered to all, at no cost or effort by man. Indeed, salvation is the gift of God. And no, one does not work to receive this gift.
In fact, if one has to work for it, the gift is no longer a gift. This is why the gift of salvation is unique. Certainly, there is no payment plan attached to the gift of salvation. For the gift of eternal life is offered freely to one and all. Neither was the gift of salvation bought with silver or gold or diamonds.
This gift of salvation offered equally to every individual who turns their life to Jesus was purchased by the sacrificial death of one man.. But this man, as we know from reading the scriptures, was no ordinary man although in appearance He had no remarkable features that would identify Him as one that would stand out in a crowd. We know this because when we shall see Him, the scriptures state that there is no beauty that we should desire him,
Still, the long awaited manifestation of the long awaited SEED - the SEED donor being none other than the holy Spirit of God who promised that He would become man’s Saviour - is the reason the gift of salvation exists. Thus, there was a necessity for the Word of God to be manifested in the flesh and that this flesh manifestation of God (as a Son) named JESUS, become a willing sacrifice securing an everlasting covenant.
For this Covenant was not a Covenant between two parties as was the old redundant Sinai covenant. Rather, this NEW Covenant being a Covenant decided and predetermined of God before there ever was a visible world. A Covenant ordered of God as Spirit whereby God Himself as a Son (God is ONE), executed the unfolding of the covenant in the fashion now revealed of God through the sacrifice of Himself. Hence, GOD Himself brings forth the offer of free redemption from Adam’s fall - Adam being disobedient to God’s instructions in the Garden of Eden.
Remember, it was by one man’s disobedience that sin entered into this world. Death ruled and reigned among us. God Himself had breathed life into man because at the same time God purposed to redeem man by Himself. The result? As the scriptures point out, any person believing upon the sacrificial death of God as a Son would inherit all things as a gifted inheritance.
Then, believers as redeemed people would become God’s adopted sons and daughters. Men and woman would now be redeemed by the shedding of God’s own holy Spirit blood. Believers would also - obediently - and according to the scriptures be baptized into His Name JESUS! Receiving the promise of God that He would now breath upon them the gift of His Spirit.
These redeemed believers having been called by God would by the working of the Spirit of God be totally washed justified and sanctified eventually to be glorified. The end result being that redeemed believers or Christians (followers of Jesus) would be changed to be like Him. What do the scriptures say? For then we shall see Him as He is!
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus! He never fails.
In fact, if one has to work for it, the gift is no longer a gift. This is why the gift of salvation is unique. Certainly, there is no payment plan attached to the gift of salvation. For the gift of eternal life is offered freely to one and all. Neither was the gift of salvation bought with silver or gold or diamonds.
This gift of salvation offered equally to every individual who turns their life to Jesus was purchased by the sacrificial death of one man.. But this man, as we know from reading the scriptures, was no ordinary man although in appearance He had no remarkable features that would identify Him as one that would stand out in a crowd. We know this because when we shall see Him, the scriptures state that there is no beauty that we should desire him,
Still, the long awaited manifestation of the long awaited SEED - the SEED donor being none other than the holy Spirit of God who promised that He would become man’s Saviour - is the reason the gift of salvation exists. Thus, there was a necessity for the Word of God to be manifested in the flesh and that this flesh manifestation of God (as a Son) named JESUS, become a willing sacrifice securing an everlasting covenant.
For this Covenant was not a Covenant between two parties as was the old redundant Sinai covenant. Rather, this NEW Covenant being a Covenant decided and predetermined of God before there ever was a visible world. A Covenant ordered of God as Spirit whereby God Himself as a Son (God is ONE), executed the unfolding of the covenant in the fashion now revealed of God through the sacrifice of Himself. Hence, GOD Himself brings forth the offer of free redemption from Adam’s fall - Adam being disobedient to God’s instructions in the Garden of Eden.
Remember, it was by one man’s disobedience that sin entered into this world. Death ruled and reigned among us. God Himself had breathed life into man because at the same time God purposed to redeem man by Himself. The result? As the scriptures point out, any person believing upon the sacrificial death of God as a Son would inherit all things as a gifted inheritance.
Then, believers as redeemed people would become God’s adopted sons and daughters. Men and woman would now be redeemed by the shedding of God’s own holy Spirit blood. Believers would also - obediently - and according to the scriptures be baptized into His Name JESUS! Receiving the promise of God that He would now breath upon them the gift of His Spirit.
These redeemed believers having been called by God would by the working of the Spirit of God be totally washed justified and sanctified eventually to be glorified. The end result being that redeemed believers or Christians (followers of Jesus) would be changed to be like Him. What do the scriptures say? For then we shall see Him as He is!
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus! He never fails.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
For Sin Shall Not Have Dominion Over You For Ye Are Not Under the Law - Part 1006
"If ye continue in My Word," Jesus said, "[then] are ye My disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32) A message often cited with Jesus' message in John 14 wherein Jesus said, "If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do [it]. If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:14-15)
Note that this former message was spoken specifically to the Jews which believed on Him. (John 7:31; John 8:31; John 10:42) "If ye continue in My Word, then ye are My disciples indeed ..." (John 8:31-32) The same Word revealed to Thomas, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye would have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:6-7) And yes, the same Word that "was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. ... For the law was given by Moses [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:14,17) His name being Jesus -- the only name given under heaven whereby we shall be saved.
But as we understand from John 8, the Jews struggled with His teaching.
Herein, they answered Jesus stating, -- "We be Abraham's seed and were never in any bondage to any man. "How sayest Thou, Ye shall be made free?" (John 8:33) Note Jesus' response.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you -- "Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin and the servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill Me because My Word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with My Father, and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." (John 8:34-38; Romans 6:14, 18, 22)
Earlier, Jesus had said to the Jews in the temple when they questioned His doctrine, "Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keepeth the law?" (John 7:16-19)
Another aside from John the baptist, when he was preaching in the wilderness of Judaea said: "And think not to say within yourselves, "We have Abraham [our] father, for I say unto you that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." (Matthew 3:9) ""But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, even so [it is] now. Nevertheless, 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 free-woman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:28-31; Galatians 3:8, 22, 29; Acts 3:25; Genesis 21:9-12; John 8:35)
And again, further to this same point, "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption, for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage -- for if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." (II Peter 2:19)
But I digress somewhat. Returning to John 8, we read that the Jews answered and said unto Jesus, "Abraham is our father." Jesus saith unto them, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God -- this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father." (John 8:39-41)
Then said the Jews unto Him, "We be not born of fornication. We have one Father [even] God." (John 8:41) The last part of John 8:41 is a confirmation of Isaiah's prophecy, which states: "Doubtless thou [art] our father, through Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not. Thou, O Lord, [art] our Father, our Redeemer, Thy name [is] from everlasting." (Isaiah 63:16)
Jesus said unto them, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God. Neither came I of Myself but He that sent Me. Why do ye not understand my speech? [Even] because ye cannot hear My Word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth -- because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it.
And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe Me not. Which of you convinceth Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me? He that is of God heareth God's words. Ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God."(John 8:42-47) "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5)
This same message that Jesus spoke here in John 8 is repeatedly confirmed throughout the new testament. For example, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His commandments are not grievous." (I John 5:1-3)
This is why the Jews said unto him, "Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?" (John 8:48) Jesus answered, "I have not a devil, but I honour My Father and ye do dishonour Me. And I seek not Mine own glory. There is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily , verily, I say unto you -- if a man keep My saying, he shall never see death." (John 8:49-51; John 5:39-47)
Then said the Jews unto Him, "Now we know that Thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead and the prophets, and Thou sayest, If a man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death. Art Thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom makest Thou thyself?" (John 8:54-56)
Jesus answered, "If I honour Myself, my honour is nothing. It is My Father that honoureth Me, of whom ye say, that He is your God ... yet ye have not Him but I know Him, and if I should say, I know Him not, I shall be a liar like unto you, but I know Him and keep His saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw [it] and was glad."(John 8:54-56)
But the Jews still did not understand what Jesus was saying to them. Note the punchline here. Then said the Jews unto Jesus, "Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abraham?" Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:31-59)
Almighty God -- our heavenly Father -- of which His fullness dwelt bodily in Jesus the Christ. (Colossians 2:9) Let him that hath ears, hear. Stand in the offering plate with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus!
Note that this former message was spoken specifically to the Jews which believed on Him. (John 7:31; John 8:31; John 10:42) "If ye continue in My Word, then ye are My disciples indeed ..." (John 8:31-32) The same Word revealed to Thomas, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye would have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:6-7) And yes, the same Word that "was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. ... For the law was given by Moses [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:14,17) His name being Jesus -- the only name given under heaven whereby we shall be saved.
But as we understand from John 8, the Jews struggled with His teaching.
Herein, they answered Jesus stating, -- "We be Abraham's seed and were never in any bondage to any man. "How sayest Thou, Ye shall be made free?" (John 8:33) Note Jesus' response.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you -- "Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin and the servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill Me because My Word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with My Father, and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." (John 8:34-38; Romans 6:14, 18, 22)
Earlier, Jesus had said to the Jews in the temple when they questioned His doctrine, "Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keepeth the law?" (John 7:16-19)
Another aside from John the baptist, when he was preaching in the wilderness of Judaea said: "And think not to say within yourselves, "We have Abraham [our] father, for I say unto you that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." (Matthew 3:9) ""But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, even so [it is] now. Nevertheless, 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 free-woman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:28-31; Galatians 3:8, 22, 29; Acts 3:25; Genesis 21:9-12; John 8:35)
And again, further to this same point, "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption, for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage -- for if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." (II Peter 2:19)
But I digress somewhat. Returning to John 8, we read that the Jews answered and said unto Jesus, "Abraham is our father." Jesus saith unto them, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God -- this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father." (John 8:39-41)
Then said the Jews unto Him, "We be not born of fornication. We have one Father [even] God." (John 8:41) The last part of John 8:41 is a confirmation of Isaiah's prophecy, which states: "Doubtless thou [art] our father, through Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not. Thou, O Lord, [art] our Father, our Redeemer, Thy name [is] from everlasting." (Isaiah 63:16)
Jesus said unto them, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God. Neither came I of Myself but He that sent Me. Why do ye not understand my speech? [Even] because ye cannot hear My Word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth -- because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it.
And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe Me not. Which of you convinceth Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me? He that is of God heareth God's words. Ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God."(John 8:42-47) "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5)
This same message that Jesus spoke here in John 8 is repeatedly confirmed throughout the new testament. For example, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His commandments are not grievous." (I John 5:1-3)
This is why the Jews said unto him, "Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?" (John 8:48) Jesus answered, "I have not a devil, but I honour My Father and ye do dishonour Me. And I seek not Mine own glory. There is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily , verily, I say unto you -- if a man keep My saying, he shall never see death." (John 8:49-51; John 5:39-47)
Then said the Jews unto Him, "Now we know that Thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead and the prophets, and Thou sayest, If a man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death. Art Thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom makest Thou thyself?" (John 8:54-56)
Jesus answered, "If I honour Myself, my honour is nothing. It is My Father that honoureth Me, of whom ye say, that He is your God ... yet ye have not Him but I know Him, and if I should say, I know Him not, I shall be a liar like unto you, but I know Him and keep His saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw [it] and was glad."(John 8:54-56)
But the Jews still did not understand what Jesus was saying to them. Note the punchline here. Then said the Jews unto Jesus, "Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abraham?" Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:31-59)
Almighty God -- our heavenly Father -- of which His fullness dwelt bodily in Jesus the Christ. (Colossians 2:9) Let him that hath ears, hear. Stand in the offering plate with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus!
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
My Glory I Will Not Give To Another - Part 1005
Jesus said the Apostles were to be His witnesses - here, there and everywhere - even to the uttermost parts of the earth. To this end, the early believers went everywhere preaching the good news gospel of Jesus the Christ and His kingdom. They told people about Jesus. They showed those who believed why Jesus is Lord of all from the Word. That His kingdom has no end. And that, at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus, the Christ is Lord.
Unto the Son it is said, "Your throne of God is forever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom."
This is why we shall worship the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength. Indeed, Him only shall you serve. Numerous times (both in the old and new testaments) the Lord said -- My glory, I will not give to another. It is herein that we need to understand that God has glorified His only begotten son Jesus. It is He who is the brightness of God’s glory. And yes, He is also the express image of God as a person. God declaring that Jesus, who had been crucified is both Lord and Christ.
Jesus, the unseen God now seen. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. Still, Jesus appointed His Apostles to be His witnesses to the uttermost ends of the earth. And this according to Acts 2:37-42, the Apostles were. In fact, they are still His witnesses. Although the apostles are surely dead physically, the words of the gospel that they penned continues to be the number one best seller. God's gospel of salvation delivered and disseminated by men that the scriptures state were “unlearned and ignorant men. Their opponents perceiving that these men had been with Jesus."
These truths written with the pen of men but the holy Spirit of Jesus being the authoritative author. It is Jesus leading and guiding man into truths hidden down through the ages. God Himself setting in place the capping stone on the pyramid. The stone that the builders rejected has become the Head of the corner. The cross road of man is Jesus lifted up. This is why at the end of the day it matters little if some choose to remain atheists, agnostics or ignoramuses.
When each individual handles currency they are confronted with the fact that history dates all time as being BC or AD. Jesus instructed His flock of believers that they should preach in His name. That is to preach repentance and remission of sin. This world mission commenced at Jerusalem on a day called Pentecost when the fire from heaven fell. (Acts 2:37-42) There also is another presentation embraced by organizations that believers ought to be baptized using the expression, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and and of the Holy Ghost."
However, as we have alluded to in other posts, father is not a name. Neither is son a name. Nor is spirit a name. These are descriptive titles for a single person. It is for this reason that there is only one name under heaven whereby we shall be saved. That name is Jesus! The only name whereby man can be redeemed. But the religious culture continues to hang on to Matthew 28:19, even though the present rendition was birthed by the so called church fathers in 300 AD. Why even Roman churches admit that they altered the original rendering. So where does that leave us?
Certainly, the original rendering was that believers were to be baptized in His name -- Jesus. Encyclopedias verify this change. (Volume 2 -- 435) Other main line encyclopedias make reference to the same revisions and (mis)interpretations of the original text. The record then begs the question of us. “ Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus were baptized into His death?"
Yes, when we are baptized in Jesus name, we are buried with Him by baptism. The apostles preached baptism in Jesus name. New believers were baptized in Jesus name, and in fact, every example of water baptism in the Bible proves it. "Lo, here is water."
Therefore, if any man considers himself to be a prophet or a spiritual, let him acknowledge first that the things that I write unto you are the commands of the Lord. This saith Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Peace in Jesus Name. Stand in the Offering Plate.
Unto the Son it is said, "Your throne of God is forever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom."
This is why we shall worship the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength. Indeed, Him only shall you serve. Numerous times (both in the old and new testaments) the Lord said -- My glory, I will not give to another. It is herein that we need to understand that God has glorified His only begotten son Jesus. It is He who is the brightness of God’s glory. And yes, He is also the express image of God as a person. God declaring that Jesus, who had been crucified is both Lord and Christ.
Jesus, the unseen God now seen. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. Still, Jesus appointed His Apostles to be His witnesses to the uttermost ends of the earth. And this according to Acts 2:37-42, the Apostles were. In fact, they are still His witnesses. Although the apostles are surely dead physically, the words of the gospel that they penned continues to be the number one best seller. God's gospel of salvation delivered and disseminated by men that the scriptures state were “unlearned and ignorant men. Their opponents perceiving that these men had been with Jesus."
These truths written with the pen of men but the holy Spirit of Jesus being the authoritative author. It is Jesus leading and guiding man into truths hidden down through the ages. God Himself setting in place the capping stone on the pyramid. The stone that the builders rejected has become the Head of the corner. The cross road of man is Jesus lifted up. This is why at the end of the day it matters little if some choose to remain atheists, agnostics or ignoramuses.
When each individual handles currency they are confronted with the fact that history dates all time as being BC or AD. Jesus instructed His flock of believers that they should preach in His name. That is to preach repentance and remission of sin. This world mission commenced at Jerusalem on a day called Pentecost when the fire from heaven fell. (Acts 2:37-42) There also is another presentation embraced by organizations that believers ought to be baptized using the expression, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and and of the Holy Ghost."
However, as we have alluded to in other posts, father is not a name. Neither is son a name. Nor is spirit a name. These are descriptive titles for a single person. It is for this reason that there is only one name under heaven whereby we shall be saved. That name is Jesus! The only name whereby man can be redeemed. But the religious culture continues to hang on to Matthew 28:19, even though the present rendition was birthed by the so called church fathers in 300 AD. Why even Roman churches admit that they altered the original rendering. So where does that leave us?
Certainly, the original rendering was that believers were to be baptized in His name -- Jesus. Encyclopedias verify this change. (Volume 2 -- 435) Other main line encyclopedias make reference to the same revisions and (mis)interpretations of the original text. The record then begs the question of us. “ Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus were baptized into His death?"
Yes, when we are baptized in Jesus name, we are buried with Him by baptism. The apostles preached baptism in Jesus name. New believers were baptized in Jesus name, and in fact, every example of water baptism in the Bible proves it. "Lo, here is water."
Therefore, if any man considers himself to be a prophet or a spiritual, let him acknowledge first that the things that I write unto you are the commands of the Lord. This saith Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Peace in Jesus Name. Stand in the Offering Plate.
But Speak Thou the Things Which Become Sound Doctrine - Part 1004
"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another -- but after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared -- not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour ... that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:3-7)
Read that latter part again -- "That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:7)
Sadly, again today, I read a message from a high profile evangelist, stating that if we would just be happy and self-sufficient, we would be successful in this world. As I contemplated this idea further, I realized that when we focus on ourselves -- our abilities and what we think by ourselves we can accomplish -- we often deny our Lord God and Saviour and His kindness and love for man. How can I say this?
Because the scriptures tell us -- "For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:20) Each and every one of us have fallen short of the grace and mercy of God. Moreover, as Paul wrote: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law -- for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)
But if -- "while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor, for I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God." (Galatians 2:17-19)
Why? Because it is "the grace of God that bringeth salvation ..." (Titus 2:11) "Therefore, it is of faith, that [it might be] by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. (As it is written) I have made thee a father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be." (Romans 4:16-18)
Thus, our salvation is not by the works of the law or by the deeds of the law, or for that matter, something that we could do in and of ourselves. Our salvation is a gift that is bestowed upon us because the same God who created us in the beginning willingly became our Saviour. This is the mystery that was hid from the beginning of time that has been revealed to us in this dispensation of grace -- if we would only seek Jesus through His Word.
Indeed, our salvation is not by the works of the law, or by the deeds of the law because in this context ... "there shall no flesh be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin -- but now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all these that believe." (Romans 3:20-21)
This is why we need to stop frustrating the grace of God with our vain repetitions -- "for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21) If righteousness could come through something we do -- like being happy or self-sufficient -- then similarly, Christ is dead in vain. But this is not from whence comes our salvation and hope. Rather, like Paul wrote -- we that are crucified with Christ. "nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ that liveth in me, and the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, as it is written -- "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17) There is only one Saviour and those of us who are known of God know that God is manifest in them -- for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made [even] His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20)
Seek Jesus today with all your heart, soul, mind and strength today. Study His Word to prove what is true. And know that this Saviour (who had been promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures) concerning Jesus Christ our Lord. And be not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes -- "for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith." (Romans 1:18) Stand in the offering plate with Jesus Christ today.
Read that latter part again -- "That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:7)
Sadly, again today, I read a message from a high profile evangelist, stating that if we would just be happy and self-sufficient, we would be successful in this world. As I contemplated this idea further, I realized that when we focus on ourselves -- our abilities and what we think by ourselves we can accomplish -- we often deny our Lord God and Saviour and His kindness and love for man. How can I say this?
Because the scriptures tell us -- "For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:20) Each and every one of us have fallen short of the grace and mercy of God. Moreover, as Paul wrote: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law -- for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)
But if -- "while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor, for I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God." (Galatians 2:17-19)
Why? Because it is "the grace of God that bringeth salvation ..." (Titus 2:11) "Therefore, it is of faith, that [it might be] by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. (As it is written) I have made thee a father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be." (Romans 4:16-18)
Thus, our salvation is not by the works of the law or by the deeds of the law, or for that matter, something that we could do in and of ourselves. Our salvation is a gift that is bestowed upon us because the same God who created us in the beginning willingly became our Saviour. This is the mystery that was hid from the beginning of time that has been revealed to us in this dispensation of grace -- if we would only seek Jesus through His Word.
Indeed, our salvation is not by the works of the law, or by the deeds of the law because in this context ... "there shall no flesh be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin -- but now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all these that believe." (Romans 3:20-21)
This is why we need to stop frustrating the grace of God with our vain repetitions -- "for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21) If righteousness could come through something we do -- like being happy or self-sufficient -- then similarly, Christ is dead in vain. But this is not from whence comes our salvation and hope. Rather, like Paul wrote -- we that are crucified with Christ. "nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ that liveth in me, and the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, as it is written -- "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17) There is only one Saviour and those of us who are known of God know that God is manifest in them -- for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made [even] His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20)
Seek Jesus today with all your heart, soul, mind and strength today. Study His Word to prove what is true. And know that this Saviour (who had been promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures) concerning Jesus Christ our Lord. And be not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes -- "for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith." (Romans 1:18) Stand in the offering plate with Jesus Christ today.
Monday, November 3, 2014
According to the Eternal Purpose Which He Purposed In Christ Jesus Our Lord - Part 1003
"To the only wise God our Saviour -- [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever, amen." (Jude 1:25)
"Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God -- [even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to the saints -- to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you -- the hope of glory, whom we preach warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:25-28)
What is the mystery that was hid from the beginning of the world? Read on ...
"Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God -- [even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to the saints -- to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you -- the hope of glory, whom we preach warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:25-28)
What is the mystery that was hid from the beginning of the world? Read on ...
"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began -- but now is made manifest and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God -- made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever, amen." (Romans 16:25-27)
"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth [even] in Him -- in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will -- that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ." (Ephesians 1:9-12)
"For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles -- If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) -- which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit -- that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel." (Ephesians 3:1-7)
Moreover, "whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power unto me, (who am less than the least of all saints), is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 3:8-9)
What is the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father until this dispensation of grace?
"To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord -- in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ... and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:10-19)
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Stand in the offering plate with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving -- lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, and after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ -- FOR IN HIM DWELLETH ALL THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD BODILY." (Colossians 2:7-10)
"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth [even] in Him -- in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will -- that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ." (Ephesians 1:9-12)
"For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles -- If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) -- which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit -- that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel." (Ephesians 3:1-7)
Moreover, "whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power unto me, (who am less than the least of all saints), is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 3:8-9)
What is the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father until this dispensation of grace?
"To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord -- in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ... and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:10-19)
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Stand in the offering plate with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving -- lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, and after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ -- FOR IN HIM DWELLETH ALL THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD BODILY." (Colossians 2:7-10)
Saturday, November 1, 2014
For Ye Are All the Children of God by Faith In Christ Jesus - Part 1002
"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. I do not frustrate the grace of God -- for if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:20-21)
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, spent considerable time teaching believers (in the Epistle of Paul the apostle to the Philippians) how to rejoice in our Lord always. Indeed, Paul wrote: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you -- always in every prayer of mine -- for you all making request with joy ... for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that He which began a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:1-6)
Moreover, "even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye are all partakers of my grace -- for God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgement -- that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:7-11)
A similar message to the faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse is offered in Colossians, which states:
"Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which] ye [have] to all the saints, 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 [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth." (Colossians 1:1-6)
In fact, as you also learned of Epaphras -- who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit, for this cause we also, since the day we heard [it] 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 -- that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing; being fruitful in every good work -- and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Let's look at this again. Paul is praying that our love may abound yet more and more in knowledge ... and in all judgement so that we may approve things that are excellent, be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, be filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God, all the while remaining confident that He which began a good work in us will perform until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-11)
In increasing more and more in knowledge, Paul instructs us to desire to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Why? So that we might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work. Yes, but there is even one more instruction. That is -- "increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:10)
In so doing, we will be strengthened with all might -- according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light -- who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of His dear Son -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins.
Who are we referring to here? Paul writes -- "in whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature -- for by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers -- ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM, AND HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS, AND BY HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST AND HE IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. (Colossians 1:14-18)
Jesus -- "the Head of the body -- the church -- who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] He might have the preeminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fulness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Himself, by Him, [I say] whether [they] be things in earth or things in heaven, and you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death -- to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight -- if you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the ope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven." (Colossians 1:11-23)
Seek Jesus more and more, increasing in knowledge, wisdom and spiritual understanding. You won't be disappointed!
"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1) Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, spent considerable time teaching believers (in the Epistle of Paul the apostle to the Philippians) how to rejoice in our Lord always. Indeed, Paul wrote: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you -- always in every prayer of mine -- for you all making request with joy ... for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that He which began a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:1-6)
Moreover, "even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye are all partakers of my grace -- for God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgement -- that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:7-11)
A similar message to the faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse is offered in Colossians, which states:
"Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which] ye [have] to all the saints, 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 [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth." (Colossians 1:1-6)
In fact, as you also learned of Epaphras -- who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit, for this cause we also, since the day we heard [it] 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 -- that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing; being fruitful in every good work -- and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Let's look at this again. Paul is praying that our love may abound yet more and more in knowledge ... and in all judgement so that we may approve things that are excellent, be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, be filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God, all the while remaining confident that He which began a good work in us will perform until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-11)
In increasing more and more in knowledge, Paul instructs us to desire to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Why? So that we might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work. Yes, but there is even one more instruction. That is -- "increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:10)
In so doing, we will be strengthened with all might -- according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light -- who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of His dear Son -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins.
Who are we referring to here? Paul writes -- "in whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature -- for by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers -- ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM, AND HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS, AND BY HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST AND HE IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. (Colossians 1:14-18)
Jesus -- "the Head of the body -- the church -- who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] He might have the preeminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fulness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Himself, by Him, [I say] whether [they] be things in earth or things in heaven, and you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death -- to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight -- if you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the ope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven." (Colossians 1:11-23)
Seek Jesus more and more, increasing in knowledge, wisdom and spiritual understanding. You won't be disappointed!
"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1) Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
That Promised Seed Referred to Christ - Part 1001
Paul, an apostle to the Gentiles, asks this question of believers, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you -- Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law? Or, by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish -- having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain?" (Galatians 3:1-4)
Jesus, while conversing with a woman at a well in Samaria said that he who drinks of the water that I -- Jesus shall give him, shall never thirst. Indeed, the water that I shall give him will be like a well of living water springing up from within. Here, Jesus was speaking concerning the near future when those who believed on Him would become partakers of His holy Spirit. However, the Holy Ghost was not as yet given, because Jesus was not yet crucified, buried, resurrected, and ascended. (John 14;26 Acts 1:1-8)
Until all of these events transpired, Jesus would not yet be glorified. At the point of His glorification would the outpouring of His own Spirit be poured out onto -- and into -- all who exercise faith in His redemptive work of salvation. It is no wonder that Paul said, "Are you so foolish, having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the works of the law?" (Galatians 3:2)
Salvation is not of works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Jesus, who is God manifest in the flesh purchased our complete salvation. As of that moment in time, believers were offered a free gift. That gift is eternal life. Moreover, Jesus death on the cross ushered in a new covenant -- one that is written on the fleshy tables of our heart.
"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart." (II Corinthians 3:3)
This new covenant, being the now revealed mind of God when He covenanted with Himself as a man. The perfect law of liberty. There is no other explanation. Therefore, if you are preaching salvation by law, you would be declaring that the sacrifice of God Himself as a son to be inadequate.
As Paul asked, "Who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth?" (Galatians 3:1) This new covenant is not an addendum to the old covenant which had been written on stone tablets. This new covenant is allowing Jesus to breathe on you - His breath of life emanating from His holy Spirit.
And all we have to do is believe, seeking His righteousness!
This new covenant was before the old covenant. In fact, it was contained in a promise delivered to Abraham, promising him that in his seed would all the nations of the earth be blessed. The promise specifically said seed. Seed in the singular. Not seeds. And that promised seed referred to Christ, the law never having as yet been delivered. The law was delivered 430 years after the promise was made. It is for this reason that the the law cannot be tagged on to a promise. (A promise being a promise or else what good would a promise be?)
Remember, the law was originally added because of people's transgressions. It had a limited time frame, one that only lasted until the seed should come to whom the promise was made. And that seed, the seed to which we refer, appeared clothed in earthly fashion as a son conceived of the Holy Ghost in the womb of Mary. Hence, the beginning of dispensations. Hence, we have the BC and AD timeline. The law of sin and death is exactly what it is. It makes one totally aware of their sin. Being now condemned by the introduction of law I died. If one was not feeling bad enough, this law of sin and death puts the icing on top. The Law is law without spirit. The law in reality is like a schoolmaster revealing our shortfalls -- and that man needs a Saviour.
In this context, the law accomplished its purpose. The Lord our God became our Saviour redeeming us from those curses enshrined in the law. He Himself becoming cursed and enshrouding Himself willingly with all our sins and transgressions. When one is redeemed there is no longer a need for law. We have in Jesus a pure lamb offered, one that was offered without blemish. The God who cannot lie fulfills His promise in Jesus.
We have been set free. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
Jesus, while conversing with a woman at a well in Samaria said that he who drinks of the water that I -- Jesus shall give him, shall never thirst. Indeed, the water that I shall give him will be like a well of living water springing up from within. Here, Jesus was speaking concerning the near future when those who believed on Him would become partakers of His holy Spirit. However, the Holy Ghost was not as yet given, because Jesus was not yet crucified, buried, resurrected, and ascended. (John 14;26 Acts 1:1-8)
Until all of these events transpired, Jesus would not yet be glorified. At the point of His glorification would the outpouring of His own Spirit be poured out onto -- and into -- all who exercise faith in His redemptive work of salvation. It is no wonder that Paul said, "Are you so foolish, having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the works of the law?" (Galatians 3:2)
Salvation is not of works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Jesus, who is God manifest in the flesh purchased our complete salvation. As of that moment in time, believers were offered a free gift. That gift is eternal life. Moreover, Jesus death on the cross ushered in a new covenant -- one that is written on the fleshy tables of our heart.
"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart." (II Corinthians 3:3)
This new covenant, being the now revealed mind of God when He covenanted with Himself as a man. The perfect law of liberty. There is no other explanation. Therefore, if you are preaching salvation by law, you would be declaring that the sacrifice of God Himself as a son to be inadequate.
As Paul asked, "Who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth?" (Galatians 3:1) This new covenant is not an addendum to the old covenant which had been written on stone tablets. This new covenant is allowing Jesus to breathe on you - His breath of life emanating from His holy Spirit.
And all we have to do is believe, seeking His righteousness!
This new covenant was before the old covenant. In fact, it was contained in a promise delivered to Abraham, promising him that in his seed would all the nations of the earth be blessed. The promise specifically said seed. Seed in the singular. Not seeds. And that promised seed referred to Christ, the law never having as yet been delivered. The law was delivered 430 years after the promise was made. It is for this reason that the the law cannot be tagged on to a promise. (A promise being a promise or else what good would a promise be?)
Remember, the law was originally added because of people's transgressions. It had a limited time frame, one that only lasted until the seed should come to whom the promise was made. And that seed, the seed to which we refer, appeared clothed in earthly fashion as a son conceived of the Holy Ghost in the womb of Mary. Hence, the beginning of dispensations. Hence, we have the BC and AD timeline. The law of sin and death is exactly what it is. It makes one totally aware of their sin. Being now condemned by the introduction of law I died. If one was not feeling bad enough, this law of sin and death puts the icing on top. The Law is law without spirit. The law in reality is like a schoolmaster revealing our shortfalls -- and that man needs a Saviour.
In this context, the law accomplished its purpose. The Lord our God became our Saviour redeeming us from those curses enshrined in the law. He Himself becoming cursed and enshrouding Himself willingly with all our sins and transgressions. When one is redeemed there is no longer a need for law. We have in Jesus a pure lamb offered, one that was offered without blemish. The God who cannot lie fulfills His promise in Jesus.
We have been set free. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
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