Insanity is often defined as doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results? Sadly, Christianity can often be categorized in this fashion. We are quick to get people "churched" but less enthusiastic about inviting these same people to get to know Jesus personally as their Saviour -- as the King of kings and Lord and lords. And then we wonder why the world is quickly sliding into a dark decline.
Paul wrote: "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" (Galatians 5:7)
In other words, who caused you to turn away from the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ? It was He who knew no sin that paid the full price for our salvation. The cost? His precious holy blood shed on a cross for you and I. Even the scripture hath concluded, "all under sin -- that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3:22)
"Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily, righteousness should have been by the law." (Galatians 3:21)
But as the scriptures point out, the law could not bring salvation.
"Wherefore then, [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions till the Seed should come to whom the promises was made, [and it was] ordained by the angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not [a mediator of] one -- but God IS ONE." (Galatians 3:19-20)
"Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law .... seeing ONE God which shall justify the circumcision through faith." (Romans 3:28-30) The law being established as a schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ -- that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24-25)
"And the scripture, FORESEEING THAT GOD WOULD JUSTIFY THE HEATHEN THROUGH FAITH, preached before the gospel unto Abraham [saying], "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:8)
Wow -- the mystery of the Godhead (that was hidden in the bosom of the Father since the beginning of the world) was unfolding. "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not ... but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God -- to them that believe on His name." (John 1:1-18)
"And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
But the modern day church(es) in this current dispensation of grace have changed the "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" into some form of tri-une God even though there are no scriptures in His Word to support this. (Ephesians 4:5)
This is why the apostle Paul wrote saying: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel -- which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-8)
And just in case the underlying warning was not received the first time, Paul repeated the same message again, "As we said before, so say I now again, "If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:9-10)
Paul adds even more clarity when he writes toward the end of Galatians. He writes: "Behold, I Paul say unto you -- that if ye be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law. You are fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:2-4)
But it doesn't have to be this way. Jesus came to extend to us His gift of salvation. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Receive Jesus into your heart today. Seek His righteousness through His Word. In fact, "study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (I Timothy 2:15)
Not as "churched" people but instead as "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 marvellous light." (I Peter 2:9) 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, January 20, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Because It Is Given Unto You To Know the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven - Part 1038
Why? Because "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 ..." (I Corinthians 2:12-14)
And, as Jesus told His disciples, "because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." (Matthew 13:11)
Further, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him -- the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints ..." (Ephesians :17-18)
Let him who has ears to hear, hear the following words written in Revelation 17:
"And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, "Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns, and the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. (Revelation 17:1-4)
And upon her forehead was a name written, "Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth." (Revelation 17:5)
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
And the angel said unto me, "Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." (Revelation 17:6-8)
And here is the mind which hath wisdom.
The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth, and there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space, and the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. (Revelation 17:9-13)
These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
And he saith unto me, "The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. (Revelation 17:14-16)
For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:17-18)
It's still not too late to receive Jesus the Christ into your heart, and by faith make Him both your Lord and King. How can I say this? Because even in the midst of a host of prophecies that are about to unfold, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus continues to invite us to come to Him.
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20).
Here His voice today. Sup with the King of kings. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Conceived Since Before the World Was Formed - Part 1037
If Isaac were the promised seed, then would all of us still be dead in trespasses and sins. For Isaac, like all of Adam’s disobedient race had been exiled from fellowship with God, particularly since Isaac was a product of Abraham's natural seed.
Isaac was not the promised SEED. Yet, the Lord did say to Abraham that in him (natural seed) Abraham and in his SEED (CHRIST) will all the nations of the earth be blessed. Indeed, the promised SEED did indwell ISAAC along with ISAAC's natural seed. But ONLY UNTIL God advanced the promised SEED into Jacob at his conception.
However, neither was JACOB the promised SEED. The progression of the promised SEED traveled along in Abraham's offspring and yet none of Abraham's offspring were to be the final embodiment of the promised SEED.
In other words, this message is intended to reveal that Christ alone is the SEED of promise. This is why there is no salvation in any other. JESUS being not the seed of man but rather, JESUS is the VERY SEED of the Holy Ghost. The same SEED brought forth JESUS the Christ, who is none other than the Son of God, and similarly, who is none other than God Himself as a son.
When JESUS came forth from the womb of His surrogate mother, did not the angelic host sing? Did not the wise men offer gifts to Him? And did not the aged Simeon in the temple upon seeing the child JESUS declare, "Lord, let now your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation?"
Further, did not the angel declare that the child be named JESUS? His title to be Immanuel meaning "God with us."
Repeatedly, the scriptures declare that in the eyes of God there is neither Jew, nor Gentile, nor is there preferential treatment given to males above female.
JESUS is the one God who created all things, manifesting Himself in the flesh and entering this fallen world as a man with one intent. That objective being to seek and to save those which would otherwise be totally lost.
A SAVIOUR WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD!
Indeed, as is recorded in the scriptures, JESUS wept over Jerusalem saying, "Oh Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered you under my wings as a chicken gathers her brood and you would not come. Therefore, Jerusalem your house is left to you desolate."
Because of their unbelief they were cut off from the dispensation of grace. Note also that Paul declared that if the Gentiles continued not in the goodness of God, they would also be cut off.
Two thousand years later, the Jewish nation is still under the law of sin and death. Conversely, the Gentiles, had the door of grace opened to them for 2000 years. Unfortunately, at this moment in time the Gentiles appear to have turned aside from this faith which was personally delivered to mankind by God Himself.
As a consequence, the Gentiles are now in the state of being cut off too because of their unbelief. The playing field is being levelled. The Jews always had an opportunity to believe in JESUS and as such, a remnant of them will be saved.
Acts 2:36-42 instructs believers on what they must do to be saved. Read these verses with gladness. Receive His promises into your heart. Be baptized in the name of Jesus the Christ. Seek spiritual gifts. Stand in the offering plate.
Isaac was not the promised SEED. Yet, the Lord did say to Abraham that in him (natural seed) Abraham and in his SEED (CHRIST) will all the nations of the earth be blessed. Indeed, the promised SEED did indwell ISAAC along with ISAAC's natural seed. But ONLY UNTIL God advanced the promised SEED into Jacob at his conception.
However, neither was JACOB the promised SEED. The progression of the promised SEED traveled along in Abraham's offspring and yet none of Abraham's offspring were to be the final embodiment of the promised SEED.
In other words, this message is intended to reveal that Christ alone is the SEED of promise. This is why there is no salvation in any other. JESUS being not the seed of man but rather, JESUS is the VERY SEED of the Holy Ghost. The same SEED brought forth JESUS the Christ, who is none other than the Son of God, and similarly, who is none other than God Himself as a son.
When JESUS came forth from the womb of His surrogate mother, did not the angelic host sing? Did not the wise men offer gifts to Him? And did not the aged Simeon in the temple upon seeing the child JESUS declare, "Lord, let now your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation?"
Further, did not the angel declare that the child be named JESUS? His title to be Immanuel meaning "God with us."
Repeatedly, the scriptures declare that in the eyes of God there is neither Jew, nor Gentile, nor is there preferential treatment given to males above female.
JESUS is the one God who created all things, manifesting Himself in the flesh and entering this fallen world as a man with one intent. That objective being to seek and to save those which would otherwise be totally lost.
A SAVIOUR WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD!
Indeed, as is recorded in the scriptures, JESUS wept over Jerusalem saying, "Oh Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered you under my wings as a chicken gathers her brood and you would not come. Therefore, Jerusalem your house is left to you desolate."
Because of their unbelief they were cut off from the dispensation of grace. Note also that Paul declared that if the Gentiles continued not in the goodness of God, they would also be cut off.
Two thousand years later, the Jewish nation is still under the law of sin and death. Conversely, the Gentiles, had the door of grace opened to them for 2000 years. Unfortunately, at this moment in time the Gentiles appear to have turned aside from this faith which was personally delivered to mankind by God Himself.
As a consequence, the Gentiles are now in the state of being cut off too because of their unbelief. The playing field is being levelled. The Jews always had an opportunity to believe in JESUS and as such, a remnant of them will be saved.
Acts 2:36-42 instructs believers on what they must do to be saved. Read these verses with gladness. Receive His promises into your heart. Be baptized in the name of Jesus the Christ. Seek spiritual gifts. Stand in the offering plate.
A Chosen Vessel To Bear My Name Before the Gentiles - Part 1036
"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God ..." (Ephesians 3:2)
This message delivered by the apostle Paul so that we would understand the difference between the old covenant consisting of the law and ten commandments, and this current dispensation of grace that was paid for through the precious blood of Jesus. But as we know, Paul was not always a believer in Jesus Christ. In fact, when Ananias answered the Lord saying, "Lord, I have heard by many of this man" it was because of "how much evil he hath done to the saints at Jerusalem ... and [that] he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Thy name." (Acts 9:13)
In reality, this learned highly placed man (originally known as Saul) was responsible for destroying them which called on this name in Jerusalem. Indeed, by his own words, he admitted imprisoning believers and beating "in every synagogue them that believed on Thee." (Acts 22:19-20)
"Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord" did so in everything he did. (Acts 9:1)
To be specific, Saul persecuted anyone that called on "Thy name" -- the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:13) Just like an earlier instance in Acts 6 when false witnesses accused Stephen (a table servant full of faith and power) for changing the customs which Moses had delivered unto them. (Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-60) For changing the religious customs and traditions that were established under the Law.
But what did the Lord Jesus say to Ananias? He said, "Go thy way; for he [Saul] is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel -- for I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:13-16)
In other words, the same Paul who persecuted those who believed in Jesus, was about to receive his sight "and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 9:17) The scriptures tell us that immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he received sight forthwith and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. (Acts 9:18-19)
Throughout this passage, note that the persecution came from believing in Jesus by faith, and then sharing your journey of faith with others.
Interestingly, when Paul was later sharing his own testimony with others, Paul spoke of Ananias, telling of a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there]. He told how he had said, "Brother Saul, receive thy sight."
"And the same hour, I looked up upon him, and he said, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now, why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:12-16)
What was Paul's message?
"The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified His Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let [him go.] But ye denied the Holy One and the Just and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of Life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses." (Acts 3:13-15)
They killed the King of kings and Lord of lords. His name above every name. The first and the last, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. His name through faith in His name -- Jesus --gives us his life so that we might have life more abundantly. You and I receiving Jesus in this moment of faith, as a chosen vessel that bears the name of Jesus as their witness. Stand in His offering plate.
This message delivered by the apostle Paul so that we would understand the difference between the old covenant consisting of the law and ten commandments, and this current dispensation of grace that was paid for through the precious blood of Jesus. But as we know, Paul was not always a believer in Jesus Christ. In fact, when Ananias answered the Lord saying, "Lord, I have heard by many of this man" it was because of "how much evil he hath done to the saints at Jerusalem ... and [that] he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Thy name." (Acts 9:13)
In reality, this learned highly placed man (originally known as Saul) was responsible for destroying them which called on this name in Jerusalem. Indeed, by his own words, he admitted imprisoning believers and beating "in every synagogue them that believed on Thee." (Acts 22:19-20)
"Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord" did so in everything he did. (Acts 9:1)
To be specific, Saul persecuted anyone that called on "Thy name" -- the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:13) Just like an earlier instance in Acts 6 when false witnesses accused Stephen (a table servant full of faith and power) for changing the customs which Moses had delivered unto them. (Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-60) For changing the religious customs and traditions that were established under the Law.
But what did the Lord Jesus say to Ananias? He said, "Go thy way; for he [Saul] is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel -- for I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:13-16)
In other words, the same Paul who persecuted those who believed in Jesus, was about to receive his sight "and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 9:17) The scriptures tell us that immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he received sight forthwith and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. (Acts 9:18-19)
Throughout this passage, note that the persecution came from believing in Jesus by faith, and then sharing your journey of faith with others.
Interestingly, when Paul was later sharing his own testimony with others, Paul spoke of Ananias, telling of a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there]. He told how he had said, "Brother Saul, receive thy sight."
"And the same hour, I looked up upon him, and he said, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now, why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:12-16)
What was Paul's message?
"The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified His Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let [him go.] But ye denied the Holy One and the Just and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of Life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses." (Acts 3:13-15)
They killed the King of kings and Lord of lords. His name above every name. The first and the last, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. His name through faith in His name -- Jesus --gives us his life so that we might have life more abundantly. You and I receiving Jesus in this moment of faith, as a chosen vessel that bears the name of Jesus as their witness. Stand in His offering plate.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Holding Forth the Word of Life That We May Rejoice In the Day of Christ - Part 1035
"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)
A glorious message of salvation, where in the old covenant, we had no access to Almighty God but because of His fore-ordained sacrifice -- He who knew no sin becoming sin for us -- we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.
"In time past, we walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit now worketh in the children of disobedience. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God -- who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us -- even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved) and hath raised [us] up together and made [s] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:2-10)
It is we who He has quickened -- those of us who were dead in trespasses and sins -- who loved us enough to become flesh and dwell among us, shedding His precious Holy blood on the cross for you and I. (Ephesians 2:1)
And as a consequence of our faith, "it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [His] good pleasure. [Therefore,] do all things without murmurings and disputing that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation -- among whom ye shine as lights in the world -- holding forth the Word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." (Philippians 2:13-16)
Further, press in to "the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus -- that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant -- make[s] you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, in whom [be] glory for ever and ever." (Hebrews 13:20-21)
"Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset [us] and let us run with patience the race that is set before us ... looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith -- who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God -- for consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds ... " (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Similarly, "know ye not that they which run in a race run all but one recieveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run ..." (I Corinthians 9:24-27)
How do we do this? By holding forth the Word of life that we may rejoice in the day of Christ.
"Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone]; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
A glorious message of salvation, where in the old covenant, we had no access to Almighty God but because of His fore-ordained sacrifice -- He who knew no sin becoming sin for us -- we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.
"In time past, we walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit now worketh in the children of disobedience. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God -- who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us -- even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved) and hath raised [us] up together and made [s] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:2-10)
It is we who He has quickened -- those of us who were dead in trespasses and sins -- who loved us enough to become flesh and dwell among us, shedding His precious Holy blood on the cross for you and I. (Ephesians 2:1)
And as a consequence of our faith, "it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [His] good pleasure. [Therefore,] do all things without murmurings and disputing that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation -- among whom ye shine as lights in the world -- holding forth the Word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." (Philippians 2:13-16)
Further, press in to "the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus -- that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant -- make[s] you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, in whom [be] glory for ever and ever." (Hebrews 13:20-21)
"Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset [us] and let us run with patience the race that is set before us ... looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith -- who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God -- for consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds ... " (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Similarly, "know ye not that they which run in a race run all but one recieveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run ..." (I Corinthians 9:24-27)
How do we do this? By holding forth the Word of life that we may rejoice in the day of Christ.
"Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone]; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
To Confound Is Not To Shame - Part 1034
The King James version states: "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea] and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are ..." (I Corinthians 1:27-28)
Apparently, the religious experts in this world -- who ironically have made it their collective purpose to revise the Word of God (on the premise that we could not possibly understand the King James version) changed the text of the abover verse -- I Corinthians 1:27-28 -- to reflect the following.
It is important to note here that not just one modern day translation missed the point but almost all of the modern day revised versions followed suit, including -- New International Version; New Living Translation; English Standard Version; New American Standard; Holman Christian Standard; NET Bible; Aramaic; God's Word translation; American Standard; Darby Bible Translation; World English Bible; Young's Literal Translation.
These so-called expert authored revisions scribe some version of the following, using the word "shame" in place of the word "confound" in the King James version. For example, the NIV states:
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are ...” (1 Cor. 1:27-28)
The issue is this. When one looks at the definitions of "confound" and "shame" these are not one and the same. The two definitions are not even interchangeable. For example:
Confound means -- 1. cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by acting against their expectations -- synonyms: amaze, astonish, dumbfound, stagger, surprise, stun, startle, baffle, bewilder, bedazzle, mystify, bemuse, perplex, confuse. 2. mix up (something) with something else so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish. 3. used to express anger or annoyance, as in exclamation.
Apparently, the religious experts in this world -- who ironically have made it their collective purpose to revise the Word of God (on the premise that we could not possibly understand the King James version) changed the text of the abover verse -- I Corinthians 1:27-28 -- to reflect the following.
It is important to note here that not just one modern day translation missed the point but almost all of the modern day revised versions followed suit, including -- New International Version; New Living Translation; English Standard Version; New American Standard; Holman Christian Standard; NET Bible; Aramaic; God's Word translation; American Standard; Darby Bible Translation; World English Bible; Young's Literal Translation.
These so-called expert authored revisions scribe some version of the following, using the word "shame" in place of the word "confound" in the King James version. For example, the NIV states:
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are ...” (1 Cor. 1:27-28)
The issue is this. When one looks at the definitions of "confound" and "shame" these are not one and the same. The two definitions are not even interchangeable. For example:
Confound means -- 1. cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by acting against their expectations -- synonyms: amaze, astonish, dumbfound, stagger, surprise, stun, startle, baffle, bewilder, bedazzle, mystify, bemuse, perplex, confuse. 2. mix up (something) with something else so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish. 3. used to express anger or annoyance, as in exclamation.
Shame means -- 1. a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behaviour -- synonyms: humiliation, mortification, chagrin, embarrassment, ignominy, indignity, discomfort 2. (of a person, action or situation) make (someone) feel ashamed -- synonyms: humiliate, mortify, chagrin, embarrass, abash, chasten.
In other words, "shame" causes someone to feel inadequate causing distress by outdoing or surpassing them. A form of humiliation that leads to embarrassment. Is this the message our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ wanted to portray? I say not, particularly when we read the rest of the scripture in context. From the King James version, we read:
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea] and things which are not -- to bring to nought things that are -- that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, that, according as it is written, he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:27-28; I Corinthians 1:31; II Corinthians 10:17; Jeremiah 9:24)
You see, God chose the foolish and weak things, the base things of the world and the things which are despised by the world to "confound" the wise and mighty -- not through shame but through His wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption -- so that when we glorieth, we glory in the Lord. There is a significant difference.
Indeed, Jesus put it this way -- "I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered unto Me of My Father, and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [He] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [Him]." (Matthew 11:25-27)
Get to know the King of kings and Lord of lords today. He invites you to enter into His rest -- through His precious Word -- to confound the wise and mighty so that when we glorieth, we glory solely in the Lord.
"Come unto Me all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls ... for My yoke [is] easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
Let Us Hold Fast the Profession of Faith Without Wavering - Part 1033
Jesus Christ -- the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8) "Lo I come; in the volume of the book [it is] written of Me." (Psalm 40:7; Hebrews 10:1-7)
The power and dominion of Almighty God Himself -- His authority -- revealed in the promised Messiah -- "the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of [His] person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a MORE EXCELLENT NAME than they." (Hebrews 13-4)
In Him, the mystery of the Godhead that was kept secret from before the creation of the world -- along with His plan of redemption for you and I. The same Almighty God that is so jealous of His glory and honour that He repeatedly said that He would not share His glory with another.
"I am the LORD: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) "Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for (there is) no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)
The power and dominion of Almighty God Himself -- His authority -- revealed in the promised Messiah -- "the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of [His] person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a MORE EXCELLENT NAME than they." (Hebrews 13-4)
In Him, the mystery of the Godhead that was kept secret from before the creation of the world -- along with His plan of redemption for you and I. The same Almighty God that is so jealous of His glory and honour that He repeatedly said that He would not share His glory with another.
"I am the LORD: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) "Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for (there is) no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)
"I am the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me ... That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:5)
This same Almighty God came to fulfill the Law (that serves as a schoolmaster to bring us to salvation) so that we might joyfully accept the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe. (Ephesians 1:19) Yes, Almighty God Himself set the old covenant aside so that He could hand deliver His precious plan of salvation through the shedding of His Holy blood on the cross.
And in so doing, the name of Jesus exalted above every other name. This is why we, as believers in Jesus by faith, need to press into Him -- our Lord God and Saviour -- and ask for His divine illumination so that the teachings we adhere to align with His Word. Seeking the hope set before us so that we could enter into the holiest, having obtained everlasting redemption. His sacrifice on the cross wherein He tasted death for us.
"For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death (that is the devil) and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage, for verily He took not on [Him the nature of ] angels, but He took on [Him] the seed of Abraham -- wherefore in ALL things, it behoved Him to be made like unto [His] brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people -- for in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 1:14-18)
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus -- let us hold fast [our] profession ... for we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin." (Hebrews 4:14-15)
"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 worshipers once purged should have no more conscience of sins. But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year -- for [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins -- 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." (Psalm 40:7; Hebrews 10:1-7)
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 10:8) 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." (Hebrews 10:9-10)
"And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sins, 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." (Hebrews 10:11-14)
"[Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us, for after that He said, "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 10:15-17)
"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, AND let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering -- for He is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:18-23)
Stand in the offering plate.
This same Almighty God came to fulfill the Law (that serves as a schoolmaster to bring us to salvation) so that we might joyfully accept the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe. (Ephesians 1:19) Yes, Almighty God Himself set the old covenant aside so that He could hand deliver His precious plan of salvation through the shedding of His Holy blood on the cross.
And in so doing, the name of Jesus exalted above every other name. This is why we, as believers in Jesus by faith, need to press into Him -- our Lord God and Saviour -- and ask for His divine illumination so that the teachings we adhere to align with His Word. Seeking the hope set before us so that we could enter into the holiest, having obtained everlasting redemption. His sacrifice on the cross wherein He tasted death for us.
"For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death (that is the devil) and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage, for verily He took not on [Him the nature of ] angels, but He took on [Him] the seed of Abraham -- wherefore in ALL things, it behoved Him to be made like unto [His] brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people -- for in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 1:14-18)
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus -- let us hold fast [our] profession ... for we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin." (Hebrews 4:14-15)
"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 worshipers once purged should have no more conscience of sins. But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year -- for [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins -- 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." (Psalm 40:7; Hebrews 10:1-7)
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 10:8) 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." (Hebrews 10:9-10)
"And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sins, 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." (Hebrews 10:11-14)
"[Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us, for after that He said, "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 10:15-17)
"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, AND let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering -- for He is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:18-23)
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
And For This Cause, He Is The Mediator Of the New Testament - Part 1032
Too often, the Christian community equates success in forwarding the good news gospel of Jesus the Christ with the size of a congregation and/or its respective church building. But the question should be -- "How many Christians are there yet, who after the profession of faith in Christ come to a standstill? "Taking more abundant heed to what they hear; giving diligence to enter into the rest of God; pressing on to perfection; running with patience the race?" (Murray, 1894)
Draw closer to the author and finisher of your faith today. Get to know Jesus as both your Lord and Saviour so that you too can drink of the fruit of the vine with the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is He who willingly shed His holy blood on the cross so that you and I might have life -- and have life more abundantly.
Sadly, too often, "many rest contented with the thought that their sins are pardoned, and that they are in the path of life, but know nothing of a personal attachment to Christ as their leader, or of faith that lives in the invisible and walks with God. With many this is the consequence of the hopelessness that came from the failure of their utmost efforts to live as they desired. They struggled in their own strength; they knew not Christ as the secret of strength; they lost heart and went back.
The profession of faith is not cast away; religious habits are kept up; but there is nothing to show that they have entered or are seeking to enter the Holiest to dwell there. The power of the world, the spirit of its literature, the temptations of business and pleasure, all unite to make up a religion in which it is sought to combine a comfortable hope for the future with the least possible amount of sacrifice in the present." (Murray, 1894)
The evangelist author then proceeds to say that the book of Hebrews "with its warnings is indeed a glass in which the Church of the present day may see itself. But it is a glass too, thank God, in which we can also see the glory of Jesus on the throne of heaven, in the power that can make our heart and life heavenly too. What the Hebrews needed is what we need. Not in ourselves or our efforts is salvation, but in Christ Jesus. To see Him, to consider Him, to look at Him that will bring the healing ... it is Jesus Christ we must know better." (Murray, 1894)
Jesus -- my Saviour God to me. "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for you and I]." (Hebrews 9:11-12)
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh -- how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
For a testament [is] of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth, whereupon neither the first was dedicated without blood ... for when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of calves and of goats with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop and sprinkled both the book and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover, He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry and almost all things are by the Law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
[It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these ... for Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; nor yet that He should offer Himself often as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others -- for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself ...
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:13-28)
Imagine the same God who created us in the beginning "suffering since the foundation of the world" knowing that He Himself would put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9:28)
Jesus said, "For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." (Matthew 26:28-29)
And in seeking Jesus first, and His righteousness, don't forget to "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (II Corinthians 13:5) Let him who hath ears, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
His Last Will and Testament Sealed In His Own Precious Blood - Part 1031
“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)
Jesus loved His creation enough to die for us. But His intentions did not stop with the cross. In fact, when Jesus the Christ walked upon the earth, He went about doing good for all those He met. As He walked in the streets, He healed all those who came to Him with expectancy (faith). Remember the woman with the issue of blood? Jesus healed her and all she did was touch His clothing. But she is only one example.
Indeed, the New Testament is full of testimonials showing Jesus delivering and healing all those who came to Him by faith. How could this be? The Spirit of God was in the man JESUS. Indeed, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.
The God who indwelt the man JESUS the Christ is the very same today as He was in the days of the early church. Two thousand years later, He has still not changed. For God remains the same today as He was yesterday. So much so that the same God who loved us in the very beginning devised a plan of salvation, so that our sins could be forgiven.
And, as a consequence of His plan of salvation -- to shed His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I, we can have expectancy of faith (confidence) that tomorrow this same God will remain unchanged as well. Recall at Calvary when Jesus in His sin-prone body bore all of our sin? The Bible states, "With His stripes" -- the stripes laid across His back - it is by those stripes that we receive our healing.
Therefore, just because we no longer visibly see Jesus does not mean that He is absent from us. In the first chapter of Acts, we read that the same JESUS who ascended is the same one who has once again descended. Only this time JESUS was not to be WITH man. This time, JESUS came to dwell INSIDE man.
"I will not leave you comfortless." He said.
"The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holies of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing ..." (Hebrews 9:8)
Expectant believers being baptized into His death are of God -- “raised again” -- but as new individuals, renewed both in mind and spirit. Believing persons that are grafted into His spiritual body, becoming members of His bone and of His flesh. The body of Christ.
This is why we in feature still bear the image of the first Adam. However, spiritually we are no longer his offspring. We have been redeemed by the blood of His Holy Spirit, which blood flowed in JESUS veins and which blood was poured from His body at Calvary (paying in full the price of our freedom). In Jesus, we have liberty. He has set us free from the worldly constructs.
This is why we now are the body of the same JESUS who laid down His life for us. Now He inhabits us even as He had His own natural body whilst He dwelt among us. He has bequeathed His inheritance to us. He paid the price for us once and for all. Yes, His LAST WILL and testament SEALED in His own precious blood so that we could live forever.
Let him who has ears, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus loved His creation enough to die for us. But His intentions did not stop with the cross. In fact, when Jesus the Christ walked upon the earth, He went about doing good for all those He met. As He walked in the streets, He healed all those who came to Him with expectancy (faith). Remember the woman with the issue of blood? Jesus healed her and all she did was touch His clothing. But she is only one example.
Indeed, the New Testament is full of testimonials showing Jesus delivering and healing all those who came to Him by faith. How could this be? The Spirit of God was in the man JESUS. Indeed, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.
The God who indwelt the man JESUS the Christ is the very same today as He was in the days of the early church. Two thousand years later, He has still not changed. For God remains the same today as He was yesterday. So much so that the same God who loved us in the very beginning devised a plan of salvation, so that our sins could be forgiven.
And, as a consequence of His plan of salvation -- to shed His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I, we can have expectancy of faith (confidence) that tomorrow this same God will remain unchanged as well. Recall at Calvary when Jesus in His sin-prone body bore all of our sin? The Bible states, "With His stripes" -- the stripes laid across His back - it is by those stripes that we receive our healing.
Therefore, just because we no longer visibly see Jesus does not mean that He is absent from us. In the first chapter of Acts, we read that the same JESUS who ascended is the same one who has once again descended. Only this time JESUS was not to be WITH man. This time, JESUS came to dwell INSIDE man.
"I will not leave you comfortless." He said.
"The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holies of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing ..." (Hebrews 9:8)
Expectant believers being baptized into His death are of God -- “raised again” -- but as new individuals, renewed both in mind and spirit. Believing persons that are grafted into His spiritual body, becoming members of His bone and of His flesh. The body of Christ.
This is why we in feature still bear the image of the first Adam. However, spiritually we are no longer his offspring. We have been redeemed by the blood of His Holy Spirit, which blood flowed in JESUS veins and which blood was poured from His body at Calvary (paying in full the price of our freedom). In Jesus, we have liberty. He has set us free from the worldly constructs.
This is why we now are the body of the same JESUS who laid down His life for us. Now He inhabits us even as He had His own natural body whilst He dwelt among us. He has bequeathed His inheritance to us. He paid the price for us once and for all. Yes, His LAST WILL and testament SEALED in His own precious blood so that we could live forever.
Let him who has ears, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Being Justified Freely By His Grace - Part 1030
"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall 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 them that believe -- for there is no difference.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus -- whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith ..." (Romans 3:19-27)
Salvation summarized in a few short scriptures! Stand in the offering plate.
Therefore, by the deeds of the law 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 them that believe -- for there is no difference.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus -- whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith ..." (Romans 3:19-27)
Salvation summarized in a few short scriptures! Stand in the offering plate.
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