A New Covenant, He Hath Made the First Old - Part 1092

"Which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:23)

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ..." (I Timothy 2:5)

"Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made, [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a [mediator] of one, but God is one." (Galatians 3:20)

"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 testament was dedicated without blood ... for 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 9:15-28)

The difficulty that believers are experiencing today is that so many church related activities are becoming a "mediator" between us and our Lord God and Saviour. Whether it be an e-book published by some self-proclaimed evangelist, or a minister's motivational, non-scriptural reference on social media, or a list of sermons posted online for believers, we have taken His very Word and discounted it in favour of other sources of inspiration. Indeed, many believers will ask people to come to church with them -- rather than invite them to become friends with the King of kings and Lord of lords.

But what did Jesus say? "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) 

Therein, is our salvation. Therein, our peace and joy which surpasses all human understanding. Don't let the churches and/or ministers lead your heart away from Jesus -- because He is the ONLY mediator between God and man. 

"And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant ..." (Hebrews 12:24) "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

This is why we are not to be carried away with diverse and strange doctrines. "For it is  a good thing that the heart be established with grace, not with meats which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an alter whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacles." (Hebrews 13:8-15)

Only Jesus sanctified the people with His own blood. Let us go forth therefore unto Him and offer the sacrifice of praise to our God continually -- that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. His name is Jesus -- the ONE AND ONLY mediator between God and man. The ONE AND ONLY God who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that we might walk in His presence. 

The book of Hebrews is a must read for those struggling to understand how much the same God who loved us in the beginning still loves us today. Don't settle for man-made sermons or motivational sayings that suggest we -- in and of ourselves -- can make our life better, but rather feast directly on His Word. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." 

"But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better promises ... for if that first covenant had been faultless then should no place have been sought for the second -- for finding fault with them, 

He said, "Behold the days come," saith the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued not in My covenant and I regarded them not," saith the Lord, 

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days," saith the Lord, " I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people, and they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, "Lord, for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest, for I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more"

In that He saith, "A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxedth old [is ] ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:6-13)

Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.

Jesus Asked, "What Will Ye That I Shall Do Unto You?" - Part 1091

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." (I Corinthians 2:12)

"Freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

Although a simple and straight forward scriptural message, our modern day religious culture has instead turned "giving" of ourselves into a fine art, teaching that believers should contribute monies to church offerings and tithes rather than "stand in the offering plate" with Jesus -- giving our all in all.

Jesus said, "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them, otherwise, you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you -- "They have their reward."  But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth ... that thine alms may be in secret." (Matthew 6:1-4)

Did you catch that? That thine alms may be done in secret so that thy Father -- which seeth in secret, Himself shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:4)

Note that "freely" and "in secret" is what Jesus asks us to do. As believers in Jesus Christ by faith, we are transformed by the renewing of our mind -- so that we should willingly become a flow-thru for the good news gospel of Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:2) Like apostle Paul, our desire should be to preach this same life giving gospel "without charge." (I Corinthians 9:27)

"Freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

Unfortunately, the religious/worldly constructs in which we live insist that we spend our lives subscribing to monetary matters, relying solely on the currency of money as part of a bigger (and better?) exchange system. And to ensure that we are groomed into this lifelong systematic jungle, we learn very early in childhood that if someone does good work for us, we pay them money for the services rendered. In our earthly thinking, we do this because it is the "right thing" to do.

If we take this same premise one step further into the religious realm, we begin to understand why religion and the world have culminated in unison -- expecting Christian believers to give tithes and offerings to those who minister in the churches. From a lay person's perspective (and I use the term "lay person" to represent those who are new to the faith and just beginning to seek Jesus' wisdom and knowledge through His Word) -- those involved in church ministry provide a service and the money given in tithes and offerings signifies a token of our appreciation -- for the "service" or "services" they render.

But again, what did Jesus say?

"Freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

And the apostles when Jesus, after He was taken up, gave them commandments through the Holy Ghost concerning the body of Christ? (Acts 1:1-5) "And all that believed were together and had all things common and sold their possessions and goods and parted to all, as every man hath need." (Acts 2:44-45)

"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any that ought of the things which he possessed was his own but they had all things common, and with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of Jesus and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked; for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid down at the apostles' feet and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." (Acts 4:32-35)

Let's look at some other scriptural examples regarding money -- keeping in mind that this is not a teaching that you would normally hear from the majority of churches in this day and age. Note also the following references are cited from the new testament for a reason. That is, we currently live in the new testament dispensation of grace.

"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." (Hebrews 9:15)

Therefore, when Jesus satisfied all the requirements of the old covenant once and for all with His precious blood on the cross, He satisfied the old covenant law and commandments.

"But their minds were blinded for until this day remaineth the vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ." (II Corinthians 3:14)

To facilitate learning, I have listed the scriptures as points -- to be understood both separately and collectively, so that we can achieve a more enriching understanding of the good news gospel of Jesus Christ -- in all things. I pray that as ye abound in every thing in faith, and in utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, that ye abound in this grace also. (II Corinthians 8:7)

"Freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

Scriptural References:

1. After being tempted by the devil, Jesus returned "in the power of the Spirit" into Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, being glorified of all. "And He came to Nazareth where He had been brought up, and. as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias [Isaiah]. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He hath sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:13-19; Isaiah 49:8-9; Isaiah 61:1-2)

When Jesus commanded the twelve disciples to "go rather to the lost sheep of Israel and as ye go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils" what instruction did He add? (Luke 4:13-19) Ironically, the teaching we rarely hear. That is:

"Freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves for the workman is worthy of his meat ..." (Matthew 10:5-10)

Similarly, in Luke, Jesus said to Peter and the disciples, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?" And they said, "Nothing." Jesus then said, "But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this is written must yet be accomplished in Me -- And He was reckoned among the transgressors; for the things concerning Me have an end." And they said, "Lord behold; here [are] two swords." And Jesus said, "It is enough." (Luke 22:34-38)

Note that neither of these scripture references directs the disciples (in their respective ministries) "to collect tithes" or "to give a portion of one's earnings." Why? Because when Jesus sent them without purse and scrip and shoes -- they "lacked nothing."  (Luke 22:34-38) And, later when Jesus said "he that hath a purse, let him take, and likewise his scrip" it was so the apostles could utilize what they had to preach the good news gospel of Jesus Christ -- God giving the increase. (I Corinthians 3:7)

(More on this in the points to follow)

In the interim, note Jesus' specific wording here. Initially, Jesus said -- NOT to take money for preaching the gospel, "neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in purses." (Matthew 10:9-10) This message so that we as believers would understand that preaching the gospel was never intended to be about money or an exchange for a service rendered. Rather, Jesus was releasing every one of His disciples to preach His good news gospel, heal the sick, recover sight to the blind and to set at liberty them that are bruised -- and He was doing so under the umbrella of "freely ye receive, freely give!"

And, the outcome for using what we have -- he that hath a purse, let him take and likewise his scrip -to preach the gospel to one and all is that we -- like the disciples, would lack nothing.

2. How the apostles obeyed Jesus' instructions can be clearly seen in the scriptural examples cited in the book of Acts. In Acts 2, the first 3,000 believers that gladly received his Word and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost -- all them "that believed were together and had all things common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men] as every man had need, and they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:38-47)

In the 4th chapter of Acts: "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid down at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus -- having land, sold [it] and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet." (Acts 4:33-37)

Again, money wasn't the priority, and we know that because "neither was there any among them that lacked." In fact, they did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. Moreover, they had ALL things common, and sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all -- as every man had need.

Was it the church that distributed/redistributed the money? No, the believers themselves chose in their heart to give so that no one person or family among them lacked.

3. The last book in the Bible -- the Book of Revelation -- makes it very clear that money is the devil's currency.  Revelation 18 expands on this point -- to the extent of citing the various forms of merchandise that contribute to our global economy today. Note how the worldly construct of money is positioned in His Word, particularly in these last days.

"And the kings of the earth who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning ... and the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her for no man buyeth their merchandise any more." (Revelation 18:9-17)

Indeed, the kings of the earth "have committed fornication ... and the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her for no man buyeth merchandise any more." (Revelation 18:9-17)

(To do justice to this argument, these scriptures should be read in their entirety. However, for purposes of conciseness, let Revelation chapters 17 and 18 serve as a "beginning" for establishing the meaning of money from a scriptural context.)

"And he [the devil who deceives them on the earth] causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (Revelation 13:16-17)

4. There was a certain man called Simon in the scriptures -- "which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one?"  This same Simon -- "to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, said, "This man is the great power of God." And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with their sorceries." (Acts 8:9-11)

But something changed when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. They were baptized -- both men and women. Simon himself believed also, and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs, which were done. (Acts 8:12-13)

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them; only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost," -- similar to the first 3,000 baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 8: 14-17; Acts 2:38-42)

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostle's hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:18-19)  But Peter said unto him, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter, for thy heart is not right in the sight of God." (Acts 8:20-21)

Note Peter's response -- "Thy money perish with thee because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money." The reason given for Peter's response -- that his heart was not right in the sight of God.

5. When Jesus fed the 5,000, He was illustrating where our heart should be. Did Jesus ask for a collection plate to be passed around so that the people could eat? No. But we can see from the scriptures that the disciples had a heart for the people. The disciples saw their physical needs -- to be fed and housed. It was only when Jesus challenged them -- that they decided to go buy meat for all the people. The solution for them was money. Exchanging money for food so that the 5,000 plus could be fed. But Jesus did not need money. Indeed, Jesus used what He had in front of Him-- the five loaves and two fishes -- and after blessing the food, divided it, trusting God to give the increase. (Luke 9:12-17)

"And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto Him, "Send the multitude away that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals, for we are here in a desert place." But [Jesus] said unto them, "Give ye them to eat." And they said, "We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people." For they were about five thousand men.

And He said to His disciples, "Make them sit down by fifties in a company." And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then [Jesus] took the five loaves and two fishes, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them and brake and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled, and there was taken up of fragments that remained in the twelve baskets." (Luke 9:12-17)

If only we had faith like a mustard seed -- but I digress.

6. The Acts of the apostles is full of examples of believers coming together in singleness of heart to praise our Lord God and Saviour but let me point to one example in particular. God's provision for ministering the gospel to unbelievers was revealed without the burden of offerings and tithes being placed on those who had come together. Remember, freely have you received, freely give. In Acts 2:

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians and Nedes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:5-11)

God's provision for ministering the gospel to unbelievers was giving believers the language(s) so that "every man heard them speak in his own language." At no point was an offering taken, or tithes asked for. Instead, these believers did what God wanted them to do. That is, they put themselves into the offering plate with Jesus. Their faith indicative of their trust in Jesus for their innermost heart desires.

7. Jesus said to the disciples when the people brought Him also infants, "Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God." (Luke 18:15-17)

"And they brought young children to Him, that  He should touch them, and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. but when Jesus saw [it], He was much displeased and said unto them, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God. Verily, I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." And [Jesus] took them up in His arms, put [His] hands upon them and blessed them." (Mark 10:13-16)

"Then there were brought unto Him little children that He should put [His] hands on them and pray, and the disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, "Suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto Me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." And He laid [His] hands on them and departed hence." (Matthew 19:13-15)

Earlier, the disciples had come unto Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, "Verily, I say unto you, "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive on such little child in My name receiveth Me." (Matthew 18:1-7)

 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences, for it must needs be that offences come, but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" (Matthew 18:1-7; Mark 9:42)

Note that Jesus did not tell the parents and/or children to bring Him money, or to give some money to the church (so that as intermediary, these could distribute the monies). Rather, Jesus said, "Suffer little children to come unto Me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:15-17)

But in this culture whereby money and worldly constructs are idealized, we attempt to teach our children about spending priorities by including "giving some of the earnings to the church." I am sure there was a time in my life when I taught my children to do the same. But my question is this. What are we teaching our children when we encourage them to give some of their earnings to the church, and not -- as the scriptures state -- to stand in the offering plate with Jesus?

I will leave that question for you to ponder, praying that you will seek Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength for His guidance and direction on these matters.

8. Finally, we all know that there are costs associated with operating a church building, and admittedly, we should contribute to maintaining a place of worship. However, our giving should not start and stop there. As believers in Jesus by faith, we become ministers of the good news gospel of Jesus Christ -- the King of kings and Lord of lords who never fails!

"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus ... for we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." (Hebrews 3:1-14)
For those who want to study this subject further, here is a list of scriptures that may be useful.

"And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you .." (II Peter 2:3)

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (I Timothy 6:10)

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry ... " (Colossians 3:5)

"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God ..." (Ephesians 5:5)

"[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

And [Jesus] said unto them, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth ..." (Luke 12:15-21)

"Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him ..." (I John 2:15-17)

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)

Stand in the offering plate.

Come and Dine, the Master's Calling -- Part 1090

"Who being the brightness of glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ..." (Hebrews 1:3)

The law of sin and death was added because of transgressions and would remain thus until the seed to whom the promise was made should come. The Law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by JESUS (the Christ).  The scriptures reveal that in Jesus, God Himself as a son, did all the fullness of the Godhead bodily dwell. (Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9)

It is this Jesus who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. (Matthew 8:17) One who is moved with compassion toward us. One who loves us for who we are, not for what we were in our fallen sinful condition. One who extends towards us unconditional love. One who would go to heart of the earth and back to redeem us. One who exercises mercy toward us. One who did not pass by on the other side of the street. (Luke 10:25-37)

This one named JESUS, now revealing Himself to be a High Priest forever, after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 7:1-28) "For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace." (Hebrews 7:1-3)

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:3) This ministry being intransmissible. There is only one mediator between God and man. (I Timothy 2:5) This mediator being God Himself as a son, who upon completion of bringing obtainable salvation to the "whosoever" will come uttered, "it is finished." (John 19:30) After, He descended into the Spirit and then ascended into Heaven. There He sat down - the work of our redemption completed. (Hebrews 1:3) 

No more add-ons in the equation. Indeed, we are complete. Jesus ministered the law of the spirit of life. For in Him is life eternal and that indwelling life is the light reaching out to men. (John 8:12)

But humankind, apparently, loves darkness rather than His light. There are numerous reasons for this but seemingly, more often than not, it is because in stony hearts of unbelief, individuals are unable to dine with the God who loved them. Instead, they are too busy to find out more about the God who loved them, caught up in (or with) the cares of this life. 

Note, that at the advent of the birth of the Christ child, Mosaic Priesthood existed, exercising the requirements of the law of sin and death. The new promised order now being introduced in Jesus is to be, after the order of Melchisedec. This order pertains to the power of an endless life. The name Melchisedec interpreted means the King of Righteousness, the Prince of Peace. (Hebrews 7:1-28)

We are not under Mosaic law. "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the Law, for sin is the transgression of the Law. [But] ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins and in Him is no sin." (I John 3:4-5) 

Therein lies our hope -- "and every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth Himself, even as He is pure." (I John 3:3) 

We are partakers of grace and truth, flowing freely from the order of Melchisedec. Neither are we under Sinai Law. (Galatians 4:25) Instead, we are children of the free woman, the Jerusalem which is above, is free. The mother of us all, feeding from her breasts, drinking of her milk, and partaking of the Word of God. We need to hear what His holy Spirit reveals, while we make melody in our heart.

"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament." (Hebrews 7:22)

Feeding on Jesus, the bread of life. We need to become constantly desirous to know more and similarly, even more of Him. The God who loved us and who has given Himself for humans. Therefore, we come boldly to His throne of Grace and in so doing we receive grace and strength to help in times of need. Why?  Simply because Jesus cared. We are His temple in which He is pleased to dwell. We are a habitation of His Spirit, Jesus, who breathes and says, "Receive you the Holy Ghost." 

We are His body, His bones and His flesh. (Ephesians 5:30) In His death, He seeded us. He died so that we could become alive. The only priest within this holy temple is Jesus. It is Jesus that is expanding His temple daily. It is Jesus who is adding living stones, not tablets constructed of bricks and mortar, but rather, being made with man’s hands. For He dwells not in temples made with man’s hands but in our hearts when we ask Him to become Lord in our lives.

"Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?." (Isaiah 66:1; Acts 7:49)

Come and dine with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ today, but go one step further by faith. That is, stand in the offering plate with the Lord Jesus -- the King of kings, Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, the first and the last.

Only One Mediator Between God and Man, the Man Christ Jesus - Part 1089

"But God hath revealed [them] unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (I Corinthians 2:10)

Jesus said, "For I have given unto them the words which Thou hast given Me, and they have received, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me." (John 17:8)

We know from the first chapter of Acts that Jesus -- THROUGH the Holy Ghost -- had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen - to whom also He had showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (Acts 1:1-3)

We also recognize "when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, [that] shall He speak and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

But sadly, many believers in Jesus by faith have looked to religious leaders and/or churches for their knowledge and wisdom, rather than our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is almost like we have put a partition between us and God, because we do not believe that Almighty God can or will reveal Himself through His Word.

The question is why? The scriptures are very telling on this point.

First, there is only ONE mediator between God and man. I Timothy 2:5 states: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ..."

Second, the apostle Paul writes: "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 glorifieth, let him glory in the Lord."  (I Corinthians 1:30-31)

Third, we are given His promise. That is, "if any man [be] in Christ, [he] is a new creature; old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new, and all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation -- to wit that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 2:17-21)

Fourth, "we then [as] workers together with Him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain .. but in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned ... by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left." (II Corinthians 6:1-7)

Did you catch that? We who believe in Jesus by faith have been made new. We are made His ambassadors. We are workers together with Him. As such, God has committed unto us -- believers in Him -- the Word of reconciliation. His Word so that we can be confident knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us. That His abundance of love and mercy will follow us all the days of our life.

Therefore, having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (including worldly and religious culture that endeavours to stand between us and our Lord) and rather perfect holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1)

Step out in faith today and believe Jesus to be who He said He was -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and then end.

Because "eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed unto us by His Spirit-- for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (I Corinthians 2:9-10; Isaiah 64:4; Isaiah 65:17)

Press into Jesus. Read His Word diligently. Stand in the offering plate.

And Were Made Partakers of the Holy Ghost -- Part 1088

"Brethren, be  not children in understanding (howbeit in malice be ye children) but in understanding be men." (I Corinthians 14:20)

"Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envies and all evil speakings as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious ..." (I Peter 2:1-2)

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement -- and this we will do if God permit." (Hebrews 6:1-3)

"That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive -- but speaking the truth in love may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head -- Christ." (Ephesians 4:14-15)

"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life." (II Corinthians 3:6)

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which which [be] the first oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat -- for every one that uses milk [is] unskillful in the Word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth tho them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:12-14)

"And hath put all under His feet and gave Him the head over all to the church -- which is His body the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23)

(Note in this latter scripture from Ephesians, I did not include the added words -- all [things], gave Him [to be], over [all things]. I believe that in this particular verse, the meaning changes because of the added words.)

Getting back on topic, note the escalating progression between these verses -- pointing to a desire and a willingness in the believer's heart to move forward with the good news gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The beginning of our faith journey is likened to a child of Jesus by faith, whereby we desire the sincere milk of the Word so that we may grow. Still, we are instructed not to remain as children in our understanding. We are to become mature in our understanding. In other words, as we study His Word "to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" we learn the principles of the doctrine of Christ. (II Timothy 2:15) 

But again, we do not stop there. We do not become stagnant in our desire to learn more. Rather, we continue pressing into Jesus so that we can become skillful in the Word of righteousness, and similarly, ministers of the new testament, and teachers of strong meat. 

Why is this important? 

So that we can proudly proclaim from the rooftops what was quietly whispered in our ear. But until we diligently search His Word, the scriptures tell us that we remain as babes. We remain stuck in the first principles of the doctrines of Christ. Stuck in the traditions of the modern day religious culture -- never moving forward in the love and grace of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

Apostle Paul explains it this way: "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal -- as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat, for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal; for whereas among you envying and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 

For while one saith, "I am of Paul" and another, "I of Apollos" -- are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase. 

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one; and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour -- for we are labourers together with God -- ye are God's husbandry -- God's building according to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder. I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ... Therefore, let no man glory in men. For all things are yours -- whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, and ye are Christ's and Christ God's." (I Corinthians 3:1-23)

The same message delivered in Ephesians: "And hath put all under His feet and gave Him the head over all to the church -- which is His body the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23)

God is not the author of confusion. His Word has not been hid from us.

"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, glory through Jesus Christ forever, Amen." (Romans 16:25-27)

Moreover, we were not redeemed with corruptible things such as silver or gold, nor neither were you and I redeemed by tradition from our fathers, Rather, we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ -- as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you and I. (I Peter 1:18-20) 

God personally delivered the greatest love story ever told! Stand in the offering plate.

Will Ye Not Tremble at My Presence? Saith the Lord - Part 1087

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:

"Fear ye not Me?" saith the Lord, "Will ye not tremble at My presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?" (Jeremiah 5:22)

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, "Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in His season: He reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among My people are found wicked men. They lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. (Jeremiah 5:27)

"Shall I not visit for these things?" saith the Lord, "Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and My people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" (Jeremiah 5:21-31)

Indeed, what will ye do in the end thereof? Let him who has ears to hear, hear. 

Stand in the offering plate.

Salt Is Good But If the Salt Have Lost His Savour, Wherewith Shall It Be Seasoned - Part 1086

"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and He hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of His saints and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail."(I Samuel 2:8)

We serve an awesome God! Throughout the old and new covenants, Almighty God was continually revealing Himself to us. In the old, we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:1:3) We also read about those whose faith was paramount in changing the world in which they lived. 

Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain -- by which he obtained witness that he was righteous. (Hebrews 11:4)

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and he was not found because God had translated him for pleasing Him. (Hebrews 11:5) 

By faith Noah became the heir of righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7)

By faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive an inheritance, obeyed, and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city which had no foundations -- whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10)

Through faith, Sara herself received strength to conceive and delivered a child when she was past age, because she had judged Him faithful who had promised. (Hebrews 11:11)

By faith also Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. And others who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 

All of these, and others, "of whom the world was not worthy, they wandered in deserts and mountains and dens and caves of the earth, and these all having obtained a good report through faith received not the promise." (Hebrews 11:39)

But God having foreordained His plan of salvation before the beginning of the world was determined to provide some better thing for us -- whereby He declares peace and good will to all men.

"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)

A gift that included shedding His precious holy blood on a cross so that we might have life everlasting. Still, these giants of faith, "having obtained a good report through faith -- received not the promise; God having provided a better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:39-40)

Yet, the scriptures are clear also on this point. That is, "without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

How do we seek Him? Through His Word, 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 you minds." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God -- but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death -- even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name -- that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:5-11)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Said, "If Ye Believe On Me" as the Scripture Has Said! - Part 1085

“And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God." (Jeremiah 23:36)

If you believe on Me, Jesus said, "as the scripture has said -- out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)

In its simplicity, this verse signifies the salvation message. If you only believe on Jesus. If you would only take Him at His Word -- as it is written, out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water. Isaiah, in his vision of days to come, proclaimed the same message. "Behold God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid ... and in that day shall ye say, "Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted." (Isaiah 12:3)

What day? "That day" which was to come. The day in which Isaiah prophesied would come. This current time period -- this dispensation of grace which Almighty God chose to usher in when He tore the veil once and for all from top to bottom, declaring "peace and good will" to one and all. (Luke 2:14)

Sadly, however, what we see emerging today is not the message of rejoicing because our Lord God -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning AND the End became our Saviour on the cross, shedding His precious blood so that we might be saved. (John 3:18) Instead, there appears to be a zealous willingness from many caught up in religious traditions to believe anyone and everyone rather than Jesus. Free e-books for the taking, many will suggest, rather than pointing people directly to Jesus.

Jesus was saying as much when He pointed out. "If you believe on Me." (John 7:37-38)

A perfect example of a scriptural revision gone wrong can be found in John 3:16 -- claimed to be the most cited scripture in the world. Instead of believing in the only "begotten" Son as Jesus actually stated in His message to Nicodemus, modern day revisionists have changed the text of John 3:16 to say "the one and only Son." Rather than proclaiming this to be heresy, these same religious institutions are content revising the scriptures to align with today's religious dogma and traditions.

But what did Jesus say? "If you believe on Me." (John 7:37-38) "I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

But Jesus did not stop there. Jesus cried before the unbelieving Pharisees saying, "He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me. And He that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me. I am come a light into the world that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness ..." (John 12:44-46)

Throughout the time when He dwelt among us, Jesus was constantly revealing His identity to those who earnestly sought Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus even told the Pharisees, "Though I bear record of Myself, [yet] My record is true; for I know whence I came, and whether I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come and whither I go ... I am one that bear witness of Myself and the Father that sent Me beareth witness of Me ... Ye neither know Me, nor My Father -- if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:13-19)

Did the Pharisees recognize Jesus for who He really was? Of course not, just like those in the religious culture today who are determined to revise His Word so that the truth that Jesus is Almighty God in the flesh might never be revealed. That we may never learn just how much our Creator loved us.

This is why the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus is critical. Here is a man of the Pharisees and a ruler of the Jews coming to see Jesus by night. In his heart, Nicodemus desired to know --"How can these things be?" (John 3:9) Nicodemus already knew about the miracles Jesus performed and recognized that "no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with Him." (John 3:1-2)

How did Jesus respond? Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee -- We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen, and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you heavenly things?" (John 3:1-12)

Good question! But then Jesus continues the dialogue, saying: "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up -- that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:13-16)

His only begotten Son. Coming forth from the bosom of the Father so that He who knew no sin could become sin for us. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21) God Himself dwelling among us as a Son, so that we might desire His redemption. (John 1:1-18) That holy thing in which the angel referred and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)

Nicodemus wasn't willing to settle for the religious status quo. He already had all that the world had to offer, and clearly it was not enough. Indeed, Nicodemus asked the right question --"How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?" (John 3:4-21; John 7:50; John 19:39)

It is time for us to stop settling for religious traditions too. Reach out to Jesus today. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His Word -- not as the one and only Son but as the "only begotten" Son. "I and [My] Father are one." (John 10:30) "And He that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me." (John 12:45)

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in Me, though He were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25-26)

As for the religious, who conveniently change His Word to align with their own false statements of faith? Move away from those who would pervert His Word. Step out in faith shaking the dust off your feet. Most of all, take hold of His precious gift of salvation "for what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar, as it is written, "That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:3-4)

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” Stand in the offering plate.

YOUR THRONE O’ GOD IS FOREVER AND EVER.- Part 1084

Unto the Son it was said, "Your throne O' God is forever and ever." God has glorified His Son JESUS, Seed of His Holy Spirit, which SEED was conceived into the womb of a young virgin named Mary. The child's GIVEN NAME was to JESUS declared by an angelic messenger of God to be Immanuel which by interpretation is "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23) Yes, JESUS is God manifest in the flesh, appearing as man. Indeed He was, for His sin-prone flesh appearance was in semblance to one of Adam’s race.

In other words, JESUS was fathered by the Holy Ghost. God having declared JESUS to be His Son, for JESUS came forth from the SEED of the Holy Spirit. The child clothed upon in flesh but the Spirit of life within the flesh was the Life of God. Not a part of God as some have suggested but rather, altogether God. For it is declared in the scriptures that in JESUS dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!

One cannot see God for God is Spirit. In fact, no man has ever seen God. It's like the analogy of the sun. One cannot look directly at the sun or they would be blinded by its light. But one can look at the light of the sun when that same light is shone upon the moon and all will be well.

So it is with JESUS. Jesus is a light much brighter than the noon day sun which one could not look upon. However, when the Light of God is veiled as it were in flesh, then one can look upon the light of God. As it is declared, one can now see the glorious gospel of God in the face of JESUS who is God Himself manifest in a veil of flesh appearing in fashion as one of Adam’s sin prone race.

If we go back to the beginning, when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, they were naked. It was in this unclothed state that they sinned. At Calvary JESUS also was unclothed but in the latter example, it was that unclothed state of flesh alone -- JESUS -- who bore our sin. It was in His unclothed body that He paid the price for the redemption of all who believe and receive. There is no additional requirements to this redemption! Why? Because with this one sacrifice, the demands of justice were negated. That which was sacrificed at Calvary was the body in which the Spirit of God was pleased to dwell. We crucified the sinless, yet prone to sin body of the Lord of Glory JESUS!

This is why there is no obtainable salvation in any other. For at Calvary, Almighty God as a Son laid down His life for us. How does anyone think that they are ever going to escape from the wrath of God if they count His sacrifice as meaningless? Yes, death was the penalty for sin. His everlasting love paid the price once and for all/

While the world through much of its proliferation of so-called worldly wisdom chooses to ignore God, their unbelief does not negate that GOD is or that God loves us. While they might attempt to prove that dumb matter created wisdom, God's handiwork continues to show forth. While there are those that profess themselves to be wise, in so doing, as the scriptures state, they often become as fools. They become as fools simply because the Heavens will continue to declare the Glory of God. The earth will continue to show forth God’s handiwork.

Rather than sinking deeper into the barnyard of sin, let's return to God for God has opened wide His arms of love for you and I. Come home today. Ask God for forgiveness and let Him put a ring on your finger claiming you as His own. For He and He alone has paid the price - once and for all -- for our redemption.

Stand in the offering plate with Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Amazing Love, How Can It Be That God Would Lay Down His Life For Me -- Part 1083

"Of this man's seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus." (Acts 13:23)

Jesus saith unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father, and how sayest thou [then] "Shew us the Father." Believest thou not that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself, but the Father that dwelleth in Me; He doeth the works. Believe Me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the very work's sake." (John 14:9-11)

"Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not known Me ..." (John 14:9)

These are the words of Jesus when Philip asked JESUS to show them the Father. Philip implied that only then would they be satisfied. But Jesus answered Philip saying, "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father .. how sayest thou [then] "Shew us the Father?"

According to the Holy Ghost teachings (which came about as a consequence of Jesus ascending in the first chapter of Acts) -- "until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles He had chosen -- we learn that JESUS is GOD manifest in the flesh. (Acts 1:2-4; Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6)

Indeed, God Almighty Himself manifest in form as a son. "God with us." (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9:6)

In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God. (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)

Still, we know God is Spirit and being Spirit, no man has ever seen Him. But God who is one Spirit, by Himself fathered all things, both seen and unseen. The humanity of the Spirit of God was in the man Jesus the Christ. JESUS being the Seed of the Holy Ghost -- that Seed having neither father nor mother, nor record of descent.

Taking this understanding further, we read that in GOD dwells pure spiritual humanity, whereas we -- you and I by virtue of the downfall of Adam and Eve are fallen sinful humanity.

But in order to redeem us from our sin, humanity requires a body in order to manifest the mind of the Spirit. JESUS therefore, was the pure humanity of God, dwelling in the womb of a sin prone body into which the two seeds of the promise of GOD had been deposited of/by the Holy Spirit of GOD. The two seeds forming the life of the fetus of the Holy Ghost which are now to be clothed with man’s sinful fallen flesh.

"And the angel answered [Mary], and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore, also that holy thing which shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)

The Scriptures openly declare the "holy thing" that shall be born of Mary shall be called the SON of GOD. Why is the child formed called a thing? Simply because GOD hates sin and the flesh in and of itself represented fallen sinful man.

In other words, the Spirit of God had taken upon Himself the form of sinful flesh in order to expedite His own counselled plan of redemption, that was decided before the foundation of the world. (What condescension bringing forth redemption and offering to all freely the gift of eternal life -- free to all with no strings attached, and yet, sadly so many reject His love but I digress.)

The point is that the same GOD who created the world in the beginning was in the world and the world was made by HIM and yet many in the world today do not know that JESUS is the GOD who visited us ... and similarly the same God who was raised up on the third day as our Prince and Saviour!

In JESUS dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) The very image of God in flesh. JESUS was not two persons, or split personalities, or one part of a triune God, or a deity as the religious of today like to proclaim. No, JESUS, as a son of man and the SON of GOD fought all the sinful powers of satan.

JESUS was tempted and tried in all points like as we are but the difference is that JESUS did not succumb. Therefore, when we believe in Jesus by faith, He becomes the Author of our salvation.

JESUS made a way, whereby man through Him can be reinstated to a fellowship and walk with God. He became the only mediator between God and man. For GOD Himself as a SON has taken all our sin upon Himself. His flesh which partook of no sin was now sacrificed on our behalf. We the guilty party being set free when we take hold of Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength! He the innocent party became willingly guilty.

JESUS laid down His sinless flesh to become our complete Saviour.

AMAZING LOVE - HOW CAN IT BE!

So, next time you ask, "WHO ARE YOU LORD!" believe Him when He say "I AM JESUS."

Stand in the offering plate.