"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, 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. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." (Hebrews 12:1-4)
Stephen, full of faith and power did great wonders and miracles among the people, and yet he was simply a table servant -- in the eyes of man. Indeed, Stephen was one of the disciples called by Jesus' chosen twelve -- a man of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, appointed over this business of serving tables. (Acts 6:1-5)
The reason for looking out seven men of honest report (of which Stephen was one) was to ensure that the apostles could give themselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:4)
"Whom they set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them and the Word of God increased, and the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen full of faith and power did great wonders and miracles among the people ... and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake." (Acts 6:6-10)
So false witnesses were set up so that Stephen could be brought before the council with trumped charges. "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us." (Acts 6:14)
When the high priest asked Stephen, "Are these things so?" note Stephen's response. He referred them to the old covenant, speaking of the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness. He spoke of Abraham and how the God of glory appeared to him when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Char-ran.
"And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not [so much as] to set his foot on: yet He promised that He would give it to him for a possession and to his seed after him, when [as yet] he had no child. And God spake on this wise, "That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and intreat [them] evil four hundred years. "And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge," saith God, "and after that shall they come forth and serve Me in this place." (Acts 7:1-7; Genesis 12:1; Acts 22:1; Genesis 15:14; Exodus 14:13-31; Exodus 3:12)
Stephen explained how He gave him the covenant of circumcision, how the patriarchs moved with envy sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions. Note here that God gave him "favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house." (Acts 7:10)
Stephen then speaks of Moses and how he wondered at the sight of an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. And as he drew near to behold it, and trembled when he heard the voice of the Lord come unto him saying, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." This same Moses whom they refused, saying, "Who made thee a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush, he brought them out, after that he had showed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the wilderness forty years.
"This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, Him shall ye hear." (Acts 7:37; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Matthew 17:5)
Stephen said, "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen ... which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David -- who found favour before God and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob but Solomon built him an house." (Acts 7:44-47)
"Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, "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? Hath not My hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:49-50)
Then came the punchline. Stephen said, "Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resit the Holy Ghost as your fathers, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers; who have received the law by the disposition of angels; and have not kept." (Acts 7:51-53)
"And Moses took the book of the covenant and read in the audience of the people and they said, "All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient." (Exodus 24:7) And Moses took the blood and sprinkled on the people and said, "Behold the blood of the covenant which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words." (Exodus 24:8)
But the people did not want to hear these things, being cut to the heart and thus, gnashed on him with teeth. But Stephen being full of the Holy Ghost looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and the son of man standing on the right hand of God, calling upon and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (Acts 7:54-60)
Stephen reminded them of the old covenant scriptures that those in the temple should have already known. The temple priests who were responsible to teach the people of God's promises to them, and yet got angry when told of the very scriptures they purported to know. But instead -- much like many leaders in today's modern religious culture -- there are those ministers, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers who don't want to hear the good news gospel of Jesus the Christ. If they did, they would remain steadfast in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
And yes, that means that every new believer in Jesus by faith would be baptized in the precious name of Jesus, like the first 3,000 believers were on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:37-42)
"Then Peter [standing with the eleven] said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
But that would make everyone equal in the body of Christ -- each and every one of us saved by His love and mercy and Jesus as the Head of the Church -- no longer pursuing God's favour as they did in the old covenant, but eternally thankful for His abundant grace that covers one and all who believe in Jesus by faith. Those believers within the body of Christ who come to Jesus "with singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people." (Acts 3:46)
Therefore, don't be led astray by those who diligently seek to keep us under old covenant teachings. Rather like Stephen, understand that the precious blood that ushered in the new testament was via the blood shed on the cross of Calvary. The blood shed by the King of kings and Lord of lords, so that we might experience His wonderful grace. Our Lord God and Saviour. Jesus -- whom is both Lord and Christ.
And in this current dispensation of grace? JESUS -- the ONLY name under heaven whereby men must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Reach out to Jesus today. Ask Jesus to be Lord in your life today. Seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness through His Word and discover how much the same God who created man and woman in the beginning loved us enough to become our Saviour.
Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. 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
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Thy Throne O God For Ever and Ever: A Sceptre of Righteousness Is the Sceptre of Thy Kingdom - Part 1126
Jesus -- the one and only mediator between God and man. (I Timothy 2:5)
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth -- for there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:1-6)
This same point is clarified again in apostle Paul's message to the brethren in Galatia.
"And this I say, the covenant that was confirmed of God in Christ, the law which was four hundred and thirty years after cannot dis-annul that it should make the promise of none effect ... for if the inheritance be of the law, [it is] no more of promise but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. 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 3:17-20)
Therefore, the only mediator between God and man is the Lord Jesus the Christ. It is He who is the begotten Son of the holy Spirit of God.
"And the angel answered and said unto [Mary], "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)
It is this same Jesus who was conceived of the Seed of the Holy Ghost. This is why the spiritual nature dwelling within Jesus was not the natural seed of Adam’s fallen race.
"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 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 hysop, 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 ture' 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 ..." (Hebrews 9:15-28)
His spiritual nature was pure, holy, and undefiled. The same God who created us in the beginning was made flesh so that we might know His love in our hearts. The ultimate reason why God willingly became as one of us -- so that we could walk in the cool of the afternoon with Him.
But God did not have to appear on earth to understand humanity. God made man from the dust of the earth, and woman from Adam's rib. He already understood our inner being. However, as a consequence of the transgression in the Garden of Eden, we became total strangers and foreigners to the pure humanity that had indwelt Adam -- prior to being put out of the Garden.
At that point, Adam's mental and intellectual growth (in the context of pure humanity) became stagnated. Adam and Eve both, at the time of expulsion from the Garden of Eden were left only to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. Their hearts chasing the worldly constructs and yet still running empty.
But it doesn't have to be this way. God loved us enough to dwell among us, knowing that His precious blood would have to be shed on the cross. "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 the power to become the sons of God -- to them that believe on His name" (John 1:1-18)
This is the message that we need to take hold of today.
"God who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds -- who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins ..." (Hebrews 1:1-14 and Hebrews 2:1-18)
His love everlasting! His mercies true! Respond to the love of Jesus today. Ask Jesus to become Lord in your life right now wherever you are. And then repent and be baptized into the name of Jesus so that you too can receive His glory in your life. (Acts 2:37-42)
Stand in the offering plate.
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth -- for there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:1-6)
This same point is clarified again in apostle Paul's message to the brethren in Galatia.
"And this I say, the covenant that was confirmed of God in Christ, the law which was four hundred and thirty years after cannot dis-annul that it should make the promise of none effect ... for if the inheritance be of the law, [it is] no more of promise but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. 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 3:17-20)
Therefore, the only mediator between God and man is the Lord Jesus the Christ. It is He who is the begotten Son of the holy Spirit of God.
"And the angel answered and said unto [Mary], "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)
It is this same Jesus who was conceived of the Seed of the Holy Ghost. This is why the spiritual nature dwelling within Jesus was not the natural seed of Adam’s fallen race.
"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 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 hysop, 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 ture' 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 ..." (Hebrews 9:15-28)
His spiritual nature was pure, holy, and undefiled. The same God who created us in the beginning was made flesh so that we might know His love in our hearts. The ultimate reason why God willingly became as one of us -- so that we could walk in the cool of the afternoon with Him.
But God did not have to appear on earth to understand humanity. God made man from the dust of the earth, and woman from Adam's rib. He already understood our inner being. However, as a consequence of the transgression in the Garden of Eden, we became total strangers and foreigners to the pure humanity that had indwelt Adam -- prior to being put out of the Garden.
At that point, Adam's mental and intellectual growth (in the context of pure humanity) became stagnated. Adam and Eve both, at the time of expulsion from the Garden of Eden were left only to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. Their hearts chasing the worldly constructs and yet still running empty.
But it doesn't have to be this way. God loved us enough to dwell among us, knowing that His precious blood would have to be shed on the cross. "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 the power to become the sons of God -- to them that believe on His name" (John 1:1-18)
This is the message that we need to take hold of today.
"God who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds -- who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins ..." (Hebrews 1:1-14 and Hebrews 2:1-18)
His love everlasting! His mercies true! Respond to the love of Jesus today. Ask Jesus to become Lord in your life right now wherever you are. And then repent and be baptized into the name of Jesus so that you too can receive His glory in your life. (Acts 2:37-42)
Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Thou Hast Magnified Thy Word Above All Thy Name.- Part 1125
"Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name." (Psalm 138:2)
The word "servant" holds numerous varying definitions. The word servant could refer to obedience -- as believers in faith in Jesus are servants unto His righteousness. Servant can also refer to a bondman purchased as a slave or one who labours until the year of the jubilee. As well, servant can mean being in subjection. Or, servant can be used as a comparison to master.
All of these meanings have merit and we see examples of each in the scriptures. But the one I would like to focus on today is servant in relation to our faith walk from the new testament perspective. That is, one who voluntarily serves one another (as Stephen did as a table servant) and/or ministers to others, as did the apostles to those who believed in Jesus by faith.
We should note here that serving Jesus or being His disciple is not about going to church once or twice a week and then expecting His blessings to be bestowed upon us the rest of the week. That is the culture that stems from man-made religion. Rather, when our heart receives Jesus, our agenda should then become His agenda. In other words, serving Jesus should mean worshiping and praising our blessed Saviour 24-7, spending time in continual prayer, while studying His Word -- the same Word (Jesus) that hast been magnified above all of God's names previously used in the old covenant. (John 1:1-18; Psalm 138:2)
"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... 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." (John 1:1-18)
But I digress. Let's look at what the scriptures state.
"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. (Philippians 2:5-7)Perhaps, this might be a good time to interject that I have seen scriptural translations that have used "servant" and "son" interchangeably. Certainly, we see that Jesus is referred to as a servant in prophecy. Herein, from Isaiah, the Lord is prophesying of the mystery that was held in His bosom since the beginning of the world -- the new song which would spring forth when He was made flesh.
"Behold My servant, whom I uphold; Mine elect, in whom My soul delighteth; I have put My Spirit upon Him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench. He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for His law.
Thus saith God the Lord, "He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called Thee in righteousness, and will hold Thine hand, and will keep Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house."
"I am the Lord: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the Rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare His praise in the islands.
The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies. I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained Myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools. And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, "Ye are our gods." Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Who is blind, but My servant? or deaf, as My messenger that I sent? Who is blind as He that is perfect, and blind as the Lord's servant? Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but He heareth not. The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honourable. But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, "Restore."
Who among you will give ear to this? Who will hearken and hear for the time to come? Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? Did not the Lord, He against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, neither were they obedient unto His law. Therefore, He hath poured upon Him the fury of His anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set Him on fire round about, yet He knew not; and it burned Him, yet He laid it not to heart." (Isaiah 42:1-25; Matthew 12:17-21)
So that at the end of the day, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ can say to us too -- "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord ..." (Matthew 25:21)
Let him and her who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Thus saith God the Lord, "He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called Thee in righteousness, and will hold Thine hand, and will keep Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house."
"I am the Lord: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the Rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare His praise in the islands.
The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies. I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained Myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools. And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, "Ye are our gods." Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Who is blind, but My servant? or deaf, as My messenger that I sent? Who is blind as He that is perfect, and blind as the Lord's servant? Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but He heareth not. The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honourable. But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, "Restore."
Who among you will give ear to this? Who will hearken and hear for the time to come? Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? Did not the Lord, He against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, neither were they obedient unto His law. Therefore, He hath poured upon Him the fury of His anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set Him on fire round about, yet He knew not; and it burned Him, yet He laid it not to heart." (Isaiah 42:1-25; Matthew 12:17-21)
When Jesus healed the man with the withered hand, the Pharisees went out and held a council against Him so that they could destroy Him. But Jesus knew and withdrew Himself from thence. Still, great multitudes followed Him and He healed them all. But Jesus also charged them that they should not make Him known that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet, saying: "Behold My servant, whom I have chosen. My beloved in whom My soul is well pleased. I will put My Spirit upon Him and He shall shew judgement to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax He shall not quench, till He send forth judgement unto victory ... and in His name shall the Gentiles trust." (Matthew 12:17-21)
Again, what name shall we -- the Gentiles trust? In Jesus. The same Jesus -- Thy Word -- that is above all Thy name. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. The King of kings and Lord of lords. Both Lord and Christ.
Jesus said, "If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will [My] Father honour." (John 12:26) "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
This is why we "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
So that we too, as believers in Jesus by faith, chosen and ordained to be ministers of the good news gospel can too -- as ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God -- can go out into the highways and hedges and compel the lost to come in, so that His house may be filled. (I Corinthians 4:1-2; Luke 14:23)
This is why also we "put on the new [man] which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him ... Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also ... and above all these things charity, which is the bond of perfectness, and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:10-15)
But most of all, remember that the servant is not greater than his Lord. (John 13:16)
Thus, let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, signing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, and whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:16-17)
Let him and her who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Behold the Mystery That Was Hid From the Beginning - Part 1124
Jesus said unto them, "These the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all the things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms concerning Me." Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures." (Luke 24:44-45)
And what was the mystery that had been hidden in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world?
Apostle Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ for us Gentiles, wrote: "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward, how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) -- which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel -- whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.
... and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ, to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:1-11)
And what was the mystery that had been hidden in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world?
Apostle Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ for us Gentiles, wrote: "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward, how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) -- which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel -- whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.
... and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ, to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:1-11)
This is why (as Jesus told His disciples) it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. So that repentance and remission of sins should and could be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. In His mighty name. The only name given among men (in this dispensation of grace whereby we shall be saved).
That is, the name of Jesus.
"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)
Jesus -- of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Jesus -- who is the Head of the true church -- the body of Christ. Jesus -- in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. Jesus -- the promised Messiah who was made both Lord and Christ.
Thus, 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 highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name -- that at the name of Jesus EVERY knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth -- and that EVERY tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord -- to the glory of God the Father.
... wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:5-13)
For as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9) Every good and perfect gift comes from God. (James 1:17)
We just need to accept His wonderful blessings by first repenting of our sin, and then being baptized in the precious name of Jesus. (Acts 2:37-42) Then seek the manifold wisdom of God by reading and studying your new testament -- so that you too can understand the wonderful mystery that from the very beginning hath been hid in God. (Ephesians 3:11) Stand in the offering plate.
That is, the name of Jesus.
"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)
Jesus -- of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Jesus -- who is the Head of the true church -- the body of Christ. Jesus -- in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. Jesus -- the promised Messiah who was made both Lord and Christ.
Thus, 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 highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name -- that at the name of Jesus EVERY knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth -- and that EVERY tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord -- to the glory of God the Father.
... wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:5-13)
For as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9) Every good and perfect gift comes from God. (James 1:17)
We just need to accept His wonderful blessings by first repenting of our sin, and then being baptized in the precious name of Jesus. (Acts 2:37-42) Then seek the manifold wisdom of God by reading and studying your new testament -- so that you too can understand the wonderful mystery that from the very beginning hath been hid in God. (Ephesians 3:11) Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Thou Couldest Have No Power At All Against Me, Said Jesus - Part 1123
Jesus -- He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed, "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)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead in sin live any longer therein? Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life ... for if we had been planted together in the likeness of His death, we hsall be also [in the likeness] of [His] resurrection.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [Him], that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin, for he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live with Him knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once, but in that He liveth He liveth unto God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:1-11)
Our blessed hope is in Jesus who was scourged for our sakes. The soldiers platted a crown of thorns on His head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and then smote Him with their hands.
Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto the people who demanded that Jesus be crucified, "Behold, I bring Him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in Him." And Pilate saith unto them, "Behold the man!" But when the chief priests therefore and officers saw Him, they cried out even more, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him." Pilate saith unto them, "Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him."
The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God." In another scripture, the Jews wanted to stone Jesus because He made Himself to be God.
Even so, when Pilate heard that saying, he was even more afraid, and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, "Whence art Thou?" But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto Him, "Speakest Thou not unto me? Knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee?"
But Jesus knew what was about to happen. In fact, He had repeatedly told His disciples about His pending death, and that He would be raised after three days and three nights. Jesus answered Pilate, saying: "Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above: therefore, he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin."
And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release Him: but the Jews cried out, saying, "If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh Himself a King speaketh against Caesar." When Pilate heard their saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, "Behold your King!"
Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto the people who demanded that Jesus be crucified, "Behold, I bring Him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in Him." And Pilate saith unto them, "Behold the man!" But when the chief priests therefore and officers saw Him, they cried out even more, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him." Pilate saith unto them, "Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him."
The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God." In another scripture, the Jews wanted to stone Jesus because He made Himself to be God.
Even so, when Pilate heard that saying, he was even more afraid, and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, "Whence art Thou?" But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto Him, "Speakest Thou not unto me? Knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee?"
But Jesus knew what was about to happen. In fact, He had repeatedly told His disciples about His pending death, and that He would be raised after three days and three nights. Jesus answered Pilate, saying: "Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above: therefore, he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin."
And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release Him: but the Jews cried out, saying, "If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh Himself a King speaketh against Caesar." When Pilate heard their saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, "Behold your King!"
Imagine how that must have gone over. Here was Pilate saying to the angry crowds who only wanted to crucify Jesus -- "Behold your King."
Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews. Jesus of Nazareth, our Lord God and Saviour who willingly shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. Don't reject Jesus any longer. Rather, repent of your sin and be baptized into the precious name of Jesus ... and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews. Jesus of Nazareth, our Lord God and Saviour who willingly shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. Don't reject Jesus any longer. Rather, repent of your sin and be baptized into the precious name of Jesus ... and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
The offence of one judgement came upon all men to condemnation but the righteousness of one the free gift upon all men unto justification of life by Jesus. (Romans 5:18-21) Seek His righteousness and mercy and love for you today. Stand in the offering plate.
God Hath Made Jesus Both Lord and Christ - Part 1122
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
"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)
"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)
There are those who suggest that Jesus the Christ of the new testament could not be Jehovah or God Almighty in the flesh because Jehovah of the old covenant is identified in the old testament as Lord. This is a false teaching because as Peter, standing with the eleven other disciples pointed out on the day of Pentecost, "that same Jesus whom ye have crucified" is BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
And when Peter and the apostles said this, the people who heard were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37) Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
As one can see here, the apostles (who walked every day with Jesus) did not separate the Godhead into three persons as modern day religion likes to do. Indeed, the use of the titles -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit as three distinct but co-equal is a man-made doctrine established by the Roman Catholic church in the third century. Baptism in the titles is not scriptural and therefore a lie. Jesus told us to search the scriptures -- both the old and new testaments -- for therein, the scriptures tell of Me. He also commends the church in the book of Revelation for holding fast to His name, "and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My name." (Revelation 3:8)
What is His name, in this current dispensation of grace? His name is Jesus. The one and only. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. The King of kings and Lord of lords.
"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)
Still, some religions justify water baptism in the titles and not the name of Jesus because, as these religious suggest, Jesus is attributed with making this statement in Matthew 28:19. These same religious have not read "Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen." (Acts 1:1-2) Every word that is recorded in the scriptures (with the exception of Matthew 28:19) was established by Jesus speaking through the Holy Ghost.
Not as a separate person but now as the Holy Ghost. How do we know this? Because God is not the author of confusion. All the scriptures must align together in truth. Therefore, when the apostles baptized every person baptized in the scriptures, these did so in the precious name of our Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:38-42)
Moreover, Jesus told Thomas when he asked, "Lord we know not whither Thou goest, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said unto Him, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man cometh to the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, you should have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:5-7)
Philip then said, "Lord shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us." 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." (John 14:8-9)
This message on the day of Pentecost (where the first 3,000 were saved) consistently corresponded to Jesus' earlier teachings.
I and My Father are one. This is why the Jews took up stones again to stone Jesus "because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God." (John 10:30-33)
Seek Jesus today with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, June 5, 2015
Jesus Said, "If Thou Canst Believe, All Things Are Possible To Him That Believeth" - Part 1121
"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)
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ -- for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us ..." (Ephesians 2:13-14)
Interestingly, Paul writes -- "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward, how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words), whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ." (Ephesians 3:1-4)
Do you remember when Paul, on the road to Damascus "with authority and commission from the chief priests" was stopped in his tracks? (Acts 26:12) Indeed, at midday, Paul saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining around about him and them which journeyed with him. And when they were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (Acts 26:13-14)
What was Saul's first words? "Who art Thou, Lord?" Imagine, here was the same Saul that was known throughout the land for persecuting the church asking, "Who art Thou, Lord?"
Even at this time, Saul knew whom He was that had blinded him. Perhaps, in his heart, Saul was convicted of his wrong doing after Stephen was stoned to death. For now, suffice us to recognize that "Saul was consenting unto [Stephen's] death. And at the time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to [his burial] and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house and haling men and women committed [them] to prison." (Acts 8:1-3)
Still, those that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word. The same Word that told the disciples of the things that were about to happen to Him before Jesus was taken up. (Acts 1:1-4)
"Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and unto the scribes and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles, and they shall mock Him, and they shall scourge Him, and shall spit upon Him. and shall kill Him, and the third day He shall rise again." (Mark 10:33-34; Matthew 20:18)
The same Word who was in the beginning with God and was God. (John 1:1-4; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16) The same God who was made flesh and dwelt among us and yet His own people received Him not, (John 1:10-14) "All things were made by Him and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not ... He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not." (John 1:1-10)
Yes, His name is Jesus. Not another "person" as the modern day religious culture would have us believe but the One and Only -- Almighty God Himself who gave His disciples the power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1; Luke 6:17-18)
The blind to see, the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, and the dead raised. And to the poor the gospel is preached. (Luke 7:22-23; Matthew 11:4-5; Isaiah 35:4-6)
Even while Saul was consenting to Stephen's stoning, he recognized the Lord for who He was. In fact, after Saul was converted, Paul wrote repeatedly that he would not that we should be ignorant of the mystery of godliness, "lest ye should be wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in." (Romans 11:25)
We who "in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through [Israel's] unbelief. Even so have these also now not believed that through your mercy, they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief that He might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or, who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory, forever, Amen." (Romans 11:30-36)
Continue in the goodness and mercy of Jesus. Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of [himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:1-3)
If there was ever a time that we need to press into our Lord God and Saviour Christ Jesus, it is today. Thus, stand firm on His Word so that when you read, you may understand the same knowledge of the mystery of Christ that apostle Paul did. Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer. And let 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 you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ -- to whom be glory for ever and ever." (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus today.
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ -- for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us ..." (Ephesians 2:13-14)
Interestingly, Paul writes -- "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward, how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words), whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ." (Ephesians 3:1-4)
Do you remember when Paul, on the road to Damascus "with authority and commission from the chief priests" was stopped in his tracks? (Acts 26:12) Indeed, at midday, Paul saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining around about him and them which journeyed with him. And when they were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (Acts 26:13-14)
What was Saul's first words? "Who art Thou, Lord?" Imagine, here was the same Saul that was known throughout the land for persecuting the church asking, "Who art Thou, Lord?"
Even at this time, Saul knew whom He was that had blinded him. Perhaps, in his heart, Saul was convicted of his wrong doing after Stephen was stoned to death. For now, suffice us to recognize that "Saul was consenting unto [Stephen's] death. And at the time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to [his burial] and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house and haling men and women committed [them] to prison." (Acts 8:1-3)
Still, those that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word. The same Word that told the disciples of the things that were about to happen to Him before Jesus was taken up. (Acts 1:1-4)
"Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and unto the scribes and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles, and they shall mock Him, and they shall scourge Him, and shall spit upon Him. and shall kill Him, and the third day He shall rise again." (Mark 10:33-34; Matthew 20:18)
The same Word who was in the beginning with God and was God. (John 1:1-4; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16) The same God who was made flesh and dwelt among us and yet His own people received Him not, (John 1:10-14) "All things were made by Him and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not ... He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not." (John 1:1-10)
Yes, His name is Jesus. Not another "person" as the modern day religious culture would have us believe but the One and Only -- Almighty God Himself who gave His disciples the power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1; Luke 6:17-18)
The blind to see, the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, and the dead raised. And to the poor the gospel is preached. (Luke 7:22-23; Matthew 11:4-5; Isaiah 35:4-6)
Even while Saul was consenting to Stephen's stoning, he recognized the Lord for who He was. In fact, after Saul was converted, Paul wrote repeatedly that he would not that we should be ignorant of the mystery of godliness, "lest ye should be wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in." (Romans 11:25)
We who "in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through [Israel's] unbelief. Even so have these also now not believed that through your mercy, they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief that He might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or, who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory, forever, Amen." (Romans 11:30-36)
Continue in the goodness and mercy of Jesus. Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of [himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:1-3)
If there was ever a time that we need to press into our Lord God and Saviour Christ Jesus, it is today. Thus, stand firm on His Word so that when you read, you may understand the same knowledge of the mystery of Christ that apostle Paul did. Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer. And let 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 you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ -- to whom be glory for ever and ever." (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus today.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Through Jesus Blood, We Are A Purchased, Redeemed, Adopted People - Part 1120
To catch the sly old fox that is hiding among the sheep as a wolf in sheep's clothing is similar to but not quite the same as separating the wheat from the tares. The tares? Well, unfortunately they have become so well disguised and entrenched that you may have to wait until harvest time for the full revelation of who these might be. Know with confidence however that we as believers in Jesus by faith were warned repeatedly in the scriptures of this situation. We were also told to guard ourselves against those foxes whose only mission is to keep us far away from the Word.
Still, now that we have tasted faith and the goodness of God, we are hungry to open His treasure chest. In fact, we want more. Our inner spirit had been deprived of spiritual food for so long, being only fed the crumbs that fell off the table of those 'powers that be.' Those husks delivered to us by the voices of the Nicolaitans, (those who lord over the laity) emanating from the platforms of their Laodicean. The Bible says that they are neither hot nor cold in the first few chapters of Revelation, these so called churches.
These things created by man including religion -- God hates too. He hates their presentations, or should we say pretensions so much that if they do not repent, as pointed out in the scriptures, He is going to vomit them out of His mouth. That statement in and of itself should indicate how fearful it is to oppose the living God purposely. Instead, let's step into the realm of faith. When we do, we who have believed are likened to new born children -- renewed in our minds and spirits. Of course, this is what we now are since we have been born again of the blood, water and spirit. And because we are newborn children, then we desire to be fed with the sincere wholesome nutritious milk of the Word of God. We no longer desire pablum or the diluted message.
Moreover, the more we study His Word, the more we begin to see God's ultimate purposes -- to make us heirs of all the promises of God including the edifying gifts of His Spirit. This is why we should desire to behold His gospel message in its entirety. As it is written. Not how man-made religion has indoctrinated us with their traditions of men.
As well, we are warned that in the last days perilous times shall come.
"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof." (II Timothy 3:1-5)
What are we told to do? "Form such turn away, for of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with diverse lusts, ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate, concerning the faith, But they shall proceed no further for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was." (II Timothy 3:5-9)
But then Paul (writing to Timothy states) "but thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions .. but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them, and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (II Timothy 3:10-15)
In understanding God's plan of salvation, and being baptized in His precious name -- the name of Jesus -- we become certified citizens of the Kingdom of God in Christ.
We are no longer tutored under the law. We have stepped over the threshold of unbelief into the royal law -- the perfect law of liberty -- the new covenant or testament. These laws of the new covenant are not written on stone or paper. No, this time God is writing His law of love on the fleshly tables of our heart. Not on our foreskins as some would have us believe.
He will be our God, and we shall be to Him a purchased redeemed, adopted people, seeded with His Word. From His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love inextricably intertwined flowed, mingling down to a creation that had ventured off in a different direction. Did ever such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? Love so amazing and so divine! God Himself brought that love to us when He became flesh. He still wants to bring that same love to us today.
I understand we have a hard job letting the shore line go! But we are heirs. We are not intended to be little children forever but as long as we remain under tutors, we will never reach that perfection spoken of in Hebrews and in James. This is the where the warning of the tares, the foxes among the sheep becomes so important. This is the point where we, as believers, must be careful that our tutors (our scriptural teachers) are not so denomination- minded that it causes our hunger for the Word of God to stagnate. What did the scriptures state? Let the dead bury their dead.
Rather, hear the Macedonian call? Come on over and help us for the harvest is truly plenteous. Pray for us and that God will send forth HIS labourers into His harvest field. And like the shepherds of old, we may keep watch over our flocks. Yes even at night, when the darkness of sky folds around us. There are foxes among the sheep. We know this because the sheep are meeing. The foxes are trying to keep the sheep from knowing fully what God intended for their life.
But God has a higher purpose for each and every one of us. Indeed, there is no other time more precious than now. Men and women of God -- arise. The harvest is wasting in the fields. Give tomorrow's children one more chance. Pray without ceasing as the scriptures encourage -- men ought to pray and not to faint.
And pray with us -- Lord , only you can make this world seem right. Only you can make the darkness of people's hearts shine bright. Only You Lord Jesus -- whom is both Lord and Christ. Stand in the offering plate.
Still, now that we have tasted faith and the goodness of God, we are hungry to open His treasure chest. In fact, we want more. Our inner spirit had been deprived of spiritual food for so long, being only fed the crumbs that fell off the table of those 'powers that be.' Those husks delivered to us by the voices of the Nicolaitans, (those who lord over the laity) emanating from the platforms of their Laodicean. The Bible says that they are neither hot nor cold in the first few chapters of Revelation, these so called churches.
These things created by man including religion -- God hates too. He hates their presentations, or should we say pretensions so much that if they do not repent, as pointed out in the scriptures, He is going to vomit them out of His mouth. That statement in and of itself should indicate how fearful it is to oppose the living God purposely. Instead, let's step into the realm of faith. When we do, we who have believed are likened to new born children -- renewed in our minds and spirits. Of course, this is what we now are since we have been born again of the blood, water and spirit. And because we are newborn children, then we desire to be fed with the sincere wholesome nutritious milk of the Word of God. We no longer desire pablum or the diluted message.
Moreover, the more we study His Word, the more we begin to see God's ultimate purposes -- to make us heirs of all the promises of God including the edifying gifts of His Spirit. This is why we should desire to behold His gospel message in its entirety. As it is written. Not how man-made religion has indoctrinated us with their traditions of men.
As well, we are warned that in the last days perilous times shall come.
"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof." (II Timothy 3:1-5)
What are we told to do? "Form such turn away, for of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with diverse lusts, ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate, concerning the faith, But they shall proceed no further for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was." (II Timothy 3:5-9)
But then Paul (writing to Timothy states) "but thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions .. but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them, and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (II Timothy 3:10-15)
In understanding God's plan of salvation, and being baptized in His precious name -- the name of Jesus -- we become certified citizens of the Kingdom of God in Christ.
We are no longer tutored under the law. We have stepped over the threshold of unbelief into the royal law -- the perfect law of liberty -- the new covenant or testament. These laws of the new covenant are not written on stone or paper. No, this time God is writing His law of love on the fleshly tables of our heart. Not on our foreskins as some would have us believe.
He will be our God, and we shall be to Him a purchased redeemed, adopted people, seeded with His Word. From His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love inextricably intertwined flowed, mingling down to a creation that had ventured off in a different direction. Did ever such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? Love so amazing and so divine! God Himself brought that love to us when He became flesh. He still wants to bring that same love to us today.
I understand we have a hard job letting the shore line go! But we are heirs. We are not intended to be little children forever but as long as we remain under tutors, we will never reach that perfection spoken of in Hebrews and in James. This is the where the warning of the tares, the foxes among the sheep becomes so important. This is the point where we, as believers, must be careful that our tutors (our scriptural teachers) are not so denomination- minded that it causes our hunger for the Word of God to stagnate. What did the scriptures state? Let the dead bury their dead.
Rather, hear the Macedonian call? Come on over and help us for the harvest is truly plenteous. Pray for us and that God will send forth HIS labourers into His harvest field. And like the shepherds of old, we may keep watch over our flocks. Yes even at night, when the darkness of sky folds around us. There are foxes among the sheep. We know this because the sheep are meeing. The foxes are trying to keep the sheep from knowing fully what God intended for their life.
But God has a higher purpose for each and every one of us. Indeed, there is no other time more precious than now. Men and women of God -- arise. The harvest is wasting in the fields. Give tomorrow's children one more chance. Pray without ceasing as the scriptures encourage -- men ought to pray and not to faint.
And pray with us -- Lord , only you can make this world seem right. Only you can make the darkness of people's hearts shine bright. Only You Lord Jesus -- whom is both Lord and Christ. Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
But Wisdom Is Justified Of All Her Children - Part 1119
"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at the posts of My doors -- for whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord ... teach a wise man and he will increase in learning." (Proverbs 8:32- Proverbs 9:9)
And it came to pass the day after Jesus had healed a certain centurion's servant that Jesus went into a city called Nain. We read that many of Jesus' disciples went with Him and much people as well. Now when Jesus came nigh to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out -- the only son of his mother, a widow. As it is in death, many people accompanied the woman.
But when Jesus saw the woman, He had compassion on her, saying, "Weep not." And He came and touched her and they that bare the dead man stood still. Jesus then said, "Young man, I say unto thee, arise." And he that was dead sat up and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all; and they glorified God, saying, "That a great prophet is risen among us, and, that God hath visited His people." And this rumour of Jesus went forth throughout all of Judaea and throughout all the region about.
And the disciples of John the baptist showed him of all these things. And John calling two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:19)
When the men were come unto Jesus they said, "John the baptist hath sent us unto Thee, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:20)
And in that same hour, He cured many of [their] infirmities, and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind, He gave sight. Then Jesus answering, said, "Go your way and tell John what things ye have seen and heard: how the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he -- whomsoever shall not be offended in Me." (Luke 7:22-23)
Note that once John's messengers had departed, Jesus began to speak further unto the people concerning John the baptist.
"What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately are in king's courts. But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you and much more than a prophet. This is [he] of whom it is written, "Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before Thee." (Luke 7:24-27; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1)
Then Jesus said, "For I say unto you -- among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28)
And all the people that heard [Him] and the publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John but the Pharisees and lawyers ... the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the baptist. (Luke 7:30)
Apostle Paul later related after his conversion on the road to Damascus, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:27)
But is this not what is happening within both the societal and modern day religious culture today? To the poor the good news gospel of repentance and reformation of one's heart is preached and wholly accepted as taught in His Word. In fact, His Word accepted gladly into our hearts without question. But the Pharisees and lawyers? Those which are "gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts" -- these mock the commandments of God because their souls were/are not of God. The scriptures are clear on this point. The Pharisees and lawyers chose to turn a deaf ear, preferring instead to reject the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the Baptist.
"But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:30) Or, if we consider the more accurate rendering in the Greek -- "rejected for themselves the counsel of God."
However, note that the Pharisees and lawyers not only rejected John's baptism unto repentance but also Jesus the Christ who stood before them. The ultimate plan of salvation that was decided before the world was even formed -- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Christ so that we -- you and I -- could be reconciled unto Himself.
These "learned" men despised the commands of God, including the baptism of repentance which was ordained of God. In so doing, these revealed their aversion and abhorrence to the gospel of the kingdom of God and His righteousness, rejecting the very instructions of our Lord and Christ. Sadly, the salvation message of repentance and water baptism in Jesus name is still being rejected today.
Even when we know that Jesus, "through the Holy Ghost" had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, and that we are instructed to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, there are those learned -- gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts -- rejecting the counsel of God. (Acts 1:1-4; Acts 2:37-42) Even though we see the counsel of God displayed on the day of Pentecost and His church in which Jesus is the Head established, we reject the counsel of God by not aligning our teachings on repentance and baptism with those taught in the scriptures.
When the people pricked in their heart asked Peter, standing with the eleven -- "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-38)
The good news gospel message of the new testament. His life giving message. His love for us shown on an old rugged cross for all the world to behold. His precious blood shed so that we might have life in Him, clothed in His righteousness, and baptized into His name. We either accept His counsel gladly or we become like those Pharisees and lawyers standing in the place of Jesus -- in the king's court /man-made religion -- rejecting the counsel of God.
This is why the Lord Jesus then told the Pharisees and lawyers that rejected the counsel of God against themselves -- “Where unto then shall I liken the men of this generation? And to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.” For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, “He hath a devil.” The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, “Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” (Luke 7:29-37)
Yes, wisdom is justified of all her children. He hath made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at the posts of My doors -- for whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord." (Proverbs 8:32- Proverbs 9:9)
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
And it came to pass the day after Jesus had healed a certain centurion's servant that Jesus went into a city called Nain. We read that many of Jesus' disciples went with Him and much people as well. Now when Jesus came nigh to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out -- the only son of his mother, a widow. As it is in death, many people accompanied the woman.
But when Jesus saw the woman, He had compassion on her, saying, "Weep not." And He came and touched her and they that bare the dead man stood still. Jesus then said, "Young man, I say unto thee, arise." And he that was dead sat up and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all; and they glorified God, saying, "That a great prophet is risen among us, and, that God hath visited His people." And this rumour of Jesus went forth throughout all of Judaea and throughout all the region about.
And the disciples of John the baptist showed him of all these things. And John calling two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:19)
When the men were come unto Jesus they said, "John the baptist hath sent us unto Thee, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:20)
And in that same hour, He cured many of [their] infirmities, and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind, He gave sight. Then Jesus answering, said, "Go your way and tell John what things ye have seen and heard: how the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he -- whomsoever shall not be offended in Me." (Luke 7:22-23)
Note that once John's messengers had departed, Jesus began to speak further unto the people concerning John the baptist.
"What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately are in king's courts. But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you and much more than a prophet. This is [he] of whom it is written, "Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before Thee." (Luke 7:24-27; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1)
Then Jesus said, "For I say unto you -- among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28)
And all the people that heard [Him] and the publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John but the Pharisees and lawyers ... the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the baptist. (Luke 7:30)
Apostle Paul later related after his conversion on the road to Damascus, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:27)
But is this not what is happening within both the societal and modern day religious culture today? To the poor the good news gospel of repentance and reformation of one's heart is preached and wholly accepted as taught in His Word. In fact, His Word accepted gladly into our hearts without question. But the Pharisees and lawyers? Those which are "gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts" -- these mock the commandments of God because their souls were/are not of God. The scriptures are clear on this point. The Pharisees and lawyers chose to turn a deaf ear, preferring instead to reject the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the Baptist.
"But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:30) Or, if we consider the more accurate rendering in the Greek -- "rejected for themselves the counsel of God."
However, note that the Pharisees and lawyers not only rejected John's baptism unto repentance but also Jesus the Christ who stood before them. The ultimate plan of salvation that was decided before the world was even formed -- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Christ so that we -- you and I -- could be reconciled unto Himself.
These "learned" men despised the commands of God, including the baptism of repentance which was ordained of God. In so doing, these revealed their aversion and abhorrence to the gospel of the kingdom of God and His righteousness, rejecting the very instructions of our Lord and Christ. Sadly, the salvation message of repentance and water baptism in Jesus name is still being rejected today.
Even when we know that Jesus, "through the Holy Ghost" had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, and that we are instructed to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, there are those learned -- gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts -- rejecting the counsel of God. (Acts 1:1-4; Acts 2:37-42) Even though we see the counsel of God displayed on the day of Pentecost and His church in which Jesus is the Head established, we reject the counsel of God by not aligning our teachings on repentance and baptism with those taught in the scriptures.
When the people pricked in their heart asked Peter, standing with the eleven -- "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-38)
The good news gospel message of the new testament. His life giving message. His love for us shown on an old rugged cross for all the world to behold. His precious blood shed so that we might have life in Him, clothed in His righteousness, and baptized into His name. We either accept His counsel gladly or we become like those Pharisees and lawyers standing in the place of Jesus -- in the king's court /man-made religion -- rejecting the counsel of God.
This is why the Lord Jesus then told the Pharisees and lawyers that rejected the counsel of God against themselves -- “Where unto then shall I liken the men of this generation? And to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.” For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, “He hath a devil.” The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, “Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” (Luke 7:29-37)
Yes, wisdom is justified of all her children. He hath made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at the posts of My doors -- for whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord." (Proverbs 8:32- Proverbs 9:9)
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
Monday, June 1, 2015
See Ye That Ye Refuse Not Him That Speaketh - Part 1118
"And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and My people shall never be ashamed." (Joel 2:26)
Some might argue (and perhaps, justifiably so) that modern day church desires have become one and the same as the desires of the world. The focus on money and congregational success, along with building funds that lead to bigger buildings and worldwide denominational administrations has not helped in convincing the world of the glorious and wondrous power of God. The miracles that saw people healed by one's shadow (as was the case of Peter), or even, the promise that "the spirits of just men [can] be made perfect." (Hebrews 12:23)
:
The scriptures instruct: "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, 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 fain in your minds." (Hebrews 12:1-3)
And, as such, "know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth 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 crown." (I Corinthians 9:24-25)
James told us that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth -- that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." (James 1:17-18)
And Peter to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia -- elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ wrote -- "For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot -- who by Him do believe in God that raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory -- that your faith and hope might be in God." (I Peter 1:18-25)
This is not to suggest that there isn't a rightful purpose for the assembling of saints, or that certain activities within the church structure don't have some merit in reaching out to the lost. But what I am suggesting is that our focal point should not be on man-made religious constructs -- over the glorious and miraculous promises of our Lord Jesus. Indeed, we should be offering the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15) The precious name of Jesus -- the only name under heaven given in this day whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) And keenly listening to His instruction in our day to day.
The scriptural account of Lazarus provides much insight in this regard.
Herein, Jesus is telling His disciples, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps but I go that I may awake him out of sleep." (John 11:11-12) At this point, Jesus already knew that Lazarus had died. But the disciples took this to mean that Lazarus was simply resting. This is why Jesus had to tell the disciples plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe. Nevertheless, let us go unto him." (John 11:13-15)
This is not the only example in the scriptures whereby Jesus had to be more forthcoming in His instruction to the disciples. Even though these same people walked with Jesus day in and day out, there were still times when their understanding of Jesus still fell short. This is certainly one of those times. But I digress.
By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been in the grave for four days. By then, many Jews had come to comfort Mary and Martha concerning the loss of their brother so they were not alone. In other words -- at least from the worldly and religious perspectives -- there was nothing else that could be done. Even Martha when she had heard that Jesus was coming, said, "Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother [would not have] died." (John 11:16-22)
But then what did she say to Jesus? "But I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it to Thee." (John 11:16-22) Her faith never doubting that Jesus could perform the much needed miracle and bring Lazarus back to life.
And what happened when Jesus said, "Thy brother SHALL rise again." (John 11:23) Even after Lazarus has been in the grave -- dead -- for four days, Jesus told Martha that her brother shall rise again. Why? Because as Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life. He that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whatsoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" (John 11:25-26)
At this point, Martha verbally recognizes Jesus for who He is, saying, "Yea Lord, I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." (John 11:27-29)
Think about this scene for a moment. When Jesus therefore saw Mary weeping, and the Jews [that had followed Mary because they thought she was going to Lazarus' grave] also weeping, which came with her, He groaned in the Spirit, and was troubled. (John 11:36) He asked where Lazarus had been laid and they said, "Lord, come and see." Note here that "Jesus wept." (John 11:35)
Jesus wept because even after He had already performed wondrous miracles among them -- opening the eyes of the blind so that they could see, and making the lame to walk -- His friends( who should have known in their hearts what God could do), failed to see His abundance of love and mercy. His grace that extends to one and all without prejudice if we would only believe in Him -- the Almighty God who loved us enough to clothe Himself in sin-prone flesh so that we might know Him personally. He wept.
But upon seeing Jesus weep, the Jews who were there said concerning Jesus, "Behold, how He loved him." What they did not realize is that Jesus was not weeping for Lazarus (because He already knew what was about to happen) but for the Jews and the others who stood around grieving. Some of those standing around asked, "Could not this man which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?" (John 11:37)
Jesus therefore AGAIN groaning in Himself went to Lazarus' grave. "Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou should see the glory of God?" When the stone was removed, Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me. And I knew that Thou hearest Me always, but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that Thou hast sent Me." (John 11:40-42)
Sadly, the mindset of the Jews in this example appears to be the same mindset among wannabe Christians. We go to church and perform the Christian chores within the church but we don't recognize that Jesus is the Head, and He desires so much more from us -- to the point that I am sure, He still groans in Himself at our unbelief. He still groans at our focus on worldly and religious constructs rather than solely on our Lord God and Saviour.
"If thou wouldest believe, thou should see the glory of God." (John 11:40-42)
Only believe, Jesus said. If there was ever a time that we need to press into Jesus, it is now. Listen to what Jesus has to say. Seek His counsel in everything that we do in word or deed. Search the scriptures, as Jesus instructed, "for therein they speak of Me." And look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:2) But most of all, see ye that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. (Hebrews 12:25) Stand in the offering plate.
Some might argue (and perhaps, justifiably so) that modern day church desires have become one and the same as the desires of the world. The focus on money and congregational success, along with building funds that lead to bigger buildings and worldwide denominational administrations has not helped in convincing the world of the glorious and wondrous power of God. The miracles that saw people healed by one's shadow (as was the case of Peter), or even, the promise that "the spirits of just men [can] be made perfect." (Hebrews 12:23)
:
The scriptures instruct: "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, 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 fain in your minds." (Hebrews 12:1-3)
And, as such, "know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth 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 crown." (I Corinthians 9:24-25)
James told us that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth -- that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." (James 1:17-18)
And Peter to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia -- elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ wrote -- "For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot -- who by Him do believe in God that raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory -- that your faith and hope might be in God." (I Peter 1:18-25)
This is not to suggest that there isn't a rightful purpose for the assembling of saints, or that certain activities within the church structure don't have some merit in reaching out to the lost. But what I am suggesting is that our focal point should not be on man-made religious constructs -- over the glorious and miraculous promises of our Lord Jesus. Indeed, we should be offering the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15) The precious name of Jesus -- the only name under heaven given in this day whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) And keenly listening to His instruction in our day to day.
The scriptural account of Lazarus provides much insight in this regard.
Herein, Jesus is telling His disciples, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps but I go that I may awake him out of sleep." (John 11:11-12) At this point, Jesus already knew that Lazarus had died. But the disciples took this to mean that Lazarus was simply resting. This is why Jesus had to tell the disciples plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe. Nevertheless, let us go unto him." (John 11:13-15)
This is not the only example in the scriptures whereby Jesus had to be more forthcoming in His instruction to the disciples. Even though these same people walked with Jesus day in and day out, there were still times when their understanding of Jesus still fell short. This is certainly one of those times. But I digress.
By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been in the grave for four days. By then, many Jews had come to comfort Mary and Martha concerning the loss of their brother so they were not alone. In other words -- at least from the worldly and religious perspectives -- there was nothing else that could be done. Even Martha when she had heard that Jesus was coming, said, "Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother [would not have] died." (John 11:16-22)
But then what did she say to Jesus? "But I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it to Thee." (John 11:16-22) Her faith never doubting that Jesus could perform the much needed miracle and bring Lazarus back to life.
And what happened when Jesus said, "Thy brother SHALL rise again." (John 11:23) Even after Lazarus has been in the grave -- dead -- for four days, Jesus told Martha that her brother shall rise again. Why? Because as Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life. He that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whatsoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" (John 11:25-26)
At this point, Martha verbally recognizes Jesus for who He is, saying, "Yea Lord, I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." (John 11:27-29)
Think about this scene for a moment. When Jesus therefore saw Mary weeping, and the Jews [that had followed Mary because they thought she was going to Lazarus' grave] also weeping, which came with her, He groaned in the Spirit, and was troubled. (John 11:36) He asked where Lazarus had been laid and they said, "Lord, come and see." Note here that "Jesus wept." (John 11:35)
Jesus wept because even after He had already performed wondrous miracles among them -- opening the eyes of the blind so that they could see, and making the lame to walk -- His friends( who should have known in their hearts what God could do), failed to see His abundance of love and mercy. His grace that extends to one and all without prejudice if we would only believe in Him -- the Almighty God who loved us enough to clothe Himself in sin-prone flesh so that we might know Him personally. He wept.
But upon seeing Jesus weep, the Jews who were there said concerning Jesus, "Behold, how He loved him." What they did not realize is that Jesus was not weeping for Lazarus (because He already knew what was about to happen) but for the Jews and the others who stood around grieving. Some of those standing around asked, "Could not this man which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?" (John 11:37)
Jesus therefore AGAIN groaning in Himself went to Lazarus' grave. "Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou should see the glory of God?" When the stone was removed, Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me. And I knew that Thou hearest Me always, but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that Thou hast sent Me." (John 11:40-42)
Sadly, the mindset of the Jews in this example appears to be the same mindset among wannabe Christians. We go to church and perform the Christian chores within the church but we don't recognize that Jesus is the Head, and He desires so much more from us -- to the point that I am sure, He still groans in Himself at our unbelief. He still groans at our focus on worldly and religious constructs rather than solely on our Lord God and Saviour.
"If thou wouldest believe, thou should see the glory of God." (John 11:40-42)
Only believe, Jesus said. If there was ever a time that we need to press into Jesus, it is now. Listen to what Jesus has to say. Seek His counsel in everything that we do in word or deed. Search the scriptures, as Jesus instructed, "for therein they speak of Me." And look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:2) But most of all, see ye that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. (Hebrews 12:25) Stand in the offering plate.
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