"My little children, these things write I unto you that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ -- the righteous, and He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for [the sins of] the whole world. And hereby we do know Him and keepeth His commandments. He that saith, "I know Him" and keepeth not His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that are in Him." (I John 2:1-5)
It seems that many believe in climbing to heaven through the back door, using another means to enter into heaven. Jesus speaks to this point after the Pharisees had asked, "Are we blind also?" Jesus said unto them, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin, but now ye say, "We see" -- therefore, your sin remaineth." (John 9:40-41)
Jesus continues by stating, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber ... but he that enters in by the door is the Shepherd of the sheep. To Him the porter opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers." (John 10:1-5)
Note that Jesus spoke this parable unto the Pharisees, but they understood not what things they were which He spake unto them. So, Jesus began to clarify the meaning of the parable. He said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- I AM THE DOOR of the sheep. All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them." (John 10:7-8)
"I AM THE DOOR. By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly. I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD. The good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (John 10:9-11)
"But he that is an hireling," said Jesus, "and not the Shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. The hireling flees because he is an hireling, and cares not for the sheep." (John 10:12-13)
"I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd." (John 10:14-16)
Did you catch that? One Fold. One Shepherd.
And who is the Shepherd? Jesus the Christ.
How do we know? Jesus tells us so.
"Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father." (John 10:17-18)
The problem that the religious culture of that time, and similarly, the modern day religious culture of this day is that neither chose to believe the words and/or witness of Jesus, as stated. Indeed, as a consequence of Jesus' teachings, there was yet another division among the Jews. Many accused Jesus of having a devil, and being mad." (John 10:19-22)
Sadly, the same thing is happening today, but instead of accusing Jesus outright of not being who He said He was, modern day religion is diligently trying to replace "One fold" and "One Shepherd" -- Jesus -- with a man-made doctrine referred to as the "five-fold" ministry. To justify this teaching, the religious culture tends to rely on two scriptures -- I Corinthians 12:28-30 and Ephesians 4:11-12.
"And God hath set some in the church -- first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [Are] all apostles. [Are] all prophets. [Are] all teachers. [Are] all workers of miracles. Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
"And He gave some apostles and some prophets and some evangelists and some pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12)
There are a couple of issues with this. First, as one can easily see, there are more than "five" ministries cited between these two scriptural passage -- without taking into consideration that Jesus also said to each and every one of His chosen, "I have chosen you, and ordained you." (John 15:16) Second, Jesus is the One and Only Shepherd, the Chief Cornerstone, the Head of the body of Christ. (Colossians 1:18; Third, as Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ points out -- "those [members] of the body which we think to be less honourable" we are to "bestow more abundant honour, and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely [parts] have no need, but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked." (I Corinthians 12:23-24)
Too often, we hear from those who want to assert themselves as apostle, prophet and/or pastor, without these recognizing that the scriptures state we are to bestow MORE honour on those members of the body who lack.
Again, Jesus said, "I have chosen you and ordained you." (John 15:16)
"Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you." (John 15:16)
In other words, there is a reason Jesus is the One Shepherd of One Fold. That is, so that we are not carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led -- as was the case when we were Gentiles. "Wherefore, I give you to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (I Corinthians 12:1-3)
And thus, likewise, no one can distract us from the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His life so that we might experience His abundance of love and grace.
I will leave this teaching here. A more comprehensive review of this message on One Shepherd -- One Fold will be provided tomorrow. For now, please take this opportunity to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42) Time is short.
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus the Christ.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Saturday, July 11, 2015
What Is The Fellowship of The Mystery, Which From the Beginning of the World Was Hid In God - Part 1152
"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 might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:9-11)
No opinions. No need to debate. Why? Because the same Word of God that has stood the test of time is still the Word of God today. Unchanging, in spite of the worldly attempts to revise the scriptures. Moreover, Jesus - who is the same yesterday, today, and forever spake these words just before the cross -- "I have given them Thy Word ... Sanctify them through thy truth: Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
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)
"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself ..." (Ephesians 1:9)
No opinions. No need to debate. Why? Because the same Word of God that has stood the test of time is still the Word of God today. Unchanging, in spite of the worldly attempts to revise the scriptures. Moreover, Jesus - who is the same yesterday, today, and forever spake these words just before the cross -- "I have given them Thy Word ... Sanctify them through thy truth: Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
Thy Word is truth.
Thy Word is our bread and wine.
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and He was the priest of the most high God." (Genesis 14:18-20)
"So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest, but He that said unto Him, "Thou Art My Son, Today Have I Begotten Thee." As He saith also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared; though He were a Son, yet learned He of obedience by the things which He suffered, and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him -- called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:5-10)
"So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest, but He that said unto Him, "Thou Art My Son, Today Have I Begotten Thee." As He saith also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared; though He were a Son, yet learned He of obedience by the things which He suffered, and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him -- called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:5-10)
"After the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:10)
"For it became Him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings, for both He that sanctified all of one; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: "I will declare Thy name unto my brethren. In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee." (Hebrews 2:10-12)
This is why it is so critical that we understand who Jesus is.
"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 but His own received Him not." (John 1:1-18)
"Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world."
Then said they unto him, "Lord, evermore give us this bread." And Jesus said unto them, "I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:32-35)
It was not a dream that God had but the mystery of godliness that was hid in God from the beginning of the world. Those who claim otherwise either do not understand the mystery that was hid in God from the beginning of the world, and therefore, use another approach to justify their false teachings, or they are -- as Jesus points out -- sadly, serving the father which is of this earth.
But Jesus said nothing would be hid from those whom He has chosen and ordained. Take time to study the following scriptures (and others as this list is far from exhaustive) as doth a workman, rightly discerning what is right and true. Remember, Thy Word is Truth, and as believers we are sanctified through Thy Word. Eat of the bread today, and drink of the wine that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ has prepared for us. Stand in the offering plate.
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 Jesus said to them, "Unto you it is been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but unto those them that are without, all things come in parables ... " (Mark 4:11)
"For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in." (Romans 11:25)
"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began." (Romans 16:25)
"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory ..." (I Corinthians 2:7)
"Behold, I shew you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed ..." (I Corinthians 15:51)
"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself ..." (Ephesians 1:9)
"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 3:3-4)
"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 ..." (Ephesians 3:9)
"This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:32)
"And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel ..." (Ephesians 6:19)
"The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints. To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you -- the hope of glory. " (Colossians 1:26-27)
"That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)
"Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds ..." (Colossians 4:3)
"Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." (I Timothy 3:9)
"The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches." (Revelation 1:20)
"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:7)
Friday, July 10, 2015
There Is No Other Water Baptism Besides Repenting and Being Baptized in the Name of Jesus - Part 1151
Ask yourself these questions pertaining to water baptism. Please note that these scriptural references are freely given so that you also may benefit from God's glorious redemption message.
To recap, most of the so-called churches in today's world preach and practice in some form or another Matthew 28:19. Indeed, religion and church-anity hinge their teachings on water baptism to this one specific verse. It states in part, "Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
Also note that when it comes to baptism, some churches sprinkle water on the recipient, others splash water, others submerse individuals totally in water while still others cover you with a plastic covering pouring water onto the plastic. This latter practice is supposed to represent the children of Israel passing through the river, whereby no one got wet.
What we are endeavouring to do here is to compare the current 21st century practices to the scriptures. The first point that needs to be made is that the Matthew 28:19 reference was not in the original scriptures. Even the pope acknowledges this point. In fact, the scriptures were altered by the church fathers in Rome. We have elaborated on this point before. Instead of reiterating the same information again, we suggest reviewing earlier posts for the historical details, references and timelines.
It might also be pertinent here to think of the saying that actions speak louder than words. In the scriptures, there is no actual baptism where any believer in the early Christian assemblies were baptized using such a format. If baptism was to be rendered using the titles "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" then the apostles would have included this reference when they baptized new believers. The scriptures would also have made reference to the titles as well, beyond the "revised/added" Matthew 28:19. Again, Father is not a name. Son is not a name. Spirit is not a name. However, do not fret because there are no scriptural references to support baptism in the titles, or actual examples of believers baptized in the titles in the Bible.
What we do need to concern ourselves with is the deception that is leading people on a pathway opposite to what God originally commanded. It is this mindset that takes one back to the situation in the Garden of Eden, when satan boldly spoke contradictory words opposing what God had instructed Adam to do. Such is the case today where a lie continues rather than accurate scriptural references taking precedent.
Remember, believers were instructed to search the scriptures and know that "I am God." It is the Spirit of this one God that leads and guides us into all truth and brings all things to our remembrance ... whatsoever the Lord Himself spoke whilst walking in our midst -- as a Son!
Moreover, there is only one name given unto men whereby they can be saved. That name is JESUS. There is no salvation in ANY OTHER NAME. In the book of Acts, we find records of the actions of those who walked with Jesus and those words being confirmed by God’s own Spirit. All of the baptisms recorded in the scriptures are administered in the name of Jesus. Check these references for yourself.
While we are on this topic, we should also mention that there are some who suggest that being baptized is immaterial. In other words, one only has to accept Jesus crucifixion. They say they love God even up to the crucifixion. But in contrast to the scriptures, they then go on to state that there is no way that they are going to be buried into the symbolical watery grave. To say this suggests that they are willing to lay aside the Word of the Holy Spirit. They would rather teach as doctrine the commands of men, or historical traditions based on a textual revision that had no basis.
Still, it is your decision on the best way to deal with these revelations. From our perspective, the Holy Ghost made it clear what to do ... in Acts 2:37-44.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
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."
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation."
Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common ..." (Acts 2:37-44)
It is time for believers in Jesus Christ by faith to stop believing in the traditions of men and to begin obeying the scriptures as presented. Being baptized into JESUS death after one repents is the very next step.
"Lo, here is water!"
We are confident that when one is baptized in Jesus' name, God will resurrect YOU with His love and mercy and grace!
Be blessed as you move forward this day ... stand in the offering plate.
To recap, most of the so-called churches in today's world preach and practice in some form or another Matthew 28:19. Indeed, religion and church-anity hinge their teachings on water baptism to this one specific verse. It states in part, "Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
Also note that when it comes to baptism, some churches sprinkle water on the recipient, others splash water, others submerse individuals totally in water while still others cover you with a plastic covering pouring water onto the plastic. This latter practice is supposed to represent the children of Israel passing through the river, whereby no one got wet.
What we are endeavouring to do here is to compare the current 21st century practices to the scriptures. The first point that needs to be made is that the Matthew 28:19 reference was not in the original scriptures. Even the pope acknowledges this point. In fact, the scriptures were altered by the church fathers in Rome. We have elaborated on this point before. Instead of reiterating the same information again, we suggest reviewing earlier posts for the historical details, references and timelines.
It might also be pertinent here to think of the saying that actions speak louder than words. In the scriptures, there is no actual baptism where any believer in the early Christian assemblies were baptized using such a format. If baptism was to be rendered using the titles "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" then the apostles would have included this reference when they baptized new believers. The scriptures would also have made reference to the titles as well, beyond the "revised/added" Matthew 28:19. Again, Father is not a name. Son is not a name. Spirit is not a name. However, do not fret because there are no scriptural references to support baptism in the titles, or actual examples of believers baptized in the titles in the Bible.
What we do need to concern ourselves with is the deception that is leading people on a pathway opposite to what God originally commanded. It is this mindset that takes one back to the situation in the Garden of Eden, when satan boldly spoke contradictory words opposing what God had instructed Adam to do. Such is the case today where a lie continues rather than accurate scriptural references taking precedent.
Remember, believers were instructed to search the scriptures and know that "I am God." It is the Spirit of this one God that leads and guides us into all truth and brings all things to our remembrance ... whatsoever the Lord Himself spoke whilst walking in our midst -- as a Son!
Moreover, there is only one name given unto men whereby they can be saved. That name is JESUS. There is no salvation in ANY OTHER NAME. In the book of Acts, we find records of the actions of those who walked with Jesus and those words being confirmed by God’s own Spirit. All of the baptisms recorded in the scriptures are administered in the name of Jesus. Check these references for yourself.
While we are on this topic, we should also mention that there are some who suggest that being baptized is immaterial. In other words, one only has to accept Jesus crucifixion. They say they love God even up to the crucifixion. But in contrast to the scriptures, they then go on to state that there is no way that they are going to be buried into the symbolical watery grave. To say this suggests that they are willing to lay aside the Word of the Holy Spirit. They would rather teach as doctrine the commands of men, or historical traditions based on a textual revision that had no basis.
Still, it is your decision on the best way to deal with these revelations. From our perspective, the Holy Ghost made it clear what to do ... in Acts 2:37-44.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
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."
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation."
Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common ..." (Acts 2:37-44)
It is time for believers in Jesus Christ by faith to stop believing in the traditions of men and to begin obeying the scriptures as presented. Being baptized into JESUS death after one repents is the very next step.
"Lo, here is water!"
We are confident that when one is baptized in Jesus' name, God will resurrect YOU with His love and mercy and grace!
Be blessed as you move forward this day ... stand in the offering plate.
For Through Him We Both Have Access By ONE Spirit Unto the Father - Part 1150
"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)
"But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:30-31)
There was a time when we were all without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. BUT thankfully, "now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us], having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even the] law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace." (Ephesians 2:11-16
That He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh, for through Him we both have access by ONE Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:17-18)
"And such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the "name of the Lord Jesus" and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11)
Why? So that our hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love in the name of the Lord Jesus ... and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God -- and of the Father, and of Christ --- in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)
The mystery that is referred to herein is the first principles of the doctrine of Christ. (Hebrews 6:1) That is, "And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation ... for He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:19-21)
Paul did not write that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto themselves, as the trinitarian doctrine suggests but unto Himself. Singular. One Lord, One faith, One baptism.
The same God who created us in the beginning loved us enough to be made as one of us - taking on a sin-prone flesh and yet being without sin. What a contradiction for God to become our Saviour. And yet, He did.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. the same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made ... 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)
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled -- the Word of life. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it] and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you -- that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ,
Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner [stone], in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord ...
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:10-22)
Stand firm in the understanding that because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross, we are no more strangers and foreigners but rather fellow citizens with the saints, and, of the household of God. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18)
Stand in the offering plate today.
"But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:30-31)
There was a time when we were all without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. BUT thankfully, "now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us], having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even the] law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace." (Ephesians 2:11-16
That He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh, for through Him we both have access by ONE Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:17-18)
"And such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the "name of the Lord Jesus" and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11)
Why? So that our hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love in the name of the Lord Jesus ... and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God -- and of the Father, and of Christ --- in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)
The mystery that is referred to herein is the first principles of the doctrine of Christ. (Hebrews 6:1) That is, "And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation ... for He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:19-21)
Paul did not write that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto themselves, as the trinitarian doctrine suggests but unto Himself. Singular. One Lord, One faith, One baptism.
The same God who created us in the beginning loved us enough to be made as one of us - taking on a sin-prone flesh and yet being without sin. What a contradiction for God to become our Saviour. And yet, He did.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. the same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made ... 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)
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled -- the Word of life. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it] and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you -- that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ,
Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner [stone], in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord ...
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:10-22)
Stand firm in the understanding that because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross, we are no more strangers and foreigners but rather fellow citizens with the saints, and, of the household of God. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18)
Stand in the offering plate today.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Through Faith We Understand The Worlds Were Framed By The Word of God - Part 1149
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)
Often, we quote John 1:1-18, so that readers can understand the Godhead (the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Jesus the Christ) and know without a doubt that the trinity does not exist in the scriptures, and therefore, has become yet another man-made doctrine designed to deceive the masses big time. And sadly, it has had that impact among the modern day church community.
We were forewarned of these times. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world ..." (I John 4:1)
Jesus said, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, "I am Christ" and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:5)
Still, as we know from the record of John in Revelation, Jesus said to the church in Philadelphia, among others, "I know thy works. Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My name." (Revelation 3:8)
" ... and has kept My Word, and hast not denied My name."
His name is Jesus.
"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, [even] in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." (I John 5:20)
"These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth." (Revelation 3:7)
"For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and the government shall be on His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [His} government and peace, [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Who is the key of David?
"And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His shoulder, so he shall open, and none shall shut, and He shall shut, and none shall open." (Isaiah 22:22)
Jesus said, "And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:19)
Then charged He -- Jesus -- His disciples that they should tell no man that He WAS Jesus the Christ. (Matthew 16:20)
That is, as Peter said when the man who was lame from his mother's womb was healed ... "the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus -- whom ye delivered up and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when [Pilate] was determined to let [Him] go. But ye denied the Holy One, and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you. And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And His name through faith in His name hat made this man strong ..." (Acts 3:12-16)
Stephen, the table servant who was later stoned to death under the direction of Saul (later Paul) said, "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?" ... 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." (Acts 7:48-52)
"For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise -- for men verily swear by the greater; and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife ...
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
Indeed, "through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)
The greatest love story ever told, that the same Almighty God who created us in the beginning -- "all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made" -- loved us enough to be made flesh and dwell among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth). (John 1:1-18)
"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 1:10-11)
But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God. Become a partaker in His love today. Repent and be baptized in Jesus name -- the ONLY name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (John 1:12; Acts 4:12; Acts 2:37-42)
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Often, we quote John 1:1-18, so that readers can understand the Godhead (the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Jesus the Christ) and know without a doubt that the trinity does not exist in the scriptures, and therefore, has become yet another man-made doctrine designed to deceive the masses big time. And sadly, it has had that impact among the modern day church community.
We were forewarned of these times. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world ..." (I John 4:1)
Jesus said, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, "I am Christ" and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:5)
Still, as we know from the record of John in Revelation, Jesus said to the church in Philadelphia, among others, "I know thy works. Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My name." (Revelation 3:8)
" ... and has kept My Word, and hast not denied My name."
His name is Jesus.
"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, [even] in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." (I John 5:20)
"These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth." (Revelation 3:7)
"For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and the government shall be on His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [His} government and peace, [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Who is the key of David?
"And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His shoulder, so he shall open, and none shall shut, and He shall shut, and none shall open." (Isaiah 22:22)
Jesus said, "And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:19)
Then charged He -- Jesus -- His disciples that they should tell no man that He WAS Jesus the Christ. (Matthew 16:20)
That is, as Peter said when the man who was lame from his mother's womb was healed ... "the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus -- whom ye delivered up and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when [Pilate] was determined to let [Him] go. But ye denied the Holy One, and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you. And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And His name through faith in His name hat made this man strong ..." (Acts 3:12-16)
Stephen, the table servant who was later stoned to death under the direction of Saul (later Paul) said, "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?" ... 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." (Acts 7:48-52)
"For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise -- for men verily swear by the greater; and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife ...
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
Indeed, "through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)
The greatest love story ever told, that the same Almighty God who created us in the beginning -- "all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made" -- loved us enough to be made flesh and dwell among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth). (John 1:1-18)
"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 1:10-11)
But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God. Become a partaker in His love today. Repent and be baptized in Jesus name -- the ONLY name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (John 1:12; Acts 4:12; Acts 2:37-42)
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
For Consider Him That Endured Such Contradiction of Sinners Against Himself- Part 1148
"For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus
Christ's." (Philippians 2:21)
This appears to be the norm in the world. Seeking the things
of the earth rather than the heavenly. But all this changes for the better when
we repent of our sin and are then baptized in the name of Jesus. Our hearts
change. In fact, the spirit in our minds are renewed. (Ephesians 4:23) This
explains why believers no longer desire to conform to this world, but rather
are transformed by the renewing of their mind -- "that ye may prove what
[is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)
Note that this last scripture does not just suggest proving what
is good, and acceptable, and the perfect will of God -- which believers can expect -- but "that ye may
prove WHAT IS THAT GOOD -- AND ACCEPTABLE -- AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD."
In other words, when we ask the Lord Jesus to fill our
hearts and minds with His purposes, He begins to guide our steps. It is herein
that He doesn't just give us what is good, but what is "that" good. Isaiah scribed -- "They
that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with
wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not
faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
Why? Because when we ask Jesus into our heart, we become
clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. Clothed completely in His garment --
having received the gift of the Holy Ghost. And, as a consequence, we find
ourselves no longer doing things through strife and vain glory but in lowliness
of mind. Indeed, we learn how to esteem each other better than ourselves,
having "put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the
image of Him that created him ... but Christ [is] all, and in all. Put on
therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness,
humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering ..." (Philippians 2:3;
Colossians 3:10-12)
This is why Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me,
for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For
My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Think about this for a moment. Here is the Lord God Almighty
-- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the
King of kings and Lord of lords inviting us into His peace and joy and yet we
somehow believe the world has something better to offer?
How misunderstood our Lord God and Saviour must be, and His desire
to enter into a personal relationship with His children. Herein, the same God
who created man in His own image wants to commune with us in the cool of the afternoon. So much so, that He
who knew no sin became a contradiction when He became sin for you and I.
"For consider Him that endured such contradiction of
sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
(Hebrews 12:3)
This same God Almighty clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh, and then
willingly shed His precious holy blood on the cross. He sanctified us with His body
broken so that we might experience His grace. He sanctified us with the blood He shed for us. Sanctified through Thy Word ... Thy Word being truth. (John 17:17)
This is why we are equally willing to "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." (Philippians 2:10-11)
"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that Thou stir up
the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." (II
Timothy 1:6)
Consider how critical knowing our eternal destiny is,
because eternity is such a long time to get the salvation message wrong. Trust Jesus today. Repent
and be baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:37-42) Let Him fill you with
the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Comforter. The Counselor. Jesus through the Holy Ghost commanding us in the same way that Jesus commanded His apostles.
Jesus said, "I have chosen you and ordained you." Therefore, study His Word so that you will understand the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, before moving on to understanding the breadth and depth of His grace.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-18)
Jesus said, "I have chosen you and ordained you." Therefore, study His Word so that you will understand the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, before moving on to understanding the breadth and depth of His grace.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-18)
"Those things which ye have both learned, and received,
and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you ..."
(Philippians 4:9-10)
Stand in the offering plate.
"Every One Of You" Still Means Every One of You In the Name of Jesus - Part 1147
"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Here 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. Here 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. Here 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.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Nothing Shall Separate Us From the Love of God Which Is In Christ Jesus Our Lord - Part 1146
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which
are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of
sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)
Why? "For what the Law could not do, in that it was
weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful
flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh -- that the righteousness of the
law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but
they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually
minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it
is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are
in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:3-8)
But herein is the hope of those who believe in Jesus the
Christ by faith, and have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, seeking
His righteousness, studying His Word, and following Jesus as a disciple in
training -- these are set free from the law of sin and death. (Acts 2:37-42)
That is -- "ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the
Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the
Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8:9-10)
There are several ways to look at this scripture. First,
when Christ lives within us, we are clothed in His righteousness. His garment
of love and grace sanctified us when His blood was shed on the cross, and His
body broken for you and I. As such, we become complete with His desires. His
purposes regenerating and renewing us by faith.
But that is not all.
We are also instructed that when we believe in Jesus by
faith, and are baptized in His name, we are no longer in the flesh, but in the
Spirit. But as indicated in the first part of this scripture -- only if the
Spirit of God dwell in you. Note too this scripture
states: "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of
His." Then, as if understanding was not enough, the scripture goes on to
state: "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the
Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8:9-10)
I can hear you already saying -- we don't have two Spirits.
And yet, the Spirit of God must dwell in us as well as the Spirit of Christ
according to Romans 8:10. So what does all this mean? Well, you are right. We
do not have two Spirits. There is only One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.
(Ephesians 4:5-6)
So, do you remember what Jesus said to His disciples before
Judas betrayed Him? He told His disciples that He must go before the
Comforter -- the Holy Ghost -- can come. (John 14:26; John 16:7) Jesus also told
His disciples He and His Father are One. (John 10:30) Indeed, Jesus said, if
you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. (John 14:9)
Jesus said, "But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy
Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
(John 14:26)
Jesus said, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I
will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth
from the Father, He shall testify of Me .." (John 15:26)
Jesus said, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is
expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not
come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." (John 16:7)
In other words, "if the Spirit of Him that raised up
Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall
also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you."
(Romans 8:11)
Who is the Spirit referred to throughout Romans 8? The Holy
Ghost -- which one receives when they repent of their sin (asking Jesus for
forgiveness) and are baptized in Jesus name. The one and only who had
overshadowed Mary so that she would be found with child. Call Him Jesus. His
name Emmanuel meaning "God with us". (Matthew 1:21-23)
How do we know? Because on the day of Pentecost apostle
Peter (standing with the eleven) said unto the first 3,000 to be saved in this
new dispensation of grace, "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 2:37-42)
This is why "therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh ... for if ye live after the flesh, ye
shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye
shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of
God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to
fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, "Abba,
Father." The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the
children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs
with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified
together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are
not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the
earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason
of Him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also
shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in
pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the
first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting
for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope:
but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why doth he yet hope
for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know
not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that
searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit -- because He makes
intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He
did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son,
that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and
whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also
glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,
who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for
us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay
anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifies.
Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, yea rather,
that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes
intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword?
As it is written, "For thy sake we are killed all the
day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things
we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us
from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:12-39)
Is there anything else that can be added to the abundance of
promises in Romans 8? More than we can ever imagine. Still, stand in the offering plate with our Lord God
and Saviour Jesus the Christ, and let Him fill you with His Spirit -- the Holy
Ghost.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Jesus Being the Word / Wisdom of God Veiled In Flesh - 1145
The SEED of promised blessing is to be enjoyed in JESUS the Christ. The SEED being JESUS the Christ and being clearly presented by Paul in Galatians. Paul was inspired by the Spirit of God and as a consequence, revealed the afore-hid mysteries of God. These are the same mysteries that were hid from ages past, now being revealed by God for the edification of His Redeemed body! (The Church)
As the scriptures state, there is only one body and only one Spirit. The Church (being the redeemed believers take their place as members in the body of JESUS (the Christ) which body is the temple. The only temple, according to the scriptures in which the Spirit of God is pleased to dwell.
For believers having been baptized into JESUS the Christ have put on JESUS (Christ!). For in JESUS the Christ is the righteousness of God revealed. When JESUS was baptized in water by John the baptist, John said to JESUS, "It is me that needs to be baptized by you and here you are coming to me." JESUS replied to John stating, “It becomes us to fulfill all righteousness." This is why JESUS stepped into the water and was subsequently baptized by John.
John was a man sent of God as a forerunner to JESUS. Front page news in those days. John was sent of God and JESUS being the WORD/ WISDOM of God was veiled in flesh as one of Adam’s fallen offspring. JESUS as a man obediently obeyed God’s command and by so doing proclaimed the righteousness of God.
John proclaimed that JESUS was the Lamb of God. And that God Himself provided the sacrificial lamb. Indeed, there was to be no other sacrifice for sin. God is preparing to sacrifice His own body. Imagine, the same God who created us loved us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His body. Once and only once. And in so doing, ensured that no other sacrifice was needed. That is right, There is no more sacrificial offering for sin. Our salvation was PAID IN FULL.
The church then (being the redeemed believers purchased back to God as a result of God laying down His own life as a Son) now being Fathered by God in a Son’s body. It was that body prone to sin yet found sinless that was sacrificed and cursed by God.
God Himself as a Son (lamb) bore our sins in His own body crucified on a tree. (JESUS being the tree of life). Look to Me all you people for I Am God and beside Me there is no Saviour.
As many as received JESUS, to them JESUS gave power(or the right) to become the sons of God. It is by the Grace of God that we are redeemed and delivered from the bondage of sin. We are not saved by works. For if works were sufficient to deliver man from sin then there was no need for the lamb of God to be sacrificed.
But JESUS is the Shepherd of God’s sheep. All who believe and follow in His Words of Wisdom shall not walk in darkness, for JESUS is the Light that lightens.
Further, JESUS died the just for the unjust. The Spirit of God having laid upon His Son the iniquity of all. Herein, perceive we the Love of God. For in that one sacrifice, we ought to clearly see that God has went to unbelievable lengths to rescue us. To save us. To walk with us. There is therefore no condemnation to all those who believe! However, the wrath of God hangs over others who shun this one way of salvation!
May God richly bless with peace! Stand in the offering plate.
As the scriptures state, there is only one body and only one Spirit. The Church (being the redeemed believers take their place as members in the body of JESUS (the Christ) which body is the temple. The only temple, according to the scriptures in which the Spirit of God is pleased to dwell.
For believers having been baptized into JESUS the Christ have put on JESUS (Christ!). For in JESUS the Christ is the righteousness of God revealed. When JESUS was baptized in water by John the baptist, John said to JESUS, "It is me that needs to be baptized by you and here you are coming to me." JESUS replied to John stating, “It becomes us to fulfill all righteousness." This is why JESUS stepped into the water and was subsequently baptized by John.
John was a man sent of God as a forerunner to JESUS. Front page news in those days. John was sent of God and JESUS being the WORD/ WISDOM of God was veiled in flesh as one of Adam’s fallen offspring. JESUS as a man obediently obeyed God’s command and by so doing proclaimed the righteousness of God.
John proclaimed that JESUS was the Lamb of God. And that God Himself provided the sacrificial lamb. Indeed, there was to be no other sacrifice for sin. God is preparing to sacrifice His own body. Imagine, the same God who created us loved us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His body. Once and only once. And in so doing, ensured that no other sacrifice was needed. That is right, There is no more sacrificial offering for sin. Our salvation was PAID IN FULL.
The church then (being the redeemed believers purchased back to God as a result of God laying down His own life as a Son) now being Fathered by God in a Son’s body. It was that body prone to sin yet found sinless that was sacrificed and cursed by God.
God Himself as a Son (lamb) bore our sins in His own body crucified on a tree. (JESUS being the tree of life). Look to Me all you people for I Am God and beside Me there is no Saviour.
As many as received JESUS, to them JESUS gave power(or the right) to become the sons of God. It is by the Grace of God that we are redeemed and delivered from the bondage of sin. We are not saved by works. For if works were sufficient to deliver man from sin then there was no need for the lamb of God to be sacrificed.
But JESUS is the Shepherd of God’s sheep. All who believe and follow in His Words of Wisdom shall not walk in darkness, for JESUS is the Light that lightens.
Further, JESUS died the just for the unjust. The Spirit of God having laid upon His Son the iniquity of all. Herein, perceive we the Love of God. For in that one sacrifice, we ought to clearly see that God has went to unbelievable lengths to rescue us. To save us. To walk with us. There is therefore no condemnation to all those who believe! However, the wrath of God hangs over others who shun this one way of salvation!
May God richly bless with peace! Stand in the offering plate.
For Our Gospel Came Not Unto You in Word Only - Part 1144
"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." (Philippians 4:7)
THROUGH Jesus Christ because He is both our Lord and Saviour.
"But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen." (II Peter 3:18)
THROUGH Jesus Christ because He is both Lord and Christ.
"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)
THROUGH Jesus Christ because He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13-21)
"Jesus saith unto him, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6)
THROUGH Jesus Christ because He is both our Lord and Saviour.
"But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen." (II Peter 3:18)
THROUGH Jesus Christ because He is both Lord and Christ.
"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)
THROUGH Jesus Christ because He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13-21)
THROUGH Jesus Christ because He and the Father are one.
Jesus said, "I and my Father are one." Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, "Many good works have I shewed you from My Father; for which of those works do ye stone Me?" The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God." (John 10:30-33)
THROUGH Jesus Christ because He is our Rock and Salvation.
THROUGH Jesus Christ because He has made us free from the law of sin and death ... that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us. (Romans 8:1-4)
THROUGH Jesus Christ for He who knew no sin sanctified and cleansed us with the washing of water by the Word -- and by His own blood, "that He might present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:26-27; Hebrews 13:12)
THROUGH Jesus Christ "for it became Him for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings, for both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren." (Hebrews 2:10-11)
THROUGH Jesus Christ for He is the Head of the Church, the Chief Cornerstone, the Rock of Ages. (Colossians 1:18; I Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:23; Matthew 16:13-20)
"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 3:11)
When we repent and are water baptized in the name of Jesus, we receive His cloak of righteousness. The Comforter -- the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of truth of which Jesus said to His disciples, "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." (John 14:5-21; Acts 2:37-42)
This is why Jesus told His disciples, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:7)
As well, Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, being [yet] present with you. But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)
And then in the same teaching just before the cross, Jesus said, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me, and ye also shall bear witness because ye have been with Me from the beginning." (John 15:26)
THROUGH Jesus Christ because if we believe that Jesus is the Christ -- God Almighty clothed in a sin-prone flesh body, we might have life through His name. (John 1:1-18; John 20:31; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)
"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5:11)
Yes, through Jesus the Christ because He who knew no sin became sin for us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own but His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18)
This is why "we then as workers together [with Him] beseech you also that ye received not the grace of God in vain (For He saith, "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation). Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed, but in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true; as unknown and yet well known; as dying and behold, we live; as chastened and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:1-13)
Take hold of Jesus' truths today. And therefore, being justified by faith, know that 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 ... for when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:1-21)
Don't be like those of which the prophet Isaiah writes: "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children [that] will not hear the law of the Lord, which say to the seers -- "See not" -- and to the prophets -- "Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits" .... because you despise this Word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon." (Isaiah 30:9-11)
Rather, "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, and whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the Name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him" (Colossians 3:15-17)
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Take hold of Jesus' truths today. And therefore, being justified by faith, know that 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 ... for when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:1-21)
Don't be like those of which the prophet Isaiah writes: "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children [that] will not hear the law of the Lord, which say to the seers -- "See not" -- and to the prophets -- "Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits" .... because you despise this Word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon." (Isaiah 30:9-11)
Rather, "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, and whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the Name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him" (Colossians 3:15-17)
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
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