"And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)
The scripture is clear. Why then is the world so determined to believe in any god (including the "spirit" which is really one's own spirit manifesting itself) rather than just believe that the name of JESUS is the ONLY name whereby we can be saved? Certainly, the apostles knew the name JESUS was above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) The apostles also recognized the name of JESUS -- as the ONLY name whereby salvation could be found. (Acts 4:12)
Why are the scriptures written this way? So that we too could understand that there is only one way to heaven, and that is through the name of JESUS.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
"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." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
"Jesus said, "For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28)
And yet, in spite of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, the heart's desire of men (particularly in recent days) is to seek another just like the Israelite' did. The Israelites could not (would not) believe that Almighty God would come in the form of a man. And, sadly, in so doing, they reject the same Lord God who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:11)
"He was in the world and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not." (John 1:1-18)
Apostle Peter (standing with the eleven) clarified the Godhead when he said on the day of Pentecost the message that led to 3,000 men finding salvation. He said:
"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This JESUS hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received the promise of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens, but He saith Himself, "The Lord said unto my Lord, sit Thou on My right hand until I make Thy foes Thy footstool.'" (Acts 2:29-35)
Because of these scriptures, the religious culture does not accept that Jesus the Christ is God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
The religious community stops short of finishing the message by Peter and the eleven other apostles. Still, Peter did not stop speaking here. Peter went on to say, "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made this same Jesus -- whom ye have crucified -- BOTH LORD AND CHRIST." (Acts 2:36)
Read that again.
"Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made this same Jesus -- whom ye have crucified -- BOTH LORD AND CHRIST." (Acts 2:36)
And when the 3,000 plus then asked Peter, "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."
Not a spirit but the Spirit who will lead and guide you into all truth, in the same way as Jesus (after being taken up) through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen -- to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining of the kingdom of God ... but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith He] "ye have heard of Me, for John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)
And when the Holy Ghost (the same Holy Ghost that overshadowed Mary so that "holy thing" could be brought into this world) is come upon you, then shall you become witnesses of Me. Who is speaking here? Jesus the Christ.
Not another spirit but the one and only Spirit who loved us even before the world was formed.
One Lord, One faith, One baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-6) In earlier renditions of this same scripture, this verse states: "One Lord, one belief, one immersion." (Ephesians 4:5-6) Both culminate in the same message except that the latter translation dictates even more so that there is only one baptism. That is, water baptism. Being buried with Christ by immersion. Not sprinkled, but buried with Him in His death and resurrected into a new life.
"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 also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)
"For by ONE Spirit are we all baptized into One body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free, and have been all made to drink into ONE Spirit." (I Corinthians 12:13)
And the Head of the body of Christ is JESUS. He is our husband. Not three husbands as religion would have you believe but one husband, who is returning soon to take His bride. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13; Revelation 21:6)
"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 2:9)
In other words, Jesus was the ONLY name whereby the apostles water baptized new believers. (Acts 2:37-42) Jesus was the ONLY name whereby healing could occur. Jesus is the only name whereby we can be saved. JESUS is the ONLY name whereby demons can be cast out, and the dead made alive. There is no contradiction in the scriptures. How do we know this? Because God is not the author of confusion.
It is us who has to shed our religious baggage and clothe ourselves in His righteousness. The first step is to repent, and then to be baptized into His name -- the precious name of Jesus -- thus, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
"In My name" shall ye do these things, and even greater, because I go to the Father. No longer human and divine as He was on earth but once again the King of kings and Lord of lords.
"And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them." (John 17:26)
This is why Jesus had to go away so that the Comforter could come. In fact, Jesus said it was expedient for you and I that He 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)
Not another Spirit. Not a second person within the Godhead, but Jesus Himself, in whom the fullness of all the Godhead dwelt.
"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)
"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 3:17)
It is time to get rid of the religious baggage that entangles and binds us into the doctrines and traditions of men. This is why Jesus said, "If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin, but now they have no cloke for their sin." (John 15:22)
This is why we must be clothed in His righteousness, buried with Him in water baptism, and resurrected so that we might know the one and only true God. His name is Jesus. (John 17:3)
"He that overcometh the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot His name out of the book of life ..." (Revelation 3:5)
Behold, Jesus has set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it, for thou hast a little strength, and has kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name. (Revelation 3:7-9)
"As ye have therefore received CHRIST JESUS the LORD, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving..." (Colossians 2:5-6)
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
As Ye Have Therefore Received Christ Jesus the Lord, So Walk Ye In Him -- Part 1162
"Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:4)
Sadly, in these last days, it is the "name of Jesus" that produces offence, even within the church community. Indeed, there appears to be a religious and/or spiritual disconnect from understanding what the scriptures actually saith. That is, "at the name of JESUS, every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11) Instead, too many believers desire to praise God through another name taken from the old covenant, rather than uphold the one and only name wherein we received Christ Jesus the Lord by faith into our hearts.
What a travesty that we are not only willing to be misled, but willingly follow along because some man asserts a self-proclaimed authority, without any scriptural basis in which to found his man-made doctrines and traditions of men.
Nevertheless, regardless of their motives, no one should have to sacrifice eternity because there are those within congregations who willingly deny the name of Jesus. Those who want to add "another name" to their worship rather than align their praise to the only name in this dispensation of grace, whereby men and women must be saved. This is why Paul wrote "rejoice in the Lord." (Philippians 3:1) Paul did not write -- rejoice in the trinity, or a tri-une God, or God in three persons. He said, "Rejoice in the Lord." The same one God who loved us enough to be made as one of us, and to shed His precious blood on the cross so that we might have life. (John 1:1-18)
Apostle Paul warned us of those who would do anything to hijack the name of Jesus from the forefront. He wrote: "beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision." Why?
Because, as Paul states, "we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh ... I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith -- that I might know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings ..." (Philippians 3:2-10)
That I might know Him -- the one and only God who became our Saviour.
"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no God but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)
"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:1-3)
This is why John wrote -- "These things have I written unto you that believe on the "name" of the Son of God -- that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the "name" of the Son of God." (I John 5:13)
In this current dispensation of grace (whereby the gift of salvation has been extended to the Gentiles too), our heavenly Father has given us a "new name" in which to worship Him. A name that is ABOVE every other name. A name far too costly for us to deserve, and yet because of a love that surpasses all understanding, God Himself (who knew no sin) became sin for you and I. His precious blood shed on the cross so that we could receive the Spirit of Jesus within, being clothed in His garment of righteousness.
"This is He that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ -- not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost, AND THESE THREE ARE ONE." (I John 5:6-7)
"Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted Him, and given HIM a NAME which is ABOVE every name." (Philippians 2:9)
A name that does not compete for jurisdiction and authority with any other name that God previously assigned to Himself in the old covenant.
"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)
"But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on His name ..." (John 1:12)
Sadly, in these last days, it is the "name of Jesus" that produces offence, even within the church community. Indeed, there appears to be a religious and/or spiritual disconnect from understanding what the scriptures actually saith. That is, "at the name of JESUS, every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11) Instead, too many believers desire to praise God through another name taken from the old covenant, rather than uphold the one and only name wherein we received Christ Jesus the Lord by faith into our hearts.
What a travesty that we are not only willing to be misled, but willingly follow along because some man asserts a self-proclaimed authority, without any scriptural basis in which to found his man-made doctrines and traditions of men.
Nevertheless, regardless of their motives, no one should have to sacrifice eternity because there are those within congregations who willingly deny the name of Jesus. Those who want to add "another name" to their worship rather than align their praise to the only name in this dispensation of grace, whereby men and women must be saved. This is why Paul wrote "rejoice in the Lord." (Philippians 3:1) Paul did not write -- rejoice in the trinity, or a tri-une God, or God in three persons. He said, "Rejoice in the Lord." The same one God who loved us enough to be made as one of us, and to shed His precious blood on the cross so that we might have life. (John 1:1-18)
Apostle Paul warned us of those who would do anything to hijack the name of Jesus from the forefront. He wrote: "beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision." Why?
Because, as Paul states, "we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh ... I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith -- that I might know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings ..." (Philippians 3:2-10)
That I might know Him -- the one and only God who became our Saviour.
"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no God but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)
"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:1-3)
This is why John wrote -- "These things have I written unto you that believe on the "name" of the Son of God -- that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the "name" of the Son of God." (I John 5:13)
In this current dispensation of grace (whereby the gift of salvation has been extended to the Gentiles too), our heavenly Father has given us a "new name" in which to worship Him. A name that is ABOVE every other name. A name far too costly for us to deserve, and yet because of a love that surpasses all understanding, God Himself (who knew no sin) became sin for you and I. His precious blood shed on the cross so that we could receive the Spirit of Jesus within, being clothed in His garment of righteousness.
"This is He that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ -- not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost, AND THESE THREE ARE ONE." (I John 5:6-7)
"Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted Him, and given HIM a NAME which is ABOVE every name." (Philippians 2:9)
A name that does not compete for jurisdiction and authority with any other name that God previously assigned to Himself in the old covenant.
"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)
"But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on His name ..." (John 1:12)
"He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18)
And this is His commandment, "That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment." (I John 3:23)
"For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, "Say not in thine heart, "Who shall ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, "Who shall descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? "The Word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the Word of faith, which we preach; "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him." For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:5-13)
Therefore, "as ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him." Be baptized in water in the precious name of Jesus, as every single believer was in the new testament. Only then shall ye receive His precious gift, the gift of the Holy Ghost -- Jesus within. Then will the scales fall from your eyes and you too will understand that His Word, the scriptures, reveal the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world.
"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)
In the old, God said unto Moses, "I AM That I AM" and He said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, "I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14) Jesus confirmed this same identifying name in the new testament when He said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)
"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)
In the old, God said unto Moses, "I AM That I AM" and He said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, "I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14) Jesus confirmed this same identifying name in the new testament when He said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)
One Lord, One faith, One baptism.
Stand in the offering plate.
Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, July 24, 2015
The Lamb Shall Overcome Them For He Is Lord of lords and King of kings - Part 1161
Considerable air time is being devoted to the subject of end times these days. No longer are the warnings being issued from non-accredited news sources, but now we see long-serving, credible news agencies proclaiming a similar message. So, what is happening right now?
For a long time, I have referred to Revelation 17 and 18 (among others) because I believe these chapters provide informed insight into the world in which we live and the signs of the times that we are currently experiencing. We already know that the world economy runs on merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones, and fine linen, and flour and wheat, and wine and oil, to name a few. (Revelation 18:12-14)And, unlike any civilized time before now, the economic system is inextricably intertwined on a world wide basis.
As believers in Jesus the Christ, we are also aware that within the religious system, a woman sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy will take on a higher profile on the world scene. This woman will be arrayed in purple and scarlet colour and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of fornication, and upon her forehead a name written, "Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth." (Revelation 17:3-9)
"How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her, for she saith in her heart, "I sit a queen and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow." (Revelation 18:7)
Politically, "all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of delicacies." In other words, the kings of the earth have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, all the while she repeatedly exalts herself above Almighty God.
And as John writes, "here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings; five are fallen, and one is. and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb ..." (Revelation 17:9-14)
And the angel said unto John, "The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate, and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill His will, and to agree, and to give their kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:15-18)
Nevertheless, as believers in Jesus the Christ, we know that the Lamb shall overcome them, "for He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and they that are with Him called, and chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)
Even when "the woman is drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus ..." (Revelation 17:6)
This is why we need to hearken to the voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven and God hath remembered her iniquities. (Revelation 18:4-5)
Instead, we are to remember the church in Philadelphia of whom the Lord Jesus says, "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 3:9)
Who is saying this? "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)
"The Holy One and the Just." (Acts 3:14)
"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)
"Of the increase of [His] government and peace, [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:7) Just before this, Isaiah clarified who was being referred to here. "For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"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 say also unto thee, thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then charged He His disciples that they should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ." (Matthew 16:13-19)
Still, Peter opened the key on the day of Pentecost, when he told 3,000 plus that in order to be saved, they had to first repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, so that you too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
Peter preaching said, "For David speaketh concerning Him, "I foresaw the Lord always before My face, for He is on my right hand that I should not be moved. Therefore did My heart rejoice, and My tongue was glad. Moreover, also My flesh shall rest in hope; because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to Me the ways of life. Thou shalt make Me full of joy with Thy countenance."
"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore, being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne.
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens, but He saith Himself, "The Lord said unto My Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand until I make Thy foes Thy footstool." 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 2:25-36)
This is why we can start "looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ -- who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14)
Indeed, our blessed hope is the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus the Christ -- He -- singular -- gave Himself for us. so that He -- singular -- might redeem us from all iniquity. So that He -- singular -- could purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
One final note. If you are concerned about what is happening in the world, ask Jesus to provide you with His insight. Seek His Word for wisdom, studying diligently as a workman to show thyself approved. In fact, maybe this is a good time to start taking your Bible everywhere you go.
"But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:20-21)
If you haven't repented of your sin and been water baptized by full immersion in the precious name of Jesus Christ, now would be a good time to do so. Just like the first 3,000 on the day of Pentecost. "Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized ... and they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:37-42)
Remember too that Jesus gave us His blessing in Revelation, when He said, "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee ..." (Revelation 3:9)
Keep His Word in your heart. And do not deny His name. The precious name of Jesus. Why? Because -- "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)
Time is short. Stand in the offering plate.
For a long time, I have referred to Revelation 17 and 18 (among others) because I believe these chapters provide informed insight into the world in which we live and the signs of the times that we are currently experiencing. We already know that the world economy runs on merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones, and fine linen, and flour and wheat, and wine and oil, to name a few. (Revelation 18:12-14)And, unlike any civilized time before now, the economic system is inextricably intertwined on a world wide basis.
As believers in Jesus the Christ, we are also aware that within the religious system, a woman sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy will take on a higher profile on the world scene. This woman will be arrayed in purple and scarlet colour and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of fornication, and upon her forehead a name written, "Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth." (Revelation 17:3-9)
"How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her, for she saith in her heart, "I sit a queen and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow." (Revelation 18:7)
Politically, "all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of delicacies." In other words, the kings of the earth have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, all the while she repeatedly exalts herself above Almighty God.
And as John writes, "here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings; five are fallen, and one is. and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb ..." (Revelation 17:9-14)
And the angel said unto John, "The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate, and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill His will, and to agree, and to give their kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:15-18)
Nevertheless, as believers in Jesus the Christ, we know that the Lamb shall overcome them, "for He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and they that are with Him called, and chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)
Even when "the woman is drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus ..." (Revelation 17:6)
This is why we need to hearken to the voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven and God hath remembered her iniquities. (Revelation 18:4-5)
Instead, we are to remember the church in Philadelphia of whom the Lord Jesus says, "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 3:9)
Who is saying this? "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)
"The Holy One and the Just." (Acts 3:14)
"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)
"Of the increase of [His] government and peace, [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:7) Just before this, Isaiah clarified who was being referred to here. "For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"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 say also unto thee, thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then charged He His disciples that they should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ." (Matthew 16:13-19)
Still, Peter opened the key on the day of Pentecost, when he told 3,000 plus that in order to be saved, they had to first repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, so that you too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
Peter preaching said, "For David speaketh concerning Him, "I foresaw the Lord always before My face, for He is on my right hand that I should not be moved. Therefore did My heart rejoice, and My tongue was glad. Moreover, also My flesh shall rest in hope; because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to Me the ways of life. Thou shalt make Me full of joy with Thy countenance."
"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore, being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne.
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens, but He saith Himself, "The Lord said unto My Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand until I make Thy foes Thy footstool." 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 2:25-36)
This is why we can start "looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ -- who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14)
Indeed, our blessed hope is the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus the Christ -- He -- singular -- gave Himself for us. so that He -- singular -- might redeem us from all iniquity. So that He -- singular -- could purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
One final note. If you are concerned about what is happening in the world, ask Jesus to provide you with His insight. Seek His Word for wisdom, studying diligently as a workman to show thyself approved. In fact, maybe this is a good time to start taking your Bible everywhere you go.
"But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:20-21)
If you haven't repented of your sin and been water baptized by full immersion in the precious name of Jesus Christ, now would be a good time to do so. Just like the first 3,000 on the day of Pentecost. "Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized ... and they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:37-42)
Remember too that Jesus gave us His blessing in Revelation, when He said, "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee ..." (Revelation 3:9)
Keep His Word in your heart. And do not deny His name. The precious name of Jesus. Why? Because -- "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)
Time is short. Stand in the offering plate.
If Thou Take Away From the Midst of Thee the Yoke, the Putting Forth of the Finger and Speaking Vanity, Then Shall the Lord thy God Satisfy thy Soul in Drought, Make Fat thy Bones, and Thou Shalt Be Like a Watered Garden - Part 1160
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen -- to loose the bands of wickedness? To undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry? And that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:6-7)
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Therein, He was tempted of the devil for forty days. And in those days Jesus ate nothing, and when they were ended, He afterward hungered.
Read that scripture again. "And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost ... was led by the Spirit." Not two Spirits but one and the same Spirit. Not a different person of the Godhead (as modern day religion teaches) but one and the same Spirit. The Holy Ghost being the same Spirit that Jesus was led by but also dwelt within. The same Holy Ghost which overshadowed Mary when she became pregnant with that "holy thing." God "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. (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:2-8; John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)
And the angels answered and said unto [Mary], "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest [Most High] shall overshadow thee, therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
This is why "ALL of the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him." (Collosians 2:9)
"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament ..." (Hebrews 7:27)
The mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from before the foundation of the world.
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of His dear Son - in whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers -- ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM, AND FOR HIM." (Colossians 1:12-17)
Who is this God the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light? Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness? Who hath translated into the Kingdom of His dear Son? Who created all things so we through His blood could have redemption -- the forgiveness of sins?
"And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] He might have the preeminance. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, [I say] whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven, and you that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled -- in the body of His flesh through death to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight ..." (Hebrews 1:18-22)
This was the "fast" that the Lord thy God was referring to in the 58th chapter of Isaiah.
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen -- to loose the bands of wickedness? To undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry? And that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:6-7)
This is the reason why He Himself -- Almighty God -- willingly took on a sin-prone flesh (even though He Himself was without sin) and dwelt among us. The same Word that spoke the world into being -- the same Word that was with God and was God was in the world. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2)
Indeed, "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)
"No man hath seen God at any time -- the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared." (John 1:18)
This is the "fast" that Almighty God Himself chose before the foundation of the world. (Isaiah 58:6) Not the "fast/fasting" that the religious culture holds onto in this day and age -- whereby we might do without food and water for a short time -- but God chose the ultimate "fast" whereby He would lay down His humanity for you and I. He would shed His holy blood on a cross for us.
Jesus said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) And yet, as we know, He laid down His life for His enemies.
Not another God but the same Spirit of God who created us in the beginning. This same heavenly Father who loved us so much that even before the world was formed, He had decided to willingly lay down His body on a cross for us. The same Holy Ghost Spirit that impregnated Mary with that holy thing dwells in us today when we believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and are baptized in His name -- as the first 3,000 were on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:37-42)
The Lord makes His love story very clear in Isaiah 58. He isn't looking for those who fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness -- that one when they fast do in this day or that day -- or as the scriptures point out -- "to make your voice to be heard on high." (Isaiah 58:2) No, our Lord God and Saviour is looking for those who are willing to die to the call of this world and heed His call. The same call that Jesus made to the disciples. That is when Jesus said --"follow Me." (Matthew 4:19; Matthew 8:22; Matthew 16:24; Luke 18:22; Mark 1:17; John 21:22)
Getting back to Luke, note that "when the devil had ended all the temptation [or testing], he departed from Him for a season." (Luke 4:13) An "opportune time" is the wording used to explain the term season in the footnotes. After this, Jesus returns in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and there went out a fame of Him through all the region and about. And He taught in their synagogue, being glorified of all.
When Jesus came to Nazareth (where He had been raised as a child) and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day to read, as was the custom, He stood up. There was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias [Isaiah], and when He opened the book, He found the place whereby the following was written.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:1-19)
When Jesus had finished, He closed the book, giving it again to the minister. "And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fasted on Him. And He began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." And all bare Him witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth." (Luke 4:18-22)
This day hath the Lord our God became our Saviour. Therefore, as Isaiah scribed for this day and age, believers need to stop playing church and be the Church -- His Church -- the body of Christ of which Jesus is the Head. Not fasting here and there but following His example, and making fasting for Jesus our life. Yes, Isaiah said it right. Stand in the offering plate.
Isaiah 58:
"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. "Wherefore have we fasted," say they, "and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?"
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Therein, He was tempted of the devil for forty days. And in those days Jesus ate nothing, and when they were ended, He afterward hungered.
Read that scripture again. "And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost ... was led by the Spirit." Not two Spirits but one and the same Spirit. Not a different person of the Godhead (as modern day religion teaches) but one and the same Spirit. The Holy Ghost being the same Spirit that Jesus was led by but also dwelt within. The same Holy Ghost which overshadowed Mary when she became pregnant with that "holy thing." God "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. (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:2-8; John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)
And the angels answered and said unto [Mary], "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest [Most High] shall overshadow thee, therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
This is why "ALL of the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him." (Collosians 2:9)
"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament ..." (Hebrews 7:27)
The mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from before the foundation of the world.
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of His dear Son - in whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers -- ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM, AND FOR HIM." (Colossians 1:12-17)
Who is this God the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light? Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness? Who hath translated into the Kingdom of His dear Son? Who created all things so we through His blood could have redemption -- the forgiveness of sins?
"And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] He might have the preeminance. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, [I say] whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven, and you that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled -- in the body of His flesh through death to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight ..." (Hebrews 1:18-22)
This was the "fast" that the Lord thy God was referring to in the 58th chapter of Isaiah.
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen -- to loose the bands of wickedness? To undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry? And that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:6-7)
This is the reason why He Himself -- Almighty God -- willingly took on a sin-prone flesh (even though He Himself was without sin) and dwelt among us. The same Word that spoke the world into being -- the same Word that was with God and was God was in the world. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2)
Indeed, "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)
"No man hath seen God at any time -- the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared." (John 1:18)
This is the "fast" that Almighty God Himself chose before the foundation of the world. (Isaiah 58:6) Not the "fast/fasting" that the religious culture holds onto in this day and age -- whereby we might do without food and water for a short time -- but God chose the ultimate "fast" whereby He would lay down His humanity for you and I. He would shed His holy blood on a cross for us.
Jesus said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) And yet, as we know, He laid down His life for His enemies.
Not another God but the same Spirit of God who created us in the beginning. This same heavenly Father who loved us so much that even before the world was formed, He had decided to willingly lay down His body on a cross for us. The same Holy Ghost Spirit that impregnated Mary with that holy thing dwells in us today when we believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and are baptized in His name -- as the first 3,000 were on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:37-42)
The Lord makes His love story very clear in Isaiah 58. He isn't looking for those who fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness -- that one when they fast do in this day or that day -- or as the scriptures point out -- "to make your voice to be heard on high." (Isaiah 58:2) No, our Lord God and Saviour is looking for those who are willing to die to the call of this world and heed His call. The same call that Jesus made to the disciples. That is when Jesus said --"follow Me." (Matthew 4:19; Matthew 8:22; Matthew 16:24; Luke 18:22; Mark 1:17; John 21:22)
Getting back to Luke, note that "when the devil had ended all the temptation [or testing], he departed from Him for a season." (Luke 4:13) An "opportune time" is the wording used to explain the term season in the footnotes. After this, Jesus returns in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and there went out a fame of Him through all the region and about. And He taught in their synagogue, being glorified of all.
When Jesus came to Nazareth (where He had been raised as a child) and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day to read, as was the custom, He stood up. There was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias [Isaiah], and when He opened the book, He found the place whereby the following was written.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:1-19)
When Jesus had finished, He closed the book, giving it again to the minister. "And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fasted on Him. And He began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." And all bare Him witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth." (Luke 4:18-22)
This day hath the Lord our God became our Saviour. Therefore, as Isaiah scribed for this day and age, believers need to stop playing church and be the Church -- His Church -- the body of Christ of which Jesus is the Head. Not fasting here and there but following His example, and making fasting for Jesus our life. Yes, Isaiah said it right. Stand in the offering plate.
Isaiah 58:
"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. "Wherefore have we fasted," say they, "and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?"
But the Lord says, "Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee. The glory of the Lord shall be thy reward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer. Thou shalt cry, and He shall say, "Here I am." -- If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity ... and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day."
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, "The repairer of the breach. The restorer of paths to dwell in."
If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words, then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father." -- For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee. The glory of the Lord shall be thy reward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer. Thou shalt cry, and He shall say, "Here I am." -- If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity ... and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day."
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, "The repairer of the breach. The restorer of paths to dwell in."
If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words, then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father." -- For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."
Thursday, July 23, 2015
There Is No Jehovah Junior In the Scriptures - Part 1159
"Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it, but thou mightest fear the Lord thy God to keep all His statues and His commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it, that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel; THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD." (Deuteronomy 6:1-4)
"And this same Lord shall go forth as a mighty man." (Isaiah 42:13)
This same Lord our God had already decided before the foundation of the world was formed that He Himself would have to save His people from their sins. The same God who formed us in our mother's womb had devised a plan to redeem us from our sin. And as a consequence of repenting and being baptized in His name -- the precious name of Jesus, we can be confident that our names are written in the Lamb's book of life. (Acts 2:37-42)
How can this statement be made? Because when we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus as commanded by Jesus through the Holy Ghost, we receive His Spirit. (Acts 1:1-2) The same Holy Ghost that Jesus promised we would receive while He walked on earth but could not come until Jesus had been taken up. (John 14:5-21; John 14:26; John 15:26; Acts 1:1-2) Not another God. Not a second person within a trinity but the one and only same God who breathed upon the face of the waters in Genesis, now breathing into us His holy Spirit. The first and the last. The beginning and the end. Alpha and Omega.
"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts crying "Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:6)
His name is Jesus. This is why John wrote: "He that believeth on Him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed "in the name" of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)
Throughout the old and the new, the scriptures clearly point to one God who loved His creation -- you and I -- so much that He Himself who knew no sin would take upon Himself our sin so that we might know Him personally as our Lord God and Saviour. Willing to shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that we might have life.
Every scripture pointing to the prophesied Christ so that we could all become the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27)
"I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine ... For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour." (Isaiah 43:1-3)
"Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts, "I am the first, and I am the last, and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 44:6)
"I am the Lord, and there is none else. There is no God beside Me. I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me, that thy may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I AM THE LORD AND THERE IS NONE ELSE." (Isaiah 45:5-6)
He did not send another. Almighty God alone became our Saviour. No Jehovah Junior as the modern day religious culture would have you believe. Not a second person of a false teaching known today as the trinity. Not one of three Gods or God in three persons, who apparently must vie for position and authority within the Godhead, as some proclaim, making Jesus a lesser God than God Almighty.
Rather, God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) Jehovah Himself from the old covenant became flesh and dwelt among us. The mystery that was hid from the beginning of the world. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) This is why Luke referred to Jesus as a holy thing. "And they shall call His name JESUS for He alone shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)
"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 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. He came unto His own and His own received Him not but as many as received Him" -- received who? -- received Jesus, "to them gave He power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on His name." (John 1:1-18)
He was 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. (John 1:1-18; Hebrews 9:15-18)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon 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, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
"One Lord, One faith, One baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)
Indeed, when Thomas put his hand in Jesus side, he accurately proclaimed Jesus to be who He still is today. That is, as Thomas said when he put his hand in Jesus' side, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:27-28)
And to make all [men] see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God -- according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him ... for this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." (Ephesians 3:3-15)
And just in case one is still not sure of the truth, note what the apostles said when apostles Peter and John were being condemned by the courts and council of the day. (Acts 4:1-2) Note that after they were let go (having been forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus), they went to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. What did they do?
They lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "LORD, THOU ART GOD, WHICH HAST MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IN THEM IS ..." (Acts 4:24)
These proclaimed to one and all -- "Lord, Thou ART God."
Just like Stephen when he was being stoned. Stephen call upon God. The scripture said, "And they stoned Stephen, CALLING UPON GOD AND SAYING, "LORD JESUS, RECEIVE MY SPIRIT." And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)
Yes, Jesus Christ is the Father. He is Almighty God. The fullness of God dwelling bodily in a sin-prone flesh, yet without sin. One Lord, One faith, One baptism. One God and Father of all -- His name in this dispensation of grace is Jesus.
Therefore, "hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus -- that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." (II Timothy 1:13-14)
And be thou not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord but partakers of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was GIVEN US IN CHRIST JESUS BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN ... but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (II Timothy 1:8-10)
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Who Is the Image of the Invisible God, The Firstborn of Every Creature? - Part 1158
"Having therefore, brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus --- by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh." (Hebrews 10:19-20)
"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all WAS NOT YET MADE MANIFEST while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." (Hebrews 9:8)
We live in an age where access to the scriptures is virtually unlimited and yet too often we receive our gospel from those around us -- our peers and leaders within the modern day religious culture -- instead of searching His Word for ourselves. It is no wonder we remain in a state of confusion. This needs to change. Each and every one of us needs to open the scriptures and study what we believe for ourselves, accepting that the Word (which is truth) truly sanctifies us. (John 17:17) Sanctified through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, and through His body broken for us. (I Peter 3:15; Hebrews 10:12-14; I Corinthians 1:2)
Why is this important? Because it appears that even with the abundance of knowledge available to us in this day and age, there are still believers in Jesus by faith with very little understanding of the most basic gospel truths. A perfect example is the difference between the "covenant of ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary" and the new testament which was paid with blood -- "by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26)
Almighty God Himself took on a sin-prone flesh so that we who were afar might know His love and mercy firsthand. "God manifest in the flesh." (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)
Therefore, if the Word of God is true and the infallible Word of God (as we observe in many religious statements of faith), we need to believe also that the scriptures are indeed the Word of God. The same Word that was in the beginning with God was God. The same Word which willingly became flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory) so that we could be clothed in His righteousness. (John 1-18)
"One Lord, One faith, One baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-5)
"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 the power 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." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
"Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness; that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:25)
"And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him ... in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight if you continue in the faith ..." (Colossians 1:20-21)
The mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world.
"Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is NONE other name under heaven given whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) None other name! And just to make the "name" perfectly clear, let's read the account and context of this scriptural passage so that we are not persuaded to believe "another gospel." (Galatians 1:8-9)
Reading from Acts 4:
And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead, and they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day, for it was now eventide. Howbeit, many of them which heard the Word believed, and the number of the men was about five thousand.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiphas and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?"
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, "Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel. If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man,,by what means he is made whole -- be it known unto you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand here before you whole." (Acts 4:1-10)
"THIS IS THE STONE WHICH WAS SET AT NOUGHT OF YOU BUILDERS, WHICH IS BECOME THE HEAD OF THE CORNER. NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER, FOR THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED." (Acts 4:11-12)
What was the reaction of the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John? Since they perceived them to be "unlearned and ignorant men" they marveled. But what else? These wannabe accusers could say nothing against it because there in the midst was the man which was healed standing with them.
This is why believers can trust the Word of God to be true. JESUS -- the ONLY name given under heaven in this dispensation of grace whereby we MUST be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Moreover, as we read here, the apostles knew in whom they had found salvation. Because when they were freed and commanded through threatening them that they neither speak or teach henceforth to no man in this name -- the name of Jesus -- what did the apostles do?
"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge thee. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19)
So when they had further threatened the [apostles], they let them go finding nothing how they might punish them because of the people, for all [men] glorified God for that which was done. For the man was about forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth and the sea and all that in them is ..."
Let's read that again.
"And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "LORD, THOU ART GOD, WHICH HAST MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IN THEM IS." (Acts 4:24)
"Who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, "Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The Kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ."
"For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were gathered together. For to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done, and now Lord, behold their threatenings and grant unto Thy servants that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word -- by stretching forth Thine hand to heal, and that the signs and wonders may be done BY THE NAME OF THY HOLY CHILD JESUS." (Acts 4:27-30)
And when they prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and they spake the Word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:1-31)
Who did they preach? What was the name? The authority?
The precious name of Jesus. The one and only God and Father of all. The King of kings and Lord of lords. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
Like the apostles, we need to know in whom we serve because (as Jesus said) -- He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. "No man cometh to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
We need as well to be shaken and filled with the Holy Ghost so that we too can proclaim the Word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31) So that our heart's desire (like the apostles) is that we "cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20)
"Having therefore, brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus --- by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh." (Hebrews 10:19-20)
Is it right to hearken unto men more than unto God? The apostles said it right -- "Judge ye." (Acts 4:19) But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord God Almighty, who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on the cross so that we might have life more abundantly. Precious be His name!
JESUS -- the image of the invisible God. The firstborn of every creature.
Study the scriptures to show thyself approved unto God, as a workman doth. Stand in the offering plate!
"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all WAS NOT YET MADE MANIFEST while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." (Hebrews 9:8)
We live in an age where access to the scriptures is virtually unlimited and yet too often we receive our gospel from those around us -- our peers and leaders within the modern day religious culture -- instead of searching His Word for ourselves. It is no wonder we remain in a state of confusion. This needs to change. Each and every one of us needs to open the scriptures and study what we believe for ourselves, accepting that the Word (which is truth) truly sanctifies us. (John 17:17) Sanctified through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, and through His body broken for us. (I Peter 3:15; Hebrews 10:12-14; I Corinthians 1:2)
Why is this important? Because it appears that even with the abundance of knowledge available to us in this day and age, there are still believers in Jesus by faith with very little understanding of the most basic gospel truths. A perfect example is the difference between the "covenant of ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary" and the new testament which was paid with blood -- "by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26)
Almighty God Himself took on a sin-prone flesh so that we who were afar might know His love and mercy firsthand. "God manifest in the flesh." (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)
Therefore, if the Word of God is true and the infallible Word of God (as we observe in many religious statements of faith), we need to believe also that the scriptures are indeed the Word of God. The same Word that was in the beginning with God was God. The same Word which willingly became flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory) so that we could be clothed in His righteousness. (John 1-18)
"One Lord, One faith, One baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-5)
"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 the power 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." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
"Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness; that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:25)
"And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him ... in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight if you continue in the faith ..." (Colossians 1:20-21)
The mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world.
"Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is NONE other name under heaven given whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) None other name! And just to make the "name" perfectly clear, let's read the account and context of this scriptural passage so that we are not persuaded to believe "another gospel." (Galatians 1:8-9)
Reading from Acts 4:
And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead, and they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day, for it was now eventide. Howbeit, many of them which heard the Word believed, and the number of the men was about five thousand.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiphas and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?"
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, "Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel. If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man,,by what means he is made whole -- be it known unto you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand here before you whole." (Acts 4:1-10)
"THIS IS THE STONE WHICH WAS SET AT NOUGHT OF YOU BUILDERS, WHICH IS BECOME THE HEAD OF THE CORNER. NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER, FOR THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED." (Acts 4:11-12)
What was the reaction of the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John? Since they perceived them to be "unlearned and ignorant men" they marveled. But what else? These wannabe accusers could say nothing against it because there in the midst was the man which was healed standing with them.
This is why believers can trust the Word of God to be true. JESUS -- the ONLY name given under heaven in this dispensation of grace whereby we MUST be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Moreover, as we read here, the apostles knew in whom they had found salvation. Because when they were freed and commanded through threatening them that they neither speak or teach henceforth to no man in this name -- the name of Jesus -- what did the apostles do?
"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge thee. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19)
So when they had further threatened the [apostles], they let them go finding nothing how they might punish them because of the people, for all [men] glorified God for that which was done. For the man was about forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth and the sea and all that in them is ..."
Let's read that again.
"And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "LORD, THOU ART GOD, WHICH HAST MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IN THEM IS." (Acts 4:24)
"Who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, "Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The Kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ."
"For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were gathered together. For to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done, and now Lord, behold their threatenings and grant unto Thy servants that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word -- by stretching forth Thine hand to heal, and that the signs and wonders may be done BY THE NAME OF THY HOLY CHILD JESUS." (Acts 4:27-30)
And when they prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and they spake the Word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:1-31)
Who did they preach? What was the name? The authority?
The precious name of Jesus. The one and only God and Father of all. The King of kings and Lord of lords. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
Like the apostles, we need to know in whom we serve because (as Jesus said) -- He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. "No man cometh to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
We need as well to be shaken and filled with the Holy Ghost so that we too can proclaim the Word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31) So that our heart's desire (like the apostles) is that we "cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20)
"Having therefore, brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus --- by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh." (Hebrews 10:19-20)
Is it right to hearken unto men more than unto God? The apostles said it right -- "Judge ye." (Acts 4:19) But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord God Almighty, who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on the cross so that we might have life more abundantly. Precious be His name!
JESUS -- the image of the invisible God. The firstborn of every creature.
Study the scriptures to show thyself approved unto God, as a workman doth. Stand in the offering plate!
Sunday, July 19, 2015
The Stone Which the Builders Rejected -- His Name is Jesus! - Part 1157
The stone which the builders rejected has become the head cornerstone. Indeed, He is the Head of all things, and in all things He shall have the pre-eminence. For no other foundation can a man lay. The scriptures state that upon this rock, I Jesus will build my church. Most of all, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
There is only one God. He is our Saviour. He alone is able to keep us from falling. He alone is able to present us as faultless beings. When we abide in the glory of His presence, we become effervescent with joy. Our hearts burning within us as He talks to us night and day. This is why, even in the face of a society that is changing, Jesus remains the most popular name on earth today. Why even money bears witness to the atheists, agnostics and ignoramuses that the world, whether past or present, revolves around that moment that Jesus, on the cross said, "It is finished."
BC or before Christ - JESUS - AD or after His death. The time lines in which our earthly world functions emerges from God's plan of salvation. Jesus, the name which is above every other name in Heaven and on earth. One God. One name. While there are many descriptive titles pertaining to that name, there is only one name Jesus, that matters. Even while the devil's workers are hard at work attempting to obscure the fact that the spirit of God has declared to the world that there is "No other name under Heaven given among men whereby man can be saved," it does not negate the fact that Jesus is that name.
The early church, prior to its take over by demonic filled bishops (so called), went everywhere preaching Jesus. Now they are advocating Jehovah or Yahweh obtained from the four letters YHWH or YHVH. Into these four letters, vowels were inserted and then broadcast by the prince of the power of the air (satan) asserting that this is God's name. Believe it or not, they even sing songs to this fabricated name. They run from house to house proliferating their ignorance as if it were Heaven's revelation. Rather, more deception is now seated. Still, the obstacle of obstacles confronts them. That obstacle is the Word of Truth recorded in the scriptures.
In spite of the emerging rhetoric, the scriptures are very clear. Heaven and earth may pass away but the Word of the Lord Jesus abides forever. God's own Word is seated. His word echoes through the ages. Except you believe that I AM, you will die in your sin. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear.
The great commission coined up by the so called church fathers is not the original commission that Jesus commanded to be preached throughout the world. The church father impostors altered the Word and today admit that they did so. They were flushed out because of the revisions and their deception only exists in the traditional established churches. (Note - see earlier blogs for details on this point)
Many churches, and even some churches that are called evangelical are carried away with the deception. Churches are propagating the same lie as if father, son, spirit were names. But they are not names. Rather, they are descriptive titles. His name is JESUS. Taking this scriptural foundation further, unto whose name were you baptized? Are they too proud to change or are they also part of the great deception?
I think those who participated unknowingly in this deception should read acts chapter 19:5. Again, the scriptures are very clear. He alone has the pre-eminence. While I am endeavouring to move on in Acts chapter 2, I seem to have need of a verily, verily in an effort to ensure that believers are fully equipped with the gospel of Jesus Christ. So that believers in God's plan of salvation are prepared and ready for the defense of the apostolic Holy Ghost teachings. This is the new covenant. A testament paid in full through the precious blood of Jesus. The name of the author and finisher is Jesus.
And they saw no man save Jesus only? Why? Because when we read the scriptures, our Lord God and Saviour's gospel message is clear. "I am the Lord thy God. Beside Me there is no Saviour.
This is why we ask -- who is on the Lord’s side? Do not delay. In fact, choose today. Our High priest Jesus asks you to come and partake in the salvation that was given to us so freely. Come. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
Stand in the offering plate.
There is only one God. He is our Saviour. He alone is able to keep us from falling. He alone is able to present us as faultless beings. When we abide in the glory of His presence, we become effervescent with joy. Our hearts burning within us as He talks to us night and day. This is why, even in the face of a society that is changing, Jesus remains the most popular name on earth today. Why even money bears witness to the atheists, agnostics and ignoramuses that the world, whether past or present, revolves around that moment that Jesus, on the cross said, "It is finished."
BC or before Christ - JESUS - AD or after His death. The time lines in which our earthly world functions emerges from God's plan of salvation. Jesus, the name which is above every other name in Heaven and on earth. One God. One name. While there are many descriptive titles pertaining to that name, there is only one name Jesus, that matters. Even while the devil's workers are hard at work attempting to obscure the fact that the spirit of God has declared to the world that there is "No other name under Heaven given among men whereby man can be saved," it does not negate the fact that Jesus is that name.
The early church, prior to its take over by demonic filled bishops (so called), went everywhere preaching Jesus. Now they are advocating Jehovah or Yahweh obtained from the four letters YHWH or YHVH. Into these four letters, vowels were inserted and then broadcast by the prince of the power of the air (satan) asserting that this is God's name. Believe it or not, they even sing songs to this fabricated name. They run from house to house proliferating their ignorance as if it were Heaven's revelation. Rather, more deception is now seated. Still, the obstacle of obstacles confronts them. That obstacle is the Word of Truth recorded in the scriptures.
In spite of the emerging rhetoric, the scriptures are very clear. Heaven and earth may pass away but the Word of the Lord Jesus abides forever. God's own Word is seated. His word echoes through the ages. Except you believe that I AM, you will die in your sin. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear.
The great commission coined up by the so called church fathers is not the original commission that Jesus commanded to be preached throughout the world. The church father impostors altered the Word and today admit that they did so. They were flushed out because of the revisions and their deception only exists in the traditional established churches. (Note - see earlier blogs for details on this point)
Many churches, and even some churches that are called evangelical are carried away with the deception. Churches are propagating the same lie as if father, son, spirit were names. But they are not names. Rather, they are descriptive titles. His name is JESUS. Taking this scriptural foundation further, unto whose name were you baptized? Are they too proud to change or are they also part of the great deception?
I think those who participated unknowingly in this deception should read acts chapter 19:5. Again, the scriptures are very clear. He alone has the pre-eminence. While I am endeavouring to move on in Acts chapter 2, I seem to have need of a verily, verily in an effort to ensure that believers are fully equipped with the gospel of Jesus Christ. So that believers in God's plan of salvation are prepared and ready for the defense of the apostolic Holy Ghost teachings. This is the new covenant. A testament paid in full through the precious blood of Jesus. The name of the author and finisher is Jesus.
And they saw no man save Jesus only? Why? Because when we read the scriptures, our Lord God and Saviour's gospel message is clear. "I am the Lord thy God. Beside Me there is no Saviour.
This is why we ask -- who is on the Lord’s side? Do not delay. In fact, choose today. Our High priest Jesus asks you to come and partake in the salvation that was given to us so freely. Come. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
Stand in the offering plate.
His Precious Blood Seals the Everlasting Testament - Part 1156
Jesus told the disciples that this cup is the new testament. He said, “a new testament." By referring to it as the new testament, He had rendered the former covenant old and obsolete. If we review the scriptures in context, we find that the old covenant was between two parties. The new covenant is the last Will and Testament of the Holy Spirit’s only begotten son named Jesus.
Obviously, Jesus did not consult with man before He wrote His last will and testament As a consequence, there are many people who will try to obscure His Will. The point that they need to note is that this WILL is more than a covenant. Why? For covenants come and covenants go. God walked away from the former covenant simply because the other party involved never fulfilled their part of the covenant.
But this new TESTAMENT is established between God who is Spirit and the man Jesus the child of the Holy Ghost. The contents contained in the new testament are not dependent on Adam or attempts by the fallen race to ratify its contents. However, Adam's fallen sinful offspring became benefactors of all the contained promises and blessings, simply because in the veins of the man Jesus flowed the blood of His own holy Spirit.
It is HIS blood that seals the everlasting testament. In order to receive the contents willed to you by the ONE GOD who was in the man Christ Jesus, you must come to the advocate of the will. This is the way that the Holy Ghost spoke through the mouth of Peter -- Jesus, after being taken up, gave commandments to the apostles THROUGH the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:1-4). Remember when the people wanted to know what to do, and they asked this very question. They had come to the realization that they had, by their collective actions crucified the Lord of glory. The response? Peter said to them, Repent (why not?) and be baptized (why not?) in water (symbolical of being buried as outlined in Romans chapter 6:3-6) .
Into the name of the Lord Jesus, said Peter. And as many as are baptized into Jesus the Christ will be baptized into His death. This is why there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we can be saved. (Acts 4:12)
No other name. Only Jesus! Ye shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Father, son nor spirit are a name. They are descriptive titles. Follow the instructions as per the words of the administrator of the New Testament (the Holy Ghost) and continue steadfast in His Word.
Stand in the offering plate.
Obviously, Jesus did not consult with man before He wrote His last will and testament As a consequence, there are many people who will try to obscure His Will. The point that they need to note is that this WILL is more than a covenant. Why? For covenants come and covenants go. God walked away from the former covenant simply because the other party involved never fulfilled their part of the covenant.
But this new TESTAMENT is established between God who is Spirit and the man Jesus the child of the Holy Ghost. The contents contained in the new testament are not dependent on Adam or attempts by the fallen race to ratify its contents. However, Adam's fallen sinful offspring became benefactors of all the contained promises and blessings, simply because in the veins of the man Jesus flowed the blood of His own holy Spirit.
It is HIS blood that seals the everlasting testament. In order to receive the contents willed to you by the ONE GOD who was in the man Christ Jesus, you must come to the advocate of the will. This is the way that the Holy Ghost spoke through the mouth of Peter -- Jesus, after being taken up, gave commandments to the apostles THROUGH the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:1-4). Remember when the people wanted to know what to do, and they asked this very question. They had come to the realization that they had, by their collective actions crucified the Lord of glory. The response? Peter said to them, Repent (why not?) and be baptized (why not?) in water (symbolical of being buried as outlined in Romans chapter 6:3-6) .
Into the name of the Lord Jesus, said Peter. And as many as are baptized into Jesus the Christ will be baptized into His death. This is why there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we can be saved. (Acts 4:12)
No other name. Only Jesus! Ye shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Father, son nor spirit are a name. They are descriptive titles. Follow the instructions as per the words of the administrator of the New Testament (the Holy Ghost) and continue steadfast in His Word.
Stand in the offering plate.
Repentance and Remission of Sins Should Be Preached In His Name - Part 1155
Jesus said, "Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:45-48)
Within the scriptures, it is written that Christ should suffer and arise from among the dead on the third day. If we continue reading, we see in verse 47 that repentance and remission of sin should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. This signifies the commission.
Reading on, Acts chapter 2 records that in Jerusalem, Peter, being one of the twelve equals was preaching. Actually it was the first time that public preaching had voiced/occurred since the disciples had received the infilling of the Holy Ghost. In verse 36, the scriptures proclaim that all of Israel should know assuredly that God has declared Jesus (who was crucified) both Lord and Christ. Upon hearing this in verse 37, the people were moved to the depths of their hearts. Pricked in their hearts.
They asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, what are we to do? The response? Repent, change your views, and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting Him. And, as an expression of your repentance, let every one of you be baptised (immersed) into the name of Jesus, that you may have your sins forgiven, and you shall receive the promised free gift of the Holy Spirit.
This promised gift is to you and your children and also to those who are not as yet born, according to verse 37. Yes indeed! The promise is to everyone who the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Him. As a consequence, all who welcomed the message were gladly baptized, adding 3000 persons to the number of believers that day.
The following scriptural references uphold the continuance and practice of the great commission as outlined in the scriptures - Acts 2:41; Acts 12:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 16:14-33; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:16; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:1-4.
So what do the modern day church fathers advocate in contrast to the above renderings? They asserted that all of the above was in need of their own personal interpretation. Apparently, in their opinion, the ones chosen by Jesus to be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth were incapable of discerning what Jesus meant when He said "they were to be baptized in His name."
According to the religious, what Jesus was really saying is that people were to baptize using the authority of His name, but not actually in His name, They were to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but not in the name of Jesus who is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The question then begs to be asked. Is the word of God coming to you OR is it coming out from you?
For the record, Father, Son, and Spirit are descriptive titles. A partial list of authorities that challenge the current religious deception include the Canney Encyclopedia of Religion (p. 53) and the Catholic Encyclopedia. In the latter text, the Catholics acknowledge that baptism into Jesus' name was changed by the Catholic Church (p. 263). Another text that alludes to the same is the Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion which states “in the name of Jesus” (Volume 2, page 378 and page 389). In another reference of the Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion -Volume 2 p. 377, it elaborates on Acts 2:38. The New International Encyclopedia in Volume 22 p. 477 as well. Indeed, the list goes on and on.
The key to this post then is that the scriptural version remains correct. The above encyclopedia references trace the origin of baptism using descriptive titles. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (the now Pope) said that the origin of trinity baptism as it relates to the interpretation of Matthew 28:19 came from the city of Rome. I hope this helps to clarify the scriptures. Jesus sent the apostles to Jerusalem to preach Jesus, and His holy Spirit -- the Holy Ghost - confirmed the apostles doctrine with signs -and wonders. (Acts 2:37-42)
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." (Acts 2:37-42)
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.
Indeed, after Jesus was taken up, Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost commanded His apostles. The same Jesus who shed His precious blood for you and I wants us to be baptized into Christ. Jesus is the prophesied Christ, the Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Jesus the Christ -- He is our one and only Saviour.
Stand in the offering plate.
Within the scriptures, it is written that Christ should suffer and arise from among the dead on the third day. If we continue reading, we see in verse 47 that repentance and remission of sin should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. This signifies the commission.
Reading on, Acts chapter 2 records that in Jerusalem, Peter, being one of the twelve equals was preaching. Actually it was the first time that public preaching had voiced/occurred since the disciples had received the infilling of the Holy Ghost. In verse 36, the scriptures proclaim that all of Israel should know assuredly that God has declared Jesus (who was crucified) both Lord and Christ. Upon hearing this in verse 37, the people were moved to the depths of their hearts. Pricked in their hearts.
They asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, what are we to do? The response? Repent, change your views, and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting Him. And, as an expression of your repentance, let every one of you be baptised (immersed) into the name of Jesus, that you may have your sins forgiven, and you shall receive the promised free gift of the Holy Spirit.
This promised gift is to you and your children and also to those who are not as yet born, according to verse 37. Yes indeed! The promise is to everyone who the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Him. As a consequence, all who welcomed the message were gladly baptized, adding 3000 persons to the number of believers that day.
The following scriptural references uphold the continuance and practice of the great commission as outlined in the scriptures - Acts 2:41; Acts 12:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 16:14-33; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:16; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:1-4.
So what do the modern day church fathers advocate in contrast to the above renderings? They asserted that all of the above was in need of their own personal interpretation. Apparently, in their opinion, the ones chosen by Jesus to be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth were incapable of discerning what Jesus meant when He said "they were to be baptized in His name."
According to the religious, what Jesus was really saying is that people were to baptize using the authority of His name, but not actually in His name, They were to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but not in the name of Jesus who is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The question then begs to be asked. Is the word of God coming to you OR is it coming out from you?
For the record, Father, Son, and Spirit are descriptive titles. A partial list of authorities that challenge the current religious deception include the Canney Encyclopedia of Religion (p. 53) and the Catholic Encyclopedia. In the latter text, the Catholics acknowledge that baptism into Jesus' name was changed by the Catholic Church (p. 263). Another text that alludes to the same is the Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion which states “in the name of Jesus” (Volume 2, page 378 and page 389). In another reference of the Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion -Volume 2 p. 377, it elaborates on Acts 2:38. The New International Encyclopedia in Volume 22 p. 477 as well. Indeed, the list goes on and on.
The key to this post then is that the scriptural version remains correct. The above encyclopedia references trace the origin of baptism using descriptive titles. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (the now Pope) said that the origin of trinity baptism as it relates to the interpretation of Matthew 28:19 came from the city of Rome. I hope this helps to clarify the scriptures. Jesus sent the apostles to Jerusalem to preach Jesus, and His holy Spirit -- the Holy Ghost - confirmed the apostles doctrine with signs -and wonders. (Acts 2:37-42)
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." (Acts 2:37-42)
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.
Indeed, after Jesus was taken up, Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost commanded His apostles. The same Jesus who shed His precious blood for you and I wants us to be baptized into Christ. Jesus is the prophesied Christ, the Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Jesus the Christ -- He is our one and only Saviour.
Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Why Do the Heathen Rage And the People Imagine a Vain Thing? -- Part 1154
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love ... The eyes of your understanding being enlightened." (Ephesians 1:3-4, 18)
In this context -- the eyes of our understanding being enlightened -- "blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1)
Why? Because when he meditates on the Word, he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth fruit in his season. "His leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever He doeth shall prosper." (Psalms 1:1-3)
But note that for the ungodly, this is not so. Rather, they are like the chaff which the wind drives away -- eventually perishing. These are void of His Word, and remain blind from understanding the mystery which was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. It is these who cannot (and will not) declare that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. The sons of men, so determined to turn the glory of the Lord into shame.
The psalmist rightly queries them -- "How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?" (Psalms 4:2) How long will ye love worthlessness, and seek falsehood? How long will you reject the Word and instead insert a false understanding of the glory of the Lord? How long will you wrongly listen to vain babblings that only serve to increase unto more ungodliness?
The scriptures make it plain. "Their word will eat as doth a canker, of whom is Humenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some." (II Timothy 2:16-18)
Over time, the error begins to sound like truth but not a truth that aligns with His Word. This is why the apostles constantly warned believers of wolves in sheep's clothing, saying, "but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
"Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that make My people err, that bite with their teeth and cry, "Peace" and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him ..." (Micah 3:5)
Sadly, this is what is happening within the modern day religious culture today. When a believer shares the good news gospel of Jesus Christ, including the doctrine of Christ (the Godhead), or water baptism in the name of Jesus according to the scriptures, participants intertwined in the religious culture get angry. (Hebrews 6:1; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 2:37-42) When shown the scriptures, many prefer to close their Bible, refusing to believe what the Word actually states.
"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)
"One Lord, One faith, One baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
Not two. Not three, but one Lord. JESUS -- who 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)
"I am the Lord thy God, the holy One of Israel, thy Saviour." (Isaiah 43:3)
"Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord and beside Me, there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:10-11)
"For unto a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"And ye shall call His name Jesus." (Matthew 1:21-23)
So, why is it that when believers raise these particular scriptures, (with numerous more from the Word in context), the religious culture of this day doesn't desire to align their teachings with the Word?
Indeed, again, as the scriptures state: "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying: "Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision.**" (Psalm 2:1-4)
Because these false teachers will do anything but worship Jesus as Almighty God, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the King of kings and Lord of lords. This includes exalting themselves through self-declaration within the body of Christ. However, regardless of their stance, we are instructed to preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine AND to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
In other words, don't be misled by those who don't even recognize (even in practical human terms) that one can only become a Father once a child has been birthed.
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the ONLY BEGOTTEN of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18)
Yes, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6) His name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS. He is the promised and prophesied Christ. Our Lord God and Saviour who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on the cross of Calvary for you and I.
It is He who invites us to come and take of the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17) May His name be praised forever and ever. Stand in the offering plate.
** The word "derision" being defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary as the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt, a state of being laughed at or ridiculed; a state of being derided. An object of ridicule or scorn.
In this context -- the eyes of our understanding being enlightened -- "blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1)
Why? Because when he meditates on the Word, he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth fruit in his season. "His leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever He doeth shall prosper." (Psalms 1:1-3)
But note that for the ungodly, this is not so. Rather, they are like the chaff which the wind drives away -- eventually perishing. These are void of His Word, and remain blind from understanding the mystery which was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. It is these who cannot (and will not) declare that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. The sons of men, so determined to turn the glory of the Lord into shame.
The psalmist rightly queries them -- "How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?" (Psalms 4:2) How long will ye love worthlessness, and seek falsehood? How long will you reject the Word and instead insert a false understanding of the glory of the Lord? How long will you wrongly listen to vain babblings that only serve to increase unto more ungodliness?
The scriptures make it plain. "Their word will eat as doth a canker, of whom is Humenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some." (II Timothy 2:16-18)
Over time, the error begins to sound like truth but not a truth that aligns with His Word. This is why the apostles constantly warned believers of wolves in sheep's clothing, saying, "but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
"Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that make My people err, that bite with their teeth and cry, "Peace" and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him ..." (Micah 3:5)
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (II Timothy 4:1-4)
"Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." (II Timothy 3:13)Sadly, this is what is happening within the modern day religious culture today. When a believer shares the good news gospel of Jesus Christ, including the doctrine of Christ (the Godhead), or water baptism in the name of Jesus according to the scriptures, participants intertwined in the religious culture get angry. (Hebrews 6:1; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 2:37-42) When shown the scriptures, many prefer to close their Bible, refusing to believe what the Word actually states.
But if the doctrine of Christ (the Godhead) was as modern day religious culture suggests -- a trinity, or God in three persons, or a tri-une God, or Father God who had a Son that was fathered by the Holy Spirit, all co-existent and co-equal with one another (depending on which statement of faith respective churches subscribe to) then why would anyone have to have the eyes of their understanding enlightened?
Knowledge of the Godhead would be simple. God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (as we read in Ephesians 1:3) and then the Spirit in which we are sealed. (Ephesians 1:13) There would have been no reason for Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God to further elaborate. But he did, explaining that this "is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:23)
He wrote this in full agreement with Ephesians 2:9 which states, "For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.""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)
"One Lord, One faith, One baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
Not two. Not three, but one Lord. JESUS -- who 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)
"I am the Lord thy God, the holy One of Israel, thy Saviour." (Isaiah 43:3)
"Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord and beside Me, there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:10-11)
"For unto a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"And ye shall call His name Jesus." (Matthew 1:21-23)
So, why is it that when believers raise these particular scriptures, (with numerous more from the Word in context), the religious culture of this day doesn't desire to align their teachings with the Word?
Indeed, again, as the scriptures state: "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying: "Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision.**" (Psalm 2:1-4)
Because these false teachers will do anything but worship Jesus as Almighty God, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the King of kings and Lord of lords. This includes exalting themselves through self-declaration within the body of Christ. However, regardless of their stance, we are instructed to preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine AND to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
In other words, don't be misled by those who don't even recognize (even in practical human terms) that one can only become a Father once a child has been birthed.
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the ONLY BEGOTTEN of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18)
Yes, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6) His name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS. He is the promised and prophesied Christ. Our Lord God and Saviour who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on the cross of Calvary for you and I.
It is He who invites us to come and take of the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17) May His name be praised forever and ever. Stand in the offering plate.
** The word "derision" being defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary as the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt, a state of being laughed at or ridiculed; a state of being derided. An object of ridicule or scorn.
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