Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ Hath Declared His Promises to Those Who Believe - Part 1266

"The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shares His handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)

"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD. This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise Thee, for Thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." (Psalm 118:24)

He has declared this to be the day that He -- the LORD -- hath made so rejoice and be glad in it. He -- the LORD hath come forth as a mighty man so that we might have eternal life in Him. He -- the Lord became flesh and dwelt among us. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-12)

Moreover, He was the stone that the builders rejected, even though He who knew no sin became sin for you and I. He paid the price once and for all, His shed blood covering the multitude of our transgressions. 

His name? Jesus the Christ, our beloved Saviour. "And they shall call His name Jesus." (Matthew 1:21-23)

"For through Him we both have access by ONE Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:20-22)

He has chosen and ordained us to be witnesses of His good news gospel. But not everyone desires to understand the truth that Jesus proclaimed, because as Jesus declared, "This people honours Me with their lips but their heart is far away from Me." (Matthew 15:8)

Indeed, Jesus saith unto them -- those perceived to be the religious scholars of the day, "Did ye never read in the scriptures, "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner?" This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes ..." (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11)

When we listen to the message preached by some self declared in the church community today, we might ask the very same question -- did ye never read in the scriptures? But I digress.

The truth is that our Lord God loved us so much that He Himself chose to declare "peace and good will to all" in this current dispensation of grace. He chose to reveal the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father since the beginning of the world, and He did not leave it to another. He came Himself to redeem and sanctify us with His truth.

"The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar. He shall prevail against His enemies." (Isaiah 42:13)

And to prove His mighty love for His creation, He clothes us in His righteousness. 

As Mary the mother of Jesus said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for, behold, from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is His name. 

And His mercy is upon them that fear Him from generation to generation. He that showed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away." (Luke 1:46-53)

"For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name." (Luke 1:49)

Interestingly, God exalted Mary in 'due time' to give birth to the blessed Saviour -- who is both Lord and Christ -- and today, He does the same for us. He exalts us in due time when we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. (I Peter 5:6) 

We see another example in apostle Paul, (who as Saul, prior to the Lord shining brightly on him on his way to Damascus murdered believers in Jesus by faith with a vengeance), the Lord exalted him in due time to fulfill the purpose that was placed in his heart by our Lord God and Saviour while Saul was still in his mother's womb.

In due time. Not because another man/preacher or priest/self-identified evangelist and/or prophet, etc., declares a promise over us but because the Lord God Almighty has declared us to be His treasure. His child. His friend. It is He who exalts us in due time, to fulfill His purpose placed in our hearts while we were yet being formed.

This is why He has declared us -- you and I -- to be His chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people that ye/we should go forth the praises of Him who hath called you/us out of darkness into His marvelous light, which in time past were not a people, which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2:9-10)

,

Therefore, like the mother of Jesus did which led to the birth of the King of kings and Lord of lords, "humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, [so] that He may exalt you [too] in due time. " (I Peter 5:6)

Why? Because you are on this earth for a purpose. Your life is important and valued, Your heart desired by the Most High. Therefore, don't settle for the whims and notions of this world. Instead, ask Jesus to declare His promises over your life, and likewise, exalt you in due time. 

In the interim, rejoice, seeking Jesus through His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

Be Persuaded That He Is Able To Keep That Which You Have Committed Unto Him Against That Day - Part 1265

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” (II Timothy 1:12)

As believers in Jesus by faith, we can be fully persuaded that our God is able to keep us from falling into the deceptiveness of sin. It is He that shall present us faultless before His majesty with exceeding great joy. The one and only mediator between God and man -- the man Christ Jesus.

"Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one." (Galatians 3:20)

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

"But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 8:6)

"And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." (Hebrews 12:24)

"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." (Galatians 3:19)

"And for this cause He is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:15)

The ghostly presence of the Spirit of God persuades us that we are sitting together with Him in heavenly places, and we understand that sitting identifies that the work of our redemptive salvation is totally complete. For we were not delivered from the dark night of sin by works of righteousness which we had done. For truly, we of our own selves were lost, walking down that road called Broadway -- the road well recognized and yet well worn pathway to sin.

But JESUS our Creator came to our rescue. The same God who at different times and in various manners endeavoured to speak to us through prophets, which prophets for the most part went unheeded. And then God added a Law, which Law endeavoured to awake us from the darkness of sin. But similarly, the Law eventually also became unheeded.

Note that the Law of itself was perfect but we dwelling in prone to sin bodies found ways and means to negate the Law. Indeed, we dressed up sin in fashion that sin would not appear as sin but would be something to be sought after and desired.

Further, the Law was a covenant between two parties -- God and man. And being a covenant it contained demands. But again, because the demands were not adhered to by honest hearts seeking His righteousness, God simply walked out. Even today the other party known as Jews have not come to the realization that God has walked out.

"He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Finally, as a last resort God made a conscious decision to come forth as a mighty man so that we might be saved. This God did! As before, we rebelled against JESUS even as we had previously done to the afore running prophets. This reaction of spiritual blindness -- even though JESUS worked miracles, signs and wonders in their midst as had never been seen performed by any previous to Him.

Here was JESUS shining the light of God in their midst, and yet man hated the light for the light shining exposed their sin and they loved darkness much more than light. So they crucified JESUS who was God manifest in the flesh as a Son. (I Timothy 3:16) In unison, they cried crucify Him, crucify Him. They would not have this man to rule over us.

Still, JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost -- Emmanuel -- meaning God with us. "And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Although the old covenant represented a shadow of good things to come, we know that throughout the centuries, Jesus still loved His creation with an everlasting love. Mercy for His creation that goes beyond any kind of love that we as humans are capable of fathoming. Why? Because God loved us while we were still sinners. He shed His precious blood on a cross before we had an opportunity to respond to His beckoning call. His free gift of grace.

Do you recall when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and they hid among the bushes? God upon visiting the garden seemingly could not find them. Then, upon being discovered God exclaimed, "What have you done?" And from that moment on, God set in motion plans to redeem man and woman from a world of sin and rebellion. At the same time, the devil who had earlier been an angel cast out of heaven ruled the world to which Adam and Eve through adherence to the devil's deceptive words had become captives.

But we were never left stranded. From the very beginning, God had a plan. Described in the scriptures as the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. JESUS being the Word of God, which Word declared that the SEED of a woman would bruise the serpent or devil's head -- this same JESUS bruised the devil’s head.

In so doing, JESUS exposed man’s real enemy. In fact, He made an open display, casting demonic spirits out of individual lives and healing all that came to Him. Miracle after miracle is recorded so that we might know the King of kings and Lord of lords personally. His name is Jesus. He was the promised Christ.

He is still calling you today, inviting you to the wedding feast. Asking for your presence in paradise. Extending His free gift of salvation -- that is not of works but a consequence of His grace and mercy for each and every one of us.

"By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God."

Come to Him today and let Jesus fulfill the promises and purposes that He wrote in your heart while you were still in your mother's womb. Ask Jesus to become Lord in your life. Seek His blessings and joy that have been set aside specifically for you. Indeed, your name is already written on the gift. All that is left is for you to ask Jesus to become your Lord and Christ.

Read the scriptures, particularly the new testament written specifically for today -- the current dispensation of grace in which we live. Be thankful. Rejoice evermore. And know that Jesus will never fail you!

Stand in the offering plate.

That The Promise By Faith of Jesus Christ Might Be Given to Them That Believe -Part 1264

"For God hath concluded them all in unbelief that He might have mercy upon all" (Romans 11:32)

"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3:22)

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory do God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24)

Many times the Lord knudges us to check our understanding of the scriptures so that we are not tossed to and fro with false teachings and modern day religious dogma. Why? Because God is not the author of confusion. He does not want us to be misled by man made doctrines that have no basis or foundation in His Word. Neither does He want us to miss out on the blessings and joy that should be in our hearts as believers in Jesus by faith.

Indeed, Jesus said, "if Ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, Ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)

It is for this reason that we are instructed to "study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)

And what should we know as we move forward in our personal relationship with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ? Hebrews 6 makes this very clear.

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection: not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement." (Hebrews 6:1-2)

In other words, if we struggle with these very basic instructions, we should search the scriptures again for understanding and revelation. This can be facilitated by water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ whereby we shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, who will lead and guide us into all truth. (Acts 2:36-39)

The point being that our search should be motivated by our desire to know more about the love of our beloved Saviour. Our high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens -- " a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man." (Hebrews 8:1-2)

" But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building, neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:11-12)

We no longer live in the shadow of good things to come, but are privileged to be born into the dispensation of grace whereby we can call on the name of the Lord Jesus and be saved! And thus, when we do, we should also want to understand the wisdom from above which "is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated full of mercy, and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy, and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:17)

Let us all have eyes and ears to hear and understand His Word for us this day! Give us this day our daily bread! Stand in the offering plate.

And All Flesh Shall See the Salvation of God - Part 1263

"O sing unto the Lord a new song, for He hath done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm hath gotten Him the victory. The Lord hath made known His salvation. His righteousness hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered His mercy and His truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." (Psalm 98:1-3)

"Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth. Ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. Let Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit; let the habitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare His praise in the islands." (Isaiah 42:10-12)

Why? Because as Isaiah wrote, "The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man. He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war. He shall cry, yea, roar, He shall prevail against His enemies." (Isaiah 42:13) The Lord of hosts shall come down to fight for mount Zion and for the hill thereof, (Isaiah 31:4) God Himself manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

He who knew no sin was made sin for us. While the world, particularly at this time of year refers to Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, the believer in Jesus rejoices that God willingly clothed Himself in human flesh so that we might have eternal life with Him.

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

And yet many in this world have chosen to sacrifice unto Ba-alim, and burned incense to graven images. "I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by the arms; but they knew not that I healed them. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love, and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. And the sword shall abide in his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels. And My people are bent to backsliding from Me; though they called them to the Most High, none of them would exalt Him." (Hosea 10:1-7)

Nevertheless, the Lord is still God, and not man -- "the holy one in the midst of thee." (Hosea 10:9) And as the scriptures state, all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

"The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:10)

And as the angel said unto Mary, "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David, and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:30-33)

And while we may ask (as did Mary) how this can be, we will also begin to understand (like Mary) how to rejoice in God our Saviour. But as we know the angel of the Lord answered Mary's question, saying, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)

And Mary agreed. "Behold the handmaid of the Lord," she replied, "be it unto Me according to thy Word." (Luke 1:38)

As a consequence, we have all seen the salvation of God revealed.

In the old covenant, the prophecy -- "And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." (Isaiah 40:5) And in the new testament -- "For my eyes have seen Your salvation," (Luke 2:30)

Like Mary, our souls can choose to wholly magnify the Lord within our very being, and our spirits rejoice in God our Saviour, or like God's original chosen people, we can turn to other gods for our sustenance. Still, the whole purpose of this world is so that each and every one of us have an opportunity to decide in our hearts what we will do with Jesus. Our entire existence (both in this life and the next) depends on how we respond to His call to the wedding feast. As we read in the scriptures, Mary gladly made her choice.

"For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden, for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things and HOLY IS HIS NAME. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy. As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed forever." (Luke 1:30-55)

We need to do the same. Either we accept His gift of salvation -- His gift of grace, wherein He paid the price for our sin once and for all, or we, like God's original chosen people can reject His love. I pray that we all choose His gift of salvation, wherein His abundance of joy can fill our souls. And, in so doing, we can not only see the salvation of God, but understand how far our God would steep to become our Lord and Saviour.

Today is the day of salvation. Harden not your hearts. Ask Jesus into your heart, and seek His guidance and counsel through His Word. Repent and be water baptized/ buried in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that you can receive His Spirit in your life. And know, beyond a shadow of any doubt, that when you ask Jesus into your heart, you become an integral member too of "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (I Peter 2:9)

Stand in the offering plate.

Where Is He That Is Born King of the Jews? - Part 1262

"For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever." (Micah 4:5)

"And I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down in His name," saith the Lord. (Zechariah 10:12)

Around the time of the birth of Jesus, an interesting question is posed. Note that by this time, Jesus has already been born in Bethlehem in the days of Judea. The shepherds had come and gone and Herod was king. And, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:1-2)

The question again -- :Where is He that is born King of the Jews?"

"Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:2)

It is understandable then that when Herod heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. (Matthew 2:4)

And they told him of a prophecy that the prophets had stated afore. That is, "in Bethlehem of Judaea" for thus it is written by the prophet, "And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah, for out of thee shall come a Governor that shall rule My people Israel." (Matthew 2:6; Revelation 2:27)

Again, but this time from Micah on the old testament side -- "but thou, Bethlehem, Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me [the Messiah] that is to be ruler in Israel -- whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Therefore, will He give them up, until the time that she which travails hath brought forth, Then the remnant of His brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the Name of the Lord His God; and they shall abide: for now shall He be great unto the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:2-4)

The prophesied Messiah, to exercise dominion over Israel -- He whose name was mentioned from before, from the days of creation. And now, according to these wise men, the mystery that had been hidden in the bosom of the Father since the beginning of time was about to be revealed in this dispensation.

The promised Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.

"And they shall call His name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sin." (Matthew 1:21-23)

The Bread of life. The living water wherein partakers never thirst again. The Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) Our Lord's salvation plan veiled in human sin-prone flesh, and yet without sin.

"Out of thee shall come forth before Me the Messiah, that He may exercise dominion over Israel.'' The son of David. The promised seed. The stone which the builders would eventually reject, even though God Himself was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not." (John 1:10-11)

But we are jumping ahead here. Herein, the wise men have seen the star and are decidedly searching for the Christ, because these knew that the son of man had been born. Note that these men were considered the wisest of the wise within that era, and had studied the old testament scriptures and prophecies for knowledge and wisdom. Nevertheless, even these did not know where Jesus lay, because they had to ask Herod.

Nevertheless, Isaiah accurately scribed from whence this Jesus came -- "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." (Isaiah 9:6)

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

The greatest love story ever told to mankind. A new King was born who would be known as the King of kings and Lord of lords. But sadly, as we know, Herod did not like the idea of another King in the midst. Thus, Herod wanted to know where Jesus was located too. However, his own moral worldview was corrupted and likewise his motives, as we read the consequences for many families when Herod could not find Jesus.

But the wise men? These continued on their journey until they found their Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ. And when the wise men reached the home where Jesus was, they worshiped Him. The wise men worshiped this same Jesus who would save His people from their sin. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Note that by this time, Jesus was no long a baby in a stable. Indeed, the wise men found the "young child" in a house, but I digress. The entirety of the text in Luke 2 copied below for you learning and edification. As you read one of several gospel accounts regarding the birth of our Lord Jesus the Christ, remember the costly price that our Lord God and Saviour paid for you and I --- so that we might have eternal life. 

He took away our sin once and for all on an old rugged cross. With His precious blood shed, He offers us His love. His mercy. His abundance of grace. His Comforter -- the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit -- the Spirit of God that will lead and guide us into all truth.

This is why we encourage you to press into Jesus, for the volume of the book therein -- as Jesus said -- was written of Him. Let him/her who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

Luke 2:                                                                                    

"Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the Word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. (Luke 2:1-2)

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight." Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

And ALL flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:6)

"And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and ALL flesh shall see together ... for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken." (Isaiah 40:5)

"Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

And the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?" He answers and saith unto them, "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise."

Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, "Master, what shall we do?"

And he said unto them, "Exact no more than that which is appointed you."

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, "And what shall we do?" And he said unto them, "Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable."

And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, "Thou art my beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased."

[The Holy Ghost descending in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, so that John the baptist would not be misled -- a confirmation of the identity of Jesus to John -- as the scriptures declare].

And Jesus Himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor, which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala, which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech, which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God."

Because That Which May Be Known of God Is Manifest In Them - Part 1261

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness ... because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:16-20)

"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:2)

It is for this reason that when we understand the gospel of Christ, we need to diligently study His Word, so that we will know the truth that sets us free. When Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" and that "no man comes unto the Father but by Me," He did so in order that we would search the scriptures for the treasures that are right and just and sound.

But what has happened instead is that many go to church and listen to the insights and revelations of another, instead of bringing their own awareness and understanding of God's Word. Part of the problem may evolve from the way churches are structured. These organizations have moved away from the early church example, outlined in I Corinthians 14:26. 

Nevertheless, Jesus said, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)

When we ask Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in our lives, and are baptized in His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin (as outlined in Acts 2:36-42), we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. His Spirit living within us. The very same Spirit that overshadowed Mary so that she would conceive that "holy thing" (as the physician Luke describes Jesus in the womb) comes into our hearts and abides within. (Luke 1:35)

God our Saviour. (Luke 1:47) 

"And they shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin." (Matthew 1:21-23)

"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:2)

Many reading this post today will never have heard of the miraculous birth of Jesus the Christ, and how -- as a consequence of His abundance of love for you and I -- His beloved creation -- willingly took on a sin-prone flesh so that we might embrace His gift of salvation and eternal life. Many will never understand the depth and breadth of His love that led God to declare "peace and good will to all" -- marking a new beginning for all mankind -- in this current dispensation of grace. 

And why will we never have heard the truth that sets us free? Because too often, we give over the controls of our knowledge and wisdom to the man (or woman) speaking at the front of a cathedral/a church/ a man-made institutional organization. But this is not what God wanted when He personally delivered to us His Word. The same Word that was with God in the beginning and was God. (John 1:1-14)

So, in that context, let me share a passage of scripture that might serve to reveal that not everything we have been told from a pulpit is reflective of His truth. For example, in today's world, there are entire church organizations built upon one man saying that he saw Jesus "after He [Jesus] was taken up." (Acts 1:2)

But let's look at what His Word actually states. Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God is writing unto the church of God which was at Corinth, and to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus -- called to be saints, "with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord" (I Corinthians 1:1-2) He writes:

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. And that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:1-8)

And as we know from Acts 1:2-3, "until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen ... to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God" 

Indeed, Jesus told His disciples that they would see Him no more. 

So the next time someone says they saw Jesus in the flesh, or have a specific revelation that was bestowed only to that individual, show them what Paul wrote. That he was the very last to see Jesus, "as one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:8)

Why? Because the false teachings and traditions of men that have led to the current downward, out of control chaos that our world is experiencing needs the one and only true light to be shed in the darkness. And the light of the world is Jesus. 

"I am the light of the world. He that follows me," Jesus said, "shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

As Paul wrote, "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man." (Galatians 1:11)

Stand in the offering plate.

The World Knows Us Not Because It Knew Him Not -- Jesus, Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending - Part 1260

"Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is ..." (I John 3:1-2)

Thankfully, in this current dispensation of grace, the commandments are no longer written on tablets of stone but in our hearts. (Hebrews 10:16) Jesus satisfied the law that was intended only as a schoolmaster to bring us to Him. (Galatians 3:24-25) Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to FULFILL." (Matthew 5:17) If the first covenant (with its ordinances of divine service, shew bread and priests had been sufficient, there would have been no need for a second new testament. But "the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as yet the first was yet standing ...." (Hebrews 9:8)

This is why the blood of Christ -- who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purged our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. "And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of a testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law .... it was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; out the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us ... so Christ was ONCE offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:1-28) When Jesus yielded up the ghost, "the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake and the rocks rent ..." (Matthew 27:50-51) God declared peace and good will to all (Luke 2:14)

We need to also remember that the Law/ten commandments was never given to the Gentiles. So when the Lord declared that the Israelite's would never enter into His rest (because He was grieved in His heart that they had not known His ways -- even though He gave them manna from heaven so that they could enter the promised land) , He looked to a people who were not originally His people and bid them to come to the wedding feast. (Hebrews 3:7-11; Psalm 95:7-11; Acts 1:16) So that we could enter into His rest. Not just one day a week but every day of the week. 

"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it .... for if Jesus/Joshua had given them rest, then would we not afterward have spoken of ANOTHER day. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God, for he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief ..." (Hebrews 4:1-16) This is why Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:25-30)

"In that He saith, "A new covenant, He hath made the first old ..." (Hebrews 7:13) 

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-19) 

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus ..." (Romans 3:23-31) 

The uncircumcision -- us -- are justified through faith. " For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) Jesus gave us only two laws -- to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (and understanding) and from His love, to love one another.

Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They answered Him, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how say thou, "Ye shall be made free?" Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abides not in the house for ever: but the Son abides ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:32-36) 

Press into Jesus and ask Him to reveal Himself to you, because when we ask, we shall receive His truth embedded into our very being. Blessings in the precious name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Is Still the Corner Stone, the King of kings and Lord of lords - Part 1259

On the mount of transfiguration, JESUS was accompanied by Peter, James and John. Suddenly, their appeared unto them two other persons. One was Moses (representative of the Law given at Mount Sinai). The second was Elias (representative of the prophets). JESUS conversed with both. The apostles were privy to the scene, hearing and observing but not participating.

Peter bursting with enthusiasm declared, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let us build three tabernacles. One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias." What follows, according to the scriptures is a resounding answer to Peter's suggestion. A cloud encompassed the group and a voice from within the cloud spoke these words.

"This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him." The cloud dispersed, leaving the three disciples shaking with fear. They looked but saw no man other than JESUS. Only Jesus.

This was not written to suggest that Moses was not a part of the plan of God. Moses certainly was, ushering in the Law. As it is written, the Law was given through Moses. Elias too because Elias and the prophets prophesied of these days wherein God would be manifest is flesh. Each of these prophesies served their respective generation.

But in these last days, God has spoken to us in His Son who is God Himself manifest in the flesh, inasmuch as JESUS is the SEED of the Holy Ghost. If JESUS be the very SEED of the Holy Ghost then He is altogether God Himself as a Son. Therefore, in JESUS must dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!

The scriptures declare that no man has ever seen God at any time. The only begotten Son of God who has come forth from the innermost being of God (who is Spirit), He and He alone has declared / revealed / manifest the unseen God in form. Veiled in sin prone flesh for the purpose of man's redemption.

Man was totally incapable of redeeming man. Indeed, man’s solutions were only band-aid solutions. We see this in traditional institutions claiming to represent God. In this context, religion is rampant, making merchandise of people, orchestrating all sorts of entertainment, begging for money, conning simple minded persons, even as Simon the sorcerer had done in Acts chapter 8.

This might explain why JESUS overturned the money changer's tables in the temple saying ‘My Father's House shall be called a house of prayer." Still as we often see today, they have once again turned His Father's House into a house of thieves! Even so, religion cannot negate the scriptures.

JESUS is still the cornerstone of this spiritual temple that God erected for Himself. Not a building made of brick and mortar for heaven is God’s throne and the earth is God’s footstool.

Yes, God Himself is the corner stone, and rightly so. For in order for God to build this temple wherein He would be pleased to dwell it required living redeemed stones, obtained through the sacrificial blood of the Holy Ghost which flowed within the veins of JESUS. This temple is the body of the Lord JESUS the Christ, who sacrificed Himself at Calvary, providing for man the only means whereby he can be redeemed. JESUS took upon Himself the curse of sin - willfully taking upon Himself our sin!

JESUS is the Word of God. This is why in God’s own Word, the voice from Heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him."

Now Moses and the prophets spoke and were heard. However, we have entered into the beginning of the new testament gospel of JESUS the Christ. No longer under Law. The law and the prophets were up until Christ, now a message of ‘grace and truth’ is the Word of the voice from heaven. We are brought into the perfect law of liberty, inviting one and all to come to God in Christ with nothing in their hand.

God sacrificed Himself for you. He wants your heart in return. Stand in the offering plate.

For Other Foundation Can No Man Lay Than That Is Laid, Which Is Jesus Christ - Part 1258

Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:25-30)

When we ask Jesus to become Lord in our life, repenting and being water baptized in His precious name, He fills us with the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit living within. (Acts 2:36-42) And, as a consequence, He fills us with His love. His peace. His mercy and grace. He comforts us in our time of need, and gives us strength to face each day with a renewed spirit. 

"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God -- who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation -- to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-19)

From Jesus, flows the Word. The Word that was with God and the Word that was God, who chose to clothe Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might receive His gift of salvation. His many blessings which are bestowed upon us when we seek Jesus in our lives.

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day." (II Corinthians 4:16)

As Job wrote in the midst of his tribulation and trials: "Inside I am like bottled up wine, like new wine skins ready to burst." (Job 32:19)

This is why we, as ambassadors for Christ understand by faith from whence came our salvation. The joy that bubbles up within our very being.

"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21)

Therefore, come "boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:1-16) Be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and be clothed in His righteousness, knowing that in Him we are victorious by the One Lord who never fails! (Acts 2:36-42; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:10-11; Revelation 1:8,11)

And as Paul wrote, keep your eyes fixed upon the Author and Finisher of our faith. Press into Jesus. In everything that we do in both word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus. Study to show thyself approved unto God, as doth a workman, discerning what is true and right and just. (II Timothy 2:15)

In other words, our faith journey should not be about religious affiliation and/or membership, or subscribing to some man-made statement of faith, but a personal ongoing relationship with our Lord God and Saviour who loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God. Not by works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

This is why we can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt that we "are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in who all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Because when God declared peace and good will toward all men, He followed up by proving His love -- a Good Shepherd laying down His life for His enemies. He loved us before we ever knew Him. He is the Bread of life. He is the living water wherein we will never thirst again. He is the light that overcomes our darkness. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. The King of kings and Lord of lords,

And they shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sin. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

God manifest in the flesh. Trust in His unfailing love today. Stand in the offering plate.

Be It Known Unto You That the Salvation of God Is Sent Unto the Gentiles, And They Will Hear It - Part 1257

Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto the fathers, saying, "Go unto this people and say, "Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see and not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." (Acts 28:25-27)

I can only imagine what the Jews were thinking, after apostle Paul said, "Be it known therefore unto you -- that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles and they will hear it." (Acts 28:28) It is no wonder they left to reason among themselves. This news would have been a shock, given their privileged status up until now.

We have to remember here that God had a chosen people throughout the old covenant, but these people wandered aimlessly (worshiping other gods), even though Almighty God continually provided them with manna from heaven for sustenance. As a consequence, only two people reached the promised land. And in time, the Lord looked beyond His chosen to a people who were not His people -- the Gentiles -- personally delivering to them His precious gift of salvation.

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

But, as Paul rightly questions, this does not mean that God hath cast away His people. Indeed, there is at present, a remnant according tot eh election of grace. (Romans 11:4-5)

"And if by grace, then it is no more of works; otherwise, grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace. Otherwise, work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. And David saith, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompense unto them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway."

I say then, "Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

Thou wilt say then, "The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear, for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee.

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness .... otherwise, thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, "There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."

As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the Father's sakes ... for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief, even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all.

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:6-36)
"For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings, for both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one -- for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing my praise unto Thee."

And again, "I will put my trust in Him,"

And again, "Behold I and the children which God hath given me."

For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage; for verily He took not on Him the nature of angels, but He took on Him the seed of Abraham, wherefore in all things, it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 2:11-18; Psalm 22:22; II Samuel 22:3; Isaiah 8:17-18)

Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever.

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

Let him with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.