The Day of the Lord SHALL Come! He Is Not Slack Concerning His Promise to Us - Part 1295

THE DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.

In reality, the Lord has already come for when we ask Jesus to come into our heart, and we worship Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He dwells within us. Moreover, Jesus said that He would not leave His followers comfortless. As the scriptures point out, Jesus said "I will come to you!"

Indeed, Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you." (John 14:15-20)

Further, the scriptures declare that all those who have by faith come to believe upon Jesus, are now a new creation of God. While admittedly, each believer may externally look the same as they did prior to their expressed faith in Jesus, on the inside they have been changed. Or, as the scriptures refer to the salvation experience - believers have been reborn and their minds renewed. They were not strapped to an operating table whilst someone rearranged their inners. Oh no. The inward change that occurs is a direct result of the promise of Jesus - that He would not leave believers comfortless. He will come to you.

In that moment, when people ask Jesus into their life, they are born again, or phrased another way, born of God. All of this internal change occurs in a moment of time. In fact, in a second of time even though in God's view, that is still too long. This may explain why the scriptures use the language "in the twinkling of an eye."

The most important message for us is that heaven is just a prayer away. Similarly, we need to recognize that God has stated, that even before we call, He will answer. Nothing separates a believer from the love of God that can be found only in Jesus. Because the Spirit of God who fills the heavens and the earth is no longer on the outside. He is the same Spirit that was in the man Jesus. And it is the same Jesus who has taken up residence within the heart of believers.

Still, in terms of the original point of this post - the day of the Lord will come upon us. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise to come again. There will be a second coming of God. In this context, and apart from a personal experience of rebirth, there is no redemption available to mankind after the second coming.

The lyrics from the O'Jays song "Love Train" pretty well says it all. Please do not miss this train at the station, for if you miss it I will be sorry, yes, sorry for you. Don’t you know that it is time to get on board for this love train bearing the message of God is travelling on through. If you haven't reached out to Jesus, this would be the most opportune time.

On a different note, there are those who repeatedly question why anyone should have the right to hear this message twice when some have never heard the gospel message once. There is a parable in the New Testament that refers to this. Recall the ten virgins, of whom five are categorized as being wise and the other five foolish?

The latter group all slumbered and slept, having become recipients of mans' foolish wisdom, and having swallowed satan’s bait -- hook, line and sinker. Thus, instead of preparing for the coming of their King, they believed that nothing had changed within the world. Everything would continue to be the same, even though all around them, people are becoming alarmed at the surrounding chaos. In fact, Jesus said men's hearts would fail them for fear.

As a consequence of this worldly blindness that prevents these from seeing the truth, their collective belief in God has dissipated to the place that their lamps of belief had virtually gone out. The parable speaks of a certain time when a voice was heard declaring, "Behold, the bridegroom is coming."

The ten upon hearing this news arose and began to trim their lamps of belief. Unfortunately, the five foolish virgins recognized that they had no oil in their lamps (the oil symbolic of the Spirit of God).  They hastily went to purchase oil. Upon their return to where the five wise virgins had been they were confronted with the fact that indeed the bridegroom had returned and they had missed the train.

This parable leads us to the all important question. With which group do you want to be found among the ten when we hear the news, "Behold, the bridegroom come." Would you not want to be ready to meet Him? Like the five wise virgins?

Christ in you now bringing to believers the promised hope of the glory of eternal life. The message is simple. Only Jesus saves. He alone has the words of eternal life. This is why Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me."

Please do not miss this message of the all important second coming of the Lord Jesus the Christ. It's your call - accept His invitation. Come to the Lord Jesus today! Stand in the offering plate.

(Written by Bill (William) McKendrick)

Ye Are Christ's When Ye Take On His Garment of Righteousness -- Buried In Jesus Name - Part 1294

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Jesus, "Which is the first commandment of all?" And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." (Mark 12:28-30; Deuteronomy 6:4)

Read that again -- The Lord our God is ONE Lord. Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) said, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is BOTH Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

So, if the Lord our God is ONE Lord, and He Himself who knew no sin was made flesh and dwelt among us, wherein His Word do we find a foundation for teaching the trinity. Jesus clearly stated, "I and My Father are ONE." (John 10:30) He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

The Word dwelt among us -- the same Word that was with God and was God -- and He willingly paid the price on the cross so that you and I might have salvation and eternal life.

"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 of the Lord 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)

But the modern day religious culture does not believe that God was manifest in the flesh, as it is written in I Timothy 3:16, and as a consequence, these teach the false doctrine -- the trinity, or God in three persons, or a tri-une God. It is for this reason that they baptize using the titles, rather than the "name" which Jesus commanded believers to do. Indeed, every single person in the scriptures was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus so what should that say about the false traditions of men?

Let's examine this topic in depth. First, note that the commandment Jesus gave in Matthew was to baptize in the name. Note that the "name" referred to here is singular. This scripture does not say names, as it would if it was intended to have a plural meaning. I do not want to diminish or take away from the words of Jesus here, but it is important to note that Jesus said -- All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth -- so it would not make sense for Jesus (in the very next verse) to then suggest that all power was not given unto Him but to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as equal persons in the Godhead. But I digress somewhat. I will return to this point later.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost -- teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)

The Father, Son and Holy Ghost all have one name, and the apostles who walked with Jesus day in and day out would know that name. "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)

"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 showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God ..." (Acts 1:2-3)

So, what does all this mean? First and foremost, God is not the author of confusion. We are instructed to search the scriptures for our understanding, which in this case, should result in not preferring one verse to many others that elaborate on the original point. Like I said, the apostles walked with Jesus every day, plus, were privy to Jesus (after He was risen) for 50 days, wherein He taught them specifically of the matters pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

This might also be a good time to interject that the "great commission" is not only mentioned in the gospel presented by Matthew. Mark writes, for example, Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe. In My Name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues ..." (Mark 16:15)

Luke's account states: " ... 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. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:47-49)

His name? The name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

How do we know? Because Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost proclaimed Jesus as both Lord and Christ.

"Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

And, as we know from the record in Acts 2, that the apostles obeyed the words of the Saviour when they baptized the first 3,000 souls in the name of the Lord Jesus. Note that Matthew was one of the eleven, and thus, if Peter was preaching a wrong message, one would think that Matthew would have said so. But he did not. The apostles stood in agreement of the spiritual that Jesus had taught them.
Acts 2 was not a one off event. Throughout the book of Acts, new believers were routinely baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost (for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:12-17)

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:48)

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:5)

"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the Name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)

Moreover, in Romans 6, we read that we are baptized into Christ -- buried and resurrected with Him.

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4)

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)

"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. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:6-15)

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:16-17)

Thus, if our hearts encourage us to do everything in both word and deed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who love us enough to shed His precious holy blood for you and I, should we not also want to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ too?

We have so much that the Lord wants to share with us so don't let the religious traditions of men prevent you from taking on His garment of righteousness. Be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- buried and resurrected with Him, and experience for yourself the goodness and grace, the love and mercy, the joy and peace, His wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. His name is JESUS. And stand in the offering plate with a Saviour whose love for us was so great that He would die on a cross while we were yet His enemies.

So, where did the words in Matthew 28:19 originate?

According to the experts of our time, this particular scripture was re-written, which now clarifies the truth that Jesus is indeed the Author and Finisher of our faith. And as Jesus Himself said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)

From the BRITANICA ENCYCLOPEDIA -- The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son & Holy Ghost by the Catholic Church in the Second Century. – 11th Edit., Vol. 3, ppg. 365-366.

From the CANNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION -- The early church always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until development of the Trinity Doctrine in the Second Century.

From the CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA -- Here the Catholics acknowledged that baptism was changed by the Catholic Church. – Vol. 2, pg. 263.

From the HASTINGS ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION -- Christian baptism was administered using the words, “in the name of Jesus.” – Vol. 2, pg. 377. Baptism was always in the name of Lord Jesus until time of Justin Martyr when triune formula used. – Vol. 2, pg. 389.

[Therefore] NAME was an ancient synonym for “person.” Payment was always made in the name of some person referring to ownership. Therefore one being baptized in Jesus’ name became His personal property. “Ye are Christ’s.” – Vol. 2, pg. 377 on Acts 2:38.

Create In Me a Clean Heart, O God; And Renew a Right Spirit Within Me - Part 1293

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-8)

As we began to examine in the last post, Jesus instructs us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and from that love relationship, we learn how to love one another. Oft times, I refer to this latter action as part of the process of becoming a flow through for Jesus -- His love in us bubbling over so that we can (and would willingly) reach out to others, as a city on a hill, proclaiming the wondrous and glorious gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

If we think of the scribe in Mark 12, he obviously had intellect. In responding to Jesus' about which commandment is the first commandment of all, the scribe noted and repeated to Jesus, "Well, Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is one God and there is none other but He." (Mark 12:32)

Although this introductory prelude (if you will) to these two greatest commandments on the new testament side confirms and wholly agrees with which was written in the old, many in the modern day religious culture today fail to understand that God is One, and, as the scribe so clearly stated, there is NONE other but He.

[I am referring to the false trinity teaching here whereby man-made religion relying on the traditions of men presents the doctrine of God in three persons, rather than God as One and that He -- Jesus who stood before the scribe -- is indeed God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)]

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

Herein, the very question in and of itself is worthy of examination, as to where the first commandment actually begins. Obviously, Jesus noted that the scribe did not miss this first part -- "The first of all the commandments is -- Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is One Lord" because Jesus said, when He saw that the man had answered discreetly, "Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God." (Mark 12:34)

Although Mark does not specifically respond to whether the scribe had changed in his heart, soul and strength too -- in this particular passage of scripture, there is sufficient scripture to ask ourselves what we would say if asked this very same question.

Which is the first and most important commandment of all? Is it (as most of us assume) loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? Or, instead, having the understanding that the first commandment is "the Lord our God is One Lord"? (Mark 12:28-29; Deuteronomy 6:4)

The same message that Jesus meant when He said, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30)

Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:1-4)

Food for thought! Stand in the offering plate with Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

Hear O Israel, the Lord Our God is ONE LORD - Part 1292

Interestingly, even those who were perceived to be wise were not always able to answer Jesus a word, neither -- as noted in the scriptures -- durst ask Him any more questions from that day forth. (Matthew 22:46) One such example is when the Pharisees had heard that Jesus had put the Sadducees to silence. As we can see from the multitude that was listening to Jesus at the time, they were astonished at His doctrine. (Matthew 22:33-34)

So one of them (which was a lawyer) asked Jesus a question, tempting Him, and saying, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" (Matthew 22:35) We read a similar account of this conversation in Mark 12. Both accounts were intended to expand and rightly place the first commandment originally given to Moses in the old covenant. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

"And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?"

And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is ONE Lord" and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. "And the second is like, namely this, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." There is none other commandment greater than these."

And the scribe said unto Him, "Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He, and to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love His neighbour as Himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." And no man after that durst ask him any question. (Mark 12:28-34)

In the account of the same conversation in Matthew, Jesus adds, "On these two commandments hang ALL the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:40) 

There are several points worth noting here. First, the introduction to the cited scriptural passage in Mark states: "The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is ONE Lord." This is the exact same wording used in the old covenant side. "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is ONE Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4)

This is important for two reasons. The new testament serves as a confirmation of what was written and prophesied of in the old, and also, that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. (I Corinthians 14:33)

To further clarify this point, we read also, "And now Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee? But to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statutes, which I command thee this day, for thy good ...

Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's -- thy God -- the earth [also] with all that therein [is]. Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and He chose their seed after them, [even] you above all people, as [it is] in this day." (Deuteronomy 10:14-15)

"And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou may live." (Deuteronomy 30:6) 

Being no more stiff necked ... "for the Lord your God is a God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward. He doth execute the judgement of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger in giving him food and raiment ..." (Deuteronomy 10:16-18)

[In checking the use and meaning of the term terrible, it appears to be more accurately translated -- at least in our modern day language -- as "awesome"]

Note that for the same reason, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face saying to Daniel, "Of a truth [it is] that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldst reveal this secret." (Daniel 2:47) 

In other words, when we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He reveals Himself to us, gaining understanding. As we quickly learn, the exchange is not one way. There evolves a conversation whereby the Lord gives us the ability to reason with Him. To minister in our day to day, and to receive wisdom and knowledge and good counsel from the King of kings and Lord of lords.

For example, in the Garden, we know that Adam walked in the cool of the afternoon with the Lord, but all this was lost when Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree. As a consequence, there was a separation between God and man. And then because of man's continued transgressions soon came the law and commandments. As we know from earlier posts, the law was to serve as a schoolmaster to bring us back to our Lord God and Saviour. 

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith, but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)

Thus,  when we come to Jesus by faith in His finished work on the cross, He begins to reveal the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. We begin to understand that God Almighty was revealed in the face of Jesus the Christ. And, that He Himself who knew no sin was made the express image of the invisible God, reconciling the world to Himself. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:21-23; Hebrews 1:1-13; Isaiah 9:6)

"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." (Colossians 1:20)

In these last days, "God who at sundry times and in diverse manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son -- whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of [His] glory, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had purges our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:1-3)

We begin to understand more of this revelation when we read what Peter said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that fears Him and works righteousness is accepted with Him. The Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all), that Word [I say] ye know which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him ..." (Acts 10:34-38)

The Word that was in the beginning with God was God. (John 1:1-18) This same Jesus whom they/we crucified, is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Thus, when we believe on the name of Jesus by faith with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and continue/abide in His Word, "a new heart also will [He] give you, and a new spirit will [He] put within you ... and ye shall be My people, and I will be your God." (Ezekiel 36:26-28)

There is so much more to this teaching so let the scripture herein serve as a starting point. Stand in the offering plate.

Only Jesus Can Save Us From Our Sin - Part 1291

"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 of the Lord 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)

As it is written, it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. (Hebrews 10:4) Wherefore when He -- God manifest in the flesh -- as a son comes into the world, He said, "Sacrifice and offering I do not desire but a body I have prepared for Myself. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, I have had no pleasure in such things. Instead, "Lo, I come [in the volume of the book it is written of Me] to do Thy will, Oh God." (Hebrews 10:5-7; Psalm 40:6-8)

When the Spirit referred to sacrifice and burnt offerings and offerings for sin and stated "I do not desire, neither have I had any pleasure therein" - which things are offered by the law - I now say, Lo, I come [as a Son] to do Your will, oh God. This is the turning point! The point that matters most.

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would thy not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins." (Hebrews 10:1-2)

He - God is taking away the first Law covenant so that He - God - may establish the second testament. Read this line again. He - God took away the first Law covenant so that He - God - may establish the second testament. Therefore, by the will of God we are now sanctified through the sacrificial offering of the body of JESUS the Christ (humanity) once and for all.

"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 lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

Still, in spite of the message, even today, priests stand daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away the people's sins. But this man, JESUS the Christ after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, SAT DOWN (the sacrifice now complete) on the right hand of God.

Continuing with verse 16 - "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," say the Lord, "I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:16-17)

In other words, where remission of sin is, there is no more offering for sin, having therefore boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Not of ourselves, or our good works, but because of the blood of Jesus are we justified and sanctified.

Therefore brethren, with boldness enter into the holiest of holies by the precious blood of JESUS the Christ which was the very blood of the holy Spirit of God the Father. This is the new and living way, which God in Christ has consecrated for us, through the veil (i.e. curtain) which was a representative of the veil - the curtain of JESUS flesh!

God became our Saviour. The Word that was in the beginning with God and was God was made flesh so that we could have eternal life in Him. Thus, as a consequence, we now have a High Priest over the house of God. His name is JESUS.

Therefore, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. JESUS - GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH - SACRIFICED HIMSELF ONCE AND FOR ALL. As such, there is no such teaching in the Biblical scriptures called transubstantiation.

So when we read that JESUS OFFERED HIMSELF ONCE AND FOR ALL saying that IT IS FINISHED, the price for our sin and transgressions was paid in full. This is why JESUS SAT DOWN!

Now it is our turn to choose life. To choose Jesus, putting on His cloak of righteousness through repentance and water baptism in His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15)

Stand in the offering plate.

Ye Have Received the Spirit of Adoption, Whereby We Cry, "Abba Father" - Part 1290

The apostle Paul wrote, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:1-2)

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15)

Although we often think of Paul as being an apostle who had it all together, we learn here that Paul was human -- just like you and I. In this particular example, note that when Paul preached the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom, he would (by his own admission) preach to audience(s) in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ... [so] that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory." (I Corinthians 2:4-7)

Note that this was the same glory which "none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (I Corinthians 2:8) These would not have nailed to a cross this same Jesus, who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

But because the princes of this world did not know who they crucified on the cross -- Jesus, the Lord of glory -- we who believe in Jesus by faith, and continue on in His Word have received His wonderful gift of salvation.  As a consequence, we who believe on His name can enter into His freedom, His mercy and His grace.

Moreover, to those that seek Jesus and His righteousness, He reveals the deeper understandings concerning the mystery of God by His Spirit ... for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. Indeed, after Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2)

[Note that this evidence denies some of the current presentations suggesting that certain heads of their respective religious institutions had a personal encounter or special revelation from Jesus after Jesus ascended. I Corinthians 15 declares who saw Jesus after he was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures, of which "last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:1-8) Apostle Paul was writing here, but I digress.]

What it does suggest is that those who seek Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, will find the treasure their heart desires, and the Word will be opened to him or her so that the mystery of God can be understood. The mystery that was hidden in the bosom of the Father until the fullness of time -- in which God declared peace and good will to all men, before overshadowing Mary who would bring forth a holy thing.  (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20-23)

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

God manifest in the flesh. The Word that was with God and was God made flesh. He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own but His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

Still, God is not the author of confusion. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man BUT the Spirit of God. When we receive Jesus into our lives -- and thus, casting out the earthly spirit of this world -- we begin to know the things that are freely given to us from above. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

This is why it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him."  (I Corinthians 2:9)

But this we do know. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." Praise Jesus.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I Am the Bread of Life; he that comes to Me shall never hunger - Part 1289

Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD, and thou shalt love the LORD THY GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." (Mark 12:29-30)

This is why Peter declared this same Jesus whom ye have crucified "is BOTH Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
Indeed, Jesus Himself said, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30)

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

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us ... (John 1:14)

The same Holy Ghost (the Spirit of God) who created man and woman in the beginning, feeding the Israelites the manna from heaven on the old covenant side overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son.  The very same Holy Ghost whom Jesus (after He was taken up) "through" the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2; Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:21-23)

Not God as three separate persons (or a trinity) as modern day religion proclaims but the One and Same Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of Truth -- the Comforter -- Almighty God took on sin-prone flesh so that He could save us from our sin.

"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)

Jesus said, "I must go" in order for the Holy Ghost to come.

Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)

Jesus said, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me ..." (John 15:26)

Jesus made His time on earth as a Son abundantly clear. After He was taken up, "ye shall see Me no more." (John 14:9)

"Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also." (John 14:9)

All the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9)

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

In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1)

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (II Corinthians 5:19-20)

God not only declared peace and goodwill to all but He willingly became our Saviour. 

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope ..." (I Timothy 1:1)

Not which "are our hope" but that He -- singular -- is our hope.

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ..." (Titus 2:13)

"But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ... To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 1:3-4)

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ..." (I Timothy 2:3)

"Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ..." (Titus 2:10-13)

"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (II Peter 1:1)

We need to stop believing the religious traditions of men and begin believing the Word who loved us enough to shed His precious blood on the cross. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me."

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4)

This is why in this current dispensation of grace, we must believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. The name given to us so that we might have salvation and eternal life. 

"And ye shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sin ... God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." (John 6:47)

Jesus did not say to believe in a trinity, or some God in three persons doctrine that has its roots in the anti-Christ church. 

"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)

We need to stop praying to the unknown gods of this world and recognize that when God said, "I am the Lord thy God and beside Me there is no other, He meant it. (Isaiah 43:11; Isaiah 45:1)

This is why Jesus said unto them, "I am the Bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

This is why we are to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ - so that we take on His name. So that we can be fully clothed in His righteousness, and filled with His Spirit, as the first 3,000 souls to be saved on the new testament side were on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47) 

"To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Explains the Parable of the Unjust Steward -- Part 1288

Jesus' sermon that in Luke chapter 15 and continues to the beginning of chapter 17 should be a must read for all believers seeking Jesus. Therein, Jesus is sharing a parable with the multitudes of people who were following Him. The scribes and Pharisees are present. So are the disciples. If one looks to theological experts for an explanation, they are often told that this parable is notorious for its difficulty primarily because the dishonest person in the parable is praised. (Shelley, 2014)

As a consequence, most times there isn't a reasonable explanation for these scriptures so Jesus' sermon is often passed over. But that won't be the case today. Let's begin with chapter 16.

Essentially, the parable points to a dishonest steward who — in managing an estate — was accused of wasting and squandering the lord’s goods. By definition, steward means “one who manages another’s property, finances or other affairs,” or “one who is in charge of household affairs.”

“And He [Jesus] said unto His disciples, “There was a certain rich man which had a steward, and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.” (Luke 16:1-2)

In today’s terms, this situation would be akin to a manager calling into question an employee’s conduct, before firing this same employee. The steward here is now concerned because he is going to be — if we use the analogy above — out of a job. Clearly, the steward has a problem.

The steward said within himself, “What shall I do? For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig [and] to beg I am ashamed.” (Luke 1:3)

So the steward begins to seek options using his worldly wisdom. But the steward must act quickly because if he doesn’t, his plight will be found out within the community, and most particularly among the lord’s friends. So the steward cleverly devises a plan that will keep him gainfully employed. The steward states, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

Thinking quickly, the steward hurriedly turns the rich man’s debtors into his friends. In his haste to remain employed, he calls every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, asking, “How much owest thou unto my lord?”

The first said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And the steward said, “Take thy bill and sit down quickly and write fifty.”

Then the steward said to another, “And how much owest thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And the steward said unto him, “Take thy bill and write fourscore.” (Luke 16:5-7)

What the steward is doing here is changing the terms of the relationship between the debtor and the lord. On the surface, the steward who in his job was previously responsible for collecting all outstanding debts is now turning the rich man's debtors into his friends by forgiving some of the debt. 

Jesus cited two examples in the parable. In one, the account holder's debt was forgiven by half. But the steward's negotiating did not just stop at two debtors. In fact, according to the scriptures, the steward called “every single one” of the lord’s debtors. Not one person was missed in the steward’s determination to negotiate a new debt with one and all. As a consequence, the total cost — if we were only looking at monetary terms — would be significant. But obviously, we are not only looking at monetary matters here.

When the lord discovered what the steward was doing, he commended the unjust steward for using worldly ways to justify his continued existence. It is here that the real message of the parable begins to unfold. No longer is the parable focused solely on the steward wasting the lord’s estate — for which the steward was fired.

“The lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:8-9)

Herein, the lord is commenting on how the unjust steward found a way — albeit using evil cunning and deviousness — to increase his reputation among the fold. From the unjust steward’s perspective, he was able to retain some form of credence within the community as a whole by arranging a better deal for the debtors. Can you hear them saying, “Well, he can’t be all bad.”

From the debtor’s perspective, they would be most grateful for a portion of their debts being forgiven. Normally, for a debt to be forgiven (if you use the agricultural example that would have been prominent in Biblical times) there would have to be extenuating circumstances in the farming sector that precipitated making a special request. But note here that forgiveness of the debt came about without any solicitation by the debtors to the lord. The debts were seemingly freely given — without a list of conditions — from the debtor’s point of view. (More on this point later)

However, it is also critical to notice that in acknowledging the steward’s deal to the debtors, the lord was not commending the steward’s dishonesty or behaviour. What the unjust steward did to further his own self-preservation was still wrong on every level.

Still, the unjust steward knew enough about the lord to recognize that the lord would not go back and collect the difference in the debts owing from the debtors – regardless of the amount. Why? Because the steward knew the lord was gracious. The steward also knew that the lord had already forgiven the debt in full. He had come to fulfill the law, thereby bringing the law to fruition. It was this acknowledgement — the ability of even the steward to recognize the ultimate generosity of the lord that the lord commended.

So what does all this mean? First, the key to understanding this parable is recognizing the true identity of the characters. The rich man is our Lord God and Saviour, satan is the steward/manager and the accuser of the brethren, and the debtors represent all humanity — you and I.

Second, as we know from Genesis, satan gained authority and rule over the earth when Adam and Eve fell in the garden. There and then, satan became the prince of this world working through mankind — evil in every aspect. His objective was to seek and devour everyone that he could, always luring people to do his bidding. In essence, satan was always seeking ways to repress God’s people -- and if he couldn't, at least get them to settle into the established traditions of men. In this situation, however, he made them debtors. Debtors again to the Law and the old covenant that was prevalent in the old testament. The same Law that our Lord God brought to an end when He died on the cross.

But what satan did not count on was this. The generosity of our Lord extended from His abundant love for His creation. So when our Lord God — who created man and woman in the beginning — willingly became our Saviour, satan lost his stronghold. Indeed, when Jesus’ precious holy blood was shed on the cross for you and I, the prince of this world stood condemned. (John 16:11)

Fired.

Why? Because when Jesus blood was shed, the Law was satisfied once and for all. When Jesus died and rose again, we were forgiven of our sins when we chose to believe in Him by faith ... and seek His righteousness. This meant that satan could no longer misuse the Law in order to repress God’s chosen people.

Neither could the prince of this world accuse those who seek Jesus and all His righteousness because in salvation -- which God gave us as a gift -- we are totally forgiven by His grace and mercy. 100% forgiven of our past, present and future sins -- covered by the precious blood of Jesus -- so although our sins were crimson, they are now white as snow.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves — it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As a consequence, satan — like the unjust steward in the parable — recognized that in order to retain his worldly status, he would have to act quickly. Call in IOU’s — even if one has to make them up, and thus, lure us through deceitful negotiation into making a deal. A different deal for every person. A varying discount depending on the spiritual situation. Nevertheless, the ultimate objective being to make one and all debtors.

This is why he said, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

The intent then was for satan to ensure that we remain as debtors — with at least one foot in the world. Half-hearted in our love for Jesus. Giving only a little bit of our life to being free in Jesus — with one foot in the Law, citing the ten commandments as critical in our daily living, while only half-heartedly acknowledging God's grace and mercy that set us free -- standing in His liberty.

Sprinkling the gospel in our life while immersing ourselves in the labour of this world. Going to church just enough to show the Lord that we are willing to participate — at least to some extent but never really experiencing His awesome freedom and grace. Conforming to the traditions of men, rather than worshiping our Lord.

As a consequence, we end up serving two masters rather than wholeheartedly seeking the absolute — the one and only — Jesus the Christ — the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

The same Jesus who said that we “are bought with a price” and therefore the reason why we should “glorify God in our body, and in our spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:20)

Contemplate on this part of the revelation because this is only the beginning. Indeed, there’s much more to come in the posts ahead. In the interim, put "yourself" in His offering plate.

Half-heartedness? Or, Pressing Into the Mark In Which We Were Called - Part 1287

The parable entitled "the unjust steward" might be more appropriately named the "Greatest Deception." There are several reasons for this.

Beginning with Luke 16:2, the Lord said, “So He called him (satan) in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management because you cannot be manager any longer.”

In the parable of the unjust steward, satan was fired from his job as the accuser of the people. Indeed, what Jesus was proclaiming here was the condemnation of satan. “And in regard to judgement … the prince of this world now stands condemned.” (John 16:11) Up until then, satan had control of the world through people who were willing to cooperate. But as we learn here, in this capacity, satan was actually a hostage taker -- misusing the Law to accuse people.

But let’s backtrack for a moment. Since the beginning, satan has held all of humanity as a hostage because Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Originally, in the Garden, man and woman were given control over the earth. But when the two sinned, they desired to become like their Creator. As a consequence, Adam and Eve were cast out of paradise into the now fallen world that we now know. In their hearts, God wrote the knowledge of right and wrong. But satan, fully aware that God would not renege on His promise to give the world over to men and women, similarly knew that he could – from that point forward -- rule the world through men and women who were willing to cooperate with him.

However, the scriptures state that the wages of sin is death. Therefore, the Master in the parable -- the righteous God -- was legally able to condemn (or fire) satan without further condemning mankind. Indeed, this became the turning point in time whereby the Lord God provided salvation – through the shedding of His blood on the cross – so that we can now receive salvation through faith in Him. Thank You Jesus!

Luke 16:3 “The manager (satan) said to himself, ‘What shall I do now?’ My Master (God) is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg …” Herein, we get a glimpse of how alarmed he is becoming. He urgently begins to wonder what to do. The very law (from the old covenant) that he was using to accuse and repress people has now been rendered useless to him. In fact, satan now stands alone with his demons – forever condemned. Notice that satan doesn’t want to work and likewise, too ashamed to beg (meaning, he is too proud to work and begging for mercy was definitely below his pride filled demeanour).

Luke 16:4 “I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.”

So satan had to quickly develop a plan. Up until this point, satan was able to use the Law to make people feel guilty and ashamed. His profession -- to keep people burdened, discouraged and feeling hopeless all the time. But if he lost his job, then satan could no longer do this. This is why fighting for his right to occupy people’s hearts, minds and souls became so critically important. Indeed, urgent. He had to devise a plan whereby people [would] welcome [him] into their houses [their bodily temples]. Legally, satan needed someone to co-operate with him. Because earth had previously been given to mankind, satan had no authority of his own.

The only chance satan had was through deceiving "those who have" -- a community of people like you and I who were set free from being God’s debtors once and for all. The debt that was paid in full by Jesus' blood shed on the cross so that He -- our Lord God and Saviour -- could become our resting place.

Luke 16:5 “So he called in each one of his Master’s debtors [all of humanity]. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

Making an offer to each individual, satan sets out to implement his plan of deception using various means. As we learn from the parable, even his question to the debtor is part of this deception -- for we owe nothing in Christ Jesus. Salvation is a gift. But as we read, satan asks: “How much do you owe my master?” … meaning: “What do you think it takes for your soul to be right with your conscious?” This is a question that runs deep in the hearts and souls of men and satan knows this.

You see, our heavenly Father created a homing device in our hearts. It is similar to a lifesaving smoke alarm with a low battery. It makes annoying peeps till you finally change the battery. In the same context, satan is quick to provide an answer for our searching hearts through the world around us. When satan asks individuals “What do you owe my Master?” he wants to know your price – how much sin you are burdened by -- and then give you a discount.

Luke 16:6-7 “Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?” [The response] “A thousand bushels of wheat,” he replied.

What is happening here is that the prince of this world – satan – is trying to divert you from the good news gospel message of Jesus and His kingdom. How? By sending any and every distraction in his limited power your way, and is seeking any opening or opportunity to inflict illness (if it is possible). In other words, satan is attempting to keep you from reading and meditating on His Word that elaborates on the goodness and grace of God. Note here that satan does not have the direct authority to rule over us so instead he attempts to get us to negotiate our faith. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.”

In so doing, satan is ensuring that we – as believers -- don’t truly trust that we have been set free from worldly bondage – free solely because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. And to make his plan successful, satan has to ensure that the law (that has subsequently made people feel guilty throughout history) remains a factor in our thinking. This is where satan’s negotiations with the debtors becomes critical. The prince of this world wants us to feel indebted.

So, to that end, what does satan do? For those who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, negotiating is easy – enticing these people to become lured lock stock and barrel into worldly endeavours. For example, if you are seeking answers in the world, he will just let you succeed (or, conversely, fail on your own accord). Why? Because to satan, you are not of any strategic importance to him. In fact, you are actually his fodder because satan can manifest through you -- whether you know it or not. In other words, you are already deceived.

However, for believers in Jesus, or those seeking the truth and His righteousness, satan develops a particular plan of deception. This is where negotiating a price becomes the ultimate objective. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Herein, satan actually condones believers who wish to pursue the gospel -- that is, to a degree. For example, believers can model their lives after the example of those who represent the "worldly standard" of Christianity rather than worship the only mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus. If one insists on going to church, satan tries to lead them to congregations that excel on “form and culture” but ignore the power and the authority of the Word. Indeed, satan does not even mind you becoming active participants in the church as long as your involvement is part of that pre-negotiated price.

The result? Half-heartedness. People who believe that they are still responsible to the law and good works as part of their salvation package and as such, have not accepted God’s gift of salvation – the blood of Jesus shed on the cross -- that truly sets us free. Instead, there is a part of us that still honours the law – and when we fail, we feel guilty and burdened all over again. Not free as our Lord God and Saviour wanted us to become.

Others believe that salvation comes from the good works we do, again negating God’s sacrifice on the cross for you and I. Thus, satan has been successful in creating half-hearted Christians – with half of us still believing that we are under the law. One foot in the old covenant and it's legal teachings.

Luke 16:8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.”

Here, the master (God) commends the dishonest manager (satan) for turning certain defeat into a feat. The Lord has recognized the devil’s conniving and how his deception has been able to keep people burdened and busy by the cares of this world, rather than accepting the many blessings of our Lord. With sadness, the Lord observes how people pursue worldly things with relentless shrewdness while people of the light -- who have true riches and the Most High King at their disposal – would allow satan to remain as prince of this world.

The deception then is this. As believers in Jesus, we have been given authority over all the things of this world. Remember, Jesus in the boat? The disciples awakened Him from His sleep when the storm hit. Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” And the wind ceased and there was great calm. Jesus then said to His disciples, “And why are you so fearful. Why is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40) In this example, Jesus fully expected that His disciples would calm the sea, by the power and authority given to them. (Yes, Jesus expects the same from us today).

Unfortunately, it is this deception -- our half-heartedness in our faith journey -- that has rendered the power and authority that Jesus gives to those who seek Him and His righteousness to be of no effect … and in so doing, have actually allowed satan to regain and retain control of this world.

Jesus said, "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." (Luke 16:9 KJV)

The NIV states: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

The Lord is sharing several messages here. First, He is instructing us – the children of light who know Jesus -- to become as shrewd and cunning as the unjust steward -- encouraging believers to use worldly endeavours to increase His kingdom. For instance, using our worldly wealth to reach out in love to those who do not know the good news gospel of Jesus. Forgiving debtors of their debt. By giving all of ourselves -- 100% of our time and labour -- to building the kingdom. Standing in the offering plate. In so doing, we will receive many friends who will in time welcome us into eternal dwellings.

But more importantly, the Lord is saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom” … meaning that we cannot pay our way into heaven. The price for our sins and transgressions (the law) were paid in full once and for all on the cross. Therefore, we need to take hold of our freely given salvation, believing in His grace and mercy. No negotiating for a price. And no half-heartedness. Why?

Luke 16:13 Because ... “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Here is the overarching message of the parable of the unjust steward and one of the greatest lessons within the Bible. That is, as expressed by Jesus: “No one can serve two masters.” What Jesus is saying here is simply that He will not manifest through individuals who do not single heartedly serve the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and King.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind."

This means that when we accept satan’s proposed discount (negotiating a half-hearted devotion to Jesus), we render the Word of God (the power and authority of God) ineffective.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead - to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away -- reserved in heaven for you -- who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:3-5)

[More on “What is half-heartedness?” to come in the days ahead.]

In the interim, here we are, 2000 years later, from the day that Jesus set us all free from condemnation, yet we still see a majority of mankind living lives of quiet desperation -- often poor, sick, confused and feeling hopeless. My friend, do not settle for man’s traditional standard of what your faith walk should look like. Stand in the offering plate, pressing into Jesus with all your mind, heart and soul. From this relationship flows everlasting life that will leave everything else in the dust.

What Concord Has Christ With Belial? For Ye Are A Temple of the Living God -- Part 1286

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise satan under your feet shortly.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.Timotheus my work fellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, salute you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city salute you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith -- to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen." (Romans 16:17-27)

Sadly, there is a current movement to mark those that vary from the modern day religious culture, whose statements of faith rest on the traditions of men. Although we, as believers in Jesus by faith, are never kept in the dark about the state of the world around us (because the Lord makes all things known to us), there are those within these religions who accepted the Lord Jesus into their heart in good faith, and are not aware that they are being duped. 

It is for them that I write today, and to encourage all of us to study the scriptures for ourselves, as workmen approved unto God, and not reduce the gospel to the traditions and whims of men. This is why we need to go to the source -- the Word, and listen to Jesus who -- after being taken up, through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen -- "men that have hazarded their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 1:2; Acts 15:26)

And to similarly remember in our quest to know the truth, that His Word is truth. (John 17:17)

"For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid; yea, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written, "That thou might be justified in thy sayings, and might overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:3-4; Job 40:8; Psalm 62:9; Psalm 51:4)

John the baptist said as much when a question arose between his disciples and the Jews about purifying. Note that John water baptized according to custom so that people would be purified on the outside. This is why he pointed to Jesus -- the Lamb of God -- who would baptize with the Holy Ghost, cleansing those who believe in Him on the inside. But I digress.

Jesus said, "that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believes on Him is not condemned, but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of God.

And this is the condemnation that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truly come to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:15-21)

In other words, he that believes on the Son has everlasting life, and he that believes not on the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (John 3:36)

And what is the wrath of God? "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. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [Him] not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools ... who changed the truth of God into a lie. " (Romans 1:20-25)

What is the truth? Jesus said, "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17) And who is the Word? The Word is Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) "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)

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

Who was in the world?

"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5)

Not "He" as the newer, re-scribed versions of the Bible like to cite, but rather the "SAME" was in the beginning with God. And who was in the beginning? "In the beginning, God ..." (Genesis 1:1)

"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 1:14) 

He was the invisible image of the unseen God, because God is Spirit. In Him dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

"No man has seen God at any time: the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared [Him]" (John 1:18)

"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 [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers -- ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM. AND HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS AND BY HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST. 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 PRE-EMINANCE -- FOR IT PLEASED [THE] FATHER THAT IN HIM ALL FULLNESS DWELL; AND HAVING MADE PEACE THROUGH THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS, BY HIM TO RECONCILE ALL THINGS UNTO HIMSELF -- BY HIM ..." (Colossians 1:14-20)

Yes, giving thanks unto the Father which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated [us] into the kingdom of His dear Son, in whom we have redemption. In this current dispensation of grace, the only name whereby we must be saved is JESUS.

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

"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)

This is why every knee will bow (whether we want to or not) and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father. Because it was in the sin-prone flesh of Jesus that God declared peace and good will to all men. It was in the flesh of Jesus, that God proved His love for us -- His beloved creation -- on the cross. 

"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)

Indeed, God became our Saviour, and when we reject His sacrifice of blood on the cross, we reject His gift of salvation. Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) declared to one and all that Jesus is BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

These are the words spoken whereby the first 3,000 souls were pricked in their hearts, because these recognized that they had just crucified the Lord of glory. 

And when they asked, "Men, [and] brethren, what must we do?" what did Peter say? "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

Not in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as false religions teach today, because these are simply titles. The only name under heaven whereby we must be saved is JESUS.

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6)

“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 believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

As stated earlier, we need to study His Word to show ourselves approved unto God, as doth a workman. (II Timothy 2:15) But we also need to seek after that Lord, "if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us; for in Him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:27-28)

Who was the unknown God here? "God that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord in heaven and in earth, dwells not in temples made with hands. Neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He gives to all life, and breath, and all things, and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. That they should seek the Lord ..." (Acts 17:22-27)

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)

Today is the day of salvation. This day is the moment in time to open His Word and meditate on the things that matter. And as we are seeing from the chaos and destruction in the world around us, this day may be our only day. Do not delay. If you do not know Jesus, ask Him to become Lord and Christ in your heart right now. Find someone to water baptize you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (as was every single believer in the new testament water baptized after the cross) according to the apostles doctrine.

Read and study the scriptures to show thyself approved. Hide His precious Word in your heart, and know that you are saved because of His love and mercy and grace. And rejoice in God our Saviour, for without His precious blood shed on the cross, there would be no remission of sin. 

"Who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:1-13)

At some point soon, Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords is returning for His people. In that day, we will receive a new name, but for now, as long as the dispensation of grace remains open and available, the only name whereby we must be saved is Jesus.

"And God which knows the hearts bare them witness, [giving] them the Holy Ghost, even as [He did] unto us." (Acts 15:8)

In the precious name of Jesus -- He is both Lord and Christ. Jesus is the God of the old covenant who loved us enough to make Himself a body and dwell among us, so that we might experience abundant life in Him. The mystery that was held before the foundation of the world. 

Read Acts 1 and 2 -- which marks the beginning of the new testament church, and hide His Word in your heart and your very being. Other scriptures that can be helpful in your faith journey include: Ephesians 2:8-10; Acts 2:1-47; Acts 17:22-31; Acts 10:36-48; Acts 19:2-7; Acts 20:17-32; Acts 22:14-16; Acts 16:31-32; Acts 11:15-18; Acts 13:38-41; Acts 15:8-11; Acts 15:26-30; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:14-15; Acts 17:2-3; and Philemon 1:6.

"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:11)

The traditions of men and religious statements of faith cannot replace the precious Word of God. Therefore, "be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," saith the Lord, "and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters," saith the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:14-18)

Stand in the offering plate.