The circumstance is this. Peter (standing with the eleven apostles) on the day of Pentecost responds to a question, "What must I do to be saved?" The answer? REPENT, BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS, RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. Simple and straightforward -- yes? Particularly since 3,000 people understood the message and were immediately baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! (Acts 2:36-47)
But then come along those who rewrite scriptures under the premise that the Word of God is now easier to read. (If these were honest, they would tell you it is because they can earn lots of royalties without copyright infringement because they changed the meaning(s), or deleted verses, or added words to the text but I digress).
Anyway, as a consequence of changed text, clarity in the Word of God has now been replaced with [apparent] confusion. I say "apparent" because God is not the Author of confusion, and those who take the time to study His Word do find the absolute in doctrine. But for those who don't know where to look, here are some additional examples from the Bible. I am using the King James version.
1. "And it came to pass that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus, and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism." Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after Him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, THEY WERE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. And when Paul had laid His hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied." (Acts 19:1-6)
2. "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." [Why was this important?] "FOR AS YET, HE [THE HOLY GHOST] WAS FALLEN UPON NONE OF THEM; ONLY THEY WERE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. Then laid they hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)
3. While Peter yet spake these words -- [that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins] the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" AND HE COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:43-48)
Three scriptural examples wherein a call to repentance, water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus, and receipt of the Holy Ghost are all part and parcel to salvation. Not a different message depending on the circumstance (as some surmise) but one and the same good news gospel message to one and all.
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Thursday, February 25, 2016
God Was In Christ Reconciling the Word Unto Himself -- Part 1326
God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Jesus said that it was not Him that was doing the work but rather "the Father who dwells within Me" He is doing the work! Even as a young child, we see Jesus saying, "I must be about My Father’s business." God was about to purchase the church with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) He was to become the perfect sacrifice. Why? Because without the shedding of blood, there could be no remission of sin.
"For He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)
The only remedial atoning blood was the holy, undefiled blood of the Holy Ghost that was sacrificed freely, and yet, with agonizing torture, administered by the hands of fallen, unbelieving and religious fanatics. In their ignorance, and intent on crucifying the Lord of glory, the judicial system, at the conclusion of their proceeding had issued a verdict that stated, "I find no fault in Him."
The judge then proceeds to wash his hands as if soap and water were capable of removing him from any awareness of conscious guilt. Passing his authoritative power into the hands of a premeditative murderous multitude, who were more than willing to rid the earth of an alternative way of life, and, exposing their yokes of bondage. Being imposed by religious leaders upon men, the so-called shepherds feeding themselves, not caring for the sheep.
Today, the so-called shepherds, responsible for administering the gospel of Jesus Christ are fleecing the flock. Unfortunately, the sheep seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are being milked into poverty. That is the reason the Lord Himself carries us into His sheepfold. We were totally lost, and how! He found us and gave to us the gift of eternal life. It is up to us to accept the gift that God has so graciously provided. How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?
This salvation, being purchased not with silver or gold, but rather by one who is called the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood poured forth from the veins of the Holy Ghost on earth. The Word made flesh. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11) In this case, the earth being the womb of mankind. The redemptive blood being the remedy for all sin, offered freely to each and everyone of us.
It is for this reason that whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The "whosoever" can receive redemption now. Whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The name of JESUS.
The judge then proceeds to wash his hands as if soap and water were capable of removing him from any awareness of conscious guilt. Passing his authoritative power into the hands of a premeditative murderous multitude, who were more than willing to rid the earth of an alternative way of life, and, exposing their yokes of bondage. Being imposed by religious leaders upon men, the so-called shepherds feeding themselves, not caring for the sheep.
Today, the so-called shepherds, responsible for administering the gospel of Jesus Christ are fleecing the flock. Unfortunately, the sheep seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are being milked into poverty. That is the reason the Lord Himself carries us into His sheepfold. We were totally lost, and how! He found us and gave to us the gift of eternal life. It is up to us to accept the gift that God has so graciously provided. How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?
This salvation, being purchased not with silver or gold, but rather by one who is called the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood poured forth from the veins of the Holy Ghost on earth. The Word made flesh. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11) In this case, the earth being the womb of mankind. The redemptive blood being the remedy for all sin, offered freely to each and everyone of us.
It is for this reason that whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The "whosoever" can receive redemption now. Whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The name of JESUS.
"For He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)
The Name of JESUS above every other name in heaven and on earth. (Philippians 2:9)
The Lord of Glory. (Acts 2:36) He introduced Himself as Jesus. He told us that He had delivered the name that the Father had given Him. If this is not enough evidence, then one only has to look to the apostles and believers within the early church who went everywhere preaching Jesus.
The Lord of Glory. (Acts 2:36) He introduced Himself as Jesus. He told us that He had delivered the name that the Father had given Him. If this is not enough evidence, then one only has to look to the apostles and believers within the early church who went everywhere preaching Jesus.
Unlike today, where YHWH with its inserted vowels are being advanced as God’s so called name, even when this substitute is nothing more than the incommunicable name of a Hebrew God. If it be incommunicable, then why are so many running everywhere endeavouring to communicate that which is inconceivable. Good question!
Even more so, why are so many diligently working to rid our world of the precious name of Jesus. I can tell you. Because in Jesus name, there is healing. In the name of Jesus, the blind can see and the deaf hear. In the name of the Lord Jesus, people can be restored to the very purpose God put in their heart whilst they were still in their mother's womb.
Most of all, in the name of Jesus, our sins can be forgiven -- though as red as scarlet, the blood of Jesus can make them white as snow.
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which HE HATH PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD." (Acts 20:28)
Peace be in Jesus name! Stand in the offering plate.
Peace be in Jesus name! Stand in the offering plate.
The Revealed Name of God? This Is My Memorial Unto All Generations -- Part 1325
The question has been asked -- What is the "revealed name" of God?
For many, religious dogma and the traditions of men have muddied the water so that churches can continue to teach and preach doctrines which do not align with the Word of God. Still, we should be most thankful that unlike other religions of this day, we serve an Almighty God who loves us enough to reveal His personal name to us, and that, as a consequence of His gift of salvation, we can believe on His name.
It should be noted that God at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. As well, God revealed His name personally when He spoke to Moses. At the time, Moses was preparing to go before Pharaoh to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses said unto God, "Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say unto me, "What is His name? What shall I say unto them?" And God said unto Moses, "I AM that I AM," and He said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, "I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:13-14)
Not only the Lord God of their fathers, but the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob too.
As we know from later accounts, Moses was able to say unto the people, "Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place ..." (Exodus 13:3)
In the new testament, Jesus revealed Himself using the same name when speaking with the Jews. Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:48-58)
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
"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, for unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My begotten Son. This day have I begotten Thee?" And, again, "I will be to Him a Father and He shall be to Me a Son?" (John 1:14; II Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 7:27; Psalm 110:1)
And, again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." And of the angels, He saith, "Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire." But unto the Son [He saith], "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore, before God, even Thy God, hath appointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. (Psalm 45:6-7; Isaiah 61:1-3; Psalm 89:27; Romans 8:29; Deuteronomy 32:43; I Peter 3:22; Revelation 5:11-13)
And, Thou Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thine hands. They shall perish; but Thou remainest, and they all shall wax old as doth a garment, and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail." (Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 34:4; Isaiah 50:9; Isaiah 51:6; Psalm 102:25-27)
But to which of the angels, said He at any time, "Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 103:29; Romans 8:17; Psalm 110:1)
This prophecy (repeated in the first chapter of Hebrews) is so that we, in this current dispensation of grace could understand how God revealed Himself to us -- as a Son, robed in a sin-prone flesh but yet without sin. All the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) The Word that was with God and was God made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)
"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 mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father until this particular time was about to be revealed in His fullness to those that believed. "But we see Jesus ... 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 praise unto Thee" and, again, "I will put My trust in Him." and, again, "Behold, I and the children which God hath given Me." (Hebrews 2:9-13; Philippians 2:7-9; Acts 2:33; Acts 3:13; John 3:16-17; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 5:8-9; Hebrews 7:28; Hebrews 10:10; Acts 17:26; Matthew 28:10; Psalm 22:22; II Samuel 22:3; Isaiah 8:17-18)
Are you starting to see a pattern here? The prophecies of old are beginning to unfold, and the same words that were told afore, are the exact same words that Jesus used.
"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." (Hebrews 2:14-16)
Why? Because 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 2:17-18; Hebrews 5:1-6))
Indeed, when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary, she brought forth a son. "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin .... Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
From this point forward, we see scripture after scripture confirming the prophecies of old through our Lord God who willingly became our Saviour. The Lord coming forth as a mighty man so that we could inherit eternal life.
Mary didn't question her son's name. Rather, she proclaimed, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47)
Was there any doubt as to whom Jesus was? "As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed forever." (Luke 1:55; Genesis 17:17-19; Romans 11:28)
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is ABOVE every name ..." (Philippians 2:9) Acts 4:12 takes this thought one step further, stating, "Neither is there salvation in any other for there is NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN whereby we must be saved."
As we study the gospels, we see Jesus spending considerable time sharing how the Father will send the Holy Ghost "in My name." (John 14:1-26)
As believers in Jesus by faith, we have been instructed that "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)
And when our life is over, we have an assurance "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)
But that isn't all. As Jesus Himself said, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13)
Yes, Jesus - King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending ... (Revelation 1:8, 11; Revelation 22:13)
No Saviour besides Me. (Isaiah 43:11) We knew from the prophets that God Himself would be sold for 30 pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12-13) The I AM (John 8:58) God purchased the church with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)
Jesus said, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine Own Name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be One, as we are." (John 17:11)
" ... that God in ALL things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:11)
Stand in the offering plate.
For many, religious dogma and the traditions of men have muddied the water so that churches can continue to teach and preach doctrines which do not align with the Word of God. Still, we should be most thankful that unlike other religions of this day, we serve an Almighty God who loves us enough to reveal His personal name to us, and that, as a consequence of His gift of salvation, we can believe on His name.
It should be noted that God at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. As well, God revealed His name personally when He spoke to Moses. At the time, Moses was preparing to go before Pharaoh to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses said unto God, "Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say unto me, "What is His name? What shall I say unto them?" And God said unto Moses, "I AM that I AM," and He said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, "I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:13-14)
Not only the Lord God of their fathers, but the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob too.
As we know from later accounts, Moses was able to say unto the people, "Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place ..." (Exodus 13:3)
In the new testament, Jesus revealed Himself using the same name when speaking with the Jews. Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:48-58)
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
"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, for unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My begotten Son. This day have I begotten Thee?" And, again, "I will be to Him a Father and He shall be to Me a Son?" (John 1:14; II Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 7:27; Psalm 110:1)
And, again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." And of the angels, He saith, "Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire." But unto the Son [He saith], "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore, before God, even Thy God, hath appointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. (Psalm 45:6-7; Isaiah 61:1-3; Psalm 89:27; Romans 8:29; Deuteronomy 32:43; I Peter 3:22; Revelation 5:11-13)
And, Thou Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thine hands. They shall perish; but Thou remainest, and they all shall wax old as doth a garment, and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail." (Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 34:4; Isaiah 50:9; Isaiah 51:6; Psalm 102:25-27)
But to which of the angels, said He at any time, "Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 103:29; Romans 8:17; Psalm 110:1)
This prophecy (repeated in the first chapter of Hebrews) is so that we, in this current dispensation of grace could understand how God revealed Himself to us -- as a Son, robed in a sin-prone flesh but yet without sin. All the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) The Word that was with God and was God made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)
"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 mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father until this particular time was about to be revealed in His fullness to those that believed. "But we see Jesus ... 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 praise unto Thee" and, again, "I will put My trust in Him." and, again, "Behold, I and the children which God hath given Me." (Hebrews 2:9-13; Philippians 2:7-9; Acts 2:33; Acts 3:13; John 3:16-17; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 5:8-9; Hebrews 7:28; Hebrews 10:10; Acts 17:26; Matthew 28:10; Psalm 22:22; II Samuel 22:3; Isaiah 8:17-18)
Are you starting to see a pattern here? The prophecies of old are beginning to unfold, and the same words that were told afore, are the exact same words that Jesus used.
"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." (Hebrews 2:14-16)
Why? Because 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 2:17-18; Hebrews 5:1-6))
Indeed, when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary, she brought forth a son. "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin .... Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
From this point forward, we see scripture after scripture confirming the prophecies of old through our Lord God who willingly became our Saviour. The Lord coming forth as a mighty man so that we could inherit eternal life.
Mary didn't question her son's name. Rather, she proclaimed, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47)
Was there any doubt as to whom Jesus was? "As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed forever." (Luke 1:55; Genesis 17:17-19; Romans 11:28)
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is ABOVE every name ..." (Philippians 2:9) Acts 4:12 takes this thought one step further, stating, "Neither is there salvation in any other for there is NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN whereby we must be saved."
As we study the gospels, we see Jesus spending considerable time sharing how the Father will send the Holy Ghost "in My name." (John 14:1-26)
As believers in Jesus by faith, we have been instructed that "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)
And when our life is over, we have an assurance "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)
But that isn't all. As Jesus Himself said, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13)
Yes, Jesus - King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending ... (Revelation 1:8, 11; Revelation 22:13)
No Saviour besides Me. (Isaiah 43:11) We knew from the prophets that God Himself would be sold for 30 pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12-13) The I AM (John 8:58) God purchased the church with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)
Jesus said, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine Own Name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be One, as we are." (John 17:11)
" ... that God in ALL things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:11)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Renew Their Strength - Part 1324
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
Some of the newer versions of the Bible replace the word wait in this particular scripture from Isaiah with hope. As in those who "hope in the Lord" will renew their strength. Perhaps, this word change because we currently live in the new testament dispensation of grace, whereby the Lord has already come forth as a mighty man to bring us His gift of salvation. (Isaiah 42:13)
And, thus, as a consequence, we are no longer waiting for the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father since the beginning of the world but rather, like the just and devout man Simeon, who waited for the consolation of Israel, our eyes have similarly seen the Lord's Christ.
" ... and the Holy Ghost was upon [Simeon], and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy Word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people -- a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2:25-32)
Even Herod, the one Jesus was sent to during His trial and eventual death on the cross is noted of being exceeding glad when he saw Jesus, "for he was desirous to see Him of a long season, because he had heard many things of Him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him." (Luke 23:8)
Having heard of Jesus' fame and the miracles He performed, Herod the tetrarch asked, "But who is this, of whom I hear such things?" And as the scripture points out, he -- even then -- desired to see Jesus. (Luke 9:9; Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29)
Hope then appears to be characteristic of the new testament, having a witness to the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Abraham may have been the exception, whereby Abraham "who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be." And being not weak in faith ... he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God ... and therefore, it was imputed to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:17-22; Genesis 15:6)
But that hope -- who against hope believed in hope -- was just not written for Abraham's sake alone but for us also -- to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:24-25)
You see, a Christian's definition of hope does not consist of wishing for something to happen and then waiting, as does the world. Rather instead, there is a blessed assurance of the Spirit of God living within that surpasses all human understanding. Thus, as believers in Jesus by faith, having taken on His precious name in water baptism, we are grounded in the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, having been made partakers of the Holy Ghost. (Hebrews 6:4-5)
"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil, whither the forerunner is for us entered -- [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For the Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him ... first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of peace. Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abides a priest continually. Now consider how great this man ..." (Hebrews 7:1-4)
Yes, our anchor is in Jesus ... wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Hebrews 12:8)
Yes, our rock is in Jesus ... "by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation works patience, and patience, experience, and experience, hope, and hope makes not ashamed -- because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:2-5)
It is for these reasons, and more, that we "continue in the faith, grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard ... to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:23-27)
Therefore, he that believes on Him is not condemned, but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the "name" of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)
His name is Jesus. The ONLY name under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Qhy? "For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men." (Titus 2:11)
Some of the newer versions of the Bible replace the word wait in this particular scripture from Isaiah with hope. As in those who "hope in the Lord" will renew their strength. Perhaps, this word change because we currently live in the new testament dispensation of grace, whereby the Lord has already come forth as a mighty man to bring us His gift of salvation. (Isaiah 42:13)
And, thus, as a consequence, we are no longer waiting for the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father since the beginning of the world but rather, like the just and devout man Simeon, who waited for the consolation of Israel, our eyes have similarly seen the Lord's Christ.
" ... and the Holy Ghost was upon [Simeon], and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy Word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people -- a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2:25-32)
Even Herod, the one Jesus was sent to during His trial and eventual death on the cross is noted of being exceeding glad when he saw Jesus, "for he was desirous to see Him of a long season, because he had heard many things of Him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him." (Luke 23:8)
Having heard of Jesus' fame and the miracles He performed, Herod the tetrarch asked, "But who is this, of whom I hear such things?" And as the scripture points out, he -- even then -- desired to see Jesus. (Luke 9:9; Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29)
Hope then appears to be characteristic of the new testament, having a witness to the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Abraham may have been the exception, whereby Abraham "who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be." And being not weak in faith ... he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God ... and therefore, it was imputed to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:17-22; Genesis 15:6)
But that hope -- who against hope believed in hope -- was just not written for Abraham's sake alone but for us also -- to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:24-25)
You see, a Christian's definition of hope does not consist of wishing for something to happen and then waiting, as does the world. Rather instead, there is a blessed assurance of the Spirit of God living within that surpasses all human understanding. Thus, as believers in Jesus by faith, having taken on His precious name in water baptism, we are grounded in the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, having been made partakers of the Holy Ghost. (Hebrews 6:4-5)
"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil, whither the forerunner is for us entered -- [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For the Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him ... first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of peace. Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abides a priest continually. Now consider how great this man ..." (Hebrews 7:1-4)
Yes, our anchor is in Jesus ... wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Hebrews 12:8)
Yes, our rock is in Jesus ... "by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation works patience, and patience, experience, and experience, hope, and hope makes not ashamed -- because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:2-5)
Yes, our daily bread and sustenance from Jesus, who said, "I am the bread of life" -- the living water from which we will never thirst again. He gives us to eat of the hidden manna. (Revelation 2:17)
"And hereby we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." (I John 3:24)
It is for these reasons, and more, that we "continue in the faith, grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard ... to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:23-27)
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
"But after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)
So, again, from whence comes our hope?
Christ in you the hope of glory! Because the greatest love story ever displayed before the world -- the kindness and love of God our Saviour -- has now been planted firmly in your heart. Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Jesus Is the Seed of the Holy Ghost - Part 1323
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." (Romans 8:9)
Read that scripture again -- if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, they are not His. But if one confesses to be a believer, it begs the same question asked of believers in the New Testament. That is, "Have you received the Spirit of the Holy One? Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"
Acts 19 reveals the rest of the story, when the the people confessed that they had never so much as heard of the Holy Ghost. Does this sound familiar? Something like being asked to join a church to be saved rather than having an opportunity to completely know the truth? Before elaborating, let's look at the circumstance here.
"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism."
Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve." (Acts 19:1-7)
As the scriptures reveal here, one receives the Holy Ghost when they are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)
When these were baptized in the name of Jesus, they were seen bubbling up inside with His inner peace and joy, and filled with the Holy Ghost because they believed in Him in whom the fullness of the Godhead did dwell. The precious name of Jesus, whereby because of His name, everyone who comes to Him and is baptized in the name of Jesus can receive the Holy Ghost.
But there is a trend taking hold in the modern day religious culture, whereby the Word -- the Word of God is not front and center to church activity. Instead, the very scriptures that present the gospel message of the water, the blood, and the Spirit are no longer in fashion in main line churches. In many, hymnals that inherently pointed to the sacrificial offering for sin appears to be redundant, replaced with a do good or social order taking precedence. This may explain why the scriptures state that in the latter days, a time would come when men would no longer be capable of receiving sound truths.
"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. ... for the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves." (I Timothy 4:3)
Still, the Word of God (forever settled in Heaven) is the same Word that God performing today. Whatsoever He has prophetically revealed afore by His Spirit, is the same occurrences that are coming to pass now. And the Word does not change. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The good news is that Jesus is the SEED of the Holy Ghost. That Seed, which is the Word of God, searches for good ground to be planted in. This is why you are that earthly vessel into which the pure SEED of the Word of God desires to be planted. The Scripture declares that believers are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells within! Of course, we are talking of those who have received the SEED of the Holy Spirit (the WORD) and that SEED in one’s heart prompts within a person a desire to become acquainted with the one whose SEED it is, hastening a person to receive the Baptism of the Spirit. (See Acts chapter 4 for further details).
When one asks Jesus to be Lord in their life, this same JESUS, who is the SEED of the Holy Spirit SEEDS you with His WORD and, in turn, with His presence. Now the One God who was in the man JESUS indwells in you, which is declared as -- Christ now in you bringing to you the hope of glory. You are now born again of the water and of the Spirit! Indeed, now that you are a member of the body of Christ, you have become a living stone in the temple of God. His habitation wherein God in Christ is pleased to dwell in you!
No longer just walking with you but now living and dwelling within you, leading you into all knowledge and truth, according to His Word.
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)
His name? This same Jesus -- whom you have crucified IS both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
Study His Word to show thyself approved unto God, as doth a workman.(II Timothy 2:15) Stand in the offering plate.
Read that scripture again -- if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, they are not His. But if one confesses to be a believer, it begs the same question asked of believers in the New Testament. That is, "Have you received the Spirit of the Holy One? Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"
Acts 19 reveals the rest of the story, when the the people confessed that they had never so much as heard of the Holy Ghost. Does this sound familiar? Something like being asked to join a church to be saved rather than having an opportunity to completely know the truth? Before elaborating, let's look at the circumstance here.
"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism."
Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve." (Acts 19:1-7)
As the scriptures reveal here, one receives the Holy Ghost when they are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)
When these were baptized in the name of Jesus, they were seen bubbling up inside with His inner peace and joy, and filled with the Holy Ghost because they believed in Him in whom the fullness of the Godhead did dwell. The precious name of Jesus, whereby because of His name, everyone who comes to Him and is baptized in the name of Jesus can receive the Holy Ghost.
But there is a trend taking hold in the modern day religious culture, whereby the Word -- the Word of God is not front and center to church activity. Instead, the very scriptures that present the gospel message of the water, the blood, and the Spirit are no longer in fashion in main line churches. In many, hymnals that inherently pointed to the sacrificial offering for sin appears to be redundant, replaced with a do good or social order taking precedence. This may explain why the scriptures state that in the latter days, a time would come when men would no longer be capable of receiving sound truths.
"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. ... for the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves." (I Timothy 4:3)
Still, the Word of God (forever settled in Heaven) is the same Word that God performing today. Whatsoever He has prophetically revealed afore by His Spirit, is the same occurrences that are coming to pass now. And the Word does not change. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The good news is that Jesus is the SEED of the Holy Ghost. That Seed, which is the Word of God, searches for good ground to be planted in. This is why you are that earthly vessel into which the pure SEED of the Word of God desires to be planted. The Scripture declares that believers are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells within! Of course, we are talking of those who have received the SEED of the Holy Spirit (the WORD) and that SEED in one’s heart prompts within a person a desire to become acquainted with the one whose SEED it is, hastening a person to receive the Baptism of the Spirit. (See Acts chapter 4 for further details).
When one asks Jesus to be Lord in their life, this same JESUS, who is the SEED of the Holy Spirit SEEDS you with His WORD and, in turn, with His presence. Now the One God who was in the man JESUS indwells in you, which is declared as -- Christ now in you bringing to you the hope of glory. You are now born again of the water and of the Spirit! Indeed, now that you are a member of the body of Christ, you have become a living stone in the temple of God. His habitation wherein God in Christ is pleased to dwell in you!
No longer just walking with you but now living and dwelling within you, leading you into all knowledge and truth, according to His Word.
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)
His name? This same Jesus -- whom you have crucified IS both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
Study His Word to show thyself approved unto God, as doth a workman.(II Timothy 2:15) Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One - Part 1322
I am the true vine! You are the branches. Every branch in Me that does not bring forth fruit shall be cut off and thrown into the fire. Some church fathers, on reading this passage, had the audacity to assert that the church is the vine and the denominations are the branches which have sprung forth from them. Such brazen nonsensical statements if you think of them in light of the scriptures.
In fact, satan figures his best defense is offence. He always has an alternative rendering of scripture to offer Adam’s now prone to sin fallen race. Follow him, he says, he who has been man’s master since man’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. But satan only leads people to death. The devil cannot give life.
God, on the other hand loves us. Indeed, God is love. So much so, that Jesus took upon Himself a veil of sinful flesh whilst He was in the womb of a willing surrogate mother. JESUS being conceived of the Holy Spirit - yes, God fathered Himself, as a Son brought us salvation. As a consequence, do not let the traditional church fathers tell you otherwise.
If you refer back to post #344 (where the message states to keep yourself from blood), we can seek to understand that in the blood is the life. Moreover, the blood in JESUS' veins was the life blood of the Holy Spirit. Not Adam’s prone to sin blood. Why not? Because JESUS is the revealing personality of the unseen Holy Ghost. To know Him, or rather begin to know JESUS is to begin to know the personality of God. Of course the Heavens declare God’s glory. The earth shows forth God’s handiwork.
However, in the man JESUS - God manifest in the flesh - we are being introduced to the personality of God Himself. No more surmising about who God is. No more cunning crafty deceptions from or by religious zealots. For now we have seen the unseen God. We have handled Him with our hands. Yes. The very God who is and was before all things was here on earth bringing us the gospel message, and His ultimate plan of salvation.
John, the water baptizer of JESUS, declared, "Behold the Lamb of God." In the life and death of JESUS we perceive the love of God toward us. For it was God Himself, in the flesh who offered His own sinless and yet prone to sin body at Calvary.
Let's repeat this. God in Christ sacrificed His own body - once - only once - before stating that "It is finished!" And, as a consequence, there is no more offering for sin.
JESUS is risen from the dead. The Lamb of God has been sacrificed.
And at the end of the day, God laid down His life for you and I. And He did so with that one sacrifice, in which sacrifice our sin was laid upon God as a Son. This is why God’s justice demanded that a righteous man must die if man were ever to be redeemed. Undoubtedly, Jesus died so that we might have salvation abundant.
Peace to all in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.
In fact, satan figures his best defense is offence. He always has an alternative rendering of scripture to offer Adam’s now prone to sin fallen race. Follow him, he says, he who has been man’s master since man’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. But satan only leads people to death. The devil cannot give life.
God, on the other hand loves us. Indeed, God is love. So much so, that Jesus took upon Himself a veil of sinful flesh whilst He was in the womb of a willing surrogate mother. JESUS being conceived of the Holy Spirit - yes, God fathered Himself, as a Son brought us salvation. As a consequence, do not let the traditional church fathers tell you otherwise.
If you refer back to post #344 (where the message states to keep yourself from blood), we can seek to understand that in the blood is the life. Moreover, the blood in JESUS' veins was the life blood of the Holy Spirit. Not Adam’s prone to sin blood. Why not? Because JESUS is the revealing personality of the unseen Holy Ghost. To know Him, or rather begin to know JESUS is to begin to know the personality of God. Of course the Heavens declare God’s glory. The earth shows forth God’s handiwork.
However, in the man JESUS - God manifest in the flesh - we are being introduced to the personality of God Himself. No more surmising about who God is. No more cunning crafty deceptions from or by religious zealots. For now we have seen the unseen God. We have handled Him with our hands. Yes. The very God who is and was before all things was here on earth bringing us the gospel message, and His ultimate plan of salvation.
John, the water baptizer of JESUS, declared, "Behold the Lamb of God." In the life and death of JESUS we perceive the love of God toward us. For it was God Himself, in the flesh who offered His own sinless and yet prone to sin body at Calvary.
Let's repeat this. God in Christ sacrificed His own body - once - only once - before stating that "It is finished!" And, as a consequence, there is no more offering for sin.
JESUS is risen from the dead. The Lamb of God has been sacrificed.
And at the end of the day, God laid down His life for you and I. And He did so with that one sacrifice, in which sacrifice our sin was laid upon God as a Son. This is why God’s justice demanded that a righteous man must die if man were ever to be redeemed. Undoubtedly, Jesus died so that we might have salvation abundant.
Peace to all in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus Said, "I and My Father Are One." - Part 1321
When the scriptures refer to the beginning of the Gospel of JESUS the Christ, note the reference. This is the beginning of the gospel of JESUS. No longer does the Word refer to types and shadows of things previously prophesied by the Spirit of Christ or by the fathers and prophets. No longer are we searching for something as it were through a glass darkly.
But now, He of whom all things that are written in the volume of the scriptures has Himself appeared in these last days to bring us the light of the glorious gospel of the unseen Spirit. He who was previously unseen is now manifest in flesh as a Son. Yes, JESUS is the SEED of the holy Spirit of God being conceived of the Holy Ghost without the involvement of any other party. The scriptures boldly declare that in JESUS did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!
Therefore, when JESUS was in the temple conversing with the elders concerning the Word of God, He was found there by His adoptive parents. Parents who were probably more than a little upset at not being informed of His intentions. Mary, His surrogate mother was the first to vent her frustration concerning His conduct. In response, JESUS said, "Do you not understand that I must be about My Fathers business?"
Here the scriptures show the Lord JESUS saying that He is the Son of God, declaring openly to all present that God is His Father. We have written before on this. God planted into Eve a SEED of promise, declaring that the SEED of a woman would bruise the serpent's head (power) and that Seed would be passed from Eve into Seth and continue from generation to generation.
Abraham also was given a SEED of promise and to him it is declared that in that SEED (which is Christ) shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. These two passed from Sarah and Abraham into ISAAC and these travelled from generation to generation until the fullness of time arrived. The angels brought to earth the message whereby God declares peace and good will to all. You see, God intended to bring glad tidings of great joy to all the inhabitants of earth.
It was the Holy Ghost that brought this together. The embryo was God Himself as a Son. The life of the pure humanity of God was to be manifest in fleshly fashion. But, as we know, there was none righteous to be found of God. No not one. For upon earth, every one had sinned. In order for God to be manifest in the flesh it necessitated that a sinless body be found.
Again, a sinless body could not be found so the Holy Ghost implanted into Mary a surrogate mother, who herself was one of Abraham's natural sin prone flesh descendants, so that she could bring forth a Son.
"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)
In the days following, the embryo was clothed in sin prone flesh whilst in the womb of Mary the surrogate mother. The angel had declared to Mary that the "holy thing" that shall be born of her shall be called the SON of God -- God with us -- and that He was to be called Jesus. His precious name that is above every other name is called JESUS for He who shall save His people from their sin.
Who are these people? Who are His people? They are the people that were foreknown of God before the foundations of the earth. A people dispersed among all nations scattered abroad.
So today if you hear His voice, open your heart and bid Him enter. Stand in the offering plate.
But now, He of whom all things that are written in the volume of the scriptures has Himself appeared in these last days to bring us the light of the glorious gospel of the unseen Spirit. He who was previously unseen is now manifest in flesh as a Son. Yes, JESUS is the SEED of the holy Spirit of God being conceived of the Holy Ghost without the involvement of any other party. The scriptures boldly declare that in JESUS did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!
Therefore, when JESUS was in the temple conversing with the elders concerning the Word of God, He was found there by His adoptive parents. Parents who were probably more than a little upset at not being informed of His intentions. Mary, His surrogate mother was the first to vent her frustration concerning His conduct. In response, JESUS said, "Do you not understand that I must be about My Fathers business?"
Here the scriptures show the Lord JESUS saying that He is the Son of God, declaring openly to all present that God is His Father. We have written before on this. God planted into Eve a SEED of promise, declaring that the SEED of a woman would bruise the serpent's head (power) and that Seed would be passed from Eve into Seth and continue from generation to generation.
Abraham also was given a SEED of promise and to him it is declared that in that SEED (which is Christ) shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. These two passed from Sarah and Abraham into ISAAC and these travelled from generation to generation until the fullness of time arrived. The angels brought to earth the message whereby God declares peace and good will to all. You see, God intended to bring glad tidings of great joy to all the inhabitants of earth.
It was the Holy Ghost that brought this together. The embryo was God Himself as a Son. The life of the pure humanity of God was to be manifest in fleshly fashion. But, as we know, there was none righteous to be found of God. No not one. For upon earth, every one had sinned. In order for God to be manifest in the flesh it necessitated that a sinless body be found.
Again, a sinless body could not be found so the Holy Ghost implanted into Mary a surrogate mother, who herself was one of Abraham's natural sin prone flesh descendants, so that she could bring forth a Son.
"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)
In the days following, the embryo was clothed in sin prone flesh whilst in the womb of Mary the surrogate mother. The angel had declared to Mary that the "holy thing" that shall be born of her shall be called the SON of God -- God with us -- and that He was to be called Jesus. His precious name that is above every other name is called JESUS for He who shall save His people from their sin.
Who are these people? Who are His people? They are the people that were foreknown of God before the foundations of the earth. A people dispersed among all nations scattered abroad.
So today if you hear His voice, open your heart and bid Him enter. Stand in the offering plate.
We Who Believe In Jesus Christ By Faith Are the Israel of God - Part 1320
There are many today who are caught up in the affairs of the world (and religion), who sadly, have never searched the Bible themselves for the truth concerning the Word of God. This is not a new phenomenon. Indeed, after Jesus death, we see Saul, who was considered in his time to be a radical and loyal adherent to the Jewish faith. Although Saul later becomes Paul, his initial exposure to the gospel was to hate and kill the messengers.
Indeed, Saul's radicalism was so radical that it would probably have classified him as a terrorist, if he were alive today. From the scriptures, we learn that Saul pursued Christian believers with a vengeance, throwing them into prison. This, until one day when the Lord met him on the road to Damascus. There, the Lord confronted Saul saying, "It is hard for you to kick against your conscience." This was the arrow that penetrated Saul right into the heart. Until then, Saul was caught up in his religious ways attempting to climb the ladder of fame. The dilemma was that Saul, in so doing was violating himself.
How many people today are like Saul, before Jesus healing takes place so that we can be renewed just like Paul? How many of us are caught up in religious institutional practices or other pursuits taught to them as children, without ever taking a moment to see what the Lord has in store for your life, through His Word? A pursuit that in the end will essentially disable them from being themselves, unable to listen to His Word in their heart.
In Paul's case, it was being confronted with the Word of JESUS that changed the situation. As we know, it was hard for Paul to kick against his conscience. That conscience which pricks the heart saying - Yes we know that we ought to have said no. Indeed, there is a place where one can actually sear their conscience, so that nothing pricks their conscience again. This is termed as the hardening of one's heart.
"Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron ..." (I Timothy 4:2)
Such was the case when a Jewish crowd upon being addressed by Stephen reached that place. The crowd had completely hardened their heart. Stephen told the people, "You always resist the Holy Ghost -- even as your fathers did before you."
Imagine the crowd's reaction when Stephen, about to be stoned, said, "so also do you." This is when they picked up the stones to kill him, possibly thinking that they were doing a great service to God. Little did they know at the time that like Adam and Eve who were put out of the Garden, so now would their people also be cut off from the same blessings of God in their conscience. Instead, as the scriptures point out, the crowd was left as it were to continue in their fanatical religious ways, totally estranged from God.
The result? The Jews were no longer Mr. Somebody but rather were now demoted to join the ranks of Mr Nobodies. Remember, JESUS had wept over Jerusalem saying, "Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered you under my wings, even as a chicken gathers her brood and you would not come. Now your city is left to you desolate."
Yes, they were cut off from the vine JESUS and the Gentiles who had previously been on the outside looking in, were now being grafted into the vine JESUS. This same status remains even today because of unbelief. For there are many who are departing from the grace and mercy gospel returning instead to the house of bondage which is the Law.
But the scriptures state that no man is able to keep the Law. That is, with the exception of JESUS. If we return to the Garden, we learn that the Law was the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil defined. JESUS fulfilled the Law of sin and death liberating all believers from the law of sin and death which had been imposed upon all of Adam’s sin prone descendants. Each and every one of us.
However, the good news is that we are NOT under the Law. All believers who have repented before God and been willingly baptized into JESUS' death have become a New Creation, a Purchased and Redeemed people resulting from the sacrificial death of God Himself as a Son at Calvary! Believers are the ISRAEL of GOD!
Peace to ALL who are in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.
Indeed, Saul's radicalism was so radical that it would probably have classified him as a terrorist, if he were alive today. From the scriptures, we learn that Saul pursued Christian believers with a vengeance, throwing them into prison. This, until one day when the Lord met him on the road to Damascus. There, the Lord confronted Saul saying, "It is hard for you to kick against your conscience." This was the arrow that penetrated Saul right into the heart. Until then, Saul was caught up in his religious ways attempting to climb the ladder of fame. The dilemma was that Saul, in so doing was violating himself.
How many people today are like Saul, before Jesus healing takes place so that we can be renewed just like Paul? How many of us are caught up in religious institutional practices or other pursuits taught to them as children, without ever taking a moment to see what the Lord has in store for your life, through His Word? A pursuit that in the end will essentially disable them from being themselves, unable to listen to His Word in their heart.
In Paul's case, it was being confronted with the Word of JESUS that changed the situation. As we know, it was hard for Paul to kick against his conscience. That conscience which pricks the heart saying - Yes we know that we ought to have said no. Indeed, there is a place where one can actually sear their conscience, so that nothing pricks their conscience again. This is termed as the hardening of one's heart.
"Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron ..." (I Timothy 4:2)
Such was the case when a Jewish crowd upon being addressed by Stephen reached that place. The crowd had completely hardened their heart. Stephen told the people, "You always resist the Holy Ghost -- even as your fathers did before you."
Imagine the crowd's reaction when Stephen, about to be stoned, said, "so also do you." This is when they picked up the stones to kill him, possibly thinking that they were doing a great service to God. Little did they know at the time that like Adam and Eve who were put out of the Garden, so now would their people also be cut off from the same blessings of God in their conscience. Instead, as the scriptures point out, the crowd was left as it were to continue in their fanatical religious ways, totally estranged from God.
The result? The Jews were no longer Mr. Somebody but rather were now demoted to join the ranks of Mr Nobodies. Remember, JESUS had wept over Jerusalem saying, "Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered you under my wings, even as a chicken gathers her brood and you would not come. Now your city is left to you desolate."
Yes, they were cut off from the vine JESUS and the Gentiles who had previously been on the outside looking in, were now being grafted into the vine JESUS. This same status remains even today because of unbelief. For there are many who are departing from the grace and mercy gospel returning instead to the house of bondage which is the Law.
But the scriptures state that no man is able to keep the Law. That is, with the exception of JESUS. If we return to the Garden, we learn that the Law was the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil defined. JESUS fulfilled the Law of sin and death liberating all believers from the law of sin and death which had been imposed upon all of Adam’s sin prone descendants. Each and every one of us.
However, the good news is that we are NOT under the Law. All believers who have repented before God and been willingly baptized into JESUS' death have become a New Creation, a Purchased and Redeemed people resulting from the sacrificial death of God Himself as a Son at Calvary! Believers are the ISRAEL of GOD!
Peace to ALL who are in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.
He Hath By Inheritance Obtained A More Excellent Name Than They - Part 1319
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son, whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, 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.
For unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?"
And again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let ALL the angels of God worship Him." (Hebrews 1:1-6)
And of the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son He saith, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity. Therefore, God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows."
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands. They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment. And as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail.
But to which of the angels said He at any time, "Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:1-14)
For unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?"
And again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let ALL the angels of God worship Him." (Hebrews 1:1-6)
And of the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son He saith, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity. Therefore, God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows."
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands. They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment. And as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail.
But to which of the angels said He at any time, "Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:1-14)
In the old covenant, God spoke through the prophets. In this current dispensation of grace, God decided to come Himself. The greatest love story ever told. Stand in the offering plate.
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread - Part 1318
In that SEED shall all the nations of the earth be blessed! The question is whether you have you received the Holy Spirit of JESUS since you believed? The reason I ask is that God said He would pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh in the latter days. And, in different times in the book of Acts, we see the question asked -- "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since you believed?"
If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ by faith, I beg you to ask the Lord for forgiveness. This is called repentance. Then, the next step is to be water baptized into His death, burial, and resurrection and this will which secure the promise of God’s Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- will be imparted to you. For by obedience to God’s command you now inherit the rich inheritance WILLED to you as a LIVING WILL by God our Saviour. For that is exactly who JESUS was.
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 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) God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) "I am the Lord thy God and there is none beside Me." (Isaiah 43:3)
On the new testament side, JESUS is the well of living water. JESUS ONLY is the source. He that drinks of this water JESUS gives shall never thirst spiritually. Why? Because the Holy Ghost blood flowed in the veins of the man JESUS the Christ. The life of God's humanity is in the blood.
It was the Lord who sacrificed His own body on a Cross at Calvary, purchasing for man the right to INHERIT REDEMPTION. It was because of His sacrificial offering that any and all living persons can now through faith in JESUS' sacrificial death receive freely the gift of the Holy Spirit of Life that was in the man JESUS the Christ. This inherited redemption is available to all who accept JESUS as their One and Only Saviour.
God was in Christ reconciling the World to Himself. God's spiritual humanity, love, mercy, compassion and truth were embodied in the man JESUS the Christ, who was as the scripture declares God manifest in the flesh. It was in that body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. Jesus was God with us as a Son. Indeed, we are fallen images of that pure humanity.
JESUS was that pure humanity who saw our plight and our hopelessness and because God is love, God made a way whereby man could be redeemed. Saved. In order to do this, man’s redemption required the death of a sinless man. (It must be a man for it was by one man’s disobedience that sin entered into man) Therefore, to meet the demands of justice it necessitated another’s death. Look back through the Old Testament, for example, and see how many sacrifices were carried out endeavouring to remove the guilt of sin but unfortunately all such endeavours were fruitless.
Thus, God put Himself in our place fulfilling all the demands of sin by the sacrifice of His own prone to sin and yet sinless body. God’s love and mercy redemptive mission was now accomplished by God Himself at no cost whatsoever to man. This kind of love and mercy is beyond our capacity to pen. Beyond our capacity to understand. Beyond our capacity to express because this kind of love - simply put - emanates from God. Yes, God is love!
JESUS, being the Son of the Holy Spirit INHERITS all things, for has He has said that all that my Father has is mine, and all that is mine is yours.
In other words, this is the Last LIVING WILL or TESTAMENT of JESUS prior to His crucifixion. GOD covenanted with Himself. God did not covenant with either you or I. God covenanted with Himself as a Son and that Covenant is an everlasting Covenant, independent of us. For Salvation is of the LORD. Paid in full for each and every one of us.
"By grace are ye saved through faith ... and that not of yourself. It is a gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
As a consequence, what we have is the Last Living Will or Testament of the man JESUS the Christ who bequeathed all of His rightful inheritance to us. His redeemed people which He purchased to Himself with the shedding of His own blood. This is why God offers all forgiveness if we would recognize His substitution death at Calvary.
.
Now the decision is in your hands. You have reached the crossroads, the Armageddon of life if you will. It is your decision and your decision alone, God has commanded that all men and women repent. Why? Because redemption has been obtained by God’s Grace and Mercy. You and I now have an opportunity to return to that exact place where Adam made the wrong decision.
Now its your turn. You decide either to continue as you are now or to call upon the name of the Lord your God thanking Him for His unconditional love toward us - fallen men and women. If you decided to accept God’s redemption, enjoy the wonder, love and grace that is Jesus. Enjoy His comfort. And follow on as the early believers were encouraged to do in Acts chapter 2. That is, repent and be baptized into the name of JESUS the Christ.
Make sure you have a good new testament and start reading. Use a notebook and pen to write notes if the margins in your Bible are not large enough. Rejoice in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Pray without ceasing. Study His Word to show thyself approved unto God. Stand in the offering plate.
If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ by faith, I beg you to ask the Lord for forgiveness. This is called repentance. Then, the next step is to be water baptized into His death, burial, and resurrection and this will which secure the promise of God’s Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- will be imparted to you. For by obedience to God’s command you now inherit the rich inheritance WILLED to you as a LIVING WILL by God our Saviour. For that is exactly who JESUS was.
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 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) God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) "I am the Lord thy God and there is none beside Me." (Isaiah 43:3)
On the new testament side, JESUS is the well of living water. JESUS ONLY is the source. He that drinks of this water JESUS gives shall never thirst spiritually. Why? Because the Holy Ghost blood flowed in the veins of the man JESUS the Christ. The life of God's humanity is in the blood.
It was the Lord who sacrificed His own body on a Cross at Calvary, purchasing for man the right to INHERIT REDEMPTION. It was because of His sacrificial offering that any and all living persons can now through faith in JESUS' sacrificial death receive freely the gift of the Holy Spirit of Life that was in the man JESUS the Christ. This inherited redemption is available to all who accept JESUS as their One and Only Saviour.
God was in Christ reconciling the World to Himself. God's spiritual humanity, love, mercy, compassion and truth were embodied in the man JESUS the Christ, who was as the scripture declares God manifest in the flesh. It was in that body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. Jesus was God with us as a Son. Indeed, we are fallen images of that pure humanity.
JESUS was that pure humanity who saw our plight and our hopelessness and because God is love, God made a way whereby man could be redeemed. Saved. In order to do this, man’s redemption required the death of a sinless man. (It must be a man for it was by one man’s disobedience that sin entered into man) Therefore, to meet the demands of justice it necessitated another’s death. Look back through the Old Testament, for example, and see how many sacrifices were carried out endeavouring to remove the guilt of sin but unfortunately all such endeavours were fruitless.
Thus, God put Himself in our place fulfilling all the demands of sin by the sacrifice of His own prone to sin and yet sinless body. God’s love and mercy redemptive mission was now accomplished by God Himself at no cost whatsoever to man. This kind of love and mercy is beyond our capacity to pen. Beyond our capacity to understand. Beyond our capacity to express because this kind of love - simply put - emanates from God. Yes, God is love!
JESUS, being the Son of the Holy Spirit INHERITS all things, for has He has said that all that my Father has is mine, and all that is mine is yours.
In other words, this is the Last LIVING WILL or TESTAMENT of JESUS prior to His crucifixion. GOD covenanted with Himself. God did not covenant with either you or I. God covenanted with Himself as a Son and that Covenant is an everlasting Covenant, independent of us. For Salvation is of the LORD. Paid in full for each and every one of us.
"By grace are ye saved through faith ... and that not of yourself. It is a gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
As a consequence, what we have is the Last Living Will or Testament of the man JESUS the Christ who bequeathed all of His rightful inheritance to us. His redeemed people which He purchased to Himself with the shedding of His own blood. This is why God offers all forgiveness if we would recognize His substitution death at Calvary.
.
Now the decision is in your hands. You have reached the crossroads, the Armageddon of life if you will. It is your decision and your decision alone, God has commanded that all men and women repent. Why? Because redemption has been obtained by God’s Grace and Mercy. You and I now have an opportunity to return to that exact place where Adam made the wrong decision.
Now its your turn. You decide either to continue as you are now or to call upon the name of the Lord your God thanking Him for His unconditional love toward us - fallen men and women. If you decided to accept God’s redemption, enjoy the wonder, love and grace that is Jesus. Enjoy His comfort. And follow on as the early believers were encouraged to do in Acts chapter 2. That is, repent and be baptized into the name of JESUS the Christ.
Make sure you have a good new testament and start reading. Use a notebook and pen to write notes if the margins in your Bible are not large enough. Rejoice in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Pray without ceasing. Study His Word to show thyself approved unto God. Stand in the offering plate.
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