"O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful [things]; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth ... For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall ... He will swallow up death in victory." (Isaiah 25:1-8)
In this current dispensation of grace, Jesus is the Lord's name. (Acts 2:36) Indeed, our God became our Saviour on that cross, shedding His precious blood for our transgressions. (Titus 3:4-7) He hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2) Jesus Christ -- the Word that was with God and was God -- made flesh. (John 1:1)
"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
But to those who choose life in Jesus, and become followers of Him as dear children, we are renewed in the spirit of our minds. "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness, wherefore putting away lying, "Speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another." (Ephesians 4:23-25)
When we are water baptized in the precious name of Jesus, we put on His garment of righteousness. We receive the gift of the Holy Ghost who leads and guides us into all truth. He seals us unto the day of redemption so that we can walk in loves, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us.
"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him, wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." (I Thessalonians 5:9-11)
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Faithful is He that calls you who also will do it." (I Thessalonians 5:24)
May the Lord "count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:11-12)
"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him, for this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep ... for the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:14-17)
Exalt His precious name of Jesus today. That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him.
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
Monday, April 11, 2016
Sunday, April 10, 2016
But He that is Joined unto the Lord is One Spirit - Part 1370
The Lord is One Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is joy and liberty. (I Corinthians 6:17; Galatians 5:1)
Jesus confirmed the prophecy of old when He said in the synagogue on the sabbath day, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised ..." (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 49:8-9; Isaiah 61:1-2; Daniel 9:24)
And when Jesus finished reading, He closed the book and gave again to the minister and sat down. And the eyes of them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and He began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in you ears." (Luke 4:20-21) And all bare Him witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And these said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" And Jesus said unto them, "Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, "Physician heal Thyself." (Luke 4:22-23)
And the people marveled.
Later in His ministry, JESUS breathed upon His disciples saying unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22) The Holy Ghost was the life of the Spirit of God which indwelt His fleshly sin prone body. JESUS' blood was the blood of the Holy Ghost. In fact, JESUS was the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost!
We know this to be true because the scripture declares that JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. Note that Mary was not the mother of God. For it is written, that this "holy thing" that shall be born of you Mary shall be called the Son of God. The holy thing refers to the sin prone flesh in which the SEED of the Holy Ghost would be clothed in whilst in Mary womb. (Luke 1:30-35) Since Luke by profession was a physician, he recognized that the fetus within Mary was not a regular baby. Thus, the holy thing.
And the angel answered and said unto Mary, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20; Hebrews 1:2,8)
And Mary who said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" marveled. (Luke 1:46-54)
JESUS descriptive title name is Immanuel - which translated means `God with us.' (Matthew 1:21-23) Appearing in fashion as a son, God appeared in the same fashion as we. Therefore when we call upon His name - the name of JESUS - the name given to all men whereby we can be saved - we understand that it is JESUS who will save HIS people from their sin. (Matthew 1:18-23)
How do we know? In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. (John 1:1-3) "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 accepted Him not." (John 1:10-11)
And the Word was made flesh and we should marvel because of His love. (John 1:1-18)
Yes, JESUS was the Word of God, now appearing in flesh for the express purpose of bringing us salvation. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) He also had an underlying purpose and that was to destroy the work of the devil who has (and is) wreaking havoc on His people. And then also to expose the devil for what it is - the cause of sin, sickness, disease, suffering, and death.
None of these consequences were what God had intended for men and women when He created the world in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1) Although considerable blame is directed at God, it is yet just another lie put forward by the enemy.
This is why JESUS -- God Himself manifest in the flesh came into our world - not to condemn man but rather God took the form of man upon Himself purposely to suffer death on a cross at that place called Calvary!
Understand here that God took upon Himself the FULL penalty for all of our sin - the total abolition of our sin which formally required the death penalty. He took all this sin upon Himself - the reality of death on a cross carried out upon Him - a pure, holy, righteous man. All our sin -- past, present and future -- the perfect sacrifice.
Why would He do this? Because, there was not anyone who was a pure, holy, righteous on earth who could bring salvation to people in the eyes of God. Therefore, God who created humanity veiled Himself in the flesh of humanity! What condescension. The very God who made this world entered into the world that He had created to lay down His sinless life for you and me. (I Timothy 3:16) Now that is what God did, and as a consequence, the whole world revolves and rotates upon this historical fact.
Still, we have options. We can judge ourselves unworthy of the gift of eternal life OR we can yield ourselves to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Each one decides for him or herself. Just like we were created with a free will, we likewise have the responsibility of making the right decision. However, to all who receive JESUS, to them it is given of God that they be endued with power (GRACE) to become the sons and daughters of God.
The scriptures elaborate on salvation, sharing that salvation is the gift of God - a gift that is free to one and all. JESUS paid the PRICE in FULL for our redemption. JESUS is the door. There is a direct connect between Jesus and man. One mediator -- the man Christ Jesus. Not a man-made church or religion or for that matter whatever other institutional--ism man conjures up. Salvation is attainable to every person - free of charge. Just come to JESUS with sincerity and truth.
When they asked Peter (standing with the eleven other apostles) what must they do to be saved, Peter answered by saying, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42)
And then, stand fast in the liberty that is in Jesus. Read His Word. Step into the offering plate and offer yourself to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Bring yourself to His cross and cling to the God who not only made you but loved you enough to die for you too.
With arms wide open God will pardon you! Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus confirmed the prophecy of old when He said in the synagogue on the sabbath day, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised ..." (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 49:8-9; Isaiah 61:1-2; Daniel 9:24)
And when Jesus finished reading, He closed the book and gave again to the minister and sat down. And the eyes of them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and He began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in you ears." (Luke 4:20-21) And all bare Him witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And these said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" And Jesus said unto them, "Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, "Physician heal Thyself." (Luke 4:22-23)
And the people marveled.
Later in His ministry, JESUS breathed upon His disciples saying unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22) The Holy Ghost was the life of the Spirit of God which indwelt His fleshly sin prone body. JESUS' blood was the blood of the Holy Ghost. In fact, JESUS was the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost!
We know this to be true because the scripture declares that JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. Note that Mary was not the mother of God. For it is written, that this "holy thing" that shall be born of you Mary shall be called the Son of God. The holy thing refers to the sin prone flesh in which the SEED of the Holy Ghost would be clothed in whilst in Mary womb. (Luke 1:30-35) Since Luke by profession was a physician, he recognized that the fetus within Mary was not a regular baby. Thus, the holy thing.
And the angel answered and said unto Mary, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20; Hebrews 1:2,8)
And Mary who said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" marveled. (Luke 1:46-54)
JESUS descriptive title name is Immanuel - which translated means `God with us.' (Matthew 1:21-23) Appearing in fashion as a son, God appeared in the same fashion as we. Therefore when we call upon His name - the name of JESUS - the name given to all men whereby we can be saved - we understand that it is JESUS who will save HIS people from their sin. (Matthew 1:18-23)
How do we know? In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. (John 1:1-3) "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 accepted Him not." (John 1:10-11)
And the Word was made flesh and we should marvel because of His love. (John 1:1-18)
Yes, JESUS was the Word of God, now appearing in flesh for the express purpose of bringing us salvation. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) He also had an underlying purpose and that was to destroy the work of the devil who has (and is) wreaking havoc on His people. And then also to expose the devil for what it is - the cause of sin, sickness, disease, suffering, and death.
None of these consequences were what God had intended for men and women when He created the world in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1) Although considerable blame is directed at God, it is yet just another lie put forward by the enemy.
This is why JESUS -- God Himself manifest in the flesh came into our world - not to condemn man but rather God took the form of man upon Himself purposely to suffer death on a cross at that place called Calvary!
Understand here that God took upon Himself the FULL penalty for all of our sin - the total abolition of our sin which formally required the death penalty. He took all this sin upon Himself - the reality of death on a cross carried out upon Him - a pure, holy, righteous man. All our sin -- past, present and future -- the perfect sacrifice.
Why would He do this? Because, there was not anyone who was a pure, holy, righteous on earth who could bring salvation to people in the eyes of God. Therefore, God who created humanity veiled Himself in the flesh of humanity! What condescension. The very God who made this world entered into the world that He had created to lay down His sinless life for you and me. (I Timothy 3:16) Now that is what God did, and as a consequence, the whole world revolves and rotates upon this historical fact.
Still, we have options. We can judge ourselves unworthy of the gift of eternal life OR we can yield ourselves to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Each one decides for him or herself. Just like we were created with a free will, we likewise have the responsibility of making the right decision. However, to all who receive JESUS, to them it is given of God that they be endued with power (GRACE) to become the sons and daughters of God.
The scriptures elaborate on salvation, sharing that salvation is the gift of God - a gift that is free to one and all. JESUS paid the PRICE in FULL for our redemption. JESUS is the door. There is a direct connect between Jesus and man. One mediator -- the man Christ Jesus. Not a man-made church or religion or for that matter whatever other institutional--ism man conjures up. Salvation is attainable to every person - free of charge. Just come to JESUS with sincerity and truth.
When they asked Peter (standing with the eleven other apostles) what must they do to be saved, Peter answered by saying, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42)
And then, stand fast in the liberty that is in Jesus. Read His Word. Step into the offering plate and offer yourself to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Bring yourself to His cross and cling to the God who not only made you but loved you enough to die for you too.
With arms wide open God will pardon you! Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Jesus Said, "He That Believes On Me Hath Everlasting Life ... I Am That Bread of Life" - Part 1369
"Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11)
The one truth that we as believers in Jesus by faith recognize is that Jesus is the bread of life. And not just "the" bread of life but "THAT" bread of life.
"Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die." (John 6:46-50)
You see, the bread embraces the Life of JESUS the Christ who is in fact the Bread of Life. Labour not for the meat (bread) that perishes but rather labour for the meat (bread) that endures right throughout eternity. Whereas the cup presents the suffering, the whipping, the thorny crown, the mocking, the scourging, and the spitting upon, the crucifixion and His death, we know that the grave and then Jesus resurrection leads to life eternal for those who believe in Jesus by faith.
Those who will obey His commandments and be water baptized in His name -- the precious name of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. (Acts 2:36-47) Those who will love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love, love one another.
Lo, therein, the volume of the book, Jesus said, is written of Him. The Word made flesh. (John 1:14) The old testament prophets pointing to Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) Almighty God coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)
"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)
The one truth that we as believers in Jesus by faith recognize is that Jesus is the bread of life. And not just "the" bread of life but "THAT" bread of life.
"Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die." (John 6:46-50)
You see, the bread embraces the Life of JESUS the Christ who is in fact the Bread of Life. Labour not for the meat (bread) that perishes but rather labour for the meat (bread) that endures right throughout eternity. Whereas the cup presents the suffering, the whipping, the thorny crown, the mocking, the scourging, and the spitting upon, the crucifixion and His death, we know that the grave and then Jesus resurrection leads to life eternal for those who believe in Jesus by faith.
Those who will obey His commandments and be water baptized in His name -- the precious name of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. (Acts 2:36-47) Those who will love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love, love one another.
Lo, therein, the volume of the book, Jesus said, is written of Him. The Word made flesh. (John 1:14) The old testament prophets pointing to Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) Almighty God coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)
"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 new testament, every written word testifying of the goodness and grace and mercy of Jesus.
"And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:17-19)
In other words, when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary, this marked the beginning of God's salvation plan for His chosen beloved. Indeed, the coming forth of the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning was predetermined to happen by the counsel of God (with Himself) -- and had to happen if sin was to be eradicated from sin prone cursed men and women. What a price to pay. Until this point, there was not to be found in heaven or earth anyone who could redeem man from his banishment from God Almighty. Death ruled and reigned. And until then, all hope was lost.
Until ...
Until a voice was heard saying, we have seen His star in the east. These followed that star -- a morning Star promising the dawn of a new day when God Himself declared peace and good will to one and all. In this current dispensation of grace, the shepherds heard heaven singing. "For unto you is born this day a Saviour, who is none other than Christ the LORD!
That declared message sent the demonic world into a tail spin. The hunt was on. Where is He that is born to be a King? As the scriptures relate, massacres took place and innocent children were the recipients of satanic inspired rulers who enjoyed their power, and had no intention of sharing their authority with another. They enjoyed the lust life styles. In no way were they going to step aside without a fight.
But as we are so aware, God steps in with the Sword of His Spirit which is His Word! Talk about coming out of Egypt. That paled in comparison to the deliverance that God had in store for the human race. The Bread and the Cup of a promise of a New Creation -- all to be found in God's Ark of Covenant who is none other than God Himself out of Heaven as a lamb of sacrifice.
So when everything else fails, fear not for you are of more value than the sparrows. We know this to be true because God spared not His own Sonship sacrificing Himself to ransom us. He paid the price once and for all. So if your back is against the wall, call on Jesus the Christ who is the same God who laid down His life as a Son for you and I. He never fails. His love proclaimed for us while we were yet His enemies.
"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 King of kings and Lord of lords. Now that is love. So the next time the religious culture wants to mix the wine of God with water, remember that we are called to come out from among them, so that we do not experience their plagues. And instead, as Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."(Matthew 11:28-30)
STAND in the OFFERING Plate which means to OFFER YOURSELF!
In other words, when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary, this marked the beginning of God's salvation plan for His chosen beloved. Indeed, the coming forth of the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning was predetermined to happen by the counsel of God (with Himself) -- and had to happen if sin was to be eradicated from sin prone cursed men and women. What a price to pay. Until this point, there was not to be found in heaven or earth anyone who could redeem man from his banishment from God Almighty. Death ruled and reigned. And until then, all hope was lost.
Until ...
Until a voice was heard saying, we have seen His star in the east. These followed that star -- a morning Star promising the dawn of a new day when God Himself declared peace and good will to one and all. In this current dispensation of grace, the shepherds heard heaven singing. "For unto you is born this day a Saviour, who is none other than Christ the LORD!
That declared message sent the demonic world into a tail spin. The hunt was on. Where is He that is born to be a King? As the scriptures relate, massacres took place and innocent children were the recipients of satanic inspired rulers who enjoyed their power, and had no intention of sharing their authority with another. They enjoyed the lust life styles. In no way were they going to step aside without a fight.
But as we are so aware, God steps in with the Sword of His Spirit which is His Word! Talk about coming out of Egypt. That paled in comparison to the deliverance that God had in store for the human race. The Bread and the Cup of a promise of a New Creation -- all to be found in God's Ark of Covenant who is none other than God Himself out of Heaven as a lamb of sacrifice.
So when everything else fails, fear not for you are of more value than the sparrows. We know this to be true because God spared not His own Sonship sacrificing Himself to ransom us. He paid the price once and for all. So if your back is against the wall, call on Jesus the Christ who is the same God who laid down His life as a Son for you and I. He never fails. His love proclaimed for us while we were yet His enemies.
"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 King of kings and Lord of lords. Now that is love. So the next time the religious culture wants to mix the wine of God with water, remember that we are called to come out from among them, so that we do not experience their plagues. And instead, as Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."(Matthew 11:28-30)
STAND in the OFFERING Plate which means to OFFER YOURSELF!
Friday, April 8, 2016
Come Ye, And Let Us Walk In the Light of the Lord - Part 1368
Interestingly, the Word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem was intended to and as the scripture states, "shall come to pass in the last days." (Isaiah 2:1-2)
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, "Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:3-4)
Somewhere in the in between, "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem, and ye are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:47-48) And as a consequence, those who were once in darkness but now are ye light in the Lord walk as children of light, for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10)
This was the good news gospel message that the Lord God personally delivered to one and all, so that we could be filled with His joy and mercy and peace. Indeed, He willingly offered the perfect sacrifice, taking on the form of man and being born as a son to Mary so that we might have eternal life. He paid the price for our sin once and for all. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
But instead, we have allowed the enemy to deliver a compromised gospel -- one of religion and aligning with the traditions of men rather than our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- and thus allowed the soothsayers to carry us away, pleasing ourselves in the children of strangers.
Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
"Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and [are] soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.
Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither [is there any] end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither [is there any] end of their chariots.
Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: And the mean man bows down, and the great man humbles himself: therefore forgive them not. Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty." (Isaiah 2:5-8)
Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither [is there any] end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither [is there any] end of their chariots.
Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: And the mean man bows down, and the great man humbles himself: therefore forgive them not. Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty." (Isaiah 2:5-8)
Why? Because in that day, "the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, [that are] high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
and upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills [that are] lifted up, and upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, [that are] high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
and upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills [that are] lifted up, and upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
And the idols He shall utterly abolish. And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake terribly the earth. In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made [each one] for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats -- to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake terribly the earth." (Isaiah 2:11-22)
But as the scripture states, the gospel that the apostles preach came not unto you in Word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance: as we know what manner of men we were among you for your sake, and ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. (I Thessalonians 1:5-6)
Therefore, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, know your election of God. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye, and above all these things, charity which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, signing 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 3:12-17)
This includes repenting of your sin, and accepting Jesus as the Lord in your life, and then being water baptized -- buried with Him unto death in His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that ye too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47; Romans 6:1-4)
"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth, we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more -- death hath no more dominion over him." (Romans 6:1-9)
We have a choice. We can choose life. So rather than being punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, look up and welcome thy Lord Jesus into your heart because the day is coming when He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed in that day)." (II Thessalonians 1:9-10)
Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
For Unto You Is Born This Day a Saviour, Which Is Christ the Lord - Part 1367
"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God ... because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (I Corinthians 1:23-25)
Sim Kay Tee phrased the point this way: "Paul speaks of different responses to the cross: The Jews expected a mighty deliverer and stumbled over the idea of Christ being crucified. The Greeks laughed at the absurdity of a dead man giving everlasting life. (I Corinthians 1:23) But to all who believe, the cross is the power and wisdom of God that saves. (I Corinthians 1:21, 24)
In other words, for those who know the Most High God as their Redeemer -- Jesus being the Rock -- the good news gospel message of salvation brings life. (Psalm 78:35) Indeed, right from the beginning, man knew that there must be a Shepherd, the Stone of Israel. (Genesis 49:24) The Rock of our salvation whose desire was to fill us with His joy and peace, so that our cup runneth over. (Deuteronomy 32:15)
So that (as the scripture declares) we would have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, and gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute. (Isaiah 30:29) His grace and mercy brimming over in our verybeing.
Sadly, however, there are many in today's world who have not experienced the Lords gladness in their heart, the Holy Ghost within their soul comforting and leading them in the day to day. Inside, their hearts still asking, "Who is God?"
Well, let me tell you about Almighty God.
"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 1:1-18)
And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not ... but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons and daughters of God -- to them that believe on His name. (John 1:10-14)
His name? JESUS. Jesus is the Word. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me. In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin Thou hast had no pleasure." Then said I, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God." Above when He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second." (Hebrews 10:5-9)
Sim Kay Tee phrased the point this way: "Paul speaks of different responses to the cross: The Jews expected a mighty deliverer and stumbled over the idea of Christ being crucified. The Greeks laughed at the absurdity of a dead man giving everlasting life. (I Corinthians 1:23) But to all who believe, the cross is the power and wisdom of God that saves. (I Corinthians 1:21, 24)
In other words, for those who know the Most High God as their Redeemer -- Jesus being the Rock -- the good news gospel message of salvation brings life. (Psalm 78:35) Indeed, right from the beginning, man knew that there must be a Shepherd, the Stone of Israel. (Genesis 49:24) The Rock of our salvation whose desire was to fill us with His joy and peace, so that our cup runneth over. (Deuteronomy 32:15)
So that (as the scripture declares) we would have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, and gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute. (Isaiah 30:29) His grace and mercy brimming over in our verybeing.
Sadly, however, there are many in today's world who have not experienced the Lords gladness in their heart, the Holy Ghost within their soul comforting and leading them in the day to day. Inside, their hearts still asking, "Who is God?"
Well, let me tell you about Almighty God.
"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 1:1-18)
And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not ... but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons and daughters of God -- to them that believe on His name. (John 1:10-14)
His name? JESUS. Jesus is the Word. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me. In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin Thou hast had no pleasure." Then said I, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God." Above when He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second." (Hebrews 10:5-9)
So "who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?" (II Samuel 22:32)
JESUS!
Again, "who is God save the Lord? Or, who is a rock save our God?" (Psalm 18:31)
JESUS!
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)
No other name than JESUS!
This is why Peter (standing with the eleven) declared JESUS to be BOTH Lord and Christ on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36) This is why we are water baptized in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:37-38)
Jesus said, opening the disciples understanding, so that they might understand the scriptures -- "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning in 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 24:45-49)
The promise of the Holy Ghost. His name is Jesus. The very reason why we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God ... because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (I Corinthians 1:23-25)
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.
Therefore, fear ye not and neither be afraid. "Have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? Ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside Me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any." (Isaiah 44:8)
Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
For The Law Having A Shadow of Good Things To Come - Part 1366
Herein, we have spoken of the two covenants before but I sense that there needs to be more clarity within the faith community. To that end, believers in Jesus by faith need to understand that there is a significant difference between the old testament and the new testament. There needs to be an understanding that the second -- this current dispensation of grace -- could not take place while the first tabernacle was yet standing.
Or, that the first tabernacle -- "it was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect as pertaining to the conscience, which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances imposed on them until the time of the reformation." (Hebrews 9:9-10)
Why is this critical? Because it is important that believers in Jesus by faith understand that their is more than a white blank page between the old testament and the new testament. And that the "Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while the as the first tabernacle was yet standing." (Hebrews 9:8)
The Lord of glory Himself coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)
"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, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force AFTER men are dead." (Hebrews 9:16-17)
Jesus' had to die on the cross (shedding His precious blood for you) in order for the testament to come of force. Just like a last will and testament, the person leaving the will has to die. But the difference here is that the Lord of Glory considered it necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these but that is not all. The Lord of Glory willingly understood that the heavenly things themselves were better sacrifices than these.
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Nor yet that He should offer Himself often -- as the high priest did when he entered into the holy place every year with blood of others, but rather Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
You see, the law was only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of those things can never with those sacrifices, which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect -- for then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins, but in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. (Hebrews 10:1-4)
This is why "a body hast Thou prepared Me" so that He could take away the first and establish the second, "by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:9-10)
Jesus paid the price once and for all. He offered the perfect sacrifice by a new and living way, "which He hath consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh." (Hebrews 10:20)
Thus, where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin, having therefore brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. He endured such contradiction of sinner against Himself. And for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Look unto Jesus -- the author and finisher of your faith -- today. Pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore. And continually study His Word as doth a workman unto God, for therein ye shall find life everlasting. Stand in the offering plate.
Hebrews 9:
Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shew bread; which is called the sanctuary.
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in ONCE into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of 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. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you."
Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry, and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer himself often, as the high priest entered into the holy place every year with blood of others. For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Monday, April 4, 2016
Therefore Mine Own Arm Brought Salvation Unto Me, Saith the Lord - Part 1365
"And the year of My redeemed is come." (Isaiah 63:4)
"And I looked, and there was none to help, and I wondered that there was none to uphold; therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me, and My fury, it upheld Me. And I will tread down the people in Mine anger, and make them drunk in My fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. I will mention of the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His loving kindnesses. For He said, "Surely they are My people, children that will not lie; so He was their Saviour." (Isaiah 63:5-8)
These words were spoken by the Lord in a vision to Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken. I have nourished and brought up children and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib; but Israel does not know, My people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters; they have forsaken the Lord. They have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger. They are gone away backward ..." (Isaiah 1:1-4)
Even so, the King of kings and Lord of lords who loved His creation from the beginning did not want to see us lost. This is why -- even while we were His enemies -- the Lord God who made man from the dust of the earth (and woman from the man's rib) decided to offer the perfect sacrifice so that we could know His love and mercies personally. Thus, the Lord willingly became our Saviour.
"Therefore, Mine own right arm brought salvation!" (Isaiah 63:5)
And a child was born and unto us a son 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)
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
The Lord Himself coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)
"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots, and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth, and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked.
And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins ... [and then] the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall like down with the kid ... [because] the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day, there shall be a root of Jesse (which shall stand for an ensign of the people) to it shall the Gentiles seek and His rest shall be glorious." (Isaiah 11:1-10)
But the Lord Himself was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth, and we nailed His humanity to a cross. We rejected the Lord of hosts, the precious cornerstone that brings life.
"To whom coming, as unto a living stone disallowed [or has been rejected] of men, but chosen of God and precious. Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore, also it is contained in the scripture: "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHIEF CORNERSTONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS; AND HE THAT BELIEVES ON HIM SHALL NOT BE CONFOUNDED."
Unto you therefore, which believe He is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS DISALLOWED [REJECTED], THE SAME IS MADE THE HEAD OF THE CORNER, AND A STONE OF STUMBLING, AND A ROCK OF OFFENCE, even to them which stumble at the Word being disobedient, where unto also they were appointed.
But ye [those who believe on Jesus and are water baptized in His name] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2:4-10)
Jesus is the Light of the world, which lights every man that comes into the world. (John 1:9)
His name is Jesus for He alone will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
God Himself came forth as a mighty man to open the eyes of those who are blind, and to "turn them from darkness to the light, and from the power of the enemy unto God, that they might receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:18)
Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
"And I looked, and there was none to help, and I wondered that there was none to uphold; therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me, and My fury, it upheld Me. And I will tread down the people in Mine anger, and make them drunk in My fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. I will mention of the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His loving kindnesses. For He said, "Surely they are My people, children that will not lie; so He was their Saviour." (Isaiah 63:5-8)
These words were spoken by the Lord in a vision to Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken. I have nourished and brought up children and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib; but Israel does not know, My people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters; they have forsaken the Lord. They have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger. They are gone away backward ..." (Isaiah 1:1-4)
Even so, the King of kings and Lord of lords who loved His creation from the beginning did not want to see us lost. This is why -- even while we were His enemies -- the Lord God who made man from the dust of the earth (and woman from the man's rib) decided to offer the perfect sacrifice so that we could know His love and mercies personally. Thus, the Lord willingly became our Saviour.
"Therefore, Mine own right arm brought salvation!" (Isaiah 63:5)
And a child was born and unto us a son 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)
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
The Lord Himself coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)
"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots, and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth, and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked.
And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins ... [and then] the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall like down with the kid ... [because] the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day, there shall be a root of Jesse (which shall stand for an ensign of the people) to it shall the Gentiles seek and His rest shall be glorious." (Isaiah 11:1-10)
But the Lord Himself was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth, and we nailed His humanity to a cross. We rejected the Lord of hosts, the precious cornerstone that brings life.
"To whom coming, as unto a living stone disallowed [or has been rejected] of men, but chosen of God and precious. Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore, also it is contained in the scripture: "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHIEF CORNERSTONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS; AND HE THAT BELIEVES ON HIM SHALL NOT BE CONFOUNDED."
Unto you therefore, which believe He is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS DISALLOWED [REJECTED], THE SAME IS MADE THE HEAD OF THE CORNER, AND A STONE OF STUMBLING, AND A ROCK OF OFFENCE, even to them which stumble at the Word being disobedient, where unto also they were appointed.
But ye [those who believe on Jesus and are water baptized in His name] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2:4-10)
Jesus is the Light of the world, which lights every man that comes into the world. (John 1:9)
His name is Jesus for He alone will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
God Himself came forth as a mighty man to open the eyes of those who are blind, and to "turn them from darkness to the light, and from the power of the enemy unto God, that they might receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:18)
Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
In Whom We Have Redemption Through His Blood, The Forgiveness of Sins - Part 1364
IF the people which are called by MY NAME will ...!
Who declared this promise? Of course, it was the Lord God. But as we discussed in earlier posts, God is not a name. God is a descriptive title. But what happens when some people suggest that both name and descriptive title are one and the same? That both terms really mean the same thing? The only legitimate response would be that it could only be the same because these folks want it to be.
And why would anyone want to adhere to such a belief? Well, perhaps to console themselves from their own misdirection. Rather than admit that the traditional beliefs of men (that they have adhered to) might be wrong, they prefer to keep on deceiving themselves (and sadly, others too). Indeed, what would people think if ministers of the gospel suddenly began to recant their original position? Even when historically people (and likewise institutions) have changed their positions from time to time?
Still, and in spite of the earthly traditions of men, the Word of God is true. Thy Word is truth. Thus, His Word (and not church dogma) should be much more precious than silver and gold. Early believers were known to seek after the truth within the Word of God to the point that the Word of God became more important than their necessary sustenance. I’m sure most believers understand the depth and breadth of the Christian born again experience.
This is why in response to the question, "What is the name of the church you attend?" I can happily reply that wherever "the assembling of the JESUS people may be ..."
In fact, is there anything else? The scriptures make the question of "who" Jesus is abundantly clear. For example, when Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" they replied saying, some say this and some say that. Jesus then said to His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter was first out the gate saying to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus then replied, "Peter, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father which is in Heaven has revealed this to you."
Yes, Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, God manifest in the flesh as a Son. God with us. Conceived of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. So all of these, Jesus assuredly was. But still, what was His name? This is the ultimate question.
JESUS is the name.
And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin. Other scriptures in both the old and the new testaments confirm this fact. This means that there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby mankind can be saved. (Acts 4:12) His Name? JESUS! Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. What is the Name? JESUS! Believe on the LORD JESUS the Christ and you shall be saved. Look to Me all you people, even to the ends of the earth and be saved. Why?
Because as the Lord Himself declared, "I AM GOD and beside Me there is no Saviour. I AM the good Shepherd, the same good Shepherd that gives His life for His sheep." Tell me again - who was the Good Shepherd? There is only One good Shepherd and His name is JESUS.
The Name of JESUS is ABOVE every other name in Heaven and Earth. God (eternal Spirit) has glorified His Son JESUS, declaring that JESUS is both LORD and CHRIST. (Acts 2:36)
And let ALL the Angels of GOD WORSHIP HIM! And you shall WORSHIP the LORD your GOD and HIM only shall you serve! And further, what do the scriptures state? Yes, that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus the Christ is Lord. The scriptures also state that repentance and remission of sin should be preached among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Therefore, repent, and be baptized into the Name of JESUS for the remission of sin so that you shall receive the gift of His holy Spirit -- the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
And receive His precious garment of righteousness -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7)
Stand in the offering plate.
Who declared this promise? Of course, it was the Lord God. But as we discussed in earlier posts, God is not a name. God is a descriptive title. But what happens when some people suggest that both name and descriptive title are one and the same? That both terms really mean the same thing? The only legitimate response would be that it could only be the same because these folks want it to be.
And why would anyone want to adhere to such a belief? Well, perhaps to console themselves from their own misdirection. Rather than admit that the traditional beliefs of men (that they have adhered to) might be wrong, they prefer to keep on deceiving themselves (and sadly, others too). Indeed, what would people think if ministers of the gospel suddenly began to recant their original position? Even when historically people (and likewise institutions) have changed their positions from time to time?
Still, and in spite of the earthly traditions of men, the Word of God is true. Thy Word is truth. Thus, His Word (and not church dogma) should be much more precious than silver and gold. Early believers were known to seek after the truth within the Word of God to the point that the Word of God became more important than their necessary sustenance. I’m sure most believers understand the depth and breadth of the Christian born again experience.
This is why in response to the question, "What is the name of the church you attend?" I can happily reply that wherever "the assembling of the JESUS people may be ..."
In fact, is there anything else? The scriptures make the question of "who" Jesus is abundantly clear. For example, when Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" they replied saying, some say this and some say that. Jesus then said to His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter was first out the gate saying to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus then replied, "Peter, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father which is in Heaven has revealed this to you."
Yes, Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, God manifest in the flesh as a Son. God with us. Conceived of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. So all of these, Jesus assuredly was. But still, what was His name? This is the ultimate question.
JESUS is the name.
And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin. Other scriptures in both the old and the new testaments confirm this fact. This means that there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby mankind can be saved. (Acts 4:12) His Name? JESUS! Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. What is the Name? JESUS! Believe on the LORD JESUS the Christ and you shall be saved. Look to Me all you people, even to the ends of the earth and be saved. Why?
Because as the Lord Himself declared, "I AM GOD and beside Me there is no Saviour. I AM the good Shepherd, the same good Shepherd that gives His life for His sheep." Tell me again - who was the Good Shepherd? There is only One good Shepherd and His name is JESUS.
The Name of JESUS is ABOVE every other name in Heaven and Earth. God (eternal Spirit) has glorified His Son JESUS, declaring that JESUS is both LORD and CHRIST. (Acts 2:36)
And let ALL the Angels of GOD WORSHIP HIM! And you shall WORSHIP the LORD your GOD and HIM only shall you serve! And further, what do the scriptures state? Yes, that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus the Christ is Lord. The scriptures also state that repentance and remission of sin should be preached among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Therefore, repent, and be baptized into the Name of JESUS for the remission of sin so that you shall receive the gift of His holy Spirit -- the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
And receive His precious garment of righteousness -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7)
Stand in the offering plate.
I, Even I, Saith the Lord of Glory, And There Is No God With Me - Part 1363
"For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves [being] judges .... for the Lord shall judge His people and repent Himself for His servants, when He sees that [their] power is gone, and [their] power is gone, and [there] is none shut up, or left. And He shall say, "Where [are] their gods, [their] rock in whom they trusted, which did eat of the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. See now that I, [even] I, am He and there is no god with Me. I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; neither [is there] any that can deliver out of My hand. For I lift up My hand to heaven, and say, "I live forever." (Deuteronomy 32:31-40)
"And they remembered that God was their Rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer." (Psalm 78:35)
"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. He tells the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the meek: He casts the wicked down to the ground. Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: who covers the heaven with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow upon the mountains.
He gives to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delights not in the strength of the horse: He takes not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in his mercy.
"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. He tells the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the meek: He casts the wicked down to the ground. Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: who covers the heaven with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow upon the mountains.
He gives to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delights not in the strength of the horse: He takes not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.
For He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates. He hath blessed thy children within thee, He makes peace in thy borders, and fills thee with the finest of the wheat. He sends forth His commandment upon earth: His Word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool. He scatters the hoarfrost like ashes. He cast forth His ice like morsels; who can stand before His cold?
He sends out His Word, and melts them. He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for His judgments, they have not known them.
Praise ye the Lord." (Psalms 147:1-20)
In the new testament, what is written? Note that the Jew referred to here is also recognized as the circumcision. The oracles are the sayings of God. Deuteronomy 4:5-8 elaborates on this point.
"What advantage then hath the Jew? Or, what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect. God forbid: yea, let God be true and every man a liar, as it is written, "That thou might be justified in thy sayings, and might overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:1-4; Hebrews 4:2; II Timothy 2:13; John 3:33; Psalm 62:9; Psalm 51:4)
"But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance? (I speak as a man). God forbid. For then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto His glory, why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and, as some affirm that we say,) "Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just." (Romans 3:5-8; Galatians 3:15; Genesis 18:25; Romans 5:20)
"What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise, for we have before proved Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin. As it is written ...
"There is none righteous, no, not one. There is none that understands, there is none that seek after God. They are all gone out of the way. They are together become profitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit, the poisons of asps is under their lips; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:9-18; Galatians 3:22; Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 5:9; Psalm 140:3; Proverbs 1:16; Isaiah 59:7-8; Psalm 36:1)
Now we know that what things the law saith to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:19-20; John 10:34; Job 5:16; Galatians 2:16)
But now ...
But now in this current dispensation of grace, whereby we live, "the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believer: for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-24; Acts 15:11; John 5:46; I Peter 1:10; Colossians 3:11)
"Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare, [I say] at this time His righteousness, that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believes in Jesus.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay, but by the law of faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith, do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:25-31)
In other words, to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5) How do we know? "For the promise that He should be heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect. Because the law works wrath, for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore, it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is father of us all ... who against hope believed in hope, that he might be the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken -- So shall thy seed be." (Romans 4:6-18)
"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
The Spirit of God Hath Made Me, And the Breath of the Almighty Hath Given Me Lifee- Part 1362
And so it is written, "The first Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam a quickening Spirit." (I Corinthians 15:45)
Most people can identify the first Adam, that came about as a consequence of our Lord God forming man of the dust of the earth.
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into His nostrils the breath of life: and man became a living soul. And the Lord god planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads [river heads]." (Genesis 2:7-10)
We also know, the serpent was more subtil [cunning] than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made, and he said unto the woman, "Yea, hath God said, "Ye shall not eat of every tree in the garden?" When Eve replied, the serpent said, "Ye shall not surely die, for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as gods [God], knowing good and evil." And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew they were naked ..." (Genesis 3:1-7)
Because the serpent had done this, the Lord God said unto him, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field, upon thy belly shalt thou go and dust shalt thou eat all the days of the thy life; and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:14-15)
And this brings us to the second Adam. The old covenant points to the coming of our Saviour. As Isaiah prophesied -- "Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall He eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good." (Isaiah 7:14-15)
"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)
Isaiah prophesied of the day when the Lord would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) 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)
The Lord Himself taking on a sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) so that He -- as a second Adam could offer us His gift of salvation.
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins ... God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (1 Peter 3:18)
"And you [hath] He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins ..." (Ephesians 2:1)
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses ..." (Colossians 2:13)
Most people can identify the first Adam, that came about as a consequence of our Lord God forming man of the dust of the earth.
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into His nostrils the breath of life: and man became a living soul. And the Lord god planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads [river heads]." (Genesis 2:7-10)
We also know, the serpent was more subtil [cunning] than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made, and he said unto the woman, "Yea, hath God said, "Ye shall not eat of every tree in the garden?" When Eve replied, the serpent said, "Ye shall not surely die, for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as gods [God], knowing good and evil." And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew they were naked ..." (Genesis 3:1-7)
Because the serpent had done this, the Lord God said unto him, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field, upon thy belly shalt thou go and dust shalt thou eat all the days of the thy life; and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:14-15)
And this brings us to the second Adam. The old covenant points to the coming of our Saviour. As Isaiah prophesied -- "Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall He eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good." (Isaiah 7:14-15)
"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)
Isaiah prophesied of the day when the Lord would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) 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)
The Lord Himself taking on a sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) so that He -- as a second Adam could offer us His gift of salvation.
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins ... God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
But the Lord knew the questions that would emerge?
"But some man will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?" Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die, and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: but God gives it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed His own body.
And so it is written, "The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: THE SECOND MAN IS THE LORD FROM HEAVEN. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. "Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:35-57)
"But some man will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?" Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die, and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: but God gives it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed His own body.
All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differs from another star in glory.
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory, It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory, It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
And so it is written, "The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:35-57)
As we see, the first Adam is the very first man God created in His image in the beginning. The second Adam is the Lord of glory from heaven, who personally brought us salvation by shedding His precious blood on the cross. His name is Jesus.
The first Adam transgressed unto death, but the second Adam offers abundant life. This is why Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:6-7)
To be clear, Jesus also said, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30) Philip even went so far as to ask -- Philip saith unto Jesus, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffices us." What did Jesus say? "Jesus said unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father." ... and how say thou then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:8-9)
To be clear, Jesus also said, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30) Philip even went so far as to ask -- Philip saith unto Jesus, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffices us." What did Jesus say? "Jesus said unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father." ... and how say thou then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:8-9)
The second man is the Lord from heaven. This is why Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) said concerning Jesus, that "He is BOTH Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
Because of His perfect sacrifice on the cross, that tore the vail from top to bottom -- Heaven to earth -- He hath quickened us who were dead in trespasses and sin.
"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)." (Ephesians 2:1-5)
When we ask Jesus the Christ to be Lord in our life, and are water baptized in His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus -- we take on His name, His garment of righteousness, and His mercy unto eternal life.
But this does not explain the last Adam a quickening Spirit, particularly when most within the modern day religious community still consider Jesus to resemble a man, made of the earthy. These have not searched the scriptures to see that after Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles that He had chosen. (Acts 1:2)
"But after that 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 has 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)
If it were any other way, when did the last Adam become a quickening Spirit.
Yes, "by the washing of regeneration AND renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5)
Search the scripture for truth. And in the interim, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keeping yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life ... to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever, amen." (Jude 1:20-25)
Stand in the offering plate.
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