Jesus Said, "I Am the Bread of Life; the Light of the World; the Everlasting Water Wherein You Will Never Thirst Again ..."- Part 1415

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)

The scripture does mean what it states. Therefore, this verse actually means that there is only ONE Lord. There is only ONE faith. There is only ONE baptism. This same message is spoken in the first covenant and again confirmed in the new testament.

Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord ..."

Mark 12:28-31: And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord" ..."

As a consequence, we as believers ought to be earnestly contending for this ONE FAITH - the SAME faith - that was ONCE delivered to God’s people. Remember that God has declared that as far as He is concerned, no man has the authority to lay any other foundation. And this was also restated by the apostles whom Jesus through the Holy Ghost had chosen. (Acts 1:2) For this one faith - the foundation of Jesus Christ has already been laid. Yes, the foundation is JESUS the Christ.

Not another gospel but the One and Only gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we read in Acts 2, the good news gospel of Jesus is the ONE and ONLY foundation, wherein Christ is the Head of the Church. This same church that was built upon the Holy Ghost teachings as revealed to the Apostles and Prophets chosen of God. These teachings are solid rock teachings of God, whose Word lives and abides forever. JESUS the Christ (God manifest in flesh)is Himself the Chief corner stone. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23) And, in the presence of two or three witnesses, and more, the scriptures attest to this point.

Further, if anyone dares to advance any other doctrinal teaching other than that which is delivered of God,and elaborated on in the new testament, then believers ought not to congregate in fellowship with them. Let me say this again. If the teachings are contrary to God’s instructed Words, then we should not congregate in fellowship with them. Why not? Because if we do, is this not repeating Adam and Eve's actions in the beginning -- once again inheriting a curse upon themselves?

Therefore, when these false self-appointed religious opponents of the truth of God’s Word arise, we should be going in the other direction. Indeed, as the scriptures point out, these religious folks originally only came in among us to spy out the liberty that we have found in JESUS. But as the scriptures also state, they were not of us, because these went out from us. Therefore, a departure from this ONE FAITH only reiterates the fact that their teachings are not founded or structured upon the gospel teachings that were delivered by the Holy Spirit of JESUS.

Note that the first believers continued STEADFASTLY in the Apostles doctrinal teachings. Where else could they go? For the very Word of God was coming to them. The Word of God was not coming out from them. In accepting the gospel then, these people were acknowledging that the original teachings were indeed God’s Word!

JESUS had instructed His chosen twelve apostles that they were to go to Jerusalem and stay there until, they should receive the promised blessed gift of His holy Spirit upon them. And upon receiving the Holy Ghost, then and only then were they to be His witnesses everywhere, even to every corner of the earth. This is why the holy Spirit of God worked with them as they preached, confirming their words with mighty signs and wonders. Now if God confirmed their Word, then effectively it is no longer their Word but indeed it is as God’s spoken and confirmed Word.

Thus, the Word of our ONE LORD is forever settled. Moreover, the Word of God is in no need to be changed or altered by men and/or women endeavouring to add to, or instead, diminish from the original Word which was sent forth of God, beginning at Jerusalem.

Remember that the new testament Church -- the body of Christ membership started at Jerusalem. In Acts chapter 2, we see 3,000 souls saved, having believed the gospel as Peter (standing with the eleven) preached. The prick in their heart led first to repentance, and then into the ONE BAPTISM where believers are baptized into the name of JESUS the Christ. Remember too that if God confirms His Word, then no man has the right to disannul it.

Stand in the offering plate.

If Ye Have Heard Of the Dispensation of the Grace of God Which Is Given And The Mystery of Christ - Part 1414

"For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power, in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross, and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:9-15)

There is so much said here that is important to understand for our faith journey. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God and Timotheus our brother is writing to the saints and faithful brethren which are in Christ at Colosse. Herein, the purpose is so that they (and by extension, we) would know what great conflict Paul has for those who have not seen his face in the flesh. (Colossians 1:1; Philippians 1:30)

"That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures and wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)

[I could be sidetracked here by addressing the false religious teaching of the trinity that teaches anything but One God -- the Holy Ghost inclusive of the Father and of Christ but it would take from the original point so I will leave that topic for another day. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:28-31; Matthew 1:21-23; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; Revelation 1:8, 11; John 1:10-11; Genesis 1:1; I Corinthians 15:47; John 14:6-11; Ephesians 4:5-6)]

"But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, "he that glories, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:30-31)

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

The crux being that when we receive Christ Jesus the Lord, and so walk ye in Him -- we are rooted and built up in Him as well. We become stablished in the faith, as ye/we have been taught, and thus abound therein with thanksgiving. And once having understood, and tasted the goodness and faithfulness of God our Saviour, we are to beware lest any spoil us through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men and the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:6-8)

We are no longer in bondage under the elements of the world. We are no longer under the Law or burden of sacrifices that could never take away our sin. But because God became our Saviour, we art no more a servant. (Titus 3:4-7; Galatians 1:3:17-29) Why? Because the same Lord God who created us in the beginning did -- when the fullness of the time was come -- become our Saviour (as promised) to redeem those who were lost. "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 scripture concluding that all under sin so that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe, "but before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that the faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus, and if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:1-29)

Herein, there is Paul and Timotheus with us in the Spirit, joying and beholding our good order, casting all our care upon Him, humbling ourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time, continuing and remaining in the steadfastness of our faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:5; I Peter 5:6-9)

Now I say, "That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father." Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:1-6)
"But the God of all grace who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you -- to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen." (I Peter 5:10-11)

So that we being once dead in our sins and the uncircumcision of our flesh, "hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven [us] ALL trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us" taking it out of the way and nailing it to His cross once and for all. (Colossians 2:9-15)

"Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord; In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Stand in the offering plate.

And All Flesh Shall See the Salvation of God - Part 1413

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

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

The Word of God came unto John (the son of Zacharias) in the wilderness, and he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, and he did so according to the words of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet.

"As it is written ... "The voice of one crying in the wilderness -- Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Luke 3:1-6)

Not some or a few, but ALL flesh shall see the salvation of God. All flesh will know the Lamb of God that John proclaimed would come after him --whose shoe latches he wasn't even worthy to latch. And while there were those who mused in their hearts about John and whether he were the Christ, John never changed his response.

That is, John told them that he indeed baptized with water, but One mightier than him would come -- "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire; whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner ..." (Luke 3:1-18)

This all happened in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests. (Luke 3:1) The angel of the Lord said unto Zacharias that his prayer had been heard, "and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John." (Luke 1:13-15)

And thou shalt have joy and gladness and many shall rejoice at his birth -- "for he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb, and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God -- and he shall go before Him in the Spirit and power of Elias, "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children," and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:11-19)

And this John did, as Jesus duly noted, when He asked the people, "What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled [clothed], and live delicately in king's courts. but what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet [for] this is he, of whom it is written, "Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee." For I say unto you -- "Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the baptist: but he that is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:24-28)

And yet, John the baptist never took the glory for himself. He always pointed to Jesus, the One who would come after him. Although John was great in the sight of the Lord, and indeed, not a greater prophet than he, according to Jesus, he still said when he saw Jesus coming toward him, "Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, "After me comes a man which is preferred before me; for He was before me. And I knew Him not, but that He should be made manifest to Israel. Therefore, am I come baptizing with water." (John 1:19-39)

Why Jesus? Because, as Philip soon after pointed out to Nathaniel, Jesus is the One of whom Moses wrote about in the law and the prophets too. (John 1:45) The promised Christ. The prophesied Messiah. The mystery that was hid from the beginning of the world.

God Himself becoming our Saviour.

"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 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, if John the baptist continually pointed to Jesus, why are we so determined as believers to stop at John's baptism of repentance. Why do we stop with the message of the forerunner?

There is so much more to be found in Jesus. Reach out for His goodness and mercy today. Repent, and be baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus -- so that you too can receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47) Clothe yourself in His righteousness. Let Him cuddle you in the palm of His hand. Ask Jesus to give you His gifts -- "severally as He will." (I Corinthians 12:4-11) His gifts of wisdom and knowledge, prophecy, and discerning of spirits.

Because when we seek Jesus first in our life, and His righteousness, He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire. (Matthew 3:11)

And He will never give us a stone when we ask for bread. Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. He never lets go of those whom He loved enough to shed His precious blood on the cross. Never, and this is the message that John the baptist understood when he saw Jesus off in the distance.

"Behold, the Lamb of God ..."

John decreasing in his ministry so that Jesus would increase.  Stand in the offering plate.

One Mediator Between God and Man -- Christ Jesus - Part 1412

"And to make all [men] see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God -- who created all things by Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:9)

His Name is JESUS! Introducing you to the One and Only Lamb of God who by Himself removed His clothes of righteousness, thus taking all of our old tattered garments of sin upon Himself so that we could now be adorned with His righteous garments -- when we repent and are baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47) In fact, sharing the gospel message - that is, there is no more sacrifice for sin for the Spirit of the Lord has laid upon JESUS - His Only Begotten Son - all of our iniquity, faults, and demerits - is the best news we can share.

And yet in spite of these foregoing words, there yet remains some religious opponents who advance and perpetuate the possibility of another ADVOCATE and MEDIATOR. That perhaps, someone else could have made a sacrifice such as the God who created us and loved us from the beginning of time. Indeed, ask yourself this question. How can anyone expect to escape the wrath of God if they willingly neglect God‘s loving salvation plan?

The Scripture clearly states that it was God who laid down His Life for us. JESUS being the SEED of His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost therefore fathered (SEEDED) the life within JESUS -- which SEED LIFE was conceived into the womb of a willing surrogate mother whose name was Mary.

As long as the modern day religious culture separates itself from the written records of scripture, it will never come to the understanding that it was the Spirit of God’s promised Word of redemptive salvation that took upon Himself a veil of sin prone flesh -- whilst in the womb of a sin prone flesh mother -- coming forth from her womb appearing in fashion as one of Adam’s natural offspring. In reality He was not. Only the flesh veil was.

The Spirit within that flesh veil was none other than the same Spirit that made the world in the beginning. Not a part Spirit or a one third part of God -- as the promoters of a false trinity like to insist. Neither was He a separate and distinct person. No sir, for within that veil of flesh did dwell all the fullness of God bodily. Yes GOD who is Spirit reveals Himself to us as a Father, Son and Spirit. We are made n God’s image. These manifestations reveal the One and Only true God.

Deuteronomy 6:4 is confirmed in Mark 12:28-31 whereby the first commandment begins -- "Hear, O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord ..."

Therefore, when one has the privilege (by God’s Grace) to know God both as a Son and as a Father and now Spirit -- as a consequence of the renewing of the Holy Ghost, then one knows and understands fully that these manifestation is the revealing (unveiling) of God who is Spirit in the face of JESUS the CHRIST! Therefore, in spite of religious teachings to the contrary, there is NO OTHER ADVOCATE BETWEEN GOD AND MAN OTHER THAN THE LORD JESUS WHO LOVES US WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE AND HAS OFFERED HIS NATURAL LIFE FOR US! I John chapter 2 elaborates on this point. Therefore because we have such an advocate who is alive, let us now come with surety and boldness to HIS THRONE OF GRACE where we will at all times find abundant grace and mercy!

Just in case the message is misconstrued, this also means that Peter is not an advocate before God either. Peter too required an advocate, just like you and I. So who was Peter's advocate? JESUS was Peter’s advocate. JESUS prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail. Why did He pray? Because as the scriptures state, "All have sinned and come short of God’s requirements to obtain salvation."

Yes, all except the one named JESUS who is man’s ONLY advocate and mediator. Peace to all my friend’s and brethren in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I And My Father Are One." - Part 1411

GOD IS SPIRIT. Indeed, the Spirit of God fills the heavens and the earth and while admittedly, no man has seen God at any time, God counselled with Himself before deciding to reveal and show His Spirit in a visible form.

Consider this. JESUS, the Alpha of the revelation of the Spirit of God in visible form. And JESUS being the only begotten Son of God. Yes, Jesus was begot. JESUS was not created. Rather, JESUS came forth from the innermost being of God. JESUS being the one self same God who is Spirit, now appearing in visible form.

JESUS, coming forth from God’s bosom (innermost being). In other words, JESUS coming forth of God. He was without Father or Mother and without descent. What does this mean? First and foremost, that JESUS is not "another" God. Rather, Jesus is the same God. Jesus is the same God Spirit stepping forth in visible form. The SAME GOD.

JESUS, God in visible form displaying and revealing God’s splendour, wisdom and power. This explains why the scriptures state that in JESUS was all the fullness of the Spirit of God, now seen in visible form. JESUS, in visible form being the Same God who is Spirit.

We call JESUS the Only Begotten Son Of God because JESUS came forth from the innermost being of God. We now see the Spirit of the previously unseen God in the visible form of JESUS. JESUS, who had neither the beginning of days nor ending of life is the same one God who made all things.

"In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1) "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not." (John 1:1-18)

As such, JESUS revealed to man that, “All that the Father has is Mine." The only begotten is Jesus. All things whither seen or unseen were made by JESUS and for JESUS for it is written that JESUS is the beginning of the revealing of God in visible form.

In the beginning, God who is Spirit created the Heavens and the earth -- the earth being without form and void -- a time when darkness covered the earth. From the scriptures we read that a voice was heard saying, “Let there be Light."

JESUS the visible God spoke His own Words. Surely, when God speaks, He speaks through His own mouth which is the mouth of JESUS, who is God, albeit visible and invisible, but altogether Almighty GOD nevertheless.

In the beginning, JESUS who is God alone spoke His intent for the world and its inhabitants. His Spirit moved upon His Word and whatever God’s purposed intent was, it was realized and materialized. JESUS as God saying that it - His new creation - is good.

Why? Because God made man in His own image. He made man from the dust of the earth fashioned like as unto His own visible form. Upon completion, God breathed into man the breath of life, causing man to become a living soul.

As a result, Adam was created in the form of God from the dust of the earth. Eve was also formed of God with Eve being formed out of one of Adam’s ribs. The reason for this? Adam and Eve were to become one flesh - bone of man’s bone and flesh of man’s flesh. Similarly, Adam received of God the breath of life.

Upon receiving GOD’S breath, Adam became a living soul. (Note - Adam was capable of producing offspring bearing his own image) But after Adam sinned through disobedience to God’s initial instructions, Adam and Eve were removed from the Garden of Eden.

Whereupon the fulfillment of this initial action by Adam and Eve, God purposed to veil Himself in flesh so that we might be saved. God’s fleshly form was to be veiled and birthed even as we are. Thus, God purposely entered this world to save Adam and Eve, His Beloved, for in them did dwell HIS BREATH!. In other words, Adam was to God even as Eve was to Adam.

This is why JESUS laid down HIS life for HIS betrothed. Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

If In This Life Only We Have Hope In Christ, We Are of All Men Most Miserable- Part 1410

"Let no man deceive you. He that does righteousness is righteous -- even as He is righteous ... whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for His Seed remains in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest ..." (I John 3:1-10)

Sadly, there are those who want to discount the gift that the Lord willingly offers to one and all-- a gift that He paid for in full, with His own precious blood on a cross. Instead, these say that His precious blood only covers our sin up until the moment we ask Jesus into our heart. After that, the onus (according to these so-called teachers) transfers to us. We are responsible for producing work that is consistent with our salvation.

Instead of "By grace ye are saved by faith, and that NOT of ourselves -- it is the gift of God" we are suddenly inundated with a list of chores that need to be done to secure our salvation going forward. And in the midst, the idea of salvation solely as a consequence of our Lord God willingly became our Saviour gets lost in the shuffle.

But what does the scripture say?

1. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death ..." (Romans 8:1-2)

2. "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that He was purged from his old sins ..." (II Peter 1:8-10)

3. "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 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)

4. "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order. Christ the firstfruits; afterward, they that are Christ's at His coming ..." (I Corinthians 15:20-23)

5. "The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiness of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing .... 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, that they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance ..." (Hebrews 9:8-18)

6. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." (James 1:17-18)

Does this mean that after we have repented that we are to do nothing? Of course not but the instruction is different. Indeed, as James wrote, "Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves ... for if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a glass ... but whosoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:1:22-27)

This instruction includes believing in Jesus by faith. This includes repenting and being water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, so that ye/we shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47) This includes understanding the principles of the doctrine of Christ, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2)

Thus, we are no longer sin focused but rather, running the race that has been set before us in Christ Jesus -- the one and only Lord of glory who loved us so much that He Himself would choose to become the perfect sacrifice for you and I. "According to His abundant mercy He hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through salvation ready to be revealed in the last time -- wherein ye greatly rejoice." (I Peter 1:1-7) 

In other words, "whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for His Seed remains in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest ..." (I John 3:1-10) 

Therefore, "through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-52)

His Name is JESUS, and He shall save His people from their sin. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Stand in the offering plate. 

For This Is Good And Acceptable In The Sight of God our Saviour;” - Part 1409

God willingly became our Saviour. He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory!) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is the bosom of the Father, He hath declared. (John 1:1-18)

The way into the holiest made manifest ... 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 ..." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

"Thus saith the Lord, and the Redeemer of Israel, and His holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him whom man despises, to Him whom the nation abhors, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and He shall choose thee. Thus saith the Lord, “In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages ....” (Isaiah 49:7-8)

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth -- for there is ONE God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (I Timothy 2:3-6)

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:25)

Mary said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:47)

“Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together. Who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time?  Have not I the Lord?  And there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me. Look unto Me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth; for I am God and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:21-22)

"I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no Savior besides Me.” (Isaiah 43:11) 

"I, even I am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” (Isaiah 43:25)

"Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel." (Jeremiah 3:23)

"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt and thou shalt know no god but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me." (Hosea 13:4)

"Salvation belongs unto the LORD. Thy blessing is upon thy people." (Psalm 3:8)

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

"Who hath believed our report and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1

"The LORD hath made bar His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations." (Psalm 98:2)

"As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness -- Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Luke 3:4-6) 

"The Lord is My strength and song, and He is become My salvation. He is My God, and I will prepare Him an habitation; my fathers God and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a man of war. The Lord is His name." (Exodus 15:2-3)

"The Lord lives, and blessed be My Rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted ..." (Psalm 18:46)

"The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." (Psalm 118:14) 

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, “which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; but hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching,” which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour. To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: “Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” (Titus 1:1-4)

Jesus said, “I am come in My Fathers name, and ye receive Me not. If another shall come in His own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receives honour one of another, and seek not the honour that comes from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father; there is one that accuses you, even Moses in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me, for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words? ” (John 5:43-47)

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour -- the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20) 

Wherefore when He comes into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou would 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 would not; neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the Law." Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He takes away the first, that He may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."(Hebrews 10:5-10)

And she shall call His Name Jesus for He shall take away the sins of the world -- God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23) Stand in the offering plate.

But After the Kindness and Love of God our Saviour Toward Man Appeared - Part 1408

God who at different times and in various manners has spoken to men has now in these last days spoken to us in His Son. For God was in the man JESUS the Christ. That means JESUS is the very Son of the Holy Spirit. The embryo was the seeds of the Holy Spirit, and in that embryo did dwell all the fullness of God. Note the word fullness. Not a part of God but rather everything that God is, was found in the embryo. For the embryo is God Himself as a Son!

Further, God is the Father of all natural life imparted into the seed bank of all. The features take on the appearance of their parents clothed in flesh. However, as one matures, the offspring can take on a different lifestyle and mindset. For example, in the scriptures, Adam and Eve brought forth two sons - one became a murderer and the other religious.

JESUS was the SEED of the holy Spirit. The SEED of God has a totally different nature from that of Adam’s sin prone race. And yet, in your veins flows the blood of Adam’s sin prone race. The difference is that in Jesus' veins flowed the life of the Holy Spirit!

Indeed, the embryo of the Holy Spirit was clothed upon in flesh in the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. Because Mary was a descendant of Abraham, JESUS took on the same features of Abraham's natural seed, which seed by the way was totally sin prone in the same fashion as all of Adam’s seed inherit.

All of this came to pass so that we would know one thing. That is God so loved the world -- you and I so much -- that God was willing to sacrifice Himself as the ‘Only Begotten Son.' JESUS being the ‘Lamb of God.'

No, not like Abraham who was going to sacrifice his son as an offering as we read in the Old Testament. And no, this is not God sacrificing someone else on His behalf. This is God sacrificing ‘Himself as a Son‘ for us! Why? Because Adam's sin prone blood could never reconcile man back to a place of fellowship with God.

When God declared that there was none righteous, no not even one, it was the reality. Yes, even worse than Sodom, for God did find in Sodom some persons that could still be considered righteous. God was unable to find even one that was righteous. So God Himself made a way when there was no way. How did God do this? Well, according to the scriptures, God raised up of Himself a Saviour, who is ‘God with us as a Son’ (the Lord even JESUS) fathered by the Holy Ghost. JESUS -- the child of God, who was God made flesh. (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:18; Revelation 1:8, 11)

Yes, 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 the scriptures reveal to us so much more. But let us start with teachings that are man-made traditions without any basis in the scriptures. First, nowhere in the scriptures is any reference made to God is three distinct and separate persons. This type of religious doctrine is a product of the so-called church fathers from 300/400 AD which has (sadly) proliferated within the majority of modern day churches without any scripture to support it. This is why we are encouraged to read the scriptures -- so that we are aware of the truth and can discern what is right and just -- according to the Word of God. (II Timothy 2:15)

It should also be noted here that New Testament manuscripts are written in Greek. There are no Hebrew manuscripts. Why? Because none exist. Moreover, nowhere in the Greek manuscripts is there a reference made to ‘yeshua.’

This is in fact a distorted product of the Jews who have always, down through the ages, endeavoured to take your minds and hearts away from the Only One -- the unction who teaches truth -- the One who could and did become man's Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) The same Saviour who bears the given name JESUS. The same Saviour who is the embodiment of the Word of God. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9)

Apart from JESUS, who is the child SEEDED by the Spirit of God, salvation is unobtainable. Jesus is the only Name under Heaven whereby men and women can be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

JESUS being the ‘Lord of Glory’ who we crucified. Jesus -- both Lord and Christ, as Peter (standing with the eleven stated on the day of Pentecost. Jesus -- behold, the Lamb of God as John declared when He saw Jesus walking toward him to be baptized. Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

God our Saviour! Peace to all!

Be Of Good Cheer, Thy Sins Be Forgiven Thee - Part 1407

Peter (standing with the eleven) said, "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-38)

"Therefore, if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17)
So, what is sin, according to the scriptures? This question came up this evening in discussion, and although I predominantly focus on helping new believers become grounded in the Word, there may be those who would prefer a more comprehensive understanding of sin -- particularly if leading people to Jesus also requires answering questions.

Certainly, the scriptures tell us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) And that "all unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not unto death." (I John 5:17) We are also aware from His Word that if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves -- and the truth is not in us. (I John 1:8) That "the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) And, that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9-10)

Indeed, "we know that whosoever is born of God sins not, but he that is begotten of God keeps himself and that wicked one touches him not. And we know that we are of God and the whole world lies in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, [even] in His Son Jesus Christ -- this is the true God and eternal life." (I John 5:18-20)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

But the scriptures also offer clear guidance instruction regarding sin. For example:

"Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (I John 3:4)

"Therefore to him that knows to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17)

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." (I John 5:21)

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin." (John 8:34)

"Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death." (James 1:15)

But I say unto you, "That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)

And further to this last point -- "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21)

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." (I Corinthians 6:9-10)

Thankfully, when we accept the Lord Jesus into our heart, He gives us hope, and we don't need to focus anymore on the things of this world, or on sin and death. In fact, when we walk in the Spirit, the scriptures state that "ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) Why? 

Because "there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]." (I Corinthians 10:13)

Do you remember the example Jesus gave in Luke 7?

Jesus answering Simon said, "There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?" Simon answered and said, "I suppose that he to whom he forgave most." Jesus said unto him, "Thou hast rightly judged." 

Then Jesus turned to the woman in the city "which was a sinner" and had anointed His feet with her tears and the alabaster box of ointment, and said, "Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gave Me no water for My feet, but she hath washed My feet with her tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head. Thou gave Me no kiss; but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss My feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed My feet with ointment. Wherefore, I say unto thee, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." And Jesus then said to the woman, "Thy sins are forgiven ... Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." (Luke 7:36-50)

Ass a consequence of God's abundant love for His beloved creation, He willingly decided to become the plan of salvation before the world was formed. He who knew no sin would become the perfect sacrifice. He would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13) "Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5:31)

"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)

That through His name -- the precious name of Jesus -- whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.

Thus, and without further ado, "repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord ..." (Acts 3:19) Be water baptized in His precious name so that you too shall receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)

And know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that in your faith journey going forward -- "if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I Am He That Lives And Was Dead And Behold, I Am Alive For Evermore" - Part 1406

"Where is He that is born King of the Jews?" asked the wise men travelling from the east to Jerusalem. They had seen His star in the east, and desired to come and worship Him. But when Herod the earthly declared king heard these things, he was troubled and all of Jerusalem with him. So much so, that when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where this Christ should be born.

Interestingly, these already knew the answer. They said unto king Herod, "In Bethlehem of Judaea, for thus it is written by the prophet, "And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda; for out of thee shall come a Governor that shall rule My people Israel." (Matthew 1:1-6; Revelation 2:27)

"But thou, Bethlehem, Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be a ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)

The country shepherds abiding in the field also knew of the pending arrival of the King of the Jews -- when the glory of the Lord shone round about them -- and the angel of the Lord came upon them. What did the angel say? "Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour -- which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in  a manger." Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:8-14)

And the man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and the same was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him. He knew as well. "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)

Indeed, nothing is hid from those who seek the Lord God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:28-31; Deuteronomy 6:4)

“Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
"So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations. Now the birth of Christ was on this wise ... " (Matthew 1:1-18)

"And for this cause, He [Jesus] is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood ..." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

"This same Jesus whom ye have crucified, said Peter standing with the eleven, "is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36-47)

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He is the One and Only King who loved us enough to visit His people.

"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 of God -- [even] to them that believe on His Name." (John 1:10-11)

Thus, in this current dispensation of grace, God has declared peace and good will toward men. (Luke 2:14) The new testament therefore not a continuation of the old covenant, or simply a blank page between the old and the new, as some claim. Rather, God's plan of salvation revealed to those who gladly respond to His invitation.

"Behold, the Lamb of God!"

Stand in the offering plate.