Believest thou not? Believest thou this? Jesus said, "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Lif - Part 1425

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

Thomas saith unto Jesus, "Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?" Jesus saith unto him, "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."

Philip saith unto Him, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffice us." Jesus saith 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?"

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do ..." (John 14:5-14)
Believest thou that there is One God, and this one and same God loved us enough to become as one of us? (I Timothy 3:16; Mark 12:28-31; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8, 11; Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-18) 

Believest thou that He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not? (John 1:10-11; Isaiah 42:13)

Believest thou that after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour -- that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life? (Titus 3:4-7)

Believest thou that when we believe in Jesus as both Lord and Christ in our heart, and are water baptized in His precious Name, that we enter into, and now stand fast in the Lord? And, that He -- the Lord Jesus Christ will make you and I to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all, so that He may stablish our hearts with blame in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints?

Believest thou this that the gospel came not unto you in Word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance .. with joy of the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of Christ dwelling within us? (I Peter 1:11)

Believest thou on the Name of Jesus? The One and ONLY name whereby we can be saved in this current dispensation of grace? (Acts 4:12) 

It is herein that our lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away (reserved in heaven for us who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation) begins. (I Peter 1:1-12)

It is in this context that faith is a reflection of our intimate walk with Jesus. It shows our willingness to press in and grow in the knowledge of the Word -- Jesus the Christ. An inward heart desire to be with Jesus even while we live in this world. Sadly, however, even in Bible times, not everyone accepted this. Even those from Jesus' own country, according to Matthew 13, were astonished at the crowds that followed Jesus. While He performed miracles and healings for those who needed to be restored and made whole, the people from His own country doubted Jesus' authority. 

Indeed, when Jesus was come into His own country, the people of the area asked, "Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brethren James and Joses and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?"

These might be considered valid questions if the focus was only on Jesus' humanity. However, when we begin to accept that Jesus is God in the flesh -- the same God who created man and woman in the beginning loved us enough to prepare a plan of salvation even before we were formed in our mother's womb - then our faith begins to grow. At first as a tiny mustard seed, but soon after, able to move those mountains that stand as hurdles against us. We soon realize that the same God who holds the universe in His hands loved us so much that He willingly shed His precious blood on the cross for us. 

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled --  the Word of life  had a plan to converse with us. For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in John 6:29 that this is the work of God that you "believe on Him in whom He has sent."

Who did God send? JESUS -- God Himself manifest as a servant. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9)

Thus, we are to "believe ON HIM IN whom He hath sent" (John 6:29) 

 All that the Father giveth shall come to Me, and them that cometh to Me in no way will I cast out. (John 6:37) 

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy household too." 

Had these folks from Jesus country realized the truth -- the gospel is to you and your family and to those who are afar off -- they would have recognized that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. Our blessed Saviour. They would have found hope knowing that because Jesus shed His precious blood for us, there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. No condemnation for those who seek after His Spirit. (Romans 8:1) 

The covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ. (Galatians 3:17)

Further, these unbelieving people would have realized that the Father wept because of our inability to get it right.To understand how much He Himself loves His beloved creation from the very beginning. 

Why? Because it is Jesus -- God Almighty in the flesh -- that was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. Surely, He bore our sorrows, our hurts and our loneliness on the cross. All He asks is that we reach out in faith so that He can cleanse you and make you whole.

This is why the multitudes followed Jesus. It is why we also know today that Jesus satisfies our inward desires beyond our dreams. Like the multitudes who followed Jesus -- who pressed in against Him for more -- we can be assured that Jesus is all we need. He is more than enough.  Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus today. 

Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Rest in His abundance and goodness. Repent and be baptized in the precious Name of Jesus. (Acts 2:36-38) Study His Word for guidance and instruction. (I Timothy 2:15)

Stand in the offering plate.

Being Justified Freely By His Grace Through the Redemption That Is In Christ Jesus - Part 1424

In addressing the churches in the book of Revelation, Jesus says to them, "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My Name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee ..." (Revelation 3:8-9)

I have often  quoted this scripture, but not from the perspective of the synagogue of satan and those that claim to be Jews and are not -- but do lie. It is this particular passage that is on my mind today. Note that these very same words are used in Revelation 2:9. Therein, Jesus is still speaking to the churches, stating -- "I know thy works and tribulation and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of satan." 

When we read the latter part of these scriptures separately, as an instruction in and of itself, what do we understand? For me, the inherent message changes. The "them" referred to here are presenting a blasphemy against the Lord Jesus, when say they are Jews and are not, but are instead the synagogue of satan. Strong language? Perhaps, but it is telling of a modern day religious culture that is pushing the good news gospel of His grace and mercy aside to a return to old covenant law. 

This scripture and many others that speak of the Lord's kindness  -- "By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast" -- are being superseded by a Mosaic Law and commandments that was never given to the Gentiles. We were the uncircumcision as referred to in the scriptures. 

"Seeing it is ONE GOD which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith, do we make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law" -- the law of faith. (Romans 3:30-31) 

"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, 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." (Romans 3:23-26) 

Thus, where is boasting then? 

"Thou art inexcusable O man, whosoever thou art that judges, for wherein thou judges another, thou condemns thyself, for thou that judges does the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to the truth against them which commit such things, and think thou this, "O man, that judges them which do such things, and do the same that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or, despises thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance, and long suffering; not knowing the goodness of God leads thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasures up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God." (Romans 2:1-5) 

In this, we are not seeing ONE GOD which shall justify both the circumcision by faith and the uncircumcision through faith, but we are elevating our human selves --as a valid authority to be judge and jury. However, in so doing, we are forgetting who justified us freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. It is through Jesus that righteousness might be imputed unto those who are not circumcised -- "For the promise, that He should be the 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." (Romans 4:13-14)

It is here that we must recognize that our salvation 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 the father of all) ... who against hope believed in hope that he might become the father of many nations according to that which was spoken -- "So shall thy seed be." (Romans 4:16-18)

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

"And hope makes not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us, for when we were yet without strength, Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:8)

In other words, God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then being now justified by His blood we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 

"But after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7) 

This is why we joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, why then is there this push by the modern day religious culture to direct us back to Moses? To force believers who were saved by grace back into bondage under the Law? Do they not know "who" the Bread of Life is? In whom we are to believe? 

Jesus said, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on HIM whom He hath sent." (John 6:29) 

Jesus also said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. Moses gave you NOT that bread from heaven but My Father gives you the true Bread from heaven. For the Bread of God is He which comes down from heaven and gives life unto the world." (John 6:22-23) 

This is why Jesus repeatedly said, "I am THAT Bread of Life" in John 6:35, 48, 51, 58. 

The One and Only Bread of Life. Not another as some profess but the One and Only Same God who created us in the beginning loving us enough to willingly become our Saviour (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; Matthew 1:21-23; Titus 3:4-7)  One Lord, One Faith One Baptism (Ephesians 4:5-6) 

"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)

So, instead of making the Word of God of none effect through tradition"which ye have delivered and many such like things ye do," we need to do as Jesus said herein. That is, "Hearken unto Me every one of you, and understand!" (Luke 7:13-14)

Hearken unto Jesus for He alone shall save you from your sin. (Matthew 1:21-23)

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come into Him and will sup with Him and he with Me. To him that overcomes, will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." (Revelation 3:20-21) 

But as for those who preach a message that replaces Jesus as the One and Only Bread of Life with a law that was never ever given to the Gentiles -- except as a "schoolmaster to bring us to Christ" -- they which say they are Jews and are not, but lie --Jesus said, He will make them of the synagogue of satan. (Revelation 3:8-9; Revelation 2:9) 

But to us, who understand that we are sinners saved by only by His grace and mercy and love, Jesus is inviting us to the wedding feast. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said Unto Them, "Come and See" And Taste of His Goodness and Grace And Love And Mercy Forevermore - Part 1423

"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 -- tho them that believe on His Name." (John 1:10-12)

This same good news message of Jesus the Christ remains today. That is, the same God who made the world was in the world with the intention of redeeming His people. Further, the same "He that was in the world" delivered to us the very Wisdom of God in Word, spoken audibly in a tongue of understanding.

As we recognize from the scriptures, sometimes the Word was spoken in parables. Many times, at least initially, we found it difficult to understanding the meaning of parables. We would read a passage of scripture and wonder what Jesus meant. However, as was the situation with Jesus' disciples, when He saw them stumbling in comprehension, He would then expound upon the hidden truths. The hidden treasures to those who believed on Him.

Why? For it was and is our Father's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom of Heaven and all therein.

But the most important point here is that the Lord God did not (as in ages past) send messengers to deliver the message of salvation. Rather, He came Himself preaching to everyone who listened, sowing the Word of Life. As a consequence, those who take the time to digest and reflect upon His life words are immediately transformed in thought to a different level. We are lifted out of the miry clay of worldly things, and our hearts set on the heavenly. The spiritual that we were intended for from the very beginning,

Indeed, Jesus said it this way. If we hunger and thirst after righteousness, surely we shall be filled.

"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

All these things. In other words, Jesus did not pass by on the other side of the road. That was not the purpose of His mission. His purpose was to seek and to save those which were lost - indeed, you and I - us! Often, Jesus would say, "My Sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me."

And, as a consequence, the sheep that are His will not follow the voice of a hired person or institutions whereby religious formality was (or is) rampant. Jesus' salvation message was clear. He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

He did not send us around the SINAI mountain, going in endless circles, again and again. And He gave us His Word as the foundation of all wisdom and knowledge.

"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 1:4)

This is why JESUS said, "Come to Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST." And the result? We heard the good news gospel message of our Lord Jesus Christ and by faith in Him we believed. And, as instructed in Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, we repented and were water baptized in His Name -- the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and then impacted with power - an invisible tangible substance - and we tasted so to speak the power of the Word of God. We entered into a New World whilst we were and are still in this world.

The Kingdom of God now abiding within us. For surely the words and wisdom that He spoke was the language of the Kingdom of God. The Words spoken to us were not words of condemnation but rather words urging us to reach out in faith to Him. In so doing, we, by the Grace of God become reconciled to Him alone!

And thus, we become members of the body of the Christ named JESUS, who on our behalf sacrificed His Life forever as a Son so that we, from henceforth, can be called the sons and daughters of God. There is only One body and there is only One Spirit. Peace be upon the redeemed Israel of God who are adopted into the family of God and those who obediently respond positively to His call.

This is why the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us -- so that we could behold His glory, full of grace and truth.

"Search the scriptures ..." Jesus said. And then stand in the offering plate, believing His Word to be the only truth that sanctifies, cleansing us from all sin and guilt. Why? Because Jesus is the ONLY foundation for all that is righteous and just, giving life and joy beyond measure. Our cups bubbling over with His love because we in our hearts believed that Jesus is He! (John 8:21-29)

"If ye continue in My Word," said Jesus, "then are ye My disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31)

Thou Art a Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek - Part 1422

Jesus said, "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast NOT DENIED MY NAME. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 3:8-9) 

What is them that "say they are Jews and are not, but do lie"???? Religiosity that diligently forces believers to be under Mosaic law (even when Mosaic law was given only to God's chosen at that time, and not the Gentiles) over the of keeping His Word, and thus, as a consequence, openly denies His Name -- the Name of Jesus Christ in repentance and water baptism! (Acts 2:36-47) Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending-- King of kings and Lord of lords -- God Himself manifest in the flesh! (I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8, 11; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; Colossians 2:9)

Remember, Jesus said "It is finished!" He paid the price once and for all so that we might know Him personally. As Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, "How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, "The Lord said to My Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool." David therefore himself calling Him Lord; and whence, is He [then] his son?" (Mark 12:35-37; Psalm 110:1; Ephesians 1:19-23; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:13; Acts 2:29-47)

"How say they that Christ is David's son? And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, "The Lord said unto My Lord, "Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool. David therefore calleth Him Lord. "How is He then his son?" (Luke 20:41-44)

Indeed, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Isaiah 110:4; Zechariah 6:13; Hebrews 5:6, 10; Hebrews 6:20)

Taking this point, let's continue this dialogue from the book of Romans, which states:

"Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for [His] mercy; as it is written, "For this cause I will confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy Name." And again, He saith, "Rejoice, ye Gentiles with His people." And again, "Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and laud Him, all ye people." And again, Esaias [Isaiah] saith, "There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles trust." Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:8-13)

"For the Kingdom of God is ... righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)

It should be clear from this passage of scriptures that God is not the Author of confusion, That which is written in His Word aligns perfectly and the scripture always in agreement. Indeed, the message does not change, but rather, is continually confirmed so that believers in Jesus by faith can know the truth. In this case, the point being made is not only confirmed by the new testament apostles, but also by the prophets afore, who told of things to come.

"Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for [His] mercy ..." (Romans 15:8) Jesus said to the woman of Canaan, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24) Jesus said to the twelve, commanding them, saying, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not, but go rather the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and as ye go preach, saying, "The Kingdom of heaven is at hand -- heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:5-8)

Upon leaving Nazareth, Jesus came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, "The land of Zabulon and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death is sprung up." (Matthew 4:14-16; Isaiah 9:1-2; Mark 1:14; Matthew 3:2; Matthew 10:7)

This was the time that Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17) "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand, repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:12, 23; Galatians 4:4) As Simeon, a certain man in Jerusalem said about the Lord's salvation when He saw the Christ -- "A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people." (Luke 2:32)

Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases, and He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2; Matthew 10:1-8; John 14:12) "And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:2)

"For this cause I will confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy Name."

"For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one : for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will declare Thy Name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee.” (Hebrews 2:12; Matthew 28:10; Psalm 22:22 ) "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all ..." (Hebrews 10:10)

The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

So, "where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (I Corinthians 1:20)

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe, for the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom; 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 ..." (I Corinthians 1:21-29)

"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 glorieth, let [him or her] glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:31)

Stand in the offering plate.

Save Yourselves From This Untoward Generation and the Trinity Workers of Iniquity - Part 1421

Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye may have life." (John 5:39-40)

Jesus is speaking to the Jews here because in their hearts at the time, they were seeking to kill Him. Not only because He had broken the sabbath by making a man with an infirmity for 38 years whole, but because He said that God was His Father, making Him equal with God. To the Jews (and sadly, to many even today), Jesus was second fiddle. To the Jews herein, Jesus was not God manifest in the flesh, as prophesied afore. (I Timothy 3:16) To those observing the man healed and made whole, Jesus could not possibly be the promised Messiah/Christ. (Matthew 1:18, 21-25) But even sadder, these did not recognize Jesus as the Lord coming forth as a mighty man, even though the scriptures told them so. (Isaiah 42:13)

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

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

Indeed, Jesus said, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30) And "if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also; and from henceforth, ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:7)

Even when this impotent and sick man proclaimed that it was "Jesus which had made him whole," this was not what the Jews wanted to hear. "And therefore, did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, "My Father works hitherto, and I work." Therefore, the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the sabbath but said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God." (John 5:15-18; John 8:37; John 10:39; John 9:4; John 17:4; John 7:1. 19; John 10:30; John 14:6-7; John 14:8-15)

We see similar responses to those disciples who preached the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the book of Acts. The offense at the time (and to this day) being the apostles' use of the Name of Jesus in everything that they did. This same Jesus whom ye have crucified, as Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost declared is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-47) 

But the mainstream mindset was this. If only the apostles would stop preaching in the "Name of Jesus" they would not have to be imprisoned. They would not have to be beaten, or literally chased out of cities, one after another. The lives of the disciples would never have been put in danger whereby these were persecuted and maliciously slandered at every juncture.

But neither would the apostles have preached the whole gospel that Jesus said "is written of Me." (Hebrews 10:7; Psalm 40:7)

"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 5:46-47)

And thus, we would not have had an opportunity to experience the risen Christ living within -- the Holy Ghost who leads and guides us into all truth. We would have missed the opportunity to be made whole -- both spiritually and physically. 

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 14:1-17)

"I will not leave you comfortless," Jesus said, "I will come to you." (John 14:18)

So, why then, if Jesus is God our Saviour, and the same Jesus (after He was taken up) through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, do we in this current moment in time believe that we don't need to remain steadfast in the apostles' doctrine? (Acts 1:2; Acts 2:1-47) Why do we think it is appropriate, even when the scriptures declare that God became our Saviour to reduce Jesus to second fiddle?

"The Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knows Him ..." (John 14:17)

It doesn't have to be this way. As Jesus so clearly stated, we have hope because "ye know Him, and He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more but ye see Me, because I live, ye shall live also. At that day, ye SHALL know that I [am] in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves Me, and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." (John 14:17-21)

The precious Name of Jesus!

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that BY THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, WHOM YE CRUCIFIED, whom God raised from the dead [even] by Him doth this man stand here before you whole --- this is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED!" (Acts 4:10-12; Acts 2:22-24; Acts 3:6, 16; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; I Pter 2:4-8; I Timothy 2:5-6)

Clear, succinct, and to the point. Jesus is the Bread of Life! The ONE and ONLY GOD as specified in both Deuteronomy 6:4 and Mark 12:28-31. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. 

"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 2:3-5)

Now, we see that the due time has come, and the witness of God our Saviour declared to one and all. 

And yet, sadly, there are those who will deprive believers of the whole truth -- as it is written. This week, I was reading the work of an author who diligently described Acts 1 and Acts 2 up to and including Acts 2:36 ... and then there was nothing. It was almost like Acts 2:37-47 were none existent -- of no consequence. Why? Because this author in declaring the rest of Acts 2 in his writing would have to stand up against all those "the trinity workers of iniquity" that have perfected a religious system without any basis of truth. Just like the Jews did in the time of Jesus.

Nevertheless, for those who believe in Jesus by faith, we do have the rest of Acts 2, and thus, can assuredly know that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life. And that when we repent, we are to water baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, so that ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47) And that this promise is to you and to your children and to all that are afar off -- even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And that they who gladly received His Word were baptized, and these continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread from house to house, eating their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people.

So, the next time someone proclaiming to preach the good news gospel of Jesus Christ stops suddenly in somewhere in Acts 2, but never gets to the message of salvation in Acts 2:38, then ask yourself why. Because at this juncture, we need to save ourselves from this untoward generation! (Acts 2:40)

Stand in the offering plate.

Therefore, My People Shall Know My Name - Part 1420

"Therefore, My people shall know My Name: therefore, they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold, it is I." (Isaiah 52:6) This is a prophecy from afore telling of that day when God would become our Saviour. His Name, in this current dispensation of grace? JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sin. (Matthew 1:21-23; Titus 3:4-7)

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." (Ephesians 4:5-7)

Sadly, there are those who don't yet understand or distinguish the difference between the old and new covenants, and thus, end up trying to put the new wine into old flasks, and vice versa. This is why we are encouraged and instructed to study the scriptures for ourselves, as doth a workman unto God, so that we can know and discern Thy truth, and thus, ultimately, be set free. To this end, apostle Paul's writings to believers in Galatia has purpose.

"Stand fast therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1) 

What is that yoke of bondage? Good question!

Note that in writing unto the churches of Galatia. Paul first begins by telling them that he marvels that these are so soon removed from Him that called them into the grace of Christ -- unto another gospel -- which as Paul writes, "is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." So much so, that Paul writes "if we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-9) Indeed, Paul presents this very same message twice.

"If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:9)

Why? Because the gospel that Paul preached is not after man, "for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11-12) 

Paul continues, by saying -- "O foolish Galatians, who  hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  This only would I learn of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish, having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If [it be] yet in vain. He therefore that ministers to you in the Spirit, and works miracles among you, [doeth he it] by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:1-5)

And herein, the crux of the matter. 

"Even as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness, know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the SAME ARE the the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all the nations be blessed, so then they which BE OF FAITH are blessed WITH faithful Abraham."

For as many as are of the works of the Law, are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them." BUT, that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "the just shall live by faith, and the Law is NOT of faith, but, "the man that doeth them shall live in them."

The good news? "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree." That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:1-15)

The covenant that was confirmed before of GOD IN CHRIST, the Law which was four hundred and thirty years after cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect -- for IF the inheritance be of the Law it is no more of promise, but God gave to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serve the Law? It was added because of transgressions TILL THE SEED SHOULD COME TO WHOM THE PROMISE WAS MADE; and it was ordained by the angels in the hand of a mediator." (Galatians 3:16-20)

Am I suggesting that the Law is against the promises of God? Of course not, or as Paul writes, "God forbid." But Paul's message does not stop there, and neither should our understanding of his whole message in its entirety. Indeed, continuing, "... for if there be a Law given which could have given life, verily, righteousness should have been by the Law. But the scripture hath concluded -- all under sin -- that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3:16-22)

But before faith came, admittedly, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed -- thus, the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ -- THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster for ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Why? Because as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... and if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:23-29)

"For if ye be circumcised" -- under the Law, then "he is a debtor to do the whole Law and Christ is become of no effect unto you." (Galatians 5:2-3) Indeed, as Paul writes, Christ shall profit you nothing becuse "whosoever of you are justified by the Law, ye are fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:2-4)

Thus, don't let a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Don't those others who desire to rule over you mislead you from the good news gospel which God Himself declared unto you -- "from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ who gave "Himself" for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever, amen. (Galatians 1:1-4)

God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ as One  -- who Himself according to the promise willingly gave Himself for our sins -- not "themselves" or "one apart from the other" as modern day religious dogma suggests. Rather, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

God our Saviour.  (Titus 3:4-7)

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

The same He that "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)

Therefore, let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things ... and as we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith. And, in so doing, 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.

And The Scripture Foreseeing That God Would Justify the Heathen Through Faith; God in Christ- Part 1419

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:1-4)

Good questions! But I suspect that because the questions are written as one continuous scream in scripture, we miss the totality of the intended context. So I thought, perhaps, we would try listing these same questions one at a time, and begin to understand the breadth and depth of these particular scriptures, using similar verses to determine a reasonable answer. Obviously, there are many more passages of scripture on this topic, but for now, allow this to serve as a starting point for learning and understanding. And, ask the Lord Jesus to guide you in these scriptures into His truth and wisdom and knowledge -- so that you too can stand fast therefore in the liberty wherein is Christ. (Galatians 5:1)

1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid.

When we read Romans 3 in its entirety, we begin to understand that the old covenant of law -- although admittedly, a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ -- could not redeem us, and that if righteousness could have come by the law then Christ died in vain. Herein, we also see Paul slanderously reported, and people attributing statements to Paul which he did not say, which brings about this dialogue.

"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 are judged.

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance? [Paul here is speaking 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. What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both 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 seeks after God. They are all gone out of the way. They are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit, the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery in their ways: and the way of peace have they not know; there is no fear of God before their eyes." Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it 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.

BUT NOW 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 them that believe: 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;

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 at this time His righteousness, that He might be just , and the justifier of Him which believe in Jesus.

Wherefore, 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 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 3:1-31; Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Hebrews 4:2; II Timothy 2:13; John 3:33; Psalm 51:4; Psalm 62:9; Galatians 3:8, 15, 20-22; Romans 5:20; Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 5:9; Psalm 140:3; Psalm 10:7; Proverbs 1:16; Isaiah 59:7-8; Psalm 36:1; John 10:34; Job 5:16; Galatians 2:16; Acts 15:11; John 5:46; I Peter 1:10; Colossians 3:11; Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 9:12-18; Leviticus 16:15; Colossians 1:20; Acts 14:16; Acts 17:30; I Corinthians 1:29)

And what is that law?

"For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye WERE the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness ..." (Romans 6:14-18; Galatians 5:18; I Corinthians 9:21; II Peter 2:19; John 8:32)

As Jesus so clearly stated to those Jews which believed on Him in the 8th chapter of John -- "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32; John 14:15-23; John 1:14-17; John 14:6; Romans 6:14-22)

2. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even as we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law, for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are also found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor for I through the law am dead to the law, THAT I MIGHT LIVE UNTO GOD.

I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST, nevertheless, I live; yet not I but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me. [This explains why] I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:16-21; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 1:17; Psalm 143:2; I John 3:8; Romans 8:2; Romans 6:2-14; Romans 7:4; II Corinthians 5:15; Isaiah 53:12; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 7:11)

Similar to apostle Paul's example above, there will be those who judge, accusing those who believe of their sins. Nevertheless, even though we do fail, and fall short of the glory of God, it should never serve as a reason to stop living unto Christ who loved us, and gave Himself -- shedding His precious blood on a cross -- for you and I. Many times, I have used the analogy of a young child learning to walk. Sometimes, hanging onto the couch takes a little longer but walking upright in Jesus (recognizing throughout that the works of the law could never justify or sanctify us) should be our life-long goal.

As in "wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster, 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 ..." (Galatians 3:24-27) In other words, we are no longer under tutors and governors, or as children in bondage under the elements of the world, because "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 you ARE sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:1-6) The Holy Ghost renewed, the Comforter who will lead and guide you into all truth. (Titus 3:4-7)

3. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?

" ... But after that 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 ..." (Galatians 3:24-27)

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the 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; Acts 8:16, 35-38; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; Acts 22:16; Acts 16:31-33; 1 Peter 3:21; Galatians 3:27; 1 Corinthians 12:13)

"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 first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming .... else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?" (I Corinthians 15:21-29)

And the conclusion summarized?

"Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:1-4)

"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 forgive you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way , nailing it to His cross ..." (Colossians 2:12-14)

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, neither uncircumcision, but a new creature." (Galatians 6:15)

And as a consequence of repenting and believing in Jesus, and being water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of our Lord Jesus [God manifest in the flesh -- I Timothy 3:16] within.

Just as Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God ... but he that does truth comes to the Light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God." (John 3:1-21)

This is the reason why -- as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, and adhering to His Word, "our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)

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

Stand in the offering plate.

If Ye Had Known Me, Ye Should Have Known My Father Also, And From Henceforth Ye Know Him And Have Seen Him - Part 1418

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me." (John 14:1)

Why? Because as Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) But Jesus does not stop there. He continues, saying, "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)

This prompted Philip to ask, "Lord, shew us the Father and it suffice." Jesus saith unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how say thou then, "Shew us the Father?" Believe thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto I speak not of Myself, but the Father that dwells in Me; He does the works." (John 14:8-11)

At this point, those who have heard "another gospel" and not the good news gospel of Jesus Christ allude to the false teaching of a trinity. (II Corinthians 11:4; I Timothy 3:16) Moreover, because they have not searched the scriptures for themselves and believed on God as their Saviour -- Then said I, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of Me" -- they reduce Jesus to second in command. (Psalm 40:7; Hebrews 10:7) When this occurs in one's heart, Jesus is no longer the Way, the Truth and the Life, regardless of what He Himself, or His Word states. And sadly, to these, Jesus could not be the great I AM who saw Nathaniel under the fig tree -- "Before that Philip called thee, when thou was under the fig tree, I saw thee." (John 1:45-51)  

"O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you? that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?"(Galatians 3:1) 

If Jesus were not God manifest in the flesh, then who is your Saviour? (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16) If Jesus is not the visible image of the invisible God, and has not in these last days spoken unto us by Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things -- by whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of [His] glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, who was He that died on that cross? (Hebrews 1:1-3) The same He who said, "I and My Father are ONE." (John 10:30) The same Jesus who said, "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)

Jesus -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

But thankfully, Jesus did come to save those who are lost. (Luke 19:10; Matthew 18:11) Thankfully, Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38) Thankfully, in Jesus "we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins -- who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers -- all things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things and by Him all things consist ,,. and He is the Head of the body, the church!" (Colossians 1:13-19)

Why? "For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

And, because of His abundant love, the love of God which surpasses all human understanding that He Himself who knew no sin would come into this world -- the Word made flesh -- the Lord coming forth as a mighty man so that we could know Him as our Saviour should be sufficient to bring each and every one of us to our knees, and cry, "Abba, Father!" (John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; I Timothy 3:16; Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:28-31; Revelation 1:8, 11; Matthew 1:21-23)

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not." (John 1:10)

But as believers in Jesus by faith, we know in whom we have found redemption. We know from whence came our salvation. We understand the ultimate price that God Himself paid when He made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man, and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross -- wherefore, God hath also highly exalted Him and given Him a Name which is above every other Name -- that at the Name of JESUS every knee should bow, of [things in] heaven, and [things in] earth, and [things] under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:7-11)

"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)

This is why the principles of the doctrine of Christ according to Hebrews 6:1-2 could never equate with a false religious teaching of a tri-une God that is completely contrary to the scriptures. This is why the trinity is an erroneous teaching that diminishes the love that God has for His people, and tries to divide the "ALL POWER" that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 28 and Mark 16 to three persons. 

Still, neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. What is that Name? 

"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)

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified ..." (Acts 3:7-Acts 4:37)

"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." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28)

Not another -- as religion says -- but the one and only -- "the stone which was set at nought of you builders which is become the Head of the corner." (Acts 4:11)

Thus, the reason why we, like the apostles before us continue in the faith grounded and settled, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which we have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven. 

Blessed be His Name -- Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

For Therein Is the Righteousness of God Revealed - Part 1417

And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life: he that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

When one hears Jesus, and truly believes Him to be the Christ, the Saviour of the world, then the people will gladly receive the Word. We see this when Jesus traveled through Samaria, coming to a city called Sychar -- near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. There came a woman to draw water. Jesus said unto her, "Give Me to drink."

As we know from the conversation, the woman's heart changed. What did Jesus say to change her heart? 

Jesus said, "If thou knew the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, "Give Me to drink; thou would have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water." (John 4:10)

Jesus said, "Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again" referring to the water from the well, "But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14)

Jesus said, "Woman, believe Me, the hour comes when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour comes and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth; for the Father seeks such to worship Him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship must worship [Him] in Spirit and in truth." (John 4:21-24)

Jesus said, "I that speak unto thee am He." (John 4:26) 

And this was sufficient for the woman to know that the promised Messias had come, which is called Christ, who will tell all things when He comes. In other words, this revelation of understanding who Jesus is was sufficient for her to leave her water pot, and go back to the city and say to the men, "Come see a man which told me all things that I ever did; is not this the Christ?" (John 4:1-41)

Is this not the Christ, which was prophesied to come forth as a son and bring salvation to a people who were not His people? (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23) The mystery that was in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. 

"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but is now made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever, amen." (Romans 16:26-27)

What was the revelation that sent the woman at the well running to proclaim Jesus, having forgotten her water pots as she did? She understood that this Christ, the promised Messiah that stood before her was the mystery which was kept secret since the world began, and was now made manifest.

How? By the scriptures of the prophets. "Which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures." (Romans 1:2) The Word made flesh. (John 1:1-18) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

She recognized Him from when Almighty God had afore said, "I the Lord, the first, and the last; I am He." (Isaiah 41:4) 

The woman at the well saw the Lord's salvation. Just like Simeon who was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy ghost was upon him, "and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ .... 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, "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)

Paul summarizes the mystery wherein the righteousness of God revealed in the third chapter of Ephesians.

"For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward, how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery, (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs ... 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 -- to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which [He] purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:1-11)

Not another gospel, but THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11) 

God manifest in the flesh so that we could have life in Him more abundantly -- which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God -- who created all things by Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:9)

God in Christ. God our Saviour. And His name is Jesus, for He has made us who sometimes were far off night by the blood of Christ. He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition so that through Him we both have access by ONE SPIRIT unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:13-18)

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)

Don't let anyone tell you that the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things does not matter -- for the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men. (Titus 2:10-11) Indeed, we need to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." 

Stand in the offering plate with Jesus today. 

Jesus Paved the Way For His Joy and Peace to Fill Our Hearts -- Our Cup Runneth Over - Part 1416

Before we were introduced to faith, we were in many ways imprisoned under the law. In this realm, we were incapable of escaping as if there were no plan of escape. Conversely, even if there was such a plan, what would we be escaping too? Certainly, it would be hard to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man, particularly if that man had never been introduced to faith or of its effectiveness. Like so many aspects of life, for those things which I do not know, I need an instructor.

Indeed, while we may have read of Abraham's faith, we were incapable of grasping the meaning. We needed to have our understanding opened and the meaning expanded upon. Who would open the cell doors of our mind? Well, definitely none of our cell mates, for they also were wallowing in the mire of sin, imprisoned by the law of sin and death, without a key.

But God works in mysterious ways! The scriptures ask, "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who was His counselor? So, in the beginning days, after Adam sinned, the law had become our custodian. The law was like a strict governess in charge of us. That is, until we looked beyond our hopeless predicament and called in our hearts for a deliverer.

In this capacity, God was and still is the only hope for us. Out of our hopelessness we looked up with expectancy. It was here that faith was seeded in men’s heart. So, by our imprisonment we were taught the defined meaning of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the incurred wages, we swallowed it hook, line, and sinker. In other words, we dug our own hole, a hole so deep that we could not climb out of it.

Like the simple analogy of the man and woman walking at night and falling into a deep hole. They were unable to scale the walls of earth so they did what most people would do. They started calling for help. Along came a priest (it could be a rabbi too) who, upon hearing the yells of distress, ventures over to the hole. When he sees the man and woman in the hole, he starts praying but then walks away.

The man starts calling again and this time a doctor hears the cry. He approaches the hole and seeing the situation, takes a note pad from his pocket and writes the two a prescription. He throws the prescription into the hole and then turns around and walks away.

In many ways, this resembles society today - the 'powers that be' may be in power but they do not have the solution. Still, the two people stuck in the hole start yelling louder than before. Surely, there must be some intelligent  and compassionate life up there who will help us get out of this predicament. Just then, a friend just happens to be taking an evening stroll when he hears the distressed call. He approaches the hole, peruses the situation and immediately jumps into the hole.  Wow! The man and woman in the hole start thinking, "Well, that was not too smart!"

Here we are, with nothing but a prayer and a prescription and you decide to join us too! Well, the friend smilingly says,  “Only believe. I know the way out." I can help you get out of this mess.

The reality is this. The world does not have the answer. When no one else could help, His love, the love of Jesus, lifted me. Hear the good news song.

He came to me. I could not go to where He was so He instead came to us. And all we have to do  is believe in Him by faith -- the Lord of Glory. The King of kings. The Great I AM. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.. Thus, the message here is to step out in faith and trust the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Cast all your cares and concerns upon Him. Why? Because He cares for you. Let me say that again --- He really cares for you.

So, in terms of covenants (the old and new) you are not under law. You are under the dispensation of grace, whereby the Lord has declared peace and goodwill to all. Indeed, Glory to God in the highest!

This explains why when you believe, you are under the new testament -- the covenant of grace -- grace that is given and yet unmerited. While the law was given through angels to Moses, note that God's plan of salvation, grace and truth came to us through Jesus the Christ. Personally delivered to you and me. Jesus said to call upon Him and He -- "I shall deliver you."

My kinsmen according to the flesh. Faith in Jesus is the victory that can overcome the world. REad Acts 2:36-47 today and understand the peace and joy that will fill your heart if you would only ask Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your heart. God manifest in the flesh. Now that is love!

Stand in the offering plate.