But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee." And again, "I will put My trust in Him." And again, "Behold I and the children which God hath given Me."
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
For verily He took not on [Him the nature of] angels; but He took on [Him] the seed of Abraham.
Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto [His] brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.
Yes, Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords.
Yes, Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.
Yes, Jesus -- who is the resurrection and the life, that if we would believe in Him, though we were dead, we shall live, and whosoever lives and believes in Me -- Jesus -- shall never die.
Yes, Jesus -- the Bridegroom who is inviting us to the most elaborate feast ever says, "Come!"
Because His yoke is easy and His burden light.
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Jesus Said, "Whether Is Easier -- Thy Sins Be Forgiven Or Rise Up And Walk?" - Part 1536
Wherever Jesus went spreading the gospel, there were always those immediately willing to leave everything, rise up and follow Him. Why? Because these marveled at the doctrine Jesus taught. Still, there were times when Jesus would withdraw Himself from the great multitudes, retreating into the wilderness. Therein, Jesus often prayed.
But as we learn, on one certain day, as Jesus was teaching, there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And, behold, a man which was taken with a palsy had been brought by men, seeking means to bring the man in and lay him before Jesus. And when they could not find by what way they might bring the man close to Jesus, they went up on the housetop and let the man down (couch and all) through the tiling.
I am sure it must have been quite the scene. This man who was sick being let down on a couch through the roof so that Jesus could heal him. Still, when Jesus saw their faith, He said unto him, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." (Luke 5:20) This should have been good news to one and all. But as we learn, not everyone was happy about the man's restoration. Indeed, the scribes and Pharisees began to reason in their hearts through questions, saying, "Who is this which speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
Remember, the scribes and Pharisees wanted nothing to do with Jesus all along. This is evidenced by the number of times these tried to trick Jesus in His words. But Jesus, having already perceived the thoughts that were in their hearts asked them, "What reason ye do in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, "Thy sins be forgiven thee" or to say, "Rise up and walk." But that ye may know the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy) "I say unto thee, Arise and take up thy couch and go into thine house"
And immediately, the man rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed and they [also] glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things to day." (Luke 5:18-26)
"We never saw it on this fashion." (Mark 2:12)
Of course, there is much more that happened here in this place. The scribes Pharisees sought even more to have Jesus killed. The multitudes marveled and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. (Matthew 9:8)
But the man who was sick? This man understood who Jesus was and that He would restore his sickness to health. But note, it was not only the faith of the sick man that won the day here but similarly the faith of those with him who were willing to go the distance for their friend. For in actuality, who goes so far as to drop a man on a couch down through the roof, so that he could see Jesus?
Were these previously among the multitudes who came unto Jesus, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, who cast them down at Jesus' feet and He healed them, but had not had an opportunity to get close. "Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see; that in receiving healing, glorified the God of Israel." (Matthew 15:30-31)
Or, instead, did they know the scriptures from afore, when the prophet Isaiah wrote of the coming promised Messiah? That there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots, and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2)
[This same Jesse who begat David the king. (Matthew 1:5; Acts 13:23)]
Did they know what Isaiah wrote when he wrote -- "Be strong, fear not; behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] recompense; He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing, for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." (Isaiah 35:4-6)
Or that "in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel ... but when he sees his children, the work of Mine hands in the midst of him, they shall sanctify My Name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel." (Isaiah 29: 18-23)
Or, instead, did they just hear that this Jesus whom great multitudes followed everywhere would be in their midst that day, and rise to the occasion? Regardless of how the man came to meet Jesus, there is one point that stands out. Herein, both the man that was sick, and those caregivers around him were not going to settle for Jesus just passing by. In their hearts, they decided seek Jesus with everything they had.
If only we today would not settle either for the things that are, and seek the change that can only come from Jesus -- when we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. No longer would His people perish for lack of knowledge, as the prophet Hosea said. And no longer would we seek our own glory. Because like those men in the scriptural example, we would know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. We would know that he that believes in Jesus, though her were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever lives and believes in Jesus shall never die. (John 11:25-26)
As Jesus said earlier, "If any man thirst, let hi come unto Me, and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)
And this is exactly what the man sick with palsy (and his caregivers) did. Stand in the offering plate.
But as we learn, on one certain day, as Jesus was teaching, there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And, behold, a man which was taken with a palsy had been brought by men, seeking means to bring the man in and lay him before Jesus. And when they could not find by what way they might bring the man close to Jesus, they went up on the housetop and let the man down (couch and all) through the tiling.
I am sure it must have been quite the scene. This man who was sick being let down on a couch through the roof so that Jesus could heal him. Still, when Jesus saw their faith, He said unto him, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." (Luke 5:20) This should have been good news to one and all. But as we learn, not everyone was happy about the man's restoration. Indeed, the scribes and Pharisees began to reason in their hearts through questions, saying, "Who is this which speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
Remember, the scribes and Pharisees wanted nothing to do with Jesus all along. This is evidenced by the number of times these tried to trick Jesus in His words. But Jesus, having already perceived the thoughts that were in their hearts asked them, "What reason ye do in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, "Thy sins be forgiven thee" or to say, "Rise up and walk." But that ye may know the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy) "I say unto thee, Arise and take up thy couch and go into thine house"
And immediately, the man rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed and they [also] glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things to day." (Luke 5:18-26)
"We never saw it on this fashion." (Mark 2:12)
Of course, there is much more that happened here in this place. The scribes Pharisees sought even more to have Jesus killed. The multitudes marveled and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. (Matthew 9:8)
But the man who was sick? This man understood who Jesus was and that He would restore his sickness to health. But note, it was not only the faith of the sick man that won the day here but similarly the faith of those with him who were willing to go the distance for their friend. For in actuality, who goes so far as to drop a man on a couch down through the roof, so that he could see Jesus?
Were these previously among the multitudes who came unto Jesus, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, who cast them down at Jesus' feet and He healed them, but had not had an opportunity to get close. "Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see; that in receiving healing, glorified the God of Israel." (Matthew 15:30-31)
Or, instead, did they know the scriptures from afore, when the prophet Isaiah wrote of the coming promised Messiah? That there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots, and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2)
[This same Jesse who begat David the king. (Matthew 1:5; Acts 13:23)]
Did they know what Isaiah wrote when he wrote -- "Be strong, fear not; behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] recompense; He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing, for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." (Isaiah 35:4-6)
Or that "in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel ... but when he sees his children, the work of Mine hands in the midst of him, they shall sanctify My Name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel." (Isaiah 29: 18-23)
Or, instead, did they just hear that this Jesus whom great multitudes followed everywhere would be in their midst that day, and rise to the occasion? Regardless of how the man came to meet Jesus, there is one point that stands out. Herein, both the man that was sick, and those caregivers around him were not going to settle for Jesus just passing by. In their hearts, they decided seek Jesus with everything they had.
If only we today would not settle either for the things that are, and seek the change that can only come from Jesus -- when we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. No longer would His people perish for lack of knowledge, as the prophet Hosea said. And no longer would we seek our own glory. Because like those men in the scriptural example, we would know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. We would know that he that believes in Jesus, though her were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever lives and believes in Jesus shall never die. (John 11:25-26)
As Jesus said earlier, "If any man thirst, let hi come unto Me, and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)
And this is exactly what the man sick with palsy (and his caregivers) did. Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
With the Heart Man Believes Unto Righteousness, And With the Mouth Confession Is Made Unto Salvation - Part 1535
"I am sought of [them that] asked not [for Me]. I am found of [them that] sought Me not; I said, "Behold Me, behold Me, unto a nation [that] was not called by My Name. I have spread out My hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walk in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts.
A people that provokes Me to anger continually to My face; that sacrifices in gardens and burns incense upon alters of brick; which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels, which say, "Stand by thyself, come not near to Me; for I am holier than Thou." These [are] a smoke in My nose, a fire that burns all the day." (Isaiah 65:1-5)
For me, knowing that the Lord God Almighty looked far beyond His chosen people in the old covenant side to you and I in this current dispensation of grace (wherein He Himself would prepare a flesh like body, coming forth into this world as a mighty man so that we might be redeemed -- is so humbling. As the Lord states -- we were not seeking Him. We did not actively ask after the Lord. Nevertheless, as the Lord said, "I am found of them that sought Me not." (Isaiah 65:2; Isaiah 42:13; John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)
Because we saw the glory of the Lord which He revealed to all flesh, "For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken [it]" and desired His love and peace and mercy dwelling within. (Isaiah 40:5) We saw the glimmer of hope in His invitation to the most elaborate wedding feast ever, and gladly responded to His call. And we became that new thing that the Lord desired for the time to come -- the time in which we live. That He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory.
In other words, we were not an afterthought. The Lord didn't include us in to His plan of salvation after the fact, but we were His purpose all along. The plan was for us -- the Gentiles who were afar off, but are now grafted in when we reach out to Him in love, believing in Jesus by faith, and being water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
He is both Lord and Christ, and He is stretching out His arms for us all the day long. And He willingly paid the price on the cross for you and I so that we might have life in Him more abundantly.
As we read in Romans:
"I will call them My people, whom were not My people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, "Ye are not My people, there shall they be called; the children of the living God." Esaias [Isaiah] also crieth concerning Israel, "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.
For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." And as Esaias said before, "Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha." What shall we say then? That the Gentiles which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness, which is of faith.
For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." And as Esaias said before, "Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha." What shall we say then? That the Gentiles which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness, which is of faith.
But Israel which followed after the law of righteousness hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone; as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence; and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:23-33)
Who was the stumbling block? Who was the Rock of offence?
His Name is Jesus, and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. Then this is the Word of faith which we preach ...
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:9-11)
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:9-11)
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him -- for whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:12-13)
Yes, as the Lord saith, "I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me." (Romans 10:20-21; Isaiah 65:1-2) And because of His kindness and love, He concluded us all in unbelief, and in sin, that He might have mercy upon us all. (Titus 3:4-7)
God became our Saviour so that the promise of faith, which He Himself had decided even before the foundation of the world was formed, might be given to them who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith. (Galatians 3:22-29)
God became our Saviour so that the promise of faith, which He Himself had decided even before the foundation of the world was formed, might be given to them who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith. (Galatians 3:22-29)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Because We Trust In a Living God, Who Is the Saviour Of All Men, Specially Of Those That Believe - Part 1534
Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Jesus -- in whom we have redemption through His blood. Jesus - who hath delivered us from the power of darkness. Jesus -- who has translated [us] into the Kingdom. Jesus -- in whom we can be confident we have forgiveness of sins. Jesus -- who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Jesus -- for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. Jesus -- all things were created by Him and for Him and He is before all things, and by Him all things exist. Jesus -- in whom it pleased the Father that in Him should all the fullness of the Godhead dwell. (Colossians 1:13-17)
This same Jesus who hung on the cross between heaven and earth -- our Lord God and Saviour who loved us even before the world was formed -- wants to give us rest. His peace. Freedom in His love that surpasses all human understanding.
"This is why it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the of the bondwoman was born after the flesh but he of the freewoman was by promise -- which things are an allegory; for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice thou barren that bears not; break forth and cry, thou hast travails not, for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we brethren as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman."
So then brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:22-31)
As believers born into the freedom of our Lord and King, Jesus wants to give us His kingdom here on earth -- and fill our lives with His abundance. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. He wants to bestow upon us His many blessings that until now -- the time of promise that is to you and your children and those who are afar off -- blessings in abundance that the eye hath not seen nor the heart imagined. The goodness of His grace that our Lord God and Saviour has in store for those who love Him and press inward toward Him in their daily journey.
"For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For He that is entered into His rest, He also hath ceased from His own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest" coming boldly unto the throne of grace, that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:8-11, 16)
Why? Because we do not worship a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Rather, we serve Jesus who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Indeed, He died for our sins so that we could be set free in the liberty wherein is Christ. This is the same Jesus who wants to live in our hearts today. Rejoice! Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus -- in whom we have redemption through His blood. Jesus - who hath delivered us from the power of darkness. Jesus -- who has translated [us] into the Kingdom. Jesus -- in whom we can be confident we have forgiveness of sins. Jesus -- who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Jesus -- for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. Jesus -- all things were created by Him and for Him and He is before all things, and by Him all things exist. Jesus -- in whom it pleased the Father that in Him should all the fullness of the Godhead dwell. (Colossians 1:13-17)
This same Jesus who hung on the cross between heaven and earth -- our Lord God and Saviour who loved us even before the world was formed -- wants to give us rest. His peace. Freedom in His love that surpasses all human understanding.
"This is why it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the of the bondwoman was born after the flesh but he of the freewoman was by promise -- which things are an allegory; for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice thou barren that bears not; break forth and cry, thou hast travails not, for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we brethren as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman."
So then brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:22-31)
As believers born into the freedom of our Lord and King, Jesus wants to give us His kingdom here on earth -- and fill our lives with His abundance. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. He wants to bestow upon us His many blessings that until now -- the time of promise that is to you and your children and those who are afar off -- blessings in abundance that the eye hath not seen nor the heart imagined. The goodness of His grace that our Lord God and Saviour has in store for those who love Him and press inward toward Him in their daily journey.
"For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For He that is entered into His rest, He also hath ceased from His own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest" coming boldly unto the throne of grace, that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:8-11, 16)
Why? Because we do not worship a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Rather, we serve Jesus who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Indeed, He died for our sins so that we could be set free in the liberty wherein is Christ. This is the same Jesus who wants to live in our hearts today. Rejoice! Stand in the offering plate.
But Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain - Part 1533
"Yet if any [man] suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf ... wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." (I Peter 4:16-19)
"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and a persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou has heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus -- the good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us." (II Timothy 1:12-13)
For those who love the Lord Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, (and by extension, seek understanding, as did the scribe), persecution can be expected. After all, we have responded to His invitation and learned of the riches of His goodness. We have experienced first hand His forbearance and long suffering in our own lives. We have seen the fruits which come from His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost dwelling within. We also know that our desire for the Lord should point us to repentance, and being water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:38)
Why? Because while we were still servants of sin, and condemned to eternal death, God willingly became our Saviour. He poured out His unending love for us on His cross, so that we might know the far reaching extent of His mercy that now makes us alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"After His kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4)
"For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ -- who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14)
Please don't get me wrong -- the world does not mind good works. In fact, the world is sustained by the good deeds of the faithful in Christ. Plus, they "which believe in God might be careful to maintain good works, because these things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus 3:8)
But the persecution comes when we begin to attribute the substance of our lives, and what we do as a flow through helping others -- to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- King of kings and Lord of lords. When we share with others that our hope and faith that gives us the strength to face this world comes only from the One who loved us enough to shed His precious blood, so that we might have life in Him.
The Lord Jesus speaks about laying down our lives for our brother, but He went one step further. Jesus laid down His life for us, whilst we were still His enemies. He gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
"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 3:5-7)
Thus, while we may desire to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour) there may be times in leading all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, that persecution will come. Don't waver as a consequence, but stand strong, knowing that the Lord God Almighty -- the Lord of glory will be victorious in all things, and that He never fails.
As Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope, said, "Howbeit, for this cause, I obtained mercy" -- because Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- "that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever, Amen. (I Timothy 1:15-17)
Thus hold the faith, and a good conscience, and know always from whence comes our hope and sustenance. Also know that we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (I Timothy 4:10)
Stand in the offering plate.
"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and a persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou has heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus -- the good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us." (II Timothy 1:12-13)
For those who love the Lord Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, (and by extension, seek understanding, as did the scribe), persecution can be expected. After all, we have responded to His invitation and learned of the riches of His goodness. We have experienced first hand His forbearance and long suffering in our own lives. We have seen the fruits which come from His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost dwelling within. We also know that our desire for the Lord should point us to repentance, and being water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:38)
Why? Because while we were still servants of sin, and condemned to eternal death, God willingly became our Saviour. He poured out His unending love for us on His cross, so that we might know the far reaching extent of His mercy that now makes us alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"After His kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4)
"For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ -- who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14)
Please don't get me wrong -- the world does not mind good works. In fact, the world is sustained by the good deeds of the faithful in Christ. Plus, they "which believe in God might be careful to maintain good works, because these things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus 3:8)
But the persecution comes when we begin to attribute the substance of our lives, and what we do as a flow through helping others -- to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- King of kings and Lord of lords. When we share with others that our hope and faith that gives us the strength to face this world comes only from the One who loved us enough to shed His precious blood, so that we might have life in Him.
The Lord Jesus speaks about laying down our lives for our brother, but He went one step further. Jesus laid down His life for us, whilst we were still His enemies. He gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
"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 3:5-7)
Thus, while we may desire to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour) there may be times in leading all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, that persecution will come. Don't waver as a consequence, but stand strong, knowing that the Lord God Almighty -- the Lord of glory will be victorious in all things, and that He never fails.
As Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope, said, "Howbeit, for this cause, I obtained mercy" -- because Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- "that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever, Amen. (I Timothy 1:15-17)
Thus hold the faith, and a good conscience, and know always from whence comes our hope and sustenance. Also know that we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (I Timothy 4:10)
Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Interesting Question -- What Must I Do To Be Saved? - Part 1532
Peter (standing with the eleven) had been preaching to the multitude. Therein, he tells them that this very same Jesus whom ye/they had crucified was both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Note that this was the reality statement that pricked the people in their hearts. After all, the people had already heard of the promised Christ from the prophets. The question for them -- at least up until this point was whether Jesus was the Messiah that had been spoken of from afore.
But here was Peter confirming Jesus' identity. This is why he said, in response to their question -- "What must I do to be saved?" that they had to repent, and be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-38) What did Peter say would happen when the first 3,000 souls to be saved did as they were instructed. These would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The risen Christ living within.
In a similar example, Peter said. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shalt be saved and thy house[hold]." (Acts 16:30-31)
Why Jesus? Because there is no other Name under Heaven given among men whereby men and women can be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus is the power name for all things on heaven and in earth. Jesus is the Healer. Jesus is the Deliverer. Jesus is the Christ who came to heal the broken-hearted and the lame. This same Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.
Taking this one step further, note also that the scriptures instruct to do everything we do in word or deed in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Moreover, there was a reason why Mary and Joseph were told by the angel to call His name JESUS ... Emmanuel, meaning God with us! "For He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:31-35) The scriptures are clear on this point. They shall call Him Jesus.
Later, after Jesus was finished preaching to the multitudes, He the disciples' understanding so that they might understand the scriptures. Jesus said unto them, "This it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:45-47)
In other words, believe in Jesus so that you may also have everlasting life.
When the people asked, "What shall we do that we might work the works of God" Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He hath sent." In Jesus, "My Father has given you the true bread from Heaven for the bread of God which comes down from Heaven gives life unto the world." (John 6)
Therefore, "if any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink," saith Jesus, "He that believes on Me as the scriptures has said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified.)"
Still, as we see from the results on the day of Pentecost, and how those who gladly received the Word repented and were baptized, we can know that Jesus is the bread of life. He that believes on Him hath everlasting life. "This is that bread which came down from Heaven -- not as your fathers did ate manna and are dead. He that eats of this bread shall live forever." (John 6:58)
This bread being Jesus. He said, "I AM the Bread of Life!"
This is the good news gospel message which God intended for us when He first created us in the Garden of Eden. It is this same good news gospel message that He personally delivered when He -- God became flesh and dwelt among us so that we might understand just how much He loves us. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)
For God so loved the world! (John 3:16) For God so loved you and I.
He has a purpose for each and every one of us, if only we would choose life in Jesus, and clothe ourselves in His righteousness. Most certainly, you will have no better friend in this life, as Jesus never fails. He is always ready and willing to hear our heart's cry. From the beginning of time, His love has been focused on us. Yes, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." And He did so in order for us to experience life the way He intended life to be.
Stand in the Offering Plate!
But here was Peter confirming Jesus' identity. This is why he said, in response to their question -- "What must I do to be saved?" that they had to repent, and be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-38) What did Peter say would happen when the first 3,000 souls to be saved did as they were instructed. These would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The risen Christ living within.
In a similar example, Peter said. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shalt be saved and thy house[hold]." (Acts 16:30-31)
Why Jesus? Because there is no other Name under Heaven given among men whereby men and women can be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus is the power name for all things on heaven and in earth. Jesus is the Healer. Jesus is the Deliverer. Jesus is the Christ who came to heal the broken-hearted and the lame. This same Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.
Taking this one step further, note also that the scriptures instruct to do everything we do in word or deed in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Moreover, there was a reason why Mary and Joseph were told by the angel to call His name JESUS ... Emmanuel, meaning God with us! "For He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:31-35) The scriptures are clear on this point. They shall call Him Jesus.
Later, after Jesus was finished preaching to the multitudes, He the disciples' understanding so that they might understand the scriptures. Jesus said unto them, "This it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:45-47)
In other words, believe in Jesus so that you may also have everlasting life.
When the people asked, "What shall we do that we might work the works of God" Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He hath sent." In Jesus, "My Father has given you the true bread from Heaven for the bread of God which comes down from Heaven gives life unto the world." (John 6)
Therefore, "if any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink," saith Jesus, "He that believes on Me as the scriptures has said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified.)"
Still, as we see from the results on the day of Pentecost, and how those who gladly received the Word repented and were baptized, we can know that Jesus is the bread of life. He that believes on Him hath everlasting life. "This is that bread which came down from Heaven -- not as your fathers did ate manna and are dead. He that eats of this bread shall live forever." (John 6:58)
This bread being Jesus. He said, "I AM the Bread of Life!"
This is the good news gospel message which God intended for us when He first created us in the Garden of Eden. It is this same good news gospel message that He personally delivered when He -- God became flesh and dwelt among us so that we might understand just how much He loves us. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)
For God so loved the world! (John 3:16) For God so loved you and I.
He has a purpose for each and every one of us, if only we would choose life in Jesus, and clothe ourselves in His righteousness. Most certainly, you will have no better friend in this life, as Jesus never fails. He is always ready and willing to hear our heart's cry. From the beginning of time, His love has been focused on us. Yes, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." And He did so in order for us to experience life the way He intended life to be.
Stand in the Offering Plate!
Friday, November 11, 2016
For Whatsoever Things Were Written Aforetime Were Written For Our Learning, That We Through Patience And Comfort Of the Scriptures Might Have Hope - Part 1531
As believers in Jesus by faith, we often hear of the "one accord" that existed in the early church. For example, the first 3,000 souls on the day of Pentecost were in one accord, after repenting, and being water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus -- subsequently receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38)
Also, in one accord were those who lifted up their voice to God and said, "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is." (Acts 4:24)
Similarly, in one accord were they in Solomon's porch where "by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people ..." (Acts 4:33)
Far too often, however, the "one accord" established in the scriptures is not what people critical of the community of faith see, and these are quick to say so. Indeed, many non-believers point to confusion and discord within the religious culture, blaming the unwillingness of the faithful to get along that has led to the proliferation of new churches in a community. Each and every church seemingly different, while still claiming to be of the same faith. And, as we are witnessing these days, the appearance of division in the fold is leading to a growing opinion that one worldwide religion should provide sufficient representation for all faith groups.
But before we venture too far down this road (the fulfillment of prophecy not being the topic for this day) we should ask ourselves -- what did Jesus say? After all, Jesus is the Head of the new testament church -- yes? The same Jesus who was crucified being identified by Peter (standing with the eleven) as both Lord and Christ -- yes? And He is the foundation whereby we learn to follow Him, just like His disciples did when He walked this earth -- yes? The spiritual Rock which led the Israelites safely through the Red Sea -- yes?
Well, not only did Jesus (and His apostles) regularly divide public opinion with their doctrines, we learn that this same Jesus (who today fills us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope) literally cleared the temple of the money changers when He found those inside turning the place of worship into a den of thieves.
"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves." (Matthew 21:12)
"Those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel [or wares] through the temple." (Mark 11:15-16)
Why? Because, as Jesus taught, "It is written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves." (Mark 11:17; Matthew 21:13; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11)
I am sure to those observers looking in from the outside at faith (without ever responding to Jesus' invitation to personally come, taste and see that He -- the Lord is good!) Jesus' actions looked more like discord, causing outright chaos than the one accord cited in the scriptural examples above. Still, in the midst of absolute confusion, as I am sure it must have been, we see the Lord Jesus performing miraculous healing for those whom Jesus had come to seek and to save. All in one accord. In faithful worship for the Master that had ventured into the temple that day.
Thus, even when casting out the money changers from the temple, Jesus never forgot those still inside the temple who were broken-hearted, and sick, and blind and lame.
Needless to say, but I will say it anyway -- when the chief priests and scribes saw the "wonderful" things that Jesus did, and the children crying in the temple, saying, "Hosanna to the son of David," they were sore displeased. (Matthew 21:13-16; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11; Psalm 118:26; Psalm 8:2) In fact, so jealous were these chief priests and scribes that they asked Jesus, "Hear what these say?"
But Jesus knowing their hearts answered and said unto them, "Yea, have ye never read, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise"?" (Matthew 21:16; Psalm 8:2)
[Interestingly, the Geneva translation (which was translated earlier than the KJV) scribes Psalm 8:2 somewhat differently: "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies, that Thou might still the enemy and the avenger." (Psalm 8:2)]
The emerging contrast regarding the two groups at the temple is also worth noting. In the temple -- the poor and illiterate, the sick, the broken-hearted, the destitute, the unworthy of society set apart by the Lord of glory Himself -- in true one accord worshiping Jesus in the temple -- triumphant and victorious, having recognized that the promised Messiah from afore was right there in the midst -- “Hosanna to the son of David.”
Outside the temple, the learned scribes accompanied by the self-righteous and haughty in their hearts Pharisees collectively despising Jesus, determined in their hearts to kill Him once and for all. But notably, and for all to see the latter was silenced by the children happily preaching the gospel ... the Lord using the foolish and base things of the world to confound the wise. The pictorial analogy enough for me to equate Revelation 3:8-9 with this example.
Thankfully, we don't have to depend on those "outside" of faith to determine how "one accord" is achieved because the Lord knows the inner desires of all our hearts. Thus, even in the midst of confusion, it is He that shall sit as a refiner and purifier ... and purge us as gold and silver, that we may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:3)
And it is this same Lord Jesus who even in the midst of chaos and never ending confusion can reach the hearts of people with His love and mercy and grace, as evidenced by the example herein.
May the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus; that ye may with one mind and with one mouth glorify God; even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:4-7)
Stand in the offering plate.
Also, in one accord were those who lifted up their voice to God and said, "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is." (Acts 4:24)
Similarly, in one accord were they in Solomon's porch where "by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people ..." (Acts 4:33)
Far too often, however, the "one accord" established in the scriptures is not what people critical of the community of faith see, and these are quick to say so. Indeed, many non-believers point to confusion and discord within the religious culture, blaming the unwillingness of the faithful to get along that has led to the proliferation of new churches in a community. Each and every church seemingly different, while still claiming to be of the same faith. And, as we are witnessing these days, the appearance of division in the fold is leading to a growing opinion that one worldwide religion should provide sufficient representation for all faith groups.
But before we venture too far down this road (the fulfillment of prophecy not being the topic for this day) we should ask ourselves -- what did Jesus say? After all, Jesus is the Head of the new testament church -- yes? The same Jesus who was crucified being identified by Peter (standing with the eleven) as both Lord and Christ -- yes? And He is the foundation whereby we learn to follow Him, just like His disciples did when He walked this earth -- yes? The spiritual Rock which led the Israelites safely through the Red Sea -- yes?
Well, not only did Jesus (and His apostles) regularly divide public opinion with their doctrines, we learn that this same Jesus (who today fills us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope) literally cleared the temple of the money changers when He found those inside turning the place of worship into a den of thieves.
"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves." (Matthew 21:12)
"Those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel [or wares] through the temple." (Mark 11:15-16)
Why? Because, as Jesus taught, "It is written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves." (Mark 11:17; Matthew 21:13; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11)
I am sure to those observers looking in from the outside at faith (without ever responding to Jesus' invitation to personally come, taste and see that He -- the Lord is good!) Jesus' actions looked more like discord, causing outright chaos than the one accord cited in the scriptural examples above. Still, in the midst of absolute confusion, as I am sure it must have been, we see the Lord Jesus performing miraculous healing for those whom Jesus had come to seek and to save. All in one accord. In faithful worship for the Master that had ventured into the temple that day.
Thus, even when casting out the money changers from the temple, Jesus never forgot those still inside the temple who were broken-hearted, and sick, and blind and lame.
Needless to say, but I will say it anyway -- when the chief priests and scribes saw the "wonderful" things that Jesus did, and the children crying in the temple, saying, "Hosanna to the son of David," they were sore displeased. (Matthew 21:13-16; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11; Psalm 118:26; Psalm 8:2) In fact, so jealous were these chief priests and scribes that they asked Jesus, "Hear what these say?"
But Jesus knowing their hearts answered and said unto them, "Yea, have ye never read, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise"?" (Matthew 21:16; Psalm 8:2)
[Interestingly, the Geneva translation (which was translated earlier than the KJV) scribes Psalm 8:2 somewhat differently: "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies, that Thou might still the enemy and the avenger." (Psalm 8:2)]
The emerging contrast regarding the two groups at the temple is also worth noting. In the temple -- the poor and illiterate, the sick, the broken-hearted, the destitute, the unworthy of society set apart by the Lord of glory Himself -- in true one accord worshiping Jesus in the temple -- triumphant and victorious, having recognized that the promised Messiah from afore was right there in the midst -- “Hosanna to the son of David.”
Outside the temple, the learned scribes accompanied by the self-righteous and haughty in their hearts Pharisees collectively despising Jesus, determined in their hearts to kill Him once and for all. But notably, and for all to see the latter was silenced by the children happily preaching the gospel ... the Lord using the foolish and base things of the world to confound the wise. The pictorial analogy enough for me to equate Revelation 3:8-9 with this example.
Thankfully, we don't have to depend on those "outside" of faith to determine how "one accord" is achieved because the Lord knows the inner desires of all our hearts. Thus, even in the midst of confusion, it is He that shall sit as a refiner and purifier ... and purge us as gold and silver, that we may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:3)
And it is this same Lord Jesus who even in the midst of chaos and never ending confusion can reach the hearts of people with His love and mercy and grace, as evidenced by the example herein.
May the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus; that ye may with one mind and with one mouth glorify God; even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:4-7)
Stand in the offering plate.
For The Fruit Of The Spirit Is In All Goodness And Righteousness And Truth - Part 1530
"Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us -- God -- who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." (II Corinthians 1:21-22)
I often use the descriptive word "flow-through" to describe what our faith journey should look like to the community at large. It stems specifically from that "earnest" within to love the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then, from His love learning to love one another. Admittedly, loving one another can be a process, and for some, the healing from repeated hurts can take considerable time. Still, from our desire to know Jesus better, there inherently comes a heart willingness to show this same Jesus that shines within you and I to those around us -- shining brightly as that city on a hill for our Lord God and Saviour.
You see, it is the will of the Lord inextricably united in your spirit that allows you to become who He purposed you to be whilst you were still in your mother's womb -- so very long ago. And, as a consequence, responding to His invitation to step out in faith, fully restored in the love and joy that can only be found in Him. The love of Jesus which doesn't entangle us again in the yoke of bondage, but instead, robed in His liberty that makes us heirs according to the promise that He destined before the foundation of the world was formed. (Galatians 3:29; Galatians 5:1)
But there is more.
When we truly understand what it meant for God Almighty to become as one of us, robed in human flesh and shedding His precious holy blood on that old rugged cross so that we might be redeemed in Him, and how it must have so often grieved Him knowing that He Himself would have to become the perfect sacrifice before we would begin to trust in His love, our hearts should be humbled. Knowing that the Lord of glory "longed after us" from the very beginning.
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in haven, and which are on earth, [even] in Him -- in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will." (Ephesians 1:7-11)
That we would inevitably "choose life" knowing that He is the giver of life. Jesus the Christ -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending who cared so much about His beloved creation, that He Himself determined to become the perfect sacrifice -- paying the ultimate price for you and I. Jesus is the great I AM.
[For those hearing this message for the first time, I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, and that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling on your life. To this end, I encourage you to not settle for the traditions of men but instead, seek the truth through His Word].
At the end of the day, His love and grace and mercy should be our testimony to the world. Informing those who have not heard of the liberty that comes from the gospel being the reason we glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will -- that we should be to the praise of His glory, who trust in Christ. And when we trust in Him, having heard the Word of truth, the gospel of our salvation in whom we believed, we are sealed with that holy Spirit of promise -- which is the earnest of our inheritance. (Ephesians 1:1-23)
And that, because of His love and presence in our life, we who are strong can bear the infirmities of the weak. Loving one another, as Jesus commanded, so that the fallen world and those within can know from whence comes our salvation. That Jesus is the hope of glory, and He never fails those who trust in His Name. Thus, let every one of us desire to become more like Jesus, and in so doing, edify the others around us through the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus -- so that they too can understand that the Seed which was to come to whom the promise was made -- you and I -- has indeed come into the world.
After His kindness and love, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Isaiah 42:13; Revelation 1:8, 11)
For Christ (who is our example) pleased not Himself, but instead as it is written, "the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me."
Yes, Jesus is the greatest love story ever told. Let us not be weary in spreading the good news gospel to one another.
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the fullness of Christ; that we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." (Ephesians 4:12-15)
Stand in the offering plate.
I often use the descriptive word "flow-through" to describe what our faith journey should look like to the community at large. It stems specifically from that "earnest" within to love the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then, from His love learning to love one another. Admittedly, loving one another can be a process, and for some, the healing from repeated hurts can take considerable time. Still, from our desire to know Jesus better, there inherently comes a heart willingness to show this same Jesus that shines within you and I to those around us -- shining brightly as that city on a hill for our Lord God and Saviour.
You see, it is the will of the Lord inextricably united in your spirit that allows you to become who He purposed you to be whilst you were still in your mother's womb -- so very long ago. And, as a consequence, responding to His invitation to step out in faith, fully restored in the love and joy that can only be found in Him. The love of Jesus which doesn't entangle us again in the yoke of bondage, but instead, robed in His liberty that makes us heirs according to the promise that He destined before the foundation of the world was formed. (Galatians 3:29; Galatians 5:1)
But there is more.
When we truly understand what it meant for God Almighty to become as one of us, robed in human flesh and shedding His precious holy blood on that old rugged cross so that we might be redeemed in Him, and how it must have so often grieved Him knowing that He Himself would have to become the perfect sacrifice before we would begin to trust in His love, our hearts should be humbled. Knowing that the Lord of glory "longed after us" from the very beginning.
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in haven, and which are on earth, [even] in Him -- in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will." (Ephesians 1:7-11)
That we would inevitably "choose life" knowing that He is the giver of life. Jesus the Christ -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending who cared so much about His beloved creation, that He Himself determined to become the perfect sacrifice -- paying the ultimate price for you and I. Jesus is the great I AM.
[For those hearing this message for the first time, I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, and that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling on your life. To this end, I encourage you to not settle for the traditions of men but instead, seek the truth through His Word].
At the end of the day, His love and grace and mercy should be our testimony to the world. Informing those who have not heard of the liberty that comes from the gospel being the reason we glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will -- that we should be to the praise of His glory, who trust in Christ. And when we trust in Him, having heard the Word of truth, the gospel of our salvation in whom we believed, we are sealed with that holy Spirit of promise -- which is the earnest of our inheritance. (Ephesians 1:1-23)
And that, because of His love and presence in our life, we who are strong can bear the infirmities of the weak. Loving one another, as Jesus commanded, so that the fallen world and those within can know from whence comes our salvation. That Jesus is the hope of glory, and He never fails those who trust in His Name. Thus, let every one of us desire to become more like Jesus, and in so doing, edify the others around us through the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus -- so that they too can understand that the Seed which was to come to whom the promise was made -- you and I -- has indeed come into the world.
After His kindness and love, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Isaiah 42:13; Revelation 1:8, 11)
For Christ (who is our example) pleased not Himself, but instead as it is written, "the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me."
Yes, Jesus is the greatest love story ever told. Let us not be weary in spreading the good news gospel to one another.
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the fullness of Christ; that we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." (Ephesians 4:12-15)
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Be Ye Followers of Me; Even As I Also Am Of Christ - Part 1529
"Oh, that I knew where I might find Him; that I might come [even] to His seat! I would order [my] cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words [which] He would answer me, and understand what He would say unto me. Will He plead against me with [His] great power? No, but He would put [strength] in me. There the righteous might dispute with Him; so should I be delivered forever from my judge.
Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him. On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him: He hides Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him ... but He knows the way that I take: [when] He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:3-10)
"For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me." (Isaiah 46:9)
"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 beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)
"And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and My people shall never be ashamed." (Joel 2:27)
"And the LORD shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall there be One Lord, and His name One." (Zechariah 14:9)
And Jesus answered the scribe who had come to Him, "The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:" this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." And the scribe said unto Him, "Well, Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is One God; and there is none other but He: And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." And no man after that durst ask Him any question." (Mark 12:29-34)
Jesus said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the Only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
"Seeing it is One God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith." (Romans 3:30)
"As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but One. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but One God, the Father, of whom all things, and we in Him; and One Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him." (I Corinthians 8:4-6)
"Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is One." (Galatians 3:20)
"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)"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (I Timothy 1:17)
"For there is One God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5)
"Thou believe that there is One God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)
In fact, when it came to His beloved creation, there was no limit to what the Lord would do.
Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him. On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him: He hides Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him ... but He knows the way that I take: [when] He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:3-10)
I found this scripture by happenstance. And I raise it, not to speak specifically of Job, but rather about our inward desire to search the scriptures, yearning to know more intimately the God who became our Saviour. Indeed, I was invigorated when I read -- "He hides Himself on the right hand that I cannot see Him" -- because this is exactly what the Lord did. He hid His glory from those who desire only to be physically fed, and sadly, in today's modern day religion, it is this doctrinal confusion that is causing disarray -- spilling over onto the social fabric.
The doctrine of Christ (listed as one of the foundational understandings of His Word in Hebrews 6:1-2) is considered the milk and not the meat in the greatest love story ever told. That is, the same God who created man and woman in the very beginning -- in His image -- became as one of us so that we might be redeemed once and for all. Our sins forgiven, and our hearts turned to Him. After His kindness and love, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)
However, still, the Godhead remains a stumbling block for many, and toward offering clarity for them, I cite the following scriptures. My suggestion is to find a quiet place, get your pen and paper, and coloured markers (or pencils) for highlighting scriptures in your Bible, and start going through each of these. Ask the Lord Jesus to fill you with His wisdom and knowledge so that you will understand too that God was with us in the world. (Matthew 1:21-23)
"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)
Yes, the Lord God Himself clothed/robed Himself in a body of flesh, so that He Himself could become the perfect sacrifice on the cross. Remember when the Lord counseled with Himself? What did He say? "Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?" Then said I, "Here am I; send Me." (Isaiah 6:8)
And thus, having counseled with Himself the Lord decided that He -- "The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man ..." (Isaiah 42:13)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His should; and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!" (Isaiah 9:6)
The Lord Jesus whom ye crucified becoming both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
This same Jesus who said to Philip (and His disciples), "he that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father, and how say thou [then], "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:6-15)
While on earth, He hid His true identity from the crowds. The same can be seen within His Word, if you do not look therein for your daily bread. As Jesus told those who would come, trying to take Him by force and make Him a King -- this was not His time. You see, the Lord had a purpose that had been hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world -- a mystery -- and that was to shed His precious blood on the cross so that we who respond to His call could be redeemed/sanctified and cuddled with His abundance of love. Continually embraced in His mercy and grace that surpasses all human understanding. Thus, we see that even while on earth, He hid Himself -- His true identity from the multitudes.
Even so, the SAME Rock which was Christ when the Israelite's passed through the Red Sea in the old covenant is the very SAME Christ who we are invited to follow today.
"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4)
Not another, but the One and Same Lord God Almighty who loved us so much that He Himself (robed in sin prone flesh and yet without sin) would bear all of our faults and transgressions on that cross. This is why He can so intensely understand our sorrows and heart aches. And He grieves/wept when we ourselves choose death over choosing life in Him. But I am getting ahead of myself.
Scriptural references? Let's begin with I Timothy 3:16:
"And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness' God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." (John 14:6)
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4)
"Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and [let] Him be your fear, and [let] Him your dread, and He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a Rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem ..." (Isaiah 8:13-14)
"To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. (Isaiah 40:25)
"To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will ye compare unto Him?" (Isaiah 40:18)
"For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me." (Isaiah 46:9)
"Unto thee it was shown, that thou might know that the LORD He is God; there is None else beside Him. (Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else." (Deuteronomy 4:35, 39)
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD thy God is one LORD." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)
"See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with Me ..." (Deuteronomy 32:39)
"See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with Me ..." (Deuteronomy 32:39)
"Wherefore Thou art great, O LORD God; for there is None like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears." (II Samuel 7:22)
"That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else." (1 Kings 8:60 )
And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, "O LORD God of Israel, which dwells between the cherubims, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; Thou hast made heaven and earth." (2 Kings 19:15)
"That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else." (1 Kings 8:60 )
And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, "O LORD God of Israel, which dwells between the cherubims, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; Thou hast made heaven and earth." (2 Kings 19:15)
"O LORD, there is None like thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears." (1 Chronicles 17:20)
"Thou, even Thou, art LORD alone; Thou has made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preserves them all; and the host of heaven worships Thee." (Nehemiah 9:6)
"For who is God save the LORD? or who is a Rock save our God?" (Psalm 18:31)
"For Thou art great, and does wondrous things: Thou art God alone." (Psalm 86:10)
"Thou, even Thou, art LORD alone; Thou has made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preserves them all; and the host of heaven worships Thee." (Nehemiah 9:6)
"For who is God save the LORD? or who is a Rock save our God?" (Psalm 18:31)
"For Thou art great, and does wondrous things: Thou art God alone." (Psalm 86:10)
"O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwells between the cherubims, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou has made heaven and earth. Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the LORD, even Thou only." (Isaiah 37:16, 20)
"Ye are My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no Savior." (Isaiah 43:10-11)
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and His redeemer the LORD of hosts; "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God. Fear ye not, neither be afraid; have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside Me? yea, there is no God; I know not any." (Isaiah 44:6, 8)
"Ye are My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no Savior." (Isaiah 43:10-11)
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and His redeemer the LORD of hosts; "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God. Fear ye not, neither be afraid; have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside Me? yea, there is no God; I know not any." (Isaiah 44:6, 8)
"I am He; I am the first; I am also the last." (Isaiah 48:12)
Jesus said, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last." (Revelation 1:8, 11)
"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 Savior; there is none beside Me." (Isaiah 45:21)
"To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. (Isaiah 40:25)
"To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will ye compare unto Him?" (Isaiah 40:18)
"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 beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)
"And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and My people shall never be ashamed." (Joel 2:27)
"And the LORD shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall there be One Lord, and His name One." (Zechariah 14:9)
And Jesus answered the scribe who had come to Him, "The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:" this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." And the scribe said unto Him, "Well, Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is One God; and there is none other but He: And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." And no man after that durst ask Him any question." (Mark 12:29-34)
Jesus said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the Only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
"Seeing it is One God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith." (Romans 3:30)
"As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but One. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but One God, the Father, of whom all things, and we in Him; and One Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him." (I Corinthians 8:4-6)
"Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is One." (Galatians 3:20)
"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)"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (I Timothy 1:17)
"For there is One God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5)
"Thou believe that there is One God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)
"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 the 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 "they on the Rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the Word with joy ..." (Luke 8:13)
As those that gladly received the Word on the day of Pentecost, whereby the first 3,000 water baptized into the new testament church were baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:38)
Those that understood that the Lord (in the physical sense) gave His right arm so that we might have life in Him.
Jesus made it clear. "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not." (John 1:10) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. (John 1:1-18)
"Therefore, His arm brought salvation unto Him and His righteousness, it sustained Him." (Isaiah 59:16)
But not everyone will believe. Some will prefer religious culture and dogma to the truth of His Word. The Lord knew this when He asked: "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1; Isaiah 52:10; Isaiah 9:6)
The arm of the Lord being Jesus.
Thus, as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and Rock of offence: and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:33)
But for those who desire the Lord Jesus in all His glory -- the Holy Ghost renewed living within -- there is a victory to be had.
"If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that heals thee." (Exodus 15:26)
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
I Endure All Things For the Elect's Sake That They May Also Obtain the Salvation Which Is In Christ Jesus - Part 1528
"We then as workers together [with Him] beseech you also that ye received not the grace of God in vain. For He saith, "I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: but in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report; as deceivers and [yet] true; as unknown and [yet] well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway[s] rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing and [yet] possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:1-10)
In academic English, the above scripture would be considered one very long run-on sentence. Still, apostle Paul is conveying a very important message here. That is, we -- as members of the body of Christ are workers together with the King of kings and Lord of lords so that those who do not know His love and mercy and grace firsthand can know that today is the day of salvation, Today is the accepted time to clothe oneself in the righteousness of our Lord God our Saviour Jesus the Christ.
In academic English, the above scripture would be considered one very long run-on sentence. Still, apostle Paul is conveying a very important message here. That is, we -- as members of the body of Christ are workers together with the King of kings and Lord of lords so that those who do not know His love and mercy and grace firsthand can know that today is the day of salvation, Today is the accepted time to clothe oneself in the righteousness of our Lord God our Saviour Jesus the Christ.
As Paul states: "For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry. [Ye are] God's building, according to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder. I have laid the foundation and another builds thereon ..." (I Corinthians 3:9-10)
Rather than focusing on the worldy, Paul is encouraging us to "draw near [to Him] with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22)
How does Paul conclude? By saying, "O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straightened in your own bowels. Now for a recompense in the same, (I speak as unto my children), be ye also enlarged." (II Corinthians 6:11-13)
The Lord has called us and ordained us to do His will. To become disciples of the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. To tell the world of His kindness and love that surpasses all human understanding. "The first man is of the earth; the second man is the Lord from heaven." (I Corinthians 15:47)
The Lord of glory. Jesus the Christ who shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I so that we could be sanctified through His truth. "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
Thus, "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
How do we become workers together with Him?
By giving no offence in anything. In both patience and afflictions. In necessities and distresses. In stripes and imprisonments. In tumults and labours and watchings and fastings. Is this of ourselves? Of course not because we (in our human capacity) still fall short, even while we press toward the mark of His high calling. This is why it is imperative to remain focused on Jesus. With the Lord Jesus leading and guiding and instructing our every step, we (as Paul points out) "have received not the grace of God in vain."
Why? Because when we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, He gives us the ability to love one another, shining His light to the world as that city on a hill. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) And as a consequence of His abundance of love for us, we can become pure in Him -- working towards perfection in all things, as James indicated.
By knowledge - "That in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge ..." (I Corinthians 1:5)
By long suffering - "Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness.: (Colossians 1:11)
By kindness - "That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7)
By the Holy Ghost - "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost." (Jude 1:20)
By love unfeigned - "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." (I Timothy 1:5)
By the Word of truth - "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)
By the power of God -- "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." (I Corinthians 2:4-5)
By the armour of righteousness on both the right arm and the left - "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11-13)
Even in honour and dishonour --"Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise and with Thy honour all the day ..." (Psalm 71:8)
In both evil report and good report, continue to "minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into." (I Peter 1:12)
In the face of deceivers and false witnesses, remain true -- "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an anti-christ." (II John 1:7)
As both an unknown and [yet] well known, we know from whence comes our salvation -- "Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance." (Acts 2:28)
That even in dying, we still behold Him in all His glory. Our desire being to live continuously in Him, cuddled/snuggled in His arms knowing that His love trumps all. As chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing and [yet] possessing all things. Herein, is our blessing in the Lord, and our motivation for becoming a worker for Him.
How does Paul conclude? By saying, "O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straightened in your own bowels. Now for a recompense in the same, (I speak as unto my children), be ye also enlarged." (II Corinthians 6:11-13)
The Lord has called us and ordained us to do His will. To become disciples of the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. To tell the world of His kindness and love that surpasses all human understanding. "The first man is of the earth; the second man is the Lord from heaven." (I Corinthians 15:47)
The Lord of glory. Jesus the Christ who shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I so that we could be sanctified through His truth. "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
Thus, "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
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