God’s Love and Mercy and Grace Visibly Expressed When He Gave Himself For Us - Part 1570

Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He takes away the first, that He may establish the second ..." (Hebrews 10:9)
He takes away the first covenant, also recognized as the old testament, so that He could establish a second, brand new covenant. By His will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus the Christ once and for all. 

At the beginning of the Holy Ghost ministries in Jesus, we find Jesus reading from the prophetical book of Esaias [Isaiah]. There He read a passage that states, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and recover the sight of the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."  (Luke 4:19) And He closed the book. 

The acceptable will of the Lord. The day of God’s visitation, He takes away the first, while firmly establishing the second. Recall when Jesus had completed all that was required to secure our redemption? He sat down. Here we find Jesus standing, and in so doing, a new dispensation of grace, of unmerited favour commences. The new testament whereby the Lord God, after His kindness and love willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

It is no wonder that those who heard and bore witness asked, "Is not this Joseph's son?"  But I digress.

Later, in Acts 7:56, Stephen (one of the seven full of the Holy Ghost, and chosen to serve) presents the good news of salvation to a group of religious people, laying out these same historical events, explaining to one and all the counsel of God, and His loving grace for you and I.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:1-8)

But certain of the synagogue were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which Stephen spake. Needless to say they were not happy. Rather than turn in their hearts, they suborned men, which said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. These stirred up the people, elders and scribes, setting up false witnesses that would say he spoke blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. Nevertheless, as the council looked steadfastly on him, Stephen's face was such as if it were the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15)

What did Stephen say? He told them the God of glory had appeared to Abraham ... and that his seed should sojourn to a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage and entreat them evil four hundred years, and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God, and after that shall they come forth, and serve Me in this place." (Acts 7:1-29)

Stephen goes on to say that when Moses saw the burning bush, he wondered at the sight, and as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying, "I am the God of thy Fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ... A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto Me; Him shall ye hear." (Acts 7:30-37)

The same He that was in the church in the wilderness who our fathers would not obey -- who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept. (Acts 7:38-53)

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart and gnashed on Stephen with their teeth. But Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. Yes, Jesus was standing. [Jesus stood up while Stephen was being stoned to death. This sojourning is further expanded upon in Acts chapters 8 and 9]

The significance of standing is that this was to be the "final" call to a religious Jewish nation. They were at that moment to be cut off because of their stubborn unbelief, their hearts that would rather worship idols and rejoice in the work of their own hands, the stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, those who always resist the Holy Ghost -- "as your fathers did, so do ye." (Acts 7:51)

We know that later, Saul who was an overseer and party to all these happenings, was to be met by the Lord Jesus when he journeyed to Damascus.  While enroute, the Lord revealed that Saul [renamed Paul] was a chosen vessel to Him.  As a result, Paul would now be His Apostle to the Gentiles. 

The good news being that this meeting led to the complete altering of the old covenant -- the veil being torn from top to bottom, heaven to earth. Indeed, the Lord's way is not our way, He looks not on the outward appearance of men. He looks into one's heart. And herein, God swung open the door of obtainable salvation to the Gentiles. The Lord redeemed to Himself a believing people, who would be His own people. His chosen people that were not His people but are now His people.

A people that He is going to call by His name. A people who will be His bride. The Jesus People.

[As an aside, recall that in the Garden, God said it was not good that man should dwell alone. God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam. God operated on Adam, removing one of his ribs. From that removed rib, God made a woman from Adam’s rib bone. A woman to be loved by him, even as he would take care of his own flesh. Why? Because the woman was the bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.] 

Now consider Calvary, when Jesus hung on that Roman cross. It is recorded in John 19:33, that one of the soldiers with a spear pierced the side of Jesus. When he did, the scriptures record, forthwith, there came out blood and water.

You see, without the shedding of His blood, there shall be no remission of sin. But because Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross, we are washed with the water of the Word of God. We are clean through the Word that He has spoken to us. As He said, he that is internally clean needs nothing more than to wash His feet. No more (as Peter learned) would any man (His believing bride) be called common or unclean. Why? 

Because we are the bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh. A new covenant was established and brought us into the reality of being purchased by God Himself. And when we fully understand the cost in drops of His precious blood on that cross, the tears He willingly shed for us, there is nothing that shall separate us from the love of God!

God’s love and mercy and grace being visibly expressed when He gave Himself for us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son -- HEAR YE HIM! (John 3:16)

Stand in the offering plate.

Glory To Your Name O Lord For Your Name Is Great And Worthy To Be Praised - Part 1569

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11)

One of the oft outcomes of the apostles coming to preach in some place was the dividing of the city. This was certainly not any different in apostle Paul's case. In Acts 20, and after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, as he departed Macedonia. When he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, and there abode three months. But because the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. On this journey, Paul was accompanied into Asia with Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas.

We could stop there, acknowledging that Paul never stopped preaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And he willingly traveled from place to place, giving those who would listen much exhortation. [* Exhortation meaning encouragement and consolation. 

"But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (I Corinthians 1:1 Jeremiah 14:2-3)]

But note Paul's journey did not end there. And he certainly did not keep office hours as we see from the example below, when the young man fell asleep while he preached, falling out of a third floor window. Continuing in Acts 20:

"And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." 

Notably were the many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. Over there, sitting in a window was a certain young man named Eutychus. He had fallen into a deep sleep as Paul was long preaching. Indeed, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, "Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him." And sure enough, right there and then, Eutychus came to life again. (Acts 20:1-10)

Given the situation, and the fact that the Jews were already waiting to entrap and imprison Paul, it is a good thing that the young man did not die when he fell out of the window. In Paul's life, I am sure this young man was just a minor hiccup (as we would say in our world today). Plus, there was much more to be accomplished before his work for the Lord Jesus would be complete.

Therefore, when [Paul] therefore was come up again, "and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. We then sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Even after this, Paul is still able to preach His gospel message of freedom that is so instrumental for us this day. That is, Paul is saying, that from the very first day that I came into Asia, "after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews ... and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."

This message has not changed over time. We still need to repent for our sins toward God, and believe by faith in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ! (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 2:36-38; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Revelation 1:8, 11) 

Like Paul, who pressed into Jesus with joy in his very being, we need to also count our life worthless so that we too can finish our course with thankful hearts, testifying to one and all of the good news gospel of the grace and mercy of God -- who after His kindness and love so willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) Pressing into the mark with everything we have, like the widow lady who gave her all, ready to fulfill the very purpose that the Lord placed in our heart whilst we were still in our mother's womb.

But Paul is still going. Herein, Paul goes bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall him there ... "save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me," says Paul, "neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men ... For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:23-27)

Did you catch that? Paul did not shun to declare to one and all the counsel of God, as the Pharisees and lawyers did when they refused to be baptized in the Jordan by John the baptizer. (Luke 7:49; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13) Rather, he preached to feed the church of God -- which He -- God Himself hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)

But Paul also knew that it would not be long after he preached that those who purposed to deceive believers would show up -- those who would not spare the flock but rather, speak perverse things, drawing away disciples after themselves. Perhaps, this explains why Paul's warning message herein is so contrary to what we see within many religious organizations today -- so that the evidence would be so overwhelming against them, and thus, we would hear and heed Paul's warning given through much tears.

It is for us then -- you and I -- that Paul says to the elders of the church, whom he had called together: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." 

Being that flow through that is so oft mentioned here.

And, when [Paul] had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship" so that Paul could continue on his journey preaching the gospel that heals broken hearts, and sets people free from the bondage of this world. (Acts 20:1-38)

In that context, let me leave you with this thought:

"Finally, brethren, 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)

Stand in the offering plate.

Receiving the End of Your Faith, The Salvation of Your Souls - Part 1568

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ is writing to the strangers (who are the exiles scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia) but also the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father -- through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

The same God and Father who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly in Christ, according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:3-5)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [His] purpose, for whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren, Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-31)

What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Each and every day, we face the giants of this world, striving to keep us so busy in the things of this world that we lose sight of our calling. At the same time, the prince of this world is continually condemning, attempting to wear us down so that we won't be so eager about our faith. This may be why apostle Paul expresses a great heaviness and continual sorrow for those who rejected the counsel of God, and went their own way, subscribing to the numerous gods of this world.

Nevertheless, we know in whom we have believed -- by whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His Name -- among whom ye are also called of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:5-6)

We now have the boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say His flesh, and having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water, holding fast to the profession of our faith without wavering for He is faithful that promised. (Hebrews 10:19-23)
II Thessalonians 2:13

"See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh." (Hebrews 12:25)

The same voice that shook the earth, but now hath promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake the earth only, but also heaven. And this Word -- yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we must serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear -- for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:25-29)

Who is the Word wherein we receive the end of our faith and the salvation or our souls? Jesus -- the mediator of the new covenant -- the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Jesus -- both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Jesus -- the Author and Finisher of our faith. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords who left His kingdom in heaven to redeem those of us who respond to His call and believe in His Name.

Jesus -- the Word made flesh, who dwelt among us so that we c/would behold His glory -- the glory as of the only begotten of the Father -- full of grace and truth.

"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)

Therefore, be victorious in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, who after His kindness and love, gave Himself so that we might have life. Stand in the offering plate.

Remember Ye Not That When I Was Yet With You, I Told You These Things? - Part 1567

"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition -- who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God ..." (II Thessalonians 2:1-7)

We are not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled in our faith journey because these things have to happen before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him. Still, there are those who would argue that since the mystery of iniquity doth already work in the world, being aware of when that Wicked will be revealed is wasted effort. Even when they know that when the Wicked is revealed for all to see, the Lord SHALL consume with the Spirit [breath] of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming, [even him] whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. (II Thessalonians 2:7-12)

[Note that the scripture refers to the workings of satan -- the power and signs displayed -- as "lying" wonders, which is very different from the signs and wonders that supported the preaching and teaching of the gospel.]

Still, before pressing forward on this point, let's look at two scriptures for clarification. The first can be found in the old covenant side -- Deuteronomy 13:1-7 -- which states:

"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and give thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or a wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, "Let us go after other gods" which thou hast not known and "let us serve them"; thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proves you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him, and that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death: because He hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee ... namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth."

On the new testament side, Jesus is found speaking to the Jews. Jesus is saying to them (and by extension, us too), "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

But the Jews did not want another King in their heart. And, most certainly not Jesus who was/is both Lord and Christ. So the Jews answered Jesus, saying, "We be Abraham's seed and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, "Ye shall be made free?"

Jesus then answered saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin, and the servant abides not in the house for ever, but the Son abides forever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill Me because My Word has no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with My Father, and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." (John 8:33-38)

They answered and said unto Jesus, "Abraham is our father."

Jesus again said to them, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God, this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father." (John 8:39-41)

In other words, Abraham who was known as a friend of God would not do the things that the Jews were doing at the time, and most certainly, Abraham would never reject Jesus in their hearts.

Nevertheless, the Jews continued their defense, saying unto Jesus, "We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, [even] God." (John 8:41) [For those who may not be aware, the first commandment of the famous ten opens with: "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

[What Jesus may have been suggesting here is that the Jews had replaced God with Abraham as their father, and in so doing, were serving another god rather than the One and Only God who had sustained them throughout their wilderness journey. But I digress!]

Jesus then said unto them, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God: neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? [even] because you cannot hear My Word. Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not. Which of you convinces Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me? He that is of God hears God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."

This dialogue continues to the end of John 8 wherein the Jews took up stones to cast at Him because Jesus (not yet fifty years old) had said unto them -- "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)

All these scriptural references to show that the Word of God is clear on this point -- that we can expect to have some among us who will preach 'another' gospel. And, also, that men shall arise speaking perverse things in order to draw others away from your congregations. How? For starters, there will be stealing away of the sheep -- accomplished through enticing words. In short, these will bait the trap. Paul forewarns of this in the scriptures. He said that some will call themselves apostles, while in reality they are demons and angels of darkness, transforming themselves and appearing as messengers of light.

The scriptures cite (as a precautionary measure) methods for increasing one's awareness of these satanic messengers. That is, if a preacher, pastor, evangelist, priest, or pope utters any words that are contradictory to the teaching of Jesus' spiritual words as established/revealed by/to His chosen apostles, including the apostles doctrine which He Himself confirmed as being His Word, then whoever falls short of this scripture should be removed. It is for this reason that we must examine and study His Word, continuing steadfastly in the apostles' Holy Ghost teachings!

But as we read in the beginning (from II Thessalonians 2) the scriptures also state that the day of the Lord will not come prior to a falling away from the original order of beliefs and doctrines that were delivered to the early believers. Therefore, we are commanded to watch that the day of the Lord does not come upon us / open while we have been totally oblivious to the scriptural warnings!

For example, the scriptures state that certain happenings occur in the time period known as the day of the Lord. The day of the Lord in the Biblical context is not a 24 hour period. The day of the Lord is a period of time wherein events transpire. So therefore watch for that day in order that we are not found sleeping, or even worse, occupying a comfortable pew. We believers are debtors to a lost world! If one has lost their first love, then one ought now to arise and trim their oil lamp of faith.

Does the scripture declare that there is only ONE MEDIATOR between God and Man? YES! And that man is none other than the Lord Jesus the Christ! Jesus being the Only begotten Son of God, conceived by the holy Spirit of God. The Holy Ghost! The two seeds i.e. male and female seeds were seeds promised of God. One of these seeds were implanted into the seed bank of Eve. This is why God is on an agenda to redeem mankind through Himself from Adam’s sin and transgressions -- which you and I are recipients of.

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But He did not leave us in this state. God put in place His plan of redemption whereby we must be saved.

Thus, this promised seed that was implanted into Eve was not like Eve’s natural now fallen seed. No indeed. If it were of Eve’s natural fallen seed, then redemption would have been impossible! Eve’s blood line was now polluted. But the Spirit of God provided a new sinless blood SEED which passed from Eve into Seth, and continued down through the ages as is recorded in the genealogical presentation in your Bible. NOTE: We NOW have an introduction to a new blood line coming forth from the holy Spirit of God, as recorded in Acts -- we were purchased back to God with the precious blood of His Spirit.

In previous presentations, we followed this new blood line. In this presentation, we endeavour to impress on readers the authority of the written Word whilst moving into the theme of there being only ONE mediator between God and man. In the interim, let the Word of God deal with those spiritual powers in high places who have corrupted the Word of God, rejecting the counsel of God unto themselves. (Luke 7:49)

What does that mean for us? We have a higher calling. Press into Christ Jesus, allowing the potter’s Word to shape each and every one of us so that we can fulfill the purpose which He placed in our hearts while we were still in our mother's womb. And give our Lord God and Saviour back the life that He has imparted into you.

Stand in the offering plate.

In One Accord In One Place In the Upper Room On the Day of Pentecost - Part 1566

One accord in one place. This is what happened when the day of Pentecost was fully come. These who were in the upper room were in one accord in prayer and supplication -- with one purpose and in one mind. There was no division among them. In fact, these disciples numbering together about one hundred and twenty continued in one accord in Jerusalem, having followed the instructions given them earlier by Jesus.

"Until the day in which [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen -- to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (Acts 1:1-3)

Before this, Jesus having been assembled together with the disciples, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, "which" saith He, "ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:5)

At this time, as Jesus said, the disciples of Him would receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto "Me" -- Jesus -- both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:6-8)

[Note that in order for the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost to come, Jesus had to go away ... Jesus said to His disciples, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." (John 16:7)]

When Jesus had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. A cloud. The same cloud that the Israelites followed through the Red Sea which was Christ.

" .... 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)

The same cloud that Peter and James and John experienced when Jesus was transfigured before them, in which these were instructed to hear Jesus only. In that example, there appeared Elias with Moses talking with Jesus, and Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses and one for Elias." What happens? There was a cloud that overshadowed them, but when they looked round about, they saw no man any more save Jesus only with themselves. 

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son: hear Him" (Mark 9:7)

"While He thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son: hear Him." (Luke 9:34-35)

In other words, we are to hear the voice of Jesus -- who was and is both Lord and Christ. We are to gaze upon Jesus who is the One and Only God who became our Saviour (I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7) The same Lord God who came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) The same God whose fullness of the Godhead indwelt the bodily Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) God in Christ personally delivering His plan of salvation to you and I -- robed in sin-prone flesh but yet without sin.

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own but His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) The Word that was with God and WAS God made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:21-23; Revelation 1:8, 11) 

The only Name whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace -- this last day -- the Name of the Lord JESUS. (Acts 4:12)

But sadly, there are those who would corrupt the gospel causing division about the foundation of the body of Christ church, and the apostolic doctrine which we have been instructed to continue steadfastly in. That is, "another cloud" that includes false prophets and false teachers who bring in damnable heresies -- even denying the Lord that bought them.

Instead of "wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us ...," we willingly subscribe to the teachings that is "another gospel" within the religious communities, as if these man-made organizations which adhere to the traditions of men were in one accord, or without division. (Hebrews 12:1; I Corinthians 1:13-17) And we are warned of these, who in a cloud also do not hear the voice of Jesus in their hearts. 

"But there [were/are] false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction, and many shall follow "their" pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of ... having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; an heart they have exercised with covetous practices: cursed children: which have forsaken the right way and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but was rebuked for his iniquity -- the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbade the madness of the prophet ..." 

"These are wells without water; clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever." (II Peter 2:17)

While these false preachers and teachers promise believers liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning -- for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it] to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (II Peter 2:1-22)

But not so with Jesus. As we see on the day of Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus were in one accord, in one place, in the upper room. And when these were asked, "What must I do to be saved?" Peter (standing with the eleven) said, "Repent, and be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-47)

The pivotal point of salvation for one and all. And it is this gospel that marked the beginning of the new testament church, wherein Jesus is the Head. (Acts 1:19) This same Jesus whom we/ye have crucified being both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Stand fast in the offering plate wherein is Christ.

The Heaven My Throne, And the Earth My Footstool; Where Is the House That Ye Build Unto Me? The Place of My Rest?- Part 1565

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation!" (Habakkuk 3:18)

For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He [You Lord] hath prepared for him that waits for Him. Thou meets him that rejoices and works righteousness, those that remember Thee in Thy ways. (Isaiah 64:4-8)

But you Lord have grieved and wept over our inability as your beloved creation -- the apple of your eye -- to get your good news gospel message right, and to be thankful for the love that you bestow upon us each and every day, desiring You Lord to be our Rock and fortress, over the cares of this world. (Psalm 71:3)

How you must struggle with our earthly choices -- that we do not find You Lord to be our hope and our trust from our youth. Instead, we have sinned and fallen short of the glory that You our precious Lord intended for our lives. Your goodness and grace. Your kindness and love. Your mercy. Your patience and long suffering for our mouths to be filled with Your praise and honour all the day long.

Still, You Lord did not cast us off as a lost cause. Even though Thou had more than enough justification to be wroth [angry] (for we have sinned in those is continuance) You Lord had a better plan for us wherein we can/shall be saved. And this outcome, even though we are all as an unclean [thing] and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away.

Even though seemingly [there is] none that calls upon Thy Name, that stirs up himself to take hold of Thee: for Thou hast hid Thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. But O Lord, you did not leave us to struggle forever in the miry clay. Instead, You Lord had a plan of "amazing grace" that you decided to freely give even before the foundation of the world was formed.

That is, You Lord, the One and Only who created the world and all that is within, would be made as one of us, and pay for our salvation -- our redemption from sin and death -- with Your own holy blood.

And now Lord, as a consequence of your love, "O Lord, Thou art our Father; we [are] the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of Thy hand." (Isaiah 64:4-8)

The same Lord God that was in the beginning and created all things is now -- our Father. This is why Jesus could say, "I and My Father are one!" (John 10:30) This is why Jesus could say to Philip, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father." (John 14:6-12)

Because Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) All the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9)

"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)

"I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, thou thou hast not known Me; that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord and there is none else ... I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I even My hands have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded ..." (Isaiah 45:5-12)

Thus, as the scriptures covey, in an acceptable time the Lord personally delivered to His beloved creation His plan of salvation. And herein, as the prophecies foretold, the Gentiles shall see Thy righteousness, and all kings Thy glory, and Thou shalt be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of Thy God. (Isaiah 62:2-3)

A time when the Gentiles shall come to Thy light, and kings to the brightness of Thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to Thee ..." (Isaiah 60:3-4)

This same Lord who willingly came forth as a mighty man shall be unto thee an everlasting light and thy God thy glory. (Isaiah 60:19)

JESUS - Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:12-13)

JESUS -- the only Name in this current dispensation of grace given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

His right arm brought salvation and His righteousness sustains us when we repent and are water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we are clothed in His righteousness and sealed with His holy Spirit -- the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost.

This is why we delight ourselves in our Lord, because His ear is not heavy that He cannot her our inner heart's cry. But along the way, as a consequence of Adam and Eve's transgression in the garden, our iniquities separated us from our God, and our sins have hid His face from us. Our hands defiled with blood and our fingers with iniquity. Our tongues have spoken lies and muttered perverseness. (Isaiah 59:1-15)

Even still, the Lord loved His beloved creation -- you and I -- enough to put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head, and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and be clad with zeal as a cloke, so that we would fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. And that we would know that when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord SHALL lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 59:16-21)

And now because of our Redeemer, our Lord God and Saviour, we can be confident and arise and shine -- for Thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord risen so that we the Gentiles shall come to Thy light also. His Name is Jesus. The Lord's Christ for one and all to behold. The Lamb of God!

"And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God -- for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation. He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorns [herself] with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth: so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations." (Isaiah 61:9-11)

Yes, Jesus is the Lord God Almighty. There is none beside Him. And He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth ... for He SHALL deliver the needy when he/she cries; the poor also, and [him/her] that hath no helper. He SHALL spare the poor and the needy, and SHALL save the souls of the needy. He SHALL redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in His sight ... His Name shall endure forever; His Name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in Him: all nations shall call Him blessed.

For this reason, blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things, and blessed be His glorious Name for ever; and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen and Amen. (Psalms 72:8-20)

Surely, as I write this today, the time will come -- when the city no longer needs the sun, either of the mood to shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it; and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it, and the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there. (Revelation 21:23-25)

In His days, shall the righteous flourish, and the abundance of peace so long as the moon endures. (Psalm 78:7)

Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus -- The Rock of Ages Forever More - Part 1564

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, "Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you; they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:16)

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (II Peter 1:1-2)

How? According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. (II Peter 1:3)

Throughout the new testament, we who believe in Jesus and seek to be fully clothed in His righteousness, are encouraged to study the Word so that we can rightly divide the truth. (II Timothy 2:15) As such, our heart's desire should be to gain a knowledge of our Lord God and Saviour so that we are grounded in His love and grace.

Jesus said, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart, I will send Him unto you and when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 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. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:7-15)

It is in this context that we are to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and to endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 2:1-3)

"No man that warreth entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits." (II Timothy 2:4-7) 

So how do we do this? "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a canker of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.

Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal -- the Lord knows them that are His." (II Timothy 2:15-19) Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." (II Timothy 2:7)

Finally, "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)

Stand in the offering plate.

But Speak Thou The Things Which Become Sound Doctrine -- Part 1563

"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. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:11-15)

Why? Because we being justified by faith have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience experience and experience hope. And hope makes not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

For when you were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die, but God, commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if -- when were were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His [only begotten] Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ -- by whom we have now received the atonement.

Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and as a consequence, death passed unto all men, for all that have sinned ... for until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses: even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him that was to come.

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. 

For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. But His gift was different. Not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift, for the judgment was by one to condemnation but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

For if by one man's offence, death reigned by one: much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. One man was disobedient and as a result many were made sinners. So by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover, the law entered that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:1-21)

Jesus paid the price for our sin once and for all. This same Jesus who is both Lord and Christ. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. King of kings and Lord of lords. Our all in all.

Stand in the offering plate.

Rejection of Water Baptism Rejecting the Counsel of God Against Themselves - Part 1562

There are many in religious circles today who do not understand the importance of water baptism, and thus, are rejecting water baptism as one of the plural "baptisms" referred to in Hebrews 6:1-2 -- wherein the foundational doctrines -- the apostolic doctrine -- have been established and confirmed. For the record, Hebrews 6:1-2 states:

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment."

Some believe that being born of the water -- from our mother's womb -- is sufficient. Or, that water baptism (as performed by John the baptizer) is unto repentance, wherein the Jews were baptized in the Jordan, confessing their sins. As John said, "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." (Matthew 3:8) 

To reach either of these conclusions, one would have to negate the instructions Jesus gave to Nicodemus. In that conversation, Nicodemus asks, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 

Jesus had already given the answer when He told Nicodemus -- "Verily, verily, I say unto thee -- except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) "Marvel not that I said unto thee -- Ye must be born again!"

Did you catch that? We need to be "born again!" We must be born of water a second time. We have already been born of the water from our mother's womb and thus we are alive, but as Jesus so clearly states, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:5-8) 

There needs to be a born again experience, wherein we repent and are water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The condemnation being that the light -- JESUS - is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. "For everyone that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:16-21) 

Before one begins thinking that through the water is only a new testament teaching, let's look at a couple of scriptures:. 

Apostle Paul writes: "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)

Even then, the Israelites were following Christ, the same Christ who was/is the Lord's plan of salvation. As Simeon said, when it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost  (that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ) "For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2: 25-35)

But I digress. Washing our flesh in water is the answer of a good conscience toward God, and therefore, has a purpose within God's plan of salvation. (I Peter 3:21)

"He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on." (Leviticus 16:4)

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just and the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the Spirit ... the like figure where unto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 3:18-21)

Sadly, however, there are those who reject water baptism also. We know this from John the baptizer's experience when he tried to get the Pharisees into the water.  The Pharisees sending out some to John to as him, "Why baptizes thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet." (John 1:24-26; Matthew 3:11; Malachi 3:1; Acts 19:4) Those who did not believe preferred to stand on the bank. Remember, the Pharisees well versed in the scriptures would have known that the Lord did say in prophecy, "Behold, I will send My messenger and he shall prepare the way before Me; and the Lord, whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come," saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)

Jesus addresses this further in Luke 7, after John sends two of his disciples to Jesus, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7: 18-20)

Jesus responds to the two directly, and then speaks afterward to the people concerning John. 

"What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. this is [he] of whom it is written, "Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare the way before thee." For I say unto you. Among those that are born of women, there is not a greater prophet than John the baptist/baptizer; but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:21-28; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:7)

Herein the point -- "And all the people that heard [Him] and the publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:29-30; Luke 3:12; Acts 20:27)

The Pharisees and lawyers did not get baptized because these rejected the counsel of God against themselves. Note that the counsel of God was for the nation to repent under water baptism by John, so that these could be saved by the Lamb of God - Jesus. However, as we read, the Pharisees and lawyers were too proud to repent, preferring instead the sidelines. These were not getting into the water under any circumstance. Still, it is noteworthy that Jesus emphasizes water baptism as the ultimate test -- whether we justify or reject God's counsel against ourselves.

Multitudes came to be baptized of John, including the publicans and soldiers likewise. (Luke 3:1-22)

Why? Because as John said, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I come, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner, but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable." (Luke 3:16-17; Matthew 3:11-12; John 7:39; John 20;22; Acts 4:12)

There was more to be had, and these desired the One yet to come. Note that Jesus did not stop there. Jesus continues saying, "Where unto then shall I like the men of this generation? And to what are they like ..." (Luke 7:21-35)

You see, there will always be those who do not want to get wet -- buried in the water unto Christ, preferring to stand on the banks. And as we see in the modern day religious culture, there are those who refuse to be baptized into Jesus Christ -- buried with Him by baptism unto death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4) Preferring instead to make the Word -- Jesus -- of none effect.

Nevertheless, the Lord has instructed those who believe in Him by faith to be baptized -- "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16)

There is so much more to be said here but my point today is to emphasize that we must be born "again" as Jesus told Nicodemus. Other scriptures which will help us understand water baptism and its significance follow. Study these scriptures and ask the Lord to reveal His understanding of Him to you. Stand in the offering plate.

 

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

"For as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 8:16)

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:48)

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:5) 

"And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His Name.’ (Acts 22:16)

"Let us draw near 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; Romans 10:13) 

"Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. (Acts 10:44-48) 

Hearken Unto Me, O Jacob and Israel, I Am He, I Am the First, I Am Also the Last - Part 1561

"Shew us Thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us Thy salvation ..." (Psalm 85:11)

Isaiah (the son of Amoz) is a prophet who presents a vision he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, the kings of Judah. Herein, the Lord is speaking through him, saying, "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken." (Isaiah 1:1-2)

Moreover, throughout the book of Isaiah, we see numerous prophesies outlining the Lord God's plan of salvation that will save the sins of His people. His plan to come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) His plan to willingly become our Saviour. (Isaiah 9:6)

"Come now, and let us reason together," saith the Lord, "though your sins be as scarlet; they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. [And] if ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." (Isaiah 1:18)

Fast forward to Isaiah 45, and it is interesting to see how often in one passage of scripture the Lord identifies Himself as our God and Saviour.  In the beginning, God! (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning also, the God of Israel identifies Himself as the Lord. (Isaiah 45:3)

"Thus saith the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut. I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron. And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy Name, am the God of Israel." (Isaiah 45:1-3)

As we read here, Cyrus is God's anointed whom the Lord went before when he marched his army into the empty channel. The gates of Babylon were left open that night, and thus, the Lord gave him the treasures which had been hidden in secret places. Because of these opening scriptures, one may think the remainder of Isaiah 45 focuses on geography, or the conquests of kings. It is not. Rather, Isaiah is presenting the Lord's plan of salvation decided before the foundation of the world, wherein "Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2:25-32)

Thus, for Cyrus, this must have been quite a revelation -- that even though he did not know God, the Lord of Jacob and Israel knew him. It is in this context that the Lord said, -- "For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel Mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name. I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:4-6)

Not just once but twice herein, the Lord has told us that He is the One and Only Lord. There is NO other God beside Him. Still, even though He has girded us with His continued blessings, we too have had a season wherein we did not know God as both the Lord and Christ, and/or that there is none else beside Him. Just in case there is any doubt about who is speaking, the Lord retells about creation, and how this earth (and we as its inhabitants) came to be.

"I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and righteousness spring up together. I the Lord have created it." (Isaiah 45:7-8)

"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters .... and the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul." (Genesis 1:3-2:8)

However, just like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, we too often question our Maker. We create theories that go against His counsel and wisdom and truth. We make up our own theory about how the world was created. And even though we are different actors from Adam and Eve, the Lord continues to be long suffering when dealing with this same human mindset in Isaiah.

"Woe unto him that strives [struggles] with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to Him that fashions it, "What make Thou? or Thy work? He hath no hands?" Indeed, "Woe unto him that saith unto his father, "What begettest thou?" or to the woman, "What hast thou brought forth?" Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, "Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons, and concerning the work of My hands command ye Me." (Isaiah 45:9-11)

In another place, Isaiah writes: "But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand." (Isaiah 64:6)

You see, from the beginning of the world, men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for Him that waits for Him. Even though we are all as unclean, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities like the wind, the Lord has provided a way for those who call upon His Name -- that stirs up within themselves to take hold of Thee. (Isaiah 64:4-8)

Throughout, the Lord continues to reaffirm that it is He -- the one and only Lord God, the Lord of hosts, the Lord of glory who is the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the Alpha and Omega ... it is He who established the earth from the void, and all that is contained within.

"I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded." (Isaiah 45:12)

At this point, there should be no doubt that we worship One God and Him alone. He is our Creator. He is the God whom we worship with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) He has proven through Cyrus that He is able to provide, and that He should be our All in all.

It is at this juncture then that we begin to see His glorious plan of salvation unfold. It is here that we see that the Lord God hath prepared a body for Himself -- which will be the prophesied and promised Christ. The Word made flesh and dwelling among us so that we can behold His glory. (John 1:1-18)

The "He that was in the world and the world made by Him and the world knew Him not." (John 1:10-11)

The rod destined to come forth out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch that 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 .... "and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears, but with the righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins and faithfulness the girdle of His reigns." (Isaiah 11:1-5; Isaiah 4:2; John 1:29-30, 32; John 2:24-25; Revelation 1:8, 11; II Thessalonians 2:8)

 "Of this man's seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour -- Jesus." (Acts 13:23; Psalm 132:11; Matthew 1:5-6, 21-23; Luke 3:23)

Continuing in Isaiah -- "I have raised Him up in righteousness, and I will direct all His ways: He shall build My city, and He shall let go My captives, not for price nor reward," saith the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 45:13)

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

Once we were held captive in bondage and sin (because of Adam's transgression)  -- whereas all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. By one man, sin entered the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men; for that all have sinned. (Romans 5:12-14)

Much more the grace of God, and the gift of grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ. As a consequence of His perfect sacrifice on the cross,  we can be justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus -- whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare, [I say], His righteousness, that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believe in Jesus." (Romans 3:15-26)

The victory? Similar to Cyrus who found the treasure hidden in secret places, and subsequently (from what I understand) assumed an extended land base for the return of the Jews including the labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, we as believers in Jesus Christ by faith can be equally sure of the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of time. That is, the Lord our God is One Lord. (Mark 12:29-31) One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all ... (Ephesians 4:5-6) His Name is JESUS! (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35; Acts 4:12) But I digress.

Isaiah writes: "The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto Thee, and they shall be Thine: they shall come after Thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto Thee, they shall make supplication unto Thee, saying, "Surely God is in Thee; and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:14; I Corinthians 14:25)

[An interesting observation by Isaiah is that they who err in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmur shall learn doctrine. (Isaiah 29:24)]

But as we also know from the time in which we have experienced this world, some will say. "There is no God." Or make comments suggesting that "Verily, Thou art a God that hides Thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour." Of course, they shall later be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: and as we know also, they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols." (Isaiah 45:16-17; Isaiah 51:6) Disgraced for their thoughts and deeds, having declared to their graven images -- "Deliver me for thou art my god." (Isaiah 44:11-19)

But as we know from the response of our Lord God and Saviour: "Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time? Have not I the Lord? And there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me. Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by Myself, the Word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: even to Him shall men come; and all that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory." (Isaiah 45:17-25; Isaiah 26:4; Isaiah 29:22; Isaiah 42:5; Psalm 115:16; Deuteronomy 30:11; Psalm 19:8; Isaiah 43:9; Psalm 22:27; Psalm 65:5; Hebrews 6:13; Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10; Deuteronomy 6:13)

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

So, is there still a need to ask the question?  That is the question that Isaiah for our benefit so frequently asks --  "Is there a God beside Me?"

The Lord saith, "Is there a God beside Me? Yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any]." (Isaiah 44:8; Ephesians 4:5-6)

And His Word should be sufficient because He is the One and Only absolute. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. This is why we trust in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord -- the Rock of Ages -- is everlasting strength. (Isaiah 26:4) It is He that said, "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but My salvation shall be for ever and My righteousness shall not be abolished ..." (Isaiah 51:6-7; Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 10:28)

His Name is JESUS. (Matthew 1:21-23) The only Name under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Repent this day, and be baptized/buried/clothed in the precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that you too can be sealed with His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)

Stand in the offering plate.