When the Passover (a feast of the Jews was nigh), Jesus lifts up His eyes and sees a great company coming unto Him. Thus, Jesus said to Philip, "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" Note what the scriptures state -- "And this He said to prove him; for He Himself knew what He would do." (John 6:6)
Indeed, there was never a time when Jesus Himself did not know what He would do but as we soon recognize in searching the scriptures, it is we - His beloved creation --who at times struggle understanding until Jesus -- the Light of the world -- makes the pieces fit together. It is in this context that certain points are simply stated (outside of the words of Jesus and/or apostles), so that He can prove also our faith. Are our hearts honest and true? Do we truly believe Jesus is all that He claims to be? The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending! (Revelation 1:8)
Moreover, have the scales fallen/been taken from our eyes so that when we come to Jesus, we do so with a lover's heart, desiring to know more of Him, as we do when we pursue a girl/boyfriend for the first time? To this end, there are two scriptural examples that I would like to focus on this day. Taken together, we begin to see how the same Word that Jesus gave to us an garners two very different heart responses -- one whereby the scriptures cause our hearts to burn with desire within us for more of Jesus, and sadly, the other using His own Word to declare Jesus of none effect.
Still, allow me to note this. Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) So, even though the world uses the analogy that we are all climbing the same mountain to God but from different perspectives, there is only ONE WAY to experience salvation, and that is when we admit in our hearts (as did Mary the mother of Jesus) that God is our Saviour -- His Word made flesh and dwelling among us so that we might know Him -- as did Peter standing with the eleven -- that Jesus is both Lord and Christ ... and our Saviour too. (John 1:1-18; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Acts 2:36-38)But I digress.
The first scriptural account is the witness of Jesus after He has risen, but not yet ascended as stated in Acts 1:2-3. Mary Magdalene, and Johanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles had gone to tell the eleven (and to all the rest) that Jesus was no longer in the sepulcher as they supposed. The second account is the worldly opinion held by those who opposed Jesus while He walked on earth, referring to Jesus specifically as the deceiver, and citing Jesus' own words to substantiate their case against Him (and, as leverage to secure the sepulcher) to Pilate. Two contrasting heart positions that are quite telling in their own right.
From Luke's gospel: "And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about three score furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him.
And Jesus said unto them, "What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?" And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto Him, "Art Thou a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?" And He said unto them, "What things?"
And they said unto Him -- concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death and have crucified Him. "But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done." Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher: and when they found not His body, they came saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that He was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even so as the women had said, but Him they saw not."
Then [Jesus] said unto them, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and He made as though He would have gone further. But they constrained Him saying, "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread and blessed, and brake and gave it to them.
And THEIR EYES WERE OPENED, and they knew Him and He vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?"
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, "The Lord is risen, indeed, and hath appeared to Simon." And they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you."
But they were terrified and affrighted [frightened] and supposed that they had seen a S/spirit." And He said unto them, "Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts rise in your hearts? Behold, My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me and see for a S/spirit hath no flesh and bones as ye see Me have." (Luke 24:13-40; John 20:20; I Corinthians 15:50)
"And when He had so said, He showed unto them [His] hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord." (John 20:20)
"When Jesus said this, He shewed them His hands and feet. And while they yet believed -- not for joy and wondered -- He said unto them, "Have ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took and did eat before them. And He said unto them, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Me." (Luke 38-44)
Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. What was that understanding that was so critical for the disciples to know?
And so it is written, "The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening Spirit." (I Corinthians 15:45)
"Thus, it is written, and this 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, and ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:45-49)
The power from on high? The Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of Jesus -- descending upon those who believed, and gladly received His Word -- Jesus as the Word that was with God and was God -- on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 1:2, 8; Acts 2:1-47; John 1:1-18)
"And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God, Amen." (Luke 24:50-53)
As Jesus prayed for those who believe in Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength -- "Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26; Psalm 119:9, 142, 151)
Sadly, however, there are those who hated then (and hate to this day) the Name of Jesus. These do not believe that the Name of Jesus is above every other name given unto men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9) Neither do these desire that this same Jesus whom was crucified needs to be King of kings and Lord of lords in each and every one of our hearts -- if we are to be saved.
This account from Matthew 27:62-66. Herein, we see that Jesus has been crucified and laid in the sepulcher -- the new tomb of a rich man of Arimathaea name Joseph, who Himself was Jesus' disciple. (Matthew 27:57) It is now the next day that followed the day of the preparation, and the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate.
These said unto Pilate, "Sir, we remember that the deceiver said, while He was yet alive, "After three days I will rise again!" Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, "He is risen form the dead" so the last error shall be worse than the first." Pilate said unto them, "Ye have a watch; go or way, make it as sure as ye can." So they went and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch." (Matthew 27:62-66)
* The word "error" meaning deception. Sadly, these latter believed the multitudes who had followed Jesus were deceived but not their own hearts. These did not want another King -- the King of kings to rule in their hearts. Even when Jesus said, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth!" (Matthew 28:18)
Even when Jesus came specifically to save those who are lost. To save His people from their sins. To heal the brokenhearted. To set the captives free.
Even when the Lord Himself "hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:10; Psalm 98:1-3; Luke 3:6)
Surely, He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Yes, like sheep we have all gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way; and yet, the Lord -- on that particular day on that old rugged cross -- laid on Him the iniquity of us all ... as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.
Continuing, we now know that there was a great earthquake and that the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it, when the women came to the tomb. And we also know from the scriptures that the angel answered and said unto the women, "Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen." (Matthew 28:1-7)
This is the good news salvation message. This is why we break forth into joy, singing together of the hope that lives within, knowing that the Lord of glory loved you and I so much that He willingly would endure the cross, and make His grave with the wicked so that many would be justified in Him. It was He Himself who poured out His soul unto death and was numbered with the transgressors. In so doing, He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:1-12; Isaiah 52:10)
Therefore, as the prophecy from afore declared, "my people shall know My Name. Therefore, [they shall know] in that day that I AM He that doth speak; behold, [it is] I." (Isaiah 52:6)
Don't be deceived by the wisdom of this world. Rather, search the scriptures for His truth. Seek His wisdom and knowledge that surpasses all human understanding. Study to show ourselves approved unto God, so that we too can understand that the Word -- as it is written -- are they which testify of Jesus. (John 6:38; II Timothy 2:5)
There is a reason Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!"
Accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour today. 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, April 26, 2017
Monday, April 24, 2017
Jesus said, "I Am The Bread of Life; He That Comes To Me Shall Never Hunger And He That Believes On Me Shall Never Thirst!" - Part 1688
Jesus said, "This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:50-51)
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?"
Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eats My flesh, and drinks My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is THAT bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."
These things said He [Jesus] in the synagogue, as He taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard [this] said, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, "Doth this offend you? [What] and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where He was before? It is the Spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are Spirit, and [they] are Life. But there are some of you that believe not." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray Him.
And thus Jesus said, "Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father." From that [time] many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, "Will ye also go away?" Then Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:50-69)
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?"
Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eats My flesh, and drinks My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is THAT bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."
These things said He [Jesus] in the synagogue, as He taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard [this] said, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, "Doth this offend you? [What] and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where He was before? It is the Spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are Spirit, and [they] are Life. But there are some of you that believe not." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray Him.
And thus Jesus said, "Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father." From that [time] many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, "Will ye also go away?" Then Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:50-69)
Before now, when the passover (a feast of the Jews) was nigh, we see that Jesus had fed the 5,000 with five barley loaves and two small fishes. Jesus had walked on the sea. Jesus had turned the water into wine at a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Indeed, Jesus had found those in the temple -- those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting -- and threw them out for making "My Father's house an house of merchandise." (John 2:16)
As well, Jesus had spoken to Nicodemus, a man of the Pharisees, a ruler of the Jews and informed him that "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!" (John 3:3,5, 1-24) Jesus had met the woman at the well, and told her that "Whosoever drinks of this water [from the well] shall thirst again. But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well [fountain] of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14, 1-41)
By now, also, we see that Jesus had healed the son of a certain nobleman whose son was sick and at the point of death in Capernaum. (John 4:46, 45-54) And that, when Jesus saw a certain man at the pool (which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethseda, having five porches) which had an infirmity thirty and eight years, He made the man whole. In fact, in that example, Jesus simply told the man to "rise, take up thy bed, and walk." (John 5:8, 11, 1-15)
So when Jesus told the multitudes (the 5,000) who followed Him after they were fed, that they sought Jesus "not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled," He is remarking on their state of heart. (John 6:26) How do we know this? Because Jesus told them to ... "Labour not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:26-27; Matthew 6:19; John 4:14; Acts 2:22)
When the people then ask Jesus, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" Jesus tells them, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." (John 6:29; I John 3:23)
But instead of believing on Jesus, these desired a sign, "that we may see, and believe Thee? What dost Thou work?"
You see, while these at this point sought a sign to believe, we see that Jesus had already given numerous mighty signs and wonders, and unexplained miracles too, for them to believe in Him for whom He said He was. All of the miracles Jesus performed -- that had taken place before this point -- should have been sufficient. Indeed, these should have marveled at what Jesus had done, and was doing.
And yet, instead, these still sought a sign. These desired to know what they should do "that we might work the works of God!" (John 6:28) And, similarly in asking the question, these referred to the time when their fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to eat!" (John 6:29-31;Exodus 16:14-15; Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 78:24; John 3:13, 16)
Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the true Bread from heaven. For the Bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world." (John 6:30-33)
When these ask the Lord to "evermore give us this bread," Jesus tells them outright -- "I am the bread of life; he that comes to Me shall never hunger, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you -- that ye also have seen Me and believe not. All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me; and him that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:35-40)
However, again, instead of accepting that Jesus is the Bread of Life which came from heaven to redeem them, the Jews murmured at Him because He said -- "I am the Bread which came down from heaven." (John 6:42; Matthew 13:55)
In spite of the numerous miracles performed, these could only see Jesus as a man -- the son of Joseph who is a carpenter. It is with this earthly mindset that these could not understand "how this man could give [His] flesh to eat?" (John 6:52)
Nevertheless, for those whose hearts had changed at the coming of the prophesied Messiah, the promised Christ, they gladly received His Word. Just as the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost had. These did not murmur among themselves but heartily accepted what Jesus said. That is, "No man can come to Me except the Father which hath sent Me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, "And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father comes unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father.
Verily, verily, I say unto you -- He that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever, and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world!" (John 6:43-51)
The Son of man which is the Lord of glory. It is no wonder that Simon Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:68-69; Acts 5:20; Luke 9:20)
There is much, much more to glean from what Jesus is saying herein, but let it suffice as a starting point to understanding that Jesus is indeed the Bread of Life. He is the Living Water that satisfies beyond measure, quenching our thirst.
And "this is the work of God that ye believe on HIM whom He hath sent." (John 6:29)
And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. And he that keeps His commandments dwelleth in Him and He in him. And hereby we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." (I John 3:23-24)
Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control - PART 1687
Guest blog by Kathleen:
In today's world, there are oft teachers who are not good pastors and conversely, pastors who are not good teachers. I am sure that there are some who have both qualities but I haven't found one yet. I have also heard time and again that people want to just love but there is no scripture behind it. There seems to be an idea that love alone will do just fine. Love is great, it's true. Love already won the war but there are still battles to be fought.
That might have given you the impression that this is going to be another discussion about the armor of God and while those verses speak their own truths, I want to share something else.
In II Peter, Simon Peter is writing an epistle that is presumably written while he was detained in a cell. He wasn't just sitting in jail though, as one might suppose. Rather, he was about to be executed. Do you know why? Because he was sharing the gospel of Jesus. This is a man who walked a path most of us do not have to walk and he is about to pay the price for it. This is a man who is writing these words from experience so don't push them away.
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self control, and self control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:5 -11)
When I read these verses I realized that in a way these are very good step by step instructions to follow into our walk with Jesus. If your hope is to become fishers of men like the disciples were called to do then you might be as interested as I was to pursue this further.
#1 Faith - Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. This is the starting point. Here is where you accept that Jesus is your Savior and that you want to live a life for Him. You put your complete trust in Him. (John 3:16-17) We need our faith and the only way our faith can be real is if we believe that Jesus came and died on the cross for us. To believe that He paid the price full for our sins and that through Him we receive salvation. If we can put our complete trust on that one fact alone, we can move on.
#2 Virtue - Behavior showing high moral standards. In the Bible these are called the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) These include:
Love = An intense showing of deep affection
Joy = A feeling of great pleasure and happiness
Peace = quiet and tranquility (the state of being calm)
Patience =the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Kindness = the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate
Goodness = moral excellence
Faithfulness = steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant
Gentleness = kindly, amiable
Self Control = control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.
When you accept Jesus, there is a change in you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is in a new creation. This change would definitely be represented by the fruits of the Spirit. These virtues will be shown in the new creation. As a homeschooling mom, I can attest that when my kids are happy and at peace, I am able to teach them far beyond what I could if they are being impatient and upset. It sets the foundation for us to be able to learn and grow. In short, it makes you humble to be receptive to the knowledge that comes next. Here we become the clay once again so the potter can begin to shape us.
#3 Once you have your virtues, you go gather knowledge. Do you know what knowledge is? Knowledge is the facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. You get educated but you don't just read the words, you practice them. The subject here is the Bible. James has a few things to say on this too but we will stay on track. This is when we study the scriptures, front to back, inside and out. We learn them but we also begin to put them into practice. The definition incorporates both theoretical and practical use of the facts and information we acquire. This is where our belief grows because we learn the history, we find out who the main characters were and we recognize the huge sacrifice that was made for us. This is where it begins to get real.
#4 I found this one interesting because he refers us back to self control which is one of the virtues we would have been practicing already. I think the reason for this would be clear because all too often we see people who have gotten to this point and stop. They stop searching the scriptures and engaging in the fruits of the Spirit because they become prideful. The reason why Peter chooses to remind us again is because this isn't the first time the church has heard from him. This letter is written as a reminder, in fact in verse 13 he writes, "I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder..."
Peter knows that we will get sidetracked so he brings us back to self control. He reminds us to be diligent in our walk. The high priests knew all the scriptures. They had the ceremonies down pat. They were, after all, the high priests! They were the leaders of the religion! So Peter tells us to regain control! Don't stop there and become someone who has perfected the religion but lost the truth. Maintain the self control that helped you have the diligence to dedicate yourself to learning.
This topic is covered by Paul but in it he warns us that our pride may get in the way so we should humble ourselves so the only thing we boast in is Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1: 26-31)
#5 Steadfastness. To be firmly rooted in your faith; fixed in a direction; steadily directed.
There is something about this word that I love because it really seems to drive home the importance of knowing your scriptures. It roots you, gets your eyes fixed on the direction, and keeps you steady as you proceed your course. 2 Timothy 3:14-16: But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
The only way for you to be steadfast is to be seeking the Lord Jesus through the scriptures. Without that, you will not be able to root yourself in the ground, be your eyes fixed on Jesus and be steadily directed.
Jesus must be so excited when people reach this point. When you have the scriptures inside you (Psalm 119:11), and hid in your heart, the fruits of the Spirit become part of your daily life and your faith is rooted. Now you are ready to go. Your eyes are fixed on the One who matters and you are strong in your faith. This is the turning point for us.
#6 Godliness: Well if you thought you didn't need the scriptures before, this one is going to stump you. For this we only need to go back a few verses to 2 Peter 1 verse 3: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who call us to His own glory and excellence... The knowledge comes from the Bible. Just think about it. When you reach this point of maturity He will lay His plan before you. I believe you will be able to see it, as clear the disciples who walked with Jesus. It is here that your eyes truly open and your ears can hear His voice. You are ready for battle.
#7 Brotherly affection: Devotion, fond attachment or love. When I started thinking about this I was caught off guard that this one was so close to the end of the list. Aren't we supposed to love each other? Isn't our time on earth all about the relationships? Then I started thinking and I realized is it even any wonder why this would be #7 on the list? Could it be that our purpose needs to be focused on Jesus so that He can refine us into the people He has called us to be before we can truly begin to have healthy relationships with others? Now don't get me wrong, we don't spend the next years of our journey ignoring people. The very fact that we are following God and demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit in our everyday life will allow our regular relationships to flourish.
#8 Brotherly affection with love: This distinction, to me, drives home even further what I gathered from the last point. That our focus needs to be pointed towards the scriptures and once we have come this far, then and only then will we have finally gotten to the point where we recognize our own plank and take it out so that we don't even notice the plank in the eye of another. Jesus didn't. He forgave sins, healed bodies and mended the brokenhearted. He loved from the depths of His heart, the heart of a Father for His beloved. And now... He has you right where He wants you to be.
It's no longer just brotherly affection anymore, it's brotherly affection with love! And suddenly you have reached the depth and breadth that so few reach. You have now entered into the relationship with your groom that goes beyond anything you could have imagined! His heart becomes your heart and you live full of love for Him because He fills you in every way! There is joy in the morning, afternoon and evening because every minute is a minute spent together. It feels like new love but it never ends! You serve joyfully!
It is here the relationships start to grow and you begin to mentor others just like the disciples who wrote the letters to the churches. You are completely transformed into who He called you to be.... it will be GLORIOUS! The angels will sing! The demons tremble and shake because they know that you are who He called you to be and there is nothing they can do about it.
You have finally reached the place where he told the disciples you would be in John 14 when He told them, "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I'm going to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
He gives you eyes to see, and suddenly you see far beyond yourself and you begin to recognize the people! Here He opens the door so that you can recognize the strength that comes in serving others. He starts to mold you into being a world changer by creating you into the disciple He called you to be. Now you are walking with Him just like the disciples did 2,000 years ago... but with something better because you already know the ending.
And do you know why you would do all of this? Do you know why you would spend a lifetime journeying on this path? Why, in some cases, you might actually give your life for it? Love. Real, unending, Godly love that is not shallow or self serving. It is the love that wins battles before they even start, the love that conquered the world and testifies to others: He is the one true God, Jesus!
And when you draw your last breath, you know there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of Jesus. Here you will stand before Jesus knowing that you have completed the race, kept the faith and you will be told, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your masters happiness!" (Matthew 25:23)
Oh glorious day!!
Admittedly, I have not dedicated my time to learning the scriptures the way I want to. I'm still learning the fruits of the Spirit as well but I think that one will be a lifelong lesson for all of us. But how I pray I will get there. This doesn't mean that He won't use me where I am now because He does. Just like He gave the talons out to three different people and He blessed those who gave it their all. "Enter into the joy of your Master." (Matthew 25:23)
But it is so easy to stop our faith journey there. To go a little and feel like that is enough. We live in such a self serving world where there is a hundred different ways to get a compliment and very little that we lack. I don't want to be here anymore. I want to keep going further. These verses have opened my eyes just a little bit to let me think of what majesty He has planned for my life. I want to drink from the living water. Don't you?
In today's world, there are oft teachers who are not good pastors and conversely, pastors who are not good teachers. I am sure that there are some who have both qualities but I haven't found one yet. I have also heard time and again that people want to just love but there is no scripture behind it. There seems to be an idea that love alone will do just fine. Love is great, it's true. Love already won the war but there are still battles to be fought.
That might have given you the impression that this is going to be another discussion about the armor of God and while those verses speak their own truths, I want to share something else.
In II Peter, Simon Peter is writing an epistle that is presumably written while he was detained in a cell. He wasn't just sitting in jail though, as one might suppose. Rather, he was about to be executed. Do you know why? Because he was sharing the gospel of Jesus. This is a man who walked a path most of us do not have to walk and he is about to pay the price for it. This is a man who is writing these words from experience so don't push them away.
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self control, and self control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:5 -11)
When I read these verses I realized that in a way these are very good step by step instructions to follow into our walk with Jesus. If your hope is to become fishers of men like the disciples were called to do then you might be as interested as I was to pursue this further.
#1 Faith - Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. This is the starting point. Here is where you accept that Jesus is your Savior and that you want to live a life for Him. You put your complete trust in Him. (John 3:16-17) We need our faith and the only way our faith can be real is if we believe that Jesus came and died on the cross for us. To believe that He paid the price full for our sins and that through Him we receive salvation. If we can put our complete trust on that one fact alone, we can move on.
#2 Virtue - Behavior showing high moral standards. In the Bible these are called the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) These include:
Love = An intense showing of deep affection
Joy = A feeling of great pleasure and happiness
Peace = quiet and tranquility (the state of being calm)
Patience =the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Kindness = the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate
Goodness = moral excellence
Faithfulness = steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant
Gentleness = kindly, amiable
Self Control = control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.
When you accept Jesus, there is a change in you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is in a new creation. This change would definitely be represented by the fruits of the Spirit. These virtues will be shown in the new creation. As a homeschooling mom, I can attest that when my kids are happy and at peace, I am able to teach them far beyond what I could if they are being impatient and upset. It sets the foundation for us to be able to learn and grow. In short, it makes you humble to be receptive to the knowledge that comes next. Here we become the clay once again so the potter can begin to shape us.
#3 Once you have your virtues, you go gather knowledge. Do you know what knowledge is? Knowledge is the facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. You get educated but you don't just read the words, you practice them. The subject here is the Bible. James has a few things to say on this too but we will stay on track. This is when we study the scriptures, front to back, inside and out. We learn them but we also begin to put them into practice. The definition incorporates both theoretical and practical use of the facts and information we acquire. This is where our belief grows because we learn the history, we find out who the main characters were and we recognize the huge sacrifice that was made for us. This is where it begins to get real.
#4 I found this one interesting because he refers us back to self control which is one of the virtues we would have been practicing already. I think the reason for this would be clear because all too often we see people who have gotten to this point and stop. They stop searching the scriptures and engaging in the fruits of the Spirit because they become prideful. The reason why Peter chooses to remind us again is because this isn't the first time the church has heard from him. This letter is written as a reminder, in fact in verse 13 he writes, "I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder..."
Peter knows that we will get sidetracked so he brings us back to self control. He reminds us to be diligent in our walk. The high priests knew all the scriptures. They had the ceremonies down pat. They were, after all, the high priests! They were the leaders of the religion! So Peter tells us to regain control! Don't stop there and become someone who has perfected the religion but lost the truth. Maintain the self control that helped you have the diligence to dedicate yourself to learning.
This topic is covered by Paul but in it he warns us that our pride may get in the way so we should humble ourselves so the only thing we boast in is Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1: 26-31)
#5 Steadfastness. To be firmly rooted in your faith; fixed in a direction; steadily directed.
There is something about this word that I love because it really seems to drive home the importance of knowing your scriptures. It roots you, gets your eyes fixed on the direction, and keeps you steady as you proceed your course. 2 Timothy 3:14-16: But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
The only way for you to be steadfast is to be seeking the Lord Jesus through the scriptures. Without that, you will not be able to root yourself in the ground, be your eyes fixed on Jesus and be steadily directed.
Jesus must be so excited when people reach this point. When you have the scriptures inside you (Psalm 119:11), and hid in your heart, the fruits of the Spirit become part of your daily life and your faith is rooted. Now you are ready to go. Your eyes are fixed on the One who matters and you are strong in your faith. This is the turning point for us.
#6 Godliness: Well if you thought you didn't need the scriptures before, this one is going to stump you. For this we only need to go back a few verses to 2 Peter 1 verse 3: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who call us to His own glory and excellence... The knowledge comes from the Bible. Just think about it. When you reach this point of maturity He will lay His plan before you. I believe you will be able to see it, as clear the disciples who walked with Jesus. It is here that your eyes truly open and your ears can hear His voice. You are ready for battle.
#7 Brotherly affection: Devotion, fond attachment or love. When I started thinking about this I was caught off guard that this one was so close to the end of the list. Aren't we supposed to love each other? Isn't our time on earth all about the relationships? Then I started thinking and I realized is it even any wonder why this would be #7 on the list? Could it be that our purpose needs to be focused on Jesus so that He can refine us into the people He has called us to be before we can truly begin to have healthy relationships with others? Now don't get me wrong, we don't spend the next years of our journey ignoring people. The very fact that we are following God and demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit in our everyday life will allow our regular relationships to flourish.
#8 Brotherly affection with love: This distinction, to me, drives home even further what I gathered from the last point. That our focus needs to be pointed towards the scriptures and once we have come this far, then and only then will we have finally gotten to the point where we recognize our own plank and take it out so that we don't even notice the plank in the eye of another. Jesus didn't. He forgave sins, healed bodies and mended the brokenhearted. He loved from the depths of His heart, the heart of a Father for His beloved. And now... He has you right where He wants you to be.
It's no longer just brotherly affection anymore, it's brotherly affection with love! And suddenly you have reached the depth and breadth that so few reach. You have now entered into the relationship with your groom that goes beyond anything you could have imagined! His heart becomes your heart and you live full of love for Him because He fills you in every way! There is joy in the morning, afternoon and evening because every minute is a minute spent together. It feels like new love but it never ends! You serve joyfully!
It is here the relationships start to grow and you begin to mentor others just like the disciples who wrote the letters to the churches. You are completely transformed into who He called you to be.... it will be GLORIOUS! The angels will sing! The demons tremble and shake because they know that you are who He called you to be and there is nothing they can do about it.
You have finally reached the place where he told the disciples you would be in John 14 when He told them, "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I'm going to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
He gives you eyes to see, and suddenly you see far beyond yourself and you begin to recognize the people! Here He opens the door so that you can recognize the strength that comes in serving others. He starts to mold you into being a world changer by creating you into the disciple He called you to be. Now you are walking with Him just like the disciples did 2,000 years ago... but with something better because you already know the ending.
And do you know why you would do all of this? Do you know why you would spend a lifetime journeying on this path? Why, in some cases, you might actually give your life for it? Love. Real, unending, Godly love that is not shallow or self serving. It is the love that wins battles before they even start, the love that conquered the world and testifies to others: He is the one true God, Jesus!
And when you draw your last breath, you know there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of Jesus. Here you will stand before Jesus knowing that you have completed the race, kept the faith and you will be told, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your masters happiness!" (Matthew 25:23)
Oh glorious day!!
Admittedly, I have not dedicated my time to learning the scriptures the way I want to. I'm still learning the fruits of the Spirit as well but I think that one will be a lifelong lesson for all of us. But how I pray I will get there. This doesn't mean that He won't use me where I am now because He does. Just like He gave the talons out to three different people and He blessed those who gave it their all. "Enter into the joy of your Master." (Matthew 25:23)
But it is so easy to stop our faith journey there. To go a little and feel like that is enough. We live in such a self serving world where there is a hundred different ways to get a compliment and very little that we lack. I don't want to be here anymore. I want to keep going further. These verses have opened my eyes just a little bit to let me think of what majesty He has planned for my life. I want to drink from the living water. Don't you?
Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? - Part 1686
And Jesus said, "I AM: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:62)
Throughout the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, there are those continually asking Jesus (and, as well, of John the baptizer) about identity. Often, the response was not considered, even when those questioning were told the truth. One such occasion is herein, when Jesus was about to be crucified. Therein, the chief priests and all the council are seeking for witness against Jesus so that He would be put to death, but these found none. So, instead, there arose certain and bare false witness against Jesus saying, "We heard Him say -- I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." (Mark 14:58-59)
But even when the witnesses could not agree in their testimony against Jesus, the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus directly, saying, "Answer Thou nothing? what is it which these witness against Thee?" But Jesus held His peace. So he then asks, "Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the blessed?" When Jesus answered and said, "I AM" He also told him that "ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:60-63)
In another account, "as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led Him into their council, saying, "Art Thou the Christ? Tell us." And Jesus said unto them, "If I tell you, ye will not believe. And if I also ask you, ye shall not answer Me, nor let Me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." Then said they all, "Art Thou then the Son of God?" And He said unto them, "Ye say that I AM." And they said, "What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth." (Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:1-54)
You see, while the high priest (and others) said unto Jesus, "I adjure Thee by the living God that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God," it was evident from scripture that these should have already known by scripture who Jesus was. After all, the coming of the Christ, the Messiah, was prophesied throughout the old testament. (Matthew 26:63; Isaiah 53:7; Leviticus 5:1)
Just like now, there was nothing hid from the hearts of those who willingly sought the Lord God. "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a Lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before the shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgement, and who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of My people was He stricken. And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death, because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth ...." (Isaiah 53:7-9; Acts 8:32-33; Revelation 5:6; Luke 23:1-25; Daniel 9:26; I Peter 2:21-22; I John 2:1; Isaiah 42:1-8; Romans 5:15-19; John 19:19)
Jesus' identity should have been evident to one and all, if only by the opposition to Pilate writing the title -- JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS -- in Hebrew and Greek and Latin. But the chief priests told Pilate to write not the King of the Jews, but rather, that He said, "I am King of the Jews." Nevertheless, Pilate had written what he had written, which means these (the fathers and their children also) are without excuse.
"Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them is; who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, "Why did the heathen rage? and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ. For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel [purpose] determined before to be done ..." (Acts 4:24-29; Exodus 20:11; Psalm 2:1-2; John 10:30, 36; Acts 2:23, 36)
The message wherein we can now understand from the scriptures is that Jesus -- the Son of man was and is the Lord of glory. Jesus was and is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus was and is the visible image of the invisible God. And that all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt 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)
Indeed, "to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-19)
This is why when Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest (including the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees) were gathered together at Jerusalem, and they asked Peter filled with the Holy Ghost - "By what power, or by what name have ye done this?" Peter could say "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner." (Acts 4:1-26)
His Name is Jesus!
"Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum. We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man." Hebrews (8:1-2; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 9:8, 11-12, 15, 24)
Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Throughout the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, there are those continually asking Jesus (and, as well, of John the baptizer) about identity. Often, the response was not considered, even when those questioning were told the truth. One such occasion is herein, when Jesus was about to be crucified. Therein, the chief priests and all the council are seeking for witness against Jesus so that He would be put to death, but these found none. So, instead, there arose certain and bare false witness against Jesus saying, "We heard Him say -- I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." (Mark 14:58-59)
But even when the witnesses could not agree in their testimony against Jesus, the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus directly, saying, "Answer Thou nothing? what is it which these witness against Thee?" But Jesus held His peace. So he then asks, "Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the blessed?" When Jesus answered and said, "I AM" He also told him that "ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:60-63)
In another account, "as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led Him into their council, saying, "Art Thou the Christ? Tell us." And Jesus said unto them, "If I tell you, ye will not believe. And if I also ask you, ye shall not answer Me, nor let Me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." Then said they all, "Art Thou then the Son of God?" And He said unto them, "Ye say that I AM." And they said, "What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth." (Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:1-54)
You see, while the high priest (and others) said unto Jesus, "I adjure Thee by the living God that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God," it was evident from scripture that these should have already known by scripture who Jesus was. After all, the coming of the Christ, the Messiah, was prophesied throughout the old testament. (Matthew 26:63; Isaiah 53:7; Leviticus 5:1)
Just like now, there was nothing hid from the hearts of those who willingly sought the Lord God. "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a Lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before the shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgement, and who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of My people was He stricken. And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death, because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth ...." (Isaiah 53:7-9; Acts 8:32-33; Revelation 5:6; Luke 23:1-25; Daniel 9:26; I Peter 2:21-22; I John 2:1; Isaiah 42:1-8; Romans 5:15-19; John 19:19)
Jesus' identity should have been evident to one and all, if only by the opposition to Pilate writing the title -- JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS -- in Hebrew and Greek and Latin. But the chief priests told Pilate to write not the King of the Jews, but rather, that He said, "I am King of the Jews." Nevertheless, Pilate had written what he had written, which means these (the fathers and their children also) are without excuse.
"Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them is; who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, "Why did the heathen rage? and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ. For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel [purpose] determined before to be done ..." (Acts 4:24-29; Exodus 20:11; Psalm 2:1-2; John 10:30, 36; Acts 2:23, 36)
The message wherein we can now understand from the scriptures is that Jesus -- the Son of man was and is the Lord of glory. Jesus was and is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus was and is the visible image of the invisible God. And that all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt 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)
Indeed, "to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-19)
This is why when Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest (including the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees) were gathered together at Jerusalem, and they asked Peter filled with the Holy Ghost - "By what power, or by what name have ye done this?" Peter could say "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner." (Acts 4:1-26)
His Name is Jesus!
"Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum. We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man." Hebrews (8:1-2; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 9:8, 11-12, 15, 24)
Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Ye Are A Chosen Generation; A Royal Priesthood; An Holy Nation; A Peculiar People; That Ye Should Shew Forth the Praises of Him Who Hath Called You Out of Darkness - Part 1685
"God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)
". . . be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which is set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12)
As newborn babes, we are to desire the sincere milk of the Word, that we may grow thereby -- if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (I Peter 2:2-3) Unto you therefore which believe He is precious. In our faith journey, we begin to understand that in being born again, we have not been born of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God. And, who is the Word? The Word is JESUS, for He alone shall save you from your sins. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:21-23)
The "Word" is further emphasized in John, wherein he writes:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth ..." (John 1:1-18)
Therefore, when we study the scriptures -- the Word for truth, we are seeking Jesus, and will not, as a consequence, be found wanting. Indeed, when our hearts receive Him with all readiness of mind, the scales of blindness fall away from our eyes, and the glorious light of the Lord Jesus fills our hearts with joy and gladness. We see this in example after example within the scriptures -- "that which is noted in the scripture of truth." (Daniel 10:21) "For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer." (I Timothy 4:5) "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11)
"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." (Luke 24:27)
And they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He [Jesus] talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32)
"Then opened He [Jesus] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures ..." (Luke 24:45)
"When therefore He [Jesus] was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said." (John 2:22)
These confirm then for us that the scriptures are for our learning and understanding too. Nothing will be hid from those who seek the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is why Jesus tells us to "search the scriptures ... they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39) Moreover, note that those who walked daily with Jesus (when He walked on this earth) and received the revelation of the doctrine of Christ, also understood from the scriptures that Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy from the old testament.
"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." (Acts 8:35)
"And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures ..." (Acts 17:2)
"But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." (Matthew 26:56)
Jesus said, "He that believeth on Me," as the scripture hath said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)
As we open up to the scriptures, we discover that these are the living Word. Our foundation -- the absolute, in that we must worship the Lord Jesus in s/Spirit and in truth. Therefore, the scriptures do not contradict one another. How can I say this? Because God is not the Author of confusion. If there is a lack of understanding, it is because we have not searched the scriptures for clarity on that particular point.
Still, the scriptures are full of questions that invite us to delve deeper into His Word, so that we can eat and drink from the same spiritual Rock that the Israelites did (when these passed through the Red Sea) -- that spiritual Rock which was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4) This is why we are encouraged to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
But we study the scriptures also so that we do not waver, being tossed to and fro by the whims of this world, and/or by those who concerning the truth have erred. We search the scriptures for clarity so that we too will know that the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal -- "The Lord knows them that are His." And, "Let every one that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19)
This is why it is important that we know and understand the principles of the doctrine of Christ, so that we can go 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. (Hebrews 6:1-2)
Herein, we taste of the heavenly gift, and are made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and thus, have tasted the Word of God, and the powers of the world to come. As I stated before, in order not to fall away or be deceived by wolves in sheep's clothing, we study the Word of righteousness for ourselves so that when we are of full age, having received the meat of His Word -- the manna from heaven -- we can have our senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14) But I digress somewhat.
Getting back to my original point, note how the scriptures -- the Word of the Lord God, our Saviour Jesus the Christ -- leads and guides us into a deeper knowledge of the heavenly. (Titus 3:4-7) We learn from Jesus' example, wherein He continually relied on scripture. There are many examples that can be cited, but the following samples are given so that we accept His invitation to discover every good thing which the Lord Jesus has for those who trust in Him. So that we will grow in the knowledge of Him, who after His kindness and love, willingly became our Saviour on the cross.
My hope is that one of these scriptures draws you closer in your faith walk, and that in your learning, you will understand, as Jesus so clearly said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:1-12)
1. When Jesus said -- speaking 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) -- "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me as the scriptures hath said -- "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" the people asked, causing division because of Jesus -- "Hath not the scripture said, "That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" (John 7:42)
2. When Jesus said, "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead." (John 20:9)
3. Jesus also said, "But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" (Matthew 26:54)
4. Jesus said, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took Me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled." (Mark 14:49)
5. And Jesus began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:21)
6. Jesus said, " ... and the scripture cannot be broken ..." (John 10:35)
7. Jesus said, "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, he that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me." (John 13:18)
8. Jesus prayed, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy Name: those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." (John 17:12)
9. "They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, "They parted My raiment among them, and for My vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did" ... After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, "I thirst." (John 19:24-28)
10. "For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled -- A bone of Him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (John 19:36-37)
11. "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus."(Acts 1:16)
12. "The place of the scripture which He read was this, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not His mouth ..." (Acts 8:32)
Conversely, as we similarly understand from the scriptures (which do not lie) not everyone "gladly" receives the Word. In fact, Jesus saith unto the scribes and Pharisees, "Did ye never read in the scriptures, "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" (Matthew 21:42)
Did Jesus not say -- "And have ye not read this scripture; "The stone which the builders rejected is become the Head of the corner ..." (Mark 12:10)
But because of their heart motives, Jesus told them -- "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29)
And likewise in another place, Jesus answering said unto them, "Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?" (Mark 20:24)
Don't become like the latter and sell your birthright for a morsel of bread/meat from those that peddle another gospel. Instead, stand in the offering plate wherein there is liberty. Let him with ears to hear, hear.
". . . be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which is set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12)
As newborn babes, we are to desire the sincere milk of the Word, that we may grow thereby -- if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (I Peter 2:2-3) Unto you therefore which believe He is precious. In our faith journey, we begin to understand that in being born again, we have not been born of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God. And, who is the Word? The Word is JESUS, for He alone shall save you from your sins. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:21-23)
The "Word" is further emphasized in John, wherein he writes:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth ..." (John 1:1-18)
Therefore, when we study the scriptures -- the Word for truth, we are seeking Jesus, and will not, as a consequence, be found wanting. Indeed, when our hearts receive Him with all readiness of mind, the scales of blindness fall away from our eyes, and the glorious light of the Lord Jesus fills our hearts with joy and gladness. We see this in example after example within the scriptures -- "that which is noted in the scripture of truth." (Daniel 10:21) "For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer." (I Timothy 4:5) "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11)
"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." (Luke 24:27)
And they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He [Jesus] talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32)
"Then opened He [Jesus] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures ..." (Luke 24:45)
"When therefore He [Jesus] was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said." (John 2:22)
These confirm then for us that the scriptures are for our learning and understanding too. Nothing will be hid from those who seek the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is why Jesus tells us to "search the scriptures ... they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39) Moreover, note that those who walked daily with Jesus (when He walked on this earth) and received the revelation of the doctrine of Christ, also understood from the scriptures that Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy from the old testament.
"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." (Acts 8:35)
"And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures ..." (Acts 17:2)
"But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." (Matthew 26:56)
Jesus said, "He that believeth on Me," as the scripture hath said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)
As we open up to the scriptures, we discover that these are the living Word. Our foundation -- the absolute, in that we must worship the Lord Jesus in s/Spirit and in truth. Therefore, the scriptures do not contradict one another. How can I say this? Because God is not the Author of confusion. If there is a lack of understanding, it is because we have not searched the scriptures for clarity on that particular point.
Still, the scriptures are full of questions that invite us to delve deeper into His Word, so that we can eat and drink from the same spiritual Rock that the Israelites did (when these passed through the Red Sea) -- that spiritual Rock which was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4) This is why we are encouraged to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
But we study the scriptures also so that we do not waver, being tossed to and fro by the whims of this world, and/or by those who concerning the truth have erred. We search the scriptures for clarity so that we too will know that the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal -- "The Lord knows them that are His." And, "Let every one that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19)
This is why it is important that we know and understand the principles of the doctrine of Christ, so that we can go 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. (Hebrews 6:1-2)
Herein, we taste of the heavenly gift, and are made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and thus, have tasted the Word of God, and the powers of the world to come. As I stated before, in order not to fall away or be deceived by wolves in sheep's clothing, we study the Word of righteousness for ourselves so that when we are of full age, having received the meat of His Word -- the manna from heaven -- we can have our senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14) But I digress somewhat.
Getting back to my original point, note how the scriptures -- the Word of the Lord God, our Saviour Jesus the Christ -- leads and guides us into a deeper knowledge of the heavenly. (Titus 3:4-7) We learn from Jesus' example, wherein He continually relied on scripture. There are many examples that can be cited, but the following samples are given so that we accept His invitation to discover every good thing which the Lord Jesus has for those who trust in Him. So that we will grow in the knowledge of Him, who after His kindness and love, willingly became our Saviour on the cross.
My hope is that one of these scriptures draws you closer in your faith walk, and that in your learning, you will understand, as Jesus so clearly said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:1-12)
1. When Jesus said -- speaking 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) -- "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me as the scriptures hath said -- "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" the people asked, causing division because of Jesus -- "Hath not the scripture said, "That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" (John 7:42)
2. When Jesus said, "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead." (John 20:9)
3. Jesus also said, "But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" (Matthew 26:54)
4. Jesus said, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took Me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled." (Mark 14:49)
5. And Jesus began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:21)
6. Jesus said, " ... and the scripture cannot be broken ..." (John 10:35)
7. Jesus said, "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, he that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me." (John 13:18)
8. Jesus prayed, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy Name: those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." (John 17:12)
9. "They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, "They parted My raiment among them, and for My vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did" ... After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, "I thirst." (John 19:24-28)
10. "For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled -- A bone of Him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (John 19:36-37)
11. "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus."(Acts 1:16)
12. "The place of the scripture which He read was this, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not His mouth ..." (Acts 8:32)
Conversely, as we similarly understand from the scriptures (which do not lie) not everyone "gladly" receives the Word. In fact, Jesus saith unto the scribes and Pharisees, "Did ye never read in the scriptures, "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" (Matthew 21:42)
Did Jesus not say -- "And have ye not read this scripture; "The stone which the builders rejected is become the Head of the corner ..." (Mark 12:10)
But because of their heart motives, Jesus told them -- "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29)
And likewise in another place, Jesus answering said unto them, "Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?" (Mark 20:24)
Don't become like the latter and sell your birthright for a morsel of bread/meat from those that peddle another gospel. Instead, stand in the offering plate wherein there is liberty. Let him with ears to hear, hear.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
How That By Revelation He Made Known Unto Me The Mystery of Christ - Part 1684
"Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?" (I Corinthians 9:1)
In Paul's example, these questions are critical, because as Paul admits himself, he is one born out of due time. As such, he did not walk daily with Jesus, as did the other disciples. Rather, as Saul, the Lord Jesus stopped him in his tracks while enroute to Damascus. Saul's purpose, as he saw it, was to round up anyone who professed the Name of the Lord Jesus, and to either imprison them, or have them killed. As a side note, Saul oversaw the stoning of Stephen, to the point of even keeping the raiment of them that slew him. In Paul's defence before many people, he later shares his testimony, repeating his words, "Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee." (Acts 22:19)
And in another place, Paul states: "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities." (Acts 26:9-15)
Returning to the initial questions, Paul is (in some ways) disputing those who disregard his teachings as lesser than the instruction of Jesus' other disciples. Even in today's religious culture, Paul's instruction to the Gentiles (termed by modern day theologians as the Pauline epistles) is oft disputed because he did not walk physically on earth with Jesus. This conclusion made, even when we know that Jesus personally called Saul, blinding him so that he had to be led by those that accompanied him to a certain disciple named Ananias.
Still, the Lord said unto Ananias (and to us by extension) that Saul (who would be renamed Paul) is a chosen vessel unto Him, to bear His Name -- the Name of Jesus before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. Jesus told Ananias -- "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16)
The Lord Jesus having called S/Paul as not only the "last of all" to see Jesus before He was taken up but also "of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:8)
Nevertheless, S/Paul was called for a purpose. When S/Paul asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" Jesus said unto him, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose -- to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee, delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee -- to open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:14-18)
Thus, when Paul's instructions to us as Gentiles (not Jews/Israelites per se) -- things that are written not to shame us, but as warnings to "my beloved" -- are therefore dismissed by many within the religious culture, there is a problem. In so doing, we therefore ignore that Jesus chose Paul specifically as a minister and as a witness to us so that our eyes would be opened, and that we might receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance beyond measure. (I Corinthians 4:14)
"For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not so many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel ..." (I Corinthians 4:15)
Does this make Paul perfect? Of course not, but what we are able to see is how Jesus working through Paul brings us His message of redemption. We see how Jesus is able to take Saul (and his wrath and condemnation against those who believe in Jesus) to a man renewed, with a higher purpose. And through S/Paul, we see how even the worst of us (from a societal/earthly perspective) can possess the mind of Christ Jesus within. (Philippians 2:5)
For Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Paul does not vary from Jesus' message, but as well, adds his own personal testimony so that "the communication of thy [his] faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus," and how we have great joy and consolation in His love. (Philemon 1:6)
For the record, it may be important to note here that Paul did not vary either from what Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost told the first 3,000 to come to Jesus on the new testament side. That is, to repent, and be [water] baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-47) Paul had to also come to the realization that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) That Jesus is our all and all.
So, when Paul scribes these questions -- ""Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?" (I Corinthians 9:1) he is reminding us that he is the Lord's appointed/anointed, so that we who are Gentiles can understand that even though Paul received his understanding of Jesus by revelation (and not walking day in and day out with Jesus when He was in the world) his message consists of the same gospel. Not another gospel, as some who criticize Paul might suggest.
For as Paul himself states, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. Now h/He that plants and h/He that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 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 buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid -- which is Jesus Christ." (Corinthians 3:6-11)
"Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?"
Paul answered these questions when he wrote: "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord." (I Corinthians 9:2) For clarity, it is important to note that his answer to them that do examine Paul goes much further, wherein Paul writes that even though "the Lord [hath] ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel, that he has used none of these things, and neither has he written these things" -- "for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void." (I Corinthians 9:15-16; I Corinthians 9:1-27)
His apostleship sealed because he did not seek his own self-interests and glorification but rather, he willingly sought to plant a vineyard for Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul gladly sowed unto us spiritual wisdom and knowledge and became all things to all men for the gospel's sake, "that I might be partaker there with you." (I Corinthians 9:23)
And he did so, that "ye who sometimes were far off" can be "made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us] having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace, and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; and came and reached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:10-18)
Thus, we are no longer aliens, but have become His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. As a consequence, we are therefore no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone]; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Praise be to our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Stand in the offering plate.
In Paul's example, these questions are critical, because as Paul admits himself, he is one born out of due time. As such, he did not walk daily with Jesus, as did the other disciples. Rather, as Saul, the Lord Jesus stopped him in his tracks while enroute to Damascus. Saul's purpose, as he saw it, was to round up anyone who professed the Name of the Lord Jesus, and to either imprison them, or have them killed. As a side note, Saul oversaw the stoning of Stephen, to the point of even keeping the raiment of them that slew him. In Paul's defence before many people, he later shares his testimony, repeating his words, "Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee." (Acts 22:19)
And in another place, Paul states: "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities." (Acts 26:9-15)
Returning to the initial questions, Paul is (in some ways) disputing those who disregard his teachings as lesser than the instruction of Jesus' other disciples. Even in today's religious culture, Paul's instruction to the Gentiles (termed by modern day theologians as the Pauline epistles) is oft disputed because he did not walk physically on earth with Jesus. This conclusion made, even when we know that Jesus personally called Saul, blinding him so that he had to be led by those that accompanied him to a certain disciple named Ananias.
Still, the Lord said unto Ananias (and to us by extension) that Saul (who would be renamed Paul) is a chosen vessel unto Him, to bear His Name -- the Name of Jesus before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. Jesus told Ananias -- "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16)
The Lord Jesus having called S/Paul as not only the "last of all" to see Jesus before He was taken up but also "of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:8)
Nevertheless, S/Paul was called for a purpose. When S/Paul asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" Jesus said unto him, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose -- to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee, delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee -- to open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:14-18)
Thus, when Paul's instructions to us as Gentiles (not Jews/Israelites per se) -- things that are written not to shame us, but as warnings to "my beloved" -- are therefore dismissed by many within the religious culture, there is a problem. In so doing, we therefore ignore that Jesus chose Paul specifically as a minister and as a witness to us so that our eyes would be opened, and that we might receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance beyond measure. (I Corinthians 4:14)
"For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not so many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel ..." (I Corinthians 4:15)
Does this make Paul perfect? Of course not, but what we are able to see is how Jesus working through Paul brings us His message of redemption. We see how Jesus is able to take Saul (and his wrath and condemnation against those who believe in Jesus) to a man renewed, with a higher purpose. And through S/Paul, we see how even the worst of us (from a societal/earthly perspective) can possess the mind of Christ Jesus within. (Philippians 2:5)
For Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Paul does not vary from Jesus' message, but as well, adds his own personal testimony so that "the communication of thy [his] faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus," and how we have great joy and consolation in His love. (Philemon 1:6)
For the record, it may be important to note here that Paul did not vary either from what Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost told the first 3,000 to come to Jesus on the new testament side. That is, to repent, and be [water] baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-47) Paul had to also come to the realization that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) That Jesus is our all and all.
So, when Paul scribes these questions -- ""Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?" (I Corinthians 9:1) he is reminding us that he is the Lord's appointed/anointed, so that we who are Gentiles can understand that even though Paul received his understanding of Jesus by revelation (and not walking day in and day out with Jesus when He was in the world) his message consists of the same gospel. Not another gospel, as some who criticize Paul might suggest.
For as Paul himself states, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. Now h/He that plants and h/He that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 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 buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid -- which is Jesus Christ." (Corinthians 3:6-11)
"Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?"
Paul answered these questions when he wrote: "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord." (I Corinthians 9:2) For clarity, it is important to note that his answer to them that do examine Paul goes much further, wherein Paul writes that even though "the Lord [hath] ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel, that he has used none of these things, and neither has he written these things" -- "for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void." (I Corinthians 9:15-16; I Corinthians 9:1-27)
His apostleship sealed because he did not seek his own self-interests and glorification but rather, he willingly sought to plant a vineyard for Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul gladly sowed unto us spiritual wisdom and knowledge and became all things to all men for the gospel's sake, "that I might be partaker there with you." (I Corinthians 9:23)
And he did so, that "ye who sometimes were far off" can be "made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us] having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace, and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; and came and reached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:10-18)
Thus, we are no longer aliens, but have become His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. As a consequence, we are therefore no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone]; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Praise be to our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Christ the First Fruits; Afterward They That Are Christ's At His Coming -- Part 1683
"For I know [that] my Redeemer liveth, and [that] He shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth: and [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God ..." (Job 19:25-26)
"Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] My dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." (Isaiah 26:19)
"Then answered the Jews and said unto [Jesus], "What sign shewest Thou unto us, seeing that Thou doest these things?" Jesus answered and said unto them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Then said the Jews, "Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?" But He spake of the temple of His body. When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said." (John 2:18-22)
We have such hope in Jesus, the promised Christ! Nevertheless, there are many today that insist that there is no resurrection, and that once our bodies are buried in the grave, that this is the end. This is not a new theme. We see apostle Paul dealing with the same issue during his walk on earth in the scriptures. Paul writes:
"Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen; and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain? Yea, and if we are found false witnesses of God that He raised up Christ; whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised; and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain, ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." (I Corinthians 15:12-19)
Herein, Paul is explaining the folly of man's earthly wisdom. He is pointing out that even though he [Paul] is the least of the apostles, and similarly not meet to be called an apostle (because he persecuted the church of God), that it is only because of the grace of God that "I am what I am." (I Corinthians 15:9-10) That it was His grace bestowed upon Paul that led him to labour more abundantly than they all -- "yet not I but the grace of God which was with me." (I Corinthians 15:10)
"Therefore, whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed!" (I Corinthians 15:11)
The good news gospel message never changes, because we also gladly receive His Word -- as it is written -- and believe. What does Jesus say when the Jews desire to see a sign?
"And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power." (I Corinthians 6:14)
"Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also." (John 14:19)
Who were some of the other witnesses? "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him ..." (Mark 16:1-7)
Did Jesus not say not say unto Martha (when Lazarus her brother had died and already buried in the tomb before Jesus brought him back to life) -- " I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live ..." (John 11:25)
Jesus also said, "And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise Him up at the last day." (John 6:40)
Indeed, there was never any question that Jesus would, after three days and three nights, be raised from the dead. And that if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, that even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him, in that day to come. (I Thessalonians 4:14)
Why? Because "if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 8:11)
Why? Because "if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 8:11)
The Holy Ghost! The resurrected Christ. And as Jesus told His disciples, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are int he world, and I come to Thee, Holy Father, keep through Thine own Name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as we [are]." (John 17:11) Jesus glorified "with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. (Acts 1:2; John 17:5) The work of salvation having now been finished. Jesus (God manifest in the flesh) Himself became the first fruits so that we could partake of everlasting life in Him.
"Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ... to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, wherein ye greatly rejoice ... " (I Peter 1:3-6)
While the Lord's enemies may have thought they had killed the Prince of life, God hath raised from the dead, whereof the apostles (and many other disciples of Jesus) were witnesses. (Acts 3:15)
It is for this reason, as Paul shares, that we are NOT of all men most miserable because Christ is risen from the dead. He is the firstfruits of them that slept. "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward, they that are Christ's at His coming. Then [cometh] the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom of God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and all power ...
for He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under [Him], it is manifest that HE IS EXCEPTED, which did put all things under Him. And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all ... else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily!" (I Corinthians 15:19-31)
This is why we are called to awake unto righteousness, and sin not, for some have not the knowledge of God. That knowledge -- as Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost declared -- that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. That we need to repent, and be [water] baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the resurrected Christ. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:1-2; I Peter 3:21-22; I Corinthians 10:1-4)
This happens, as Jesus said, when we eat His flesh -- the Word and drink His blood -- then we will have eternal life. Then, said Jesus, "I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:54) "Have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." (Acts 24:15)
"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also [in the likeness of His] resurrection; knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [Him] that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth, we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him; knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth nor more; death hath no more dominion over Him, for in that He died, He died unto sin once; but in that He lives, He liveth unto God." (Romans 6:4-11)
When we -- so many of us -- are baptized into Jesus Christ, we are baptized into His death. (Romans 6:3)
Jesus said, "And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:14)
And our hope? "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first ..." (I Thessalonians 4:16)
The same never changing message prophesied by Daniel in the old -- "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2)Jesus said, "And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:14)
And our hope? "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first ..." (I Thessalonians 4:16)
There are significant insights here to digest, and to meditate upon. But nevertheless, thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:57-58)
Stand in the offering plate.
Who Is This King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts -- He Is the King of Glory! - Part 1682
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My Cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever ..." (Psalm 12:5-6)
Indeed, the Lord is my Shepherd! Many of us have heard Psalm 23 read in some context. When we continue on, we learn that the earth is the Lord's. But not just the earth but the fullness thereof -- the world -- and as well, all they who dwell therein. "For He hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place?" (Psalm 24:1-3)
The psalmist David soon asks --"Who is this King of glory?" In the same scripture, the answer is given. "The Lord of hosts -- He is the King of glory!" (Psalm 24:10) The same Lord who came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)
It is herein, when we truly understand "who is this King of glory" that our souls should melt in absolute adoration, and thankfulness for He Himself paid the price on the cross for you and I. This same Lord from heaven willingly became the second Adam for you and I. He who made the heavens and the earth left His throne and became flesh (as we are and yet without sin) so that we might be redeemed.
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (I Corinthians 15:22) "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)
This is why unto Thee, O Lord, we lift up our soul. This is why we trust in Thee and are not ashamed. And this is why our heart's cry is to "Shew me Thy paths, O Lord, teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me; for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies, and Thy loving kindness, for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness sake, O Lord." (Psalms 25:1-7)
Make the Lord your Rock of salvation today. His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. JESUS -- Immanuel, being interpreted, God with us. Yes, this same JESUS whom ye/we have crucified in our hearts is both Lord and Christ, and He is calling us into His fold today. JESUS -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
There is only one entry point into the kingdom of God. His Name is JESUS for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11)
Stand in the offering plate.
Indeed, the Lord is my Shepherd! Many of us have heard Psalm 23 read in some context. When we continue on, we learn that the earth is the Lord's. But not just the earth but the fullness thereof -- the world -- and as well, all they who dwell therein. "For He hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place?" (Psalm 24:1-3)
The psalmist David soon asks --"Who is this King of glory?" In the same scripture, the answer is given. "The Lord of hosts -- He is the King of glory!" (Psalm 24:10) The same Lord who came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)
It is herein, when we truly understand "who is this King of glory" that our souls should melt in absolute adoration, and thankfulness for He Himself paid the price on the cross for you and I. This same Lord from heaven willingly became the second Adam for you and I. He who made the heavens and the earth left His throne and became flesh (as we are and yet without sin) so that we might be redeemed.
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (I Corinthians 15:22) "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)
This is why unto Thee, O Lord, we lift up our soul. This is why we trust in Thee and are not ashamed. And this is why our heart's cry is to "Shew me Thy paths, O Lord, teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me; for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies, and Thy loving kindness, for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness sake, O Lord." (Psalms 25:1-7)
Make the Lord your Rock of salvation today. His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. JESUS -- Immanuel, being interpreted, God with us. Yes, this same JESUS whom ye/we have crucified in our hearts is both Lord and Christ, and He is calling us into His fold today. JESUS -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
There is only one entry point into the kingdom of God. His Name is JESUS for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Keep Us As the Apple of Thine Eye, Hide Me Under the Shadow of Thy Wings - Part 1681
"For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead." (John 20:9)
The setting? It is the first day of the week. Although it was still dark, unto the tomb [sepulchre] Mary Magdalene ventured. Therein, the stone was rolled away. She turns and runs to Simon Peter, and to also the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them -- "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre and we know not where they have laid Him." (John 20:2)
This statement led to both of the disciples running to the sepulchre. Inside, they saw the linen clothes but no Jesus. Note that the napkin which was about Jesus' head was not lying with the linen clothes but wrapped together in a place by itself. Because of what he saw, that other disciple believed.
Unlike this day, when many in the religious culture like to put their own spin on the scriptures, that other disciple simply believed. That other disciple being the one which testified of all these things, and wrote them so that we would know that his testimony is true. "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written, every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (John 21:24-25)
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book, but these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing ye might have life through His Name." (John 20:30-31)
This latter scripture is written in the space of time before Jesus ascended, wherein, after that, He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)
Still, unless we accept and believe that Jesus is who He said He is, we cannot see the kingdom. We cannot understand the hefty price that Jesus paid on the cross, having shed His own precious blood for our sins. And He did so because of His abundance of love for you and I. Indeed, we who believe in Jesus by faith, and continue steadfastly in His Word, being water baptized in His precious Name are His beloved. We are the apple of His eye. And He desires to show His marvelous loving kindness to those who seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)
In part, it is coming to understand that Jesus is no longer a Son, as the world proclaims but rather, the Son of man is once again become the Lord of glory, having returned to the place where He was before -- as the Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the waters in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1-2) The Holy Ghost who now dwells within.
This is why Jesus said to Philip, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:7) Because when we truly desire to know Jesus, we understand that He is the Father in bodily form. All the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) God Himself was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) After the kindness and love of God, He became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 42:13)
"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)
This is why John's writing is critical, because sooner or later, each and every one of us have to reach that point in our heart too, wherein we simply believe. Jesus said to Philip, when Philip asked Him, "Shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us." Jesus said unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:6-9)
For clarity and understanding, Jesus went on to say -- "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself; but the Father that dwells in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I [am] in the Father and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you -- He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do because I go unto My Father." (John 14:10-12; John 10:30, 38; John 5:19; John 14:24; Luke 10:17)
At that day, when the Spirit of truth is come -- whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knows Him -- in that day, because ye know Him -- "for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you" -- He will come and abide with you forever. Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you." (John 14:16-18)
But Jesus had to ascend, because as a man walking the earth, He could not dwell in us. This is why -- after Jesus was taken up -- He THROUGH the Holy Ghost could dwell in us. "I am in My Father, and ye in Me and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loves Me, and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father and I will love Him and will manifest Myself to him." (John 14:20-21)
There is much more to understand here -- but for now, recognize that the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, as Jesus said "He shall testify of Me, and ye also shall bear witness because ye have been with Me from the beginning." (John 15:26-27) And believe that Jesus is the same He whom was from the very beginning.
And with all our learning, seek to understand the doctrine of Christ. That is, like the "other disciple who simply believed understood -- "he that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (II John 1:9)
Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Who Is This King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He Is the King of Glory - Part 1680
"The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For He hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up His soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of His salvation.
This is the generation of them that seek Him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah." (Psalm 24:1-10)
After reading the psalm above, some might ask -- what does the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ reveal? Please allow me to respond by first stating that the gospel reveals JESUS - who is the SEED of promise - in which SEED all the nations of the earth can be blessed. Why is this important? Because this life saving gospel became necessary when God Himself was veiled in flesh as a righteous man. For God declared that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In this context then, there is none righteous, no not one.
But as we begin to understand how the old covenant differs from the new testament, the hidden plan of God is gradually unveiled to those who seek Him with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. Indeed, right from the beginning, God had a plan for man even though at times we cannot comprehend what God has in store for us. Indeed, we often scratch our heads endeavouring to understand what is man that the Lord our God would be so mindful of Him.
This is the same Lord who was made a little lower than the angels. Still, He set man over the works of his hands and crowned man with glory and honour. When man turned aside from His Word, it was here that He imparted into EVE a SEED of promise. A SEED of Himself emanating from Himself. So that in the process of time, He would clothe His promised SEED in sin prone flesh, thereby initiating at the fullness of time His hidden plan of redemption.
The mystery that was hid from the beginning of the world.
As a consequence, and through His abundant love, mercy and grace, He purchased us while we were yet His enemies. Why would the Lord of glory do this? To bring each and every one of us who believed back to His purpose, that He placed in our heart whilst we were still in our mother's womb. This redemption plan, purchased through the sacrifice of His own blood (the blood of His holy Spirit).
In our ignorance of prophetic scripture, we indeed crucified JESUS. We were spurred along by religious zealots who in pretense professed to be God’s ministers, and in the end, duped all of us into believing that such was the case!
But God’s love for His beloved and yet disobedient creation was much greater than our sin of beguiled disobedience. Because of God's love for us, there never can be anything that can separate us from God’s love. God manifested His love to us whilst inside a prone to sin body, a body in which He willingly inherited all of our sins and demerits. But even death did not deter JESUS from His purposed mission, which was to redeem and restore the fallen sons and daughters of God.
This is why JESUS died and was buried in a tomb. As stated in the scriptures, "Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it remains alone." However, if the corn of wheat were to die, in dying the potential life within the SEED springs forth as a multitude of the same SEEDS. In this example, JESUS is the SEED and we are the offspring of the SEED of JESUS. In this same SEED as afore promised of God in prophecy, all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
To become one of the offspring, certain criteria must be willingly adhered too. First of all, one must recognize that JESUS put Himself on the cross for you and I who are the guilty ones. We must repent before God for our sinful deeds, giving thanks to the Lord God with a grateful heart. If one is not willing to offer themselves on these terms, then the door of redemption will remain closed!
If, on the other hand, one willing repents with a grateful heart, then their sins are remitted in full by the same JESUS has put Himself in our place. We then receive the gift of redemption. And now having received redemption, God commands that you be baptized into the likeness of JESUS death. In so doing, you will receive the promised gift of the Holy Ghost that comes forth from the SEED of Life within the kernel of wheat - JESUS!
As such, you become the offspring of JESUS. We are now the children of God in Christ! We have been born again as a new spiritual creation, dwelling within us is the same Spirit as was in the man JESUS the Christ! This Spirit is the Holy Ghost. We are ALL members of that ONE SEED and because we are the offspring of the SEED, we now hunger for the things of God, endeavouring to walk even as He walked!
More on this to come. Stand in the offering plate.
This is the generation of them that seek Him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah." (Psalm 24:1-10)
After reading the psalm above, some might ask -- what does the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ reveal? Please allow me to respond by first stating that the gospel reveals JESUS - who is the SEED of promise - in which SEED all the nations of the earth can be blessed. Why is this important? Because this life saving gospel became necessary when God Himself was veiled in flesh as a righteous man. For God declared that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In this context then, there is none righteous, no not one.
But as we begin to understand how the old covenant differs from the new testament, the hidden plan of God is gradually unveiled to those who seek Him with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. Indeed, right from the beginning, God had a plan for man even though at times we cannot comprehend what God has in store for us. Indeed, we often scratch our heads endeavouring to understand what is man that the Lord our God would be so mindful of Him.
This is the same Lord who was made a little lower than the angels. Still, He set man over the works of his hands and crowned man with glory and honour. When man turned aside from His Word, it was here that He imparted into EVE a SEED of promise. A SEED of Himself emanating from Himself. So that in the process of time, He would clothe His promised SEED in sin prone flesh, thereby initiating at the fullness of time His hidden plan of redemption.
The mystery that was hid from the beginning of the world.
As a consequence, and through His abundant love, mercy and grace, He purchased us while we were yet His enemies. Why would the Lord of glory do this? To bring each and every one of us who believed back to His purpose, that He placed in our heart whilst we were still in our mother's womb. This redemption plan, purchased through the sacrifice of His own blood (the blood of His holy Spirit).
In our ignorance of prophetic scripture, we indeed crucified JESUS. We were spurred along by religious zealots who in pretense professed to be God’s ministers, and in the end, duped all of us into believing that such was the case!
But God’s love for His beloved and yet disobedient creation was much greater than our sin of beguiled disobedience. Because of God's love for us, there never can be anything that can separate us from God’s love. God manifested His love to us whilst inside a prone to sin body, a body in which He willingly inherited all of our sins and demerits. But even death did not deter JESUS from His purposed mission, which was to redeem and restore the fallen sons and daughters of God.
This is why JESUS died and was buried in a tomb. As stated in the scriptures, "Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it remains alone." However, if the corn of wheat were to die, in dying the potential life within the SEED springs forth as a multitude of the same SEEDS. In this example, JESUS is the SEED and we are the offspring of the SEED of JESUS. In this same SEED as afore promised of God in prophecy, all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
To become one of the offspring, certain criteria must be willingly adhered too. First of all, one must recognize that JESUS put Himself on the cross for you and I who are the guilty ones. We must repent before God for our sinful deeds, giving thanks to the Lord God with a grateful heart. If one is not willing to offer themselves on these terms, then the door of redemption will remain closed!
If, on the other hand, one willing repents with a grateful heart, then their sins are remitted in full by the same JESUS has put Himself in our place. We then receive the gift of redemption. And now having received redemption, God commands that you be baptized into the likeness of JESUS death. In so doing, you will receive the promised gift of the Holy Ghost that comes forth from the SEED of Life within the kernel of wheat - JESUS!
As such, you become the offspring of JESUS. We are now the children of God in Christ! We have been born again as a new spiritual creation, dwelling within us is the same Spirit as was in the man JESUS the Christ! This Spirit is the Holy Ghost. We are ALL members of that ONE SEED and because we are the offspring of the SEED, we now hunger for the things of God, endeavouring to walk even as He walked!
More on this to come. Stand in the offering plate.
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