For We Have Great Joy and Consolation In Thy Love, Lord Jesus - Part 1703

In the scriptures, Jesus gave an example of a model prayer. In part, Jesus prayed --"Our Father .... hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as [it is] in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever, amen!" (Matthew 6:9-13)

This is important because Jesus is showing believers how much we need to pray without ceasing, whilst still remembering to rejoice evermore. (I Thessalonians 5:17) Moreover, Jesus is explaining how critical it is for believers to get their spiritual/heavenly bread daily -- through the reading and studying of the scriptures -- the Word of God -- and likewise to not deny His precious Name. (Revelation 3:8-9) But there is more. For example:

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast [to] that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it." (I Thessalonians 5:16-28)

Note the word "wholly" in this scripture is not spelled as "holy." Rather, the word wholly represents the whole of us -- The very God of peace sanctifying all of us -- including our "whole spirit and soul and body" being preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we understand the first commandment -- "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD [and that we are to] love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength," the use of the word wholly makes sense. 

We are to give our everything to our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. But in pressing toward the mark which is Christ, Jesus knew that we also needed to know how to pray an effectual prayer. In fact, Jesus instructs us to "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)

While praying, we are to "be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6) We are not to use vain repetitions (as the heathen do)  but enter into a closet and when one has shut the door, we are to pray to the Father which is in secret, "and Thy Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly. Why is this?

Because as Jesus said, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)

"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us ..." (I John 5:14)

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)

So, lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting. (I Timothy 2:8) 

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer ..." (Romans 12:12)

Pray for those who hate you and/or despitefully use you. (Luke 6:27-28) 

Mix prayer and singing with joy with the joy of the Lord Jesus, which surpasses all human understanding.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) Know too, that after Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, behold, the angels came and ministered unto Him -- again showing us how critical prayer is in our day to day. 

Therefore, in your day to day, bless the Lord, O my soul, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His Word! Bless ye the Lord, all [ye] His hosts; [ye] ministers of His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul." (Psalm 103:20-22)

It is no wonder that the disciples desired more as these said unto Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." (Luke 11:1-54) And just like those disciples, so should we as believers by faith in the Lord of glory.

Stand in the offering plate.

And the Superscription of His Accusation Was Written Over -- THE KING OF THE JEWS - Part 1702

With so many confirmed indicators continually pointing us to Jesus the Christ for our salvation, what excuse will we have for worshiping another?  Moreover, what possible reasoning could we employ for ignoring the very superscription of His accusation on the cross which clearly stated for one and all -- that JESUS was then and is still now THE KING OF THE JEWS! It is this revelation -- that this SAME JESUS whom ye have crucified is still BOTH LORD AND CHRIST that should prick our hearts, so that we willingly repent, and are water baptized (the answer of a good conscience) in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)

But there are those who deny the obvious -- even with scriptures which literally tell them that in the fullness of times, "God was manifest in the flesh." (I Timothy 3:16) These will teach any other gospel instead, so that people will not understand that the Lord did not send another, but He came Himself to redeem this world. He prepared for Himself a body, clothing Himself as a Son, and hiding His glory from those without eyes to see, and ears to hear.

Yes, indeed, the Lord God Almighty poured out His love on humanity by coming forth as a mighty man -- and He did so because of His abundance of love and mercy for His beloved creation. (Isaiah 42:13) This is why revisionist versions of the scriptures are determined to remove the word "begotten" from John 3:16, replacing the original translated text with "one and only Son" -- because these do not want you and I to understand the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world.

That is, the Son of man is the Lord of glory. The first Adam being earthly and the second Adam -- JESUS -- being from heaven itself. It is no wonder that the veil was ripped from top to bottom -- heaven to earth -- when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for our sins.

However, instead of searching the scriptures for clarity and understanding of the apostles' doctrine, these traditionalists which believe religious culture supersedes the Word of our Lord have decided in their hearts that God c/would never love us enough to personally robe Himself in flesh to bring us His precious gift of salvation.

Still, regardless of the traditions of men, the Word of God is clear, and God is not the Author of confusion. We are sanctified by truth -- Thy Word is truth. 

So when we study His Word with open hearts, we begin to understand that God's gift of salvation could be no other way than the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Christ. (Colossians 2:9) 

Pilate recognized that JESUS was  no ordinary man. Even when the Jews/chief priests did not willingly acknowledge JESUS as the promised Christ in their hearts, Pilate asked the crowds who wished to condemn JESUS to death -- "What will ye then that I shall do unto Him whom ye call the King of the Jews?" As we know from the scriptures, the people wanted Jesus to be crucified, even after Pilate asked, "Why, what evil hath He done?" 

Interestingly, as we read on in Mark 15, the soldiers who led JESUS away into the hall, called Praetorium; therein, calling together the whole band, and clothing JESUS with purple, and a platted crown of thorns, began to salute Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Indeed, they smote Him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him and bowing their knees pretended to worship Him. Of course, these did so mockingly and not from a heart's desire to worship the Saviour. (Mark 15:1-20)

And, as we also understand, there were others too, as we see from those that passed by JESUS on the cross, railing Him and saying, "Ah, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days, save Thyself, and come down from the cross." (Mark 15:29-30) Even the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." And they that were crucified with Him reviled Him. (Mark 15:31-41) 

A particular scripture comes to mind, which poses the very same question. That is, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?" (Hebrews 2:3-4)

Don't be swayed by a religious culture that has not had the scales removed from their eyes, whose pillar is built on the sand. Instead, get to know the Rock which was and is and has always been Christ. His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-21)

Stand in the offering plate.

For God So Loved You That He Would Clothe Himself In Flesh And Become The Perfect Sacrifice So That You Could Be Saved Too! - Part 1701

In the scriptures, Abraham is named as being the father of the faithful, a title bestowed upon him simply because he exercised faith in God. Also important to note (in contrast to the time in which we live) Abraham had a somewhat darkened understanding of God. Abraham, being one of Adam’s prone to sin offspring was subject to a dying soul like all  of Adam's offspring. However, because Abraham exercised faith toward God, his exercising faith toward God was accredited to him as righteousness. This is important to understand,because Abraham was called a friend of God.

Moreover, the example of Abraham can be translated in the same way for you and I who are searching for His peace and joy that was intended from the very beginning. In that context, God has revealed that the day in which you and I seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, then, in that very day, you will commence upon your journey of faith, a faith which will entice your spirit to advance and obtain more enlightenment. But we are jumping ahead here!

Abraham's son Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 years old. Sarah was beyond the time of reproduction also -- being 90 years old. But when God promises that an event will come to pass, it will. And herein, God had promised that Abraham.through Sarah would have a son. Needless to say, Abraham delighted in their offspring. God had promised Abraham that he and Sarah would have a son and as such, the promise was not to be curtailed. For as God already knew, the promise embraced future events -- events that surely Abraham’s mind would require time to process.

Further, God had promised that in Abraham and in His SEED would all the nations of the earth be blessed. Isaac was a product of Abraham and Sarah's natural seed. But another SEED was spoken of, which SEED would enable all peoples, and nations of people, to be blessed. God had said to Abraham that this other SEED would produce more children than there are particles of sand, and similarly, number more than the stars of heaven.

God had to enable Abraham to be enlightened. So Abraham takes his son Isaac to sacrifice to God. As we read in the scriptures, Abraham builds an alter. Isaac watching this unfold ponders within his mind the question of where the offering would be? Still, Abraham in his belief in God knows that God will provide a sacrifice (or whatever other needs might arise) at the right time. Abraham puts Isaac on the alter, securing him to the alter. Abraham then takes a knife in his hand and raises the knife over his son Isaac. At this point, it looks like Abraham is about to thrust the blade into Isaac. Suddenly, a MEE or a BAH is heard.

Talk about a death threat or an honour killing or even someone killing another and thereby thinking that they are doing God a service. Is this weird or what? God has repeatedly said, "Sacrifice and offerings" -- I want nothing to do with. Away with them because now a body have I prepared for Myself. God Himself would become the perfect sacrifice in the fullness of times which we have the advantage of knowing in Jesus. But Abraham could only trust in God, knowing that He is the author of the all in all. (Note that we having the advantage of the full gospel of salvation can attest that the God in which we worship is both Author and Finisher of the all in all. But I digress!)

The ram caught of God in the thicket declares that God will provide a sacrifice. God did not sacrifice someone else. God sacrificed Himself as a SON. The SEED in which all people and nations of the earth would be blessed is the SEED of God's holy Spirit. Therefore, God knew that He would say to Abraham -- do your son no harm.

Why? Because God is love. He is the creator of love, and we are made in His image. It is for this reason that we can know that God does not rejoice over the death of Adam’s sin prone race. For it is written, that like as the children were made partakers of flesh and blood, God Himself took part of the same. The blood in JESUS' veins was the blood of His precious holy Spirit..

JESUS, God manifest in the flesh sacrificed Himself. Therefore, there is no more sacrifice for sin. The only atonement for sin can be found in the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross for you and I. No earthly/religious priest can forgive you of sin, because our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ paid that price once and for all.

This is why Abraham looked and saw that God provided the sacrifice then. we can know that God laid down His life once and for ALL who believe. As a consequence, there is no more sacrifice!

"For God so loved the world ..." (John 3:16)

Don't miss His precious gift of salvation. Repent and be water baptized in the precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins/and the answer of a good conscience toward God, so that you too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. God our Saviour living within our hearts so that we in Him can rejoice for evermore.

Stand in the offering plate.

Howbeit. We Speak Wisdom Among Them That Are Perfect, Yet Not the Wisdom of This World, But The Wisdom Of God In A Mystery, Even The Hidden Wisdom - Part 1700

Some scriptures worthy of contemplation and meditation on this wonderful day which the Lord hath made for us to rejoice in it and be glad!

"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:6-16)

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (II Timothy 4:3-4)

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:6-9)

"He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ ...

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:10-16)

"Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed ... For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (II John 1:9-11)

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (II Corinthians 6:14-18)

"Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that My people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and My Name continually every day is blasphemed.Therefore, My people shall know My Name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold, it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigns! 

Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem.The LORD hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your re-reward." (Isaiah 52:5-12)

Stand in the offering plate with the Lord of glory, and be blessed!

This Is The Blood Of The Testament Which God Hath Enjoined Unto You: Moreover, He Sprinkled With Blood Both the Tabernacle, And All The Vessels Of The Ministry - Part 1699

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

There is an interesting dialogue concerning the heterodox of the Friends or Quakers that is worth repeating here. Indeed, it informs of a different story from the revisionist message we often hear in historical dialogue these days, and worth gleaning and comparing to the Word of God. Take what you will, and understand that we are saved because of His love and mercy and grace and that not of ourselves. Salvation is a gift of God, and in fulfilling His salvation to all the world, He did not send another to redeem us, but rather, prepared for Himself a body so that we might be saved. Herein, the dialogue:

Historically, the heads of religion, as the so called self-appointed church fathers, have set down certain platforms concerning the Godhead, advancing a cunningly devised fable that God is three distinct and separate person and yet remains as one God. This I say to you and to the whole world. We do not hold to that belief neither do we embrace such unscriptural platforms. The reason? Beyond scriptural evidence, no man has ever before held this account to be accurate. God has revealed by His Spirit that which is written and confirmed by the testimony of the scriptures being God’s Word!

The Trinitarian (Norton) launches an attack against the Friends, to which Howgill the Friend responds. First, concerning the trinity - the Trinitarian says that we the Friends confess the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, and yet you deny the trinity, that they be three distinct persons. To confute this you bring forth Hebrews chapter 1 verse 3 - "He being the express image of His Father’s person."

Howgill replies. "Your trinity is an old popish term and we love to keep to sound words. For by the trinity, I suppose you mean three. Your own words shall confute you. You confess that we say there is a Father, Son and Spirit, and yet but one God, or one eternal being or substance, but your word distinct is your own word and not the Spirit’s, yet to distinguish between Father, Son and Spirit we do not deny.

As for Hebrews chapter one, it is rendered in another translation the express image of His substance, for person is to gross a word, to express an eternal and divine being. And if you do uphold that God is three distinct substances you err in your judgment, for that would make three Gods."

Norton attacks the Friends concerning Christ. Norton states that the Friends deny Christ to be God and man in one person, and Christ to be a distinct person from the Father. They acknowledge such a Christ as un-Christ Christ, and when they say Christ manifest in the flesh, they mean not as the scripture, but fallaciously.

Howgill replies. We say according to the scripture of truth and not according to your fallacy. We say that in the man Christ did the fullness of the Godhead dwell, and that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Christ said Himself "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30) The Father, the Son and the Spirit subsist in one eternal power. Life and Glory, which you and all your stupid generation are ignorant of, and Christ that we acknowledge is such a Christ as is able to save to the utmost them that come to Him, and receive Him and believe in Him.

When we say Christ manifest in the flesh we say that "holy thing" which was brought forth and born of a virgin, and conceived of the Holy Ghost in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwells.(Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) In whom the eternal power of the Father was manifested. That He was the Christ which was manifested in the flesh and justified in the Spirit, preached among the Gentiles, seen of angels, and received up into glory. (I Timothy 3:16) This is according to the scriptures of truth, and your judgment on this must be judged. As such, truth must never bow to error.

Let the Word of God be acknowledged once and for all. Stand in the offering plate.

Whom God Hath Set Forth A Propitiation Through Faith In His Blood - Part 1698

"For  as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers, BUT WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, AS OF A LAMB WITHOUT BLEMISH AND WITHOUT SPOT; who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you -- who by Him do believe in God that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently; being born not again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which lives and abides for ever ... the Word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you!" (I Peter 1:18-25)

The Word which was with God and was God -- the SAME (not He) in the beginning and all things made by Him and not anything made that was made -- this Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, so that we could behold His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father -- full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-14)

Jesus! This was the He of whom John the baptizer spake, saying, "He that comes after me is preferred before me for He was before me, and of His fullness have we all received and grace for grace, for the law was given by Moses, [and] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:15-18; Romans 5:21; John 10:30; John 8:31-32; John 14:6-12; John 18:37)

Jesus having responded to Pilate in Pilate's court, saying, -- "Thou sayest that I am King. To this end was I born and for this cause came I unto the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears My voice." (John 8:37; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 20:28; John 14:6; Revelation 1:8,11)

Yes, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. Jesus -- after the order of Melchizedek. But those who oppose the truth that can only be found in the doctrine of Christ proclaim a different message. We have been rightly warned in the scriptures against these wolves in sheep's clothing, who refuse to "rightly divide" the truth. Indeed, apostle Paul (as one born out of due time) said, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood ..." (Acts 20:28)

Again, the doctrine of Christ (II John 1:9; Hebrews 6:1-2)

But because of grievous wolves who have entered in among you, not sparing the flock and speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves, have systematically removed all scriptural references to the "doctrine of Christ" from their rewritten and new version bibles, spreading a false message instead that Jesus could not possibly be God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8,11)

At the same time, these same promoters of "another gospel" (which apostle Paul calls accursed!) have reduced the Holy Ghost which witnesses through believers in every city to a S/spirit (or one third of God/false trinity) so that we may never fully understand the doctrine of the "resurrected Christ." (Acts 2-:23-28) That in Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9)

That God became our Saviour!

Similarly, as the devil runs to and fro working to deceive even the elect (if that were possible) the precious Name of Jesus (proclaimed by the angel of the Lord God) is being systematically changed by those who claim to be Jews and are not, and do lie. Revelation 3:8-9 reveals their motives and intents of these hearts, which I suggest every believer read in their own time, because the message therein speaks volumes to what is happening in the religious culture today.

Just like the devil tempting Jesus in the wilderness repeatedly said, "If Thou be the Son of God ..." (Matthew 4:3, 6) This conclusion, even when Jesus clarified His true identity -- "For it is written, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shall thou serve." (Matthew 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:13; Deuteronomy 10:20) And unfortunately, that same lie that caught satan off guard (not knowing how much the Lord our God loved His creation to take on a body such as ours) is being falsely communicated within congregations today.

Nevertheless, "the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God ..." (Deuteronomy 10:17; Revelation 19:6; Acts 10:34)

"I [am] the Lord, and [there is] none else, there is no God beside Me; I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me. That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that [there is] none beside Me. I [am] the Lord, and [there is] none else .... I have made the earth and created man upon it ... Surely, God is in thee and [there is] none else, [there is] no God. Verily, Thou art a God that hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour ... but Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end!" (Isaiah 45:5-17; Isaiah 52:10; Isaiah 45:21-25)

"For I am God and there is none else ... My counsel shall stand and I will do all My pleasure." (Isaiah 46:9-10)

And as the Israel of the new testament, we are to also heed to the first commandment in both the old and the new, which specifically states, "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is ONE LORD; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might, and these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart." (Deuteronomy 6:4-6; I Corinthians 8:4, 6; Matthew 22:37; II Kings 23:25; Mark 12:29-31)

Moreover, " ... and thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates, that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give the, as the days of heaven upon the earth." (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)

And this same God, after His kindness and love, became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16) He clothed/robed Himself in sin prone flesh (and yet without sin) so that He Himself -- the Word made flesh -- could bring salvation to His people. He purchased us with His precious holy blood had to be made -- wherein God prepared for Himself a body -- and became the perfect sacrifice on a cross for you and I. As apostle Paul so clearly stated, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God!" (Acts 20:27; Luke 7:29-30)

The counsel of God? As Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost declared -- in one accord, this same JESUS whom ye have crucified is BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) The Son of man is the Lord of glory. He is the great I AM. The Rock which was and is Christ. "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)

Not another God but the ONE AND SAME GOD who moved upon the face of the waters in the very beginning, who was manifest in these last days -- the fullness of time -- so that we might receive His free gift of salvation. (Genesis 1:1-2)

As we see also, the first 3,000 souls saved in the new testament body of Christ church gladly received the Word, repenting and being water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)

"The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing, which was a figure for the time then present ... how much more shall the blood of Christ, who THROUGH the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God -- and for this cause, He is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance, for where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator ..." (Hebrews 9:8, 14-18)

Indeed, as we learn after Jesus was taken up, "after that He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen; to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)

Lots to learn herein. The underlying message? Study the scriptures yourself to show yourself approved, so that you can rightly divide the Word. Don't let the traditions of men tell you that the Word of God does not mean what it says, or that the revised wording is easier to understand. In reading the Word of the Lord, compare the scriptures in context. Ask the Spirit of the Lord to download to you His wisdom and knowledge and don't allow the interpretations of a world with no spiritual understanding lead you astray. Line upon line and precept upon precept, give us this day our daily bread.

Drink the living water from the resurrected Spirit of Christ -- the Rock that was and is Christ -- the Rock of all ages, for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30; John 14:6-12)

Most of all, do not be deceived by the wiles of a devil who himself was fooled into believing that Jesus was only a Son, and not the Lord of glory, whose abundance of love for His creation dictated that even before the world was formed that He -- God Himself manifest in the flesh -- would willingly become our Saviour. (I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7)

Stand in the offering plate.

We Have Been Purchased With The Precious Blood of Christ, As Of A Lamb Without Blemish - Part 1697

"For he that is called in the Lord, [being] a servant is the Lord's freeman; likewise also he that is called, [being] free, is Christ's servant. ye are bought with a price be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God ..." (I Corinthians 7:22-24)

Jesus confirmed this Himself when speaking with the scribes and Pharisees after going unto the mount of Olives. Early in the morning, He had come into the temple, and all the people came unto Him to listen to His teachings. About the same time, the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Jesus a woman who had been caught in adultery. These referenced Moses, and how the law commands that the woman should be stoned. They then asked Jesus, hoping to tempt Him so that these could accuse Him -- "What sayest Thou?" But Jesus knowing their hearts stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground [as though He hear them not]." (John 8:1-6)

Jesus then said to them, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." And again, a second time, Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground. When they heard, they were convicted of their own conscience, and went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last, until Jesus was left alone with the woman. When Jesus had lifted up Himself and saw no one there but the woman, He said, "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" She said to Jesus, "No man, Lord." And Jesus said unto her, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:7-11)

Jesus then said to those in the treasury who observed -- "I am the Light of the world; he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

The Pharisees then said unto Jesus, "Thou bear record of Thyself; Thy record is not true." Jesus answered and said unto them, "Though I bear record of Myself, yet My record is true, for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me. It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am One that bear witness of Myself and the Father that sent Me bear witness of Me." This was not sufficient for the scribes and Pharisees, who asked Him, "Where is Thy Father?" Jesus answered, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:13-19)

Let me repeat Jesus words again -- "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also."  (John 8:19)

Jesus goes on to tell them that He will "go My way, and ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins; whither I go, ye cannot come." And He said unto them, "Ye are from beneath: I am from above; ye are of this world: I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I am [He], ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:21-24)

This caused these same Pharisees to ask Him, "Who art Thou?" And Jesus said unto them, "Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge of you: but He that sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have  heard of Him." They understood not that He spake of them of the Father. Then Jesus said unto them, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am [He], and [that] I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things.And He that sent Me is with Me; the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do ALWAYS those things that please Him." As Jesus spake these words, many believed on Him. (John 8:25-30)

And herein comes the crux of the message today. At this point (and we see this in increasing measure within the modern day religious culture of these times) there are those who wholly desire to build a tabernacle unto Moses. These want to remain steadfast under the Mosaic Law and the ten commandments. These do not accept that Jesus came to do a new thing, as prophesied afore by the Word of the Lord speaking to Isaiah. These do not accept that we are to "remain steadfast in the apostles' doctrine" or that those who preach "another" gospel are (as apostle Paul indicates) accursed. (Acts 2:36-42; II John 1:9-10; John 7:16-19; II Corinthians 11:13; Titus 2:1; Isaiah 29:24; Galatians 1:8-9)

Indeed, these reject that Jesus came to set us free as freemen and not servants of men, so that we as believers in Jesus by faith can stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. (Galatians 5:1;I Corinthians 7:22-24) Rather, these new Pharisees of this day desire in their hearts to constrain us again under the Law and ten commandments, putting us back under the bondage from which Jesus set us free by shedding His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I. These do not want to accept that the purchase which was made with holy blood can be sufficient for our salvation, Nevertheless, as is so clearly stated within the scriptures, the Lord has done a new thing in this current dispensation of grace. In the fullness of times in which we live. (Ephesians 3:2; Ephesians 1:10; Romans 11:16; Romans 5:15; Romans 6:14-15)

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)

"Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." (Isaiah 42:9)

Therein, Jesus goes on to speak the words to the many who did believe on Him. Note that Jesus is speaking specifically to the Jews which believed on Him. This is critical to understand because of those who want to make us Jews today, and do lie, according to Jesus' words in Revelation 3:8-9. So Jesus here is setting the record straight once and for all. He states to these Jews who believe on Him -- "If ye continue in My Word, [then] are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:30-32)

Let's look at what is happening here again. Jesus is speaking to those Jews whose hearts have turned and do believe on Him. These are the same Jews who in their own lives have subscribed to the Mosaic law and ten commandments, but now these believe on Jesus. There is no doubt that these would have been of the circumcision. What does Jesus say to them? 

"IF YE CONTINUE IN MY WORD, [then] are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:30-32)

Jesus does not say -- if ye continue in the Law -- but specifically -- if ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. In yet another place, Jesus clarifies this further by saying, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

Were the Pharisees who were observing the very same teachings that led other Jews to believe on Him satisfied? Not from what we can see in the scriptures because these answered Jesus clarifying that "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, "Ye shall be made free?" 

Jesus, knowing their hearts intent answers them saying:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you -- whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin, and the servant abides not in the house for ever; but the Son abides ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill Me because My Word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with My Father, and ye do that which ye have seen with our father."

The Son makes us free when we gladly receive His Word. When we accept Jesus into our hearts as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the vail that was torn from heaven to earth is removed from our hearts. This same vail, as the scriptures state, that "is untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ." But as acknowledged before, "even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:14-17; II Corinthians 3:11-18)

And we see this happening from the Pharisees' response. They again answered and declared unto Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said unto them, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God. This did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father." 

Then again said unto Him, "We be not born of fornication; we have one Father; [even] God." Jesus said unto them, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? even because ye cannot hear My Word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own; for he is a liar and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not? Which of you convinces Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do you not believe Me? He that is of God hears God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God!"  (John 8:34-47)

Too often, we take the counsel of men who want to bring us back to that place of bondage. When these do, we need to remember from whence came our salvation. If the Law had been sufficient, then there would have been no need of a Saviour. 

"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing, which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and diverse washings, and carnal ordinances, imposing on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come as a high priest of good things to come ..." (Hebrews 9:8-28) 

Yes, but Christ! 

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

The Law being a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. "But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:24-29)

Jesus was trying to tell the Pharisees that the law to which the Pharisees subscribed WAS intended to be a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. And, similarly, that if our hearts do not turn to Jesus the Christ, the vail which is on our hearts remains. Because even as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness, know ye therefore that they which are of faith the same are the children of Abraham. (Hebrews 3:6-7)

"And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (Hebrews 3:6-9) 

Don't be fooled by those who want to keep you under bondage. Search the scriptures for yourself so that you can "rightly divide the Word." (II Timothy 2:15) 

Why? Because we serve a Lord God and Saviour who loves us beyond measure who calls us into His liberty. 

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

Stand in the offering plate.

Professing Themselves To Be Wise, They Became Fools Having Rejected the Unsearchable Riches of Christ- Part 1696

The first chapter of Romans opens with Paul (an apostle of Jesus Christ) explaining that what was promised afore by the prophets in the "holy scriptures" concerning Jesus Christ our Lord "was made of the Seed of David according to the flesh, and declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead -- by whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His Name, among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1-6; Acts 2:36)

To this end, Paul does not want us to be ignorant of spiritual/heavenly matters -- for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written -- "the just shall live by faith!" (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 3:21-23; Romans 9:30; Habakkuk 2:4)

The psalm of David stands as confirmation -- "I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, Thou knowest. I have not hid Thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation. I have not concealed Thy loving kindness and Thy truth from the great congregation." (Psalm 40:9-10)

Indeed, Paul writes, "For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers ... for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16-18)

However, as we similarly understand from Jesus' parable about the wise and foolish virgins (who intently and decidedly desire the oil of wise believers in Jesus Christ by faith so that these too would be counted with the foolish, and consequently, there might be no bride of Christ), the apostle Paul informs us of certain who "when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God. Neither were these thankful, but instead, became vain in their imaginations, resulting in their foolish hearts becoming darkened. Thus, these professing themselves to be wise became as fools, wherefore God gave them up." (Romans 1:21)

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] His eternal power and Godhead -- so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)

In so doing, these change the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds and four footed beasts, and creeping things, wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts .. who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator." (Romans 1:23-25)

At the end of the day, I guess if you give one enough rope, they may indeed (as the worldly analogy goes) hang themselves. From a scriptural perspective, another way of phrasing this same analogy might be to suggest that maybe as a result of demonic inspired false wisdom, their heads have become too large for their shoulders. In this, even God reaches a point of exasperation, confirmed by the Lord saying in scripture -- "My Spirit shall not always strive with man ... for that he also is flesh; yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. " (Genesis 6:3)

Therefore, our Lord God who is the Light (conscience) within a man removes that light (i.e. those knowing better than being subject to a convicting conscience) leaving men and women to do their own thing. In fact, God simply withdraws Himself from knocking at the heart door of stony hearts who do anything but submit to His instruction, guidance, wisdom and knowledge.

And so it is with anti-Christ churches who will worship any other god (or gods) but the One and Only God who became our Saviour on the cross. The same God who after His kindness and love for you and I willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) He prepared for Himself a body, taking on sin prone flesh (whilst still without sin) so that He could offer His gift of salvation.  But as we see from commentaries of late, instead of recognizing that the very Name given to Joseph by the angel of the Lord God -- the Name of the Lord "JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins" the religious culture prefers to render substitute titles as more authentic. How sad!

Consequently, as Paul alludes to in Romans 1, these became/become vain in their imaginations laying aside the written Word. In other words, these so-called religions substitute their own imaginations for the holy scriptures. A case in point can be made about those who place Mary (who birthed Jesus) on a pedestal or as a mediator between God and man. For those who desire to restore the wisdom of the Word of God, we know that the enshrining of Mary is a false tradition so contradictory to the revealed written Word of God that we should be ashamed to even give these false teachings space --  particularly when Mary herself said she was blessed to call God her Saviour. (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16)

And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour, for He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden for, behold, from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed, for He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and HOLY IS HIS NAME. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent away!" (Luke 1:46-56)

But I digress somewhat. Thus, my point is this. As believers in Jesus Christ by faith, we need to stop listening to those who oppose the written WISDOM of the Word of God.  We need to stand against those who suggest that the scriptures don't really mean what they say, dissecting and diluting the meaning of each and every word to mean something else according to Strong's concordance, for example, rather than searching the scriptures for themselves, and "rightly dividing" the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15; John 17:17)

Only then will those who shine brightly for Jesus as a city on a hill completely contrast those who refuse to retain God in their knowledge, being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, and without understanding -- covenant breakers -- who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do them." (Romans 1:26-32)

It is no wonder there is not one accord and singleness of heart within the modern day religious culture. Still, in Acts 1:13-14, and subsequently Acts 2:1-47, for example, we read that there were those who "gladly received the Word" who did assemble together in one accord; in one mind in prayer and supplication; in singleness of heart. Among the apostles and gathered people were the women, and in the midst Mary the surrogate mother of Jesus. Note that this is the last mention of Mary in the written word. There are no further scriptural references concerning Mary.

As those who search the scriptures can attest, beyond this reference, the false traditions of men enter into the world of make-believe. Only false imaginations emerge, resulting in false emotional feelings rather than assured confidence in the Word which was manifest unto us. Why? Because THE WORD WAS WITH GOD AND THE WORD WAS GOD -- JESUS.

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

The Word made flesh and dwelt among us and like the apostles, we behold His glory. God was manifest in the flesh. The Lord Himself having come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18; Revelation 1:8, 11)

"Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen ..." (Acts 1:2)

Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11) The ONLY Name whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9) The Name which caused offence and resulted in the apostles facing so much tribulation and persecution.

Don't fall for the wiles of the devil, who is running to and fro right now to deceive those who have not hid the Word in their heart. Save yourself from these false prophets and leaders who teach contrary to the Word, and will gladly receive and claim another name -- rather than the Name of the Lord JESUS to which every knee will bow.

Instead, enter into God’s Kingdom through the one and only door. That door is Jesus who alone is The WAY, The TRUTH, and The LIFE. (John 14:6) The first 3000 believers gathered on the day of Pentecost were told to “save themselves” from this untoward generation. To save themselves, they were instructed of the Holy Ghost -- through the mouth of Peter (plus eleven other Jesus' chosen witnesses) -- that they should repent and that they should be baptized into the Name of Jesus, thereby receiving forgiveness of all sin. (PAID IN FULL) at Calvary by God Himself in the man Jesus!(child of the Spirit of God)

This is why JESUS is the ONLY Mediator between God and Man. The same day GOD added to their number 3000 souls. These souls continued steadfastly in the teaching of the Apostles. Jesus is the corner stone of faith and the apostles are the foundation. (Acts 2:1-47)

Let those with ears to hear and eyes to see rightly divide the Word going forward, dismissing the traditions of men that turn people away from learning the truth. Stand in the offering plate.

Bless the Lord O My Soul, O Lord my God, Thou Art Clothed With Honour and Majesty - Part 1695

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints ...

for there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ ... these be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit ...

but ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy family, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life .... to the only wise God our Saviour, glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." (Jude 1:1-4, 20-25)

I have found it most helpful in searching/studying the scriptures in order to "rightly" divide the truth -- to look at comparison verses as well for context and understanding. Thus, in the above example, Jude was encouraging believers with "all diligence" -- with all industriousness, thoroughness and concentration -- to ensure that as believers in Jesus the Christ by faith we continually contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. In this case, Jude is speaking specifically of remaining steadfast in the apostles' doctrine and similarly, in singleness of heart and one accord, continuing in prayer and supplication. (Acts 1:13; Acts 2:36-47)

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers ...and they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people." And when these did not vary from the truth that was delivered on the day of Pentecost, the Lord Jesus added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Remember, that the one accord came about as a consequence of the first 3,000 souls saved being pricked in their heart when Peter (standing with the eleven) said, "This SAME JESUS whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ" and going forward, having repented and been water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)

The difficulty today is that too often, our willingness to know the Bridegroom who gave His all in all for us stops with our assured salvation. We settle in comforted in knowing that we will inherit eternal life because we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord God and Saviour. But is this what the scriptures say? Should indeed our faith journey stop there?

This is where we should take heed to Jude's instruction, wherein he warns us against those certain men who would creep in unawares, preaching "another" gospel. For me, the answer to some of these questions can be found in Ephesians 6:13-18"

Therein, we are instructed as believers to take unto us "the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having done all, to stand, stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints ..." (Ephesians 6:13-18)

Why? So that as the very next scripture indicates, we can open our mouths boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel! What is the mystery? "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)

The mystery of godliness -- wherein God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) Wherein He clothed Himself -- taking unto Himself a body of flesh (yet without sin) so that He could become the perfect sacrifice -- shedding His own precious holy blood on that cross for you and I. He gave His right arm for our salvation. 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)

Thus, when the scales that hid the mystery of godliness are finally removed, and we begin to understand how much love our Lord God had for His beloved creation -- His beloved people whom He had known from the beginning of the world -- that is, you and I -- “the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

This is not to suggest that there will not be persecution because there will be, but when we lift the Name of Jesus high, He is faithful and just to bring all these who reject the truth back to Himself. Therefore, don't neglect the faith that was once delivered to the saints "under the onslaught of a barrage of false and misinformed preachers and teachers" who desire to lead us astray.

The same He which is before all things, and by Him whom all things consist, He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn form the dead that in all [things] He might have the preeminence -- "for it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fullness dwell: and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven, and you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable in His sight -- IF YE CONTINUE IN THE FAITH GROUNDED AND SETTLED and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which is under heaven ..." (Colossians 1:16-23) 

"The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations but is NOW made manifest to His saints." (Colossians 1:26)

We are a privileged people who live in these last days -- the fullness of times. Therefore, don't let others spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ, for these do not understand that "in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!" (Colossians 2:9) 

For there will always be "certain" who will not admit that we are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power, or that we who believe in Jesus by faith are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands -- because these are still preoccupied with splitting their God into three (ironically!) persons. These do  not hold the Head from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered and knit together, increases with the increase of God.

So much more to share here, but for now, let those with ears to hear and eyes to see, both hear and acknowledge of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ -- in "whom" are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2; II John 1:9; John 1:1-18; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 45:5, 12, 14,-18, 21, 22, 23) The Holy Ghost who fills our hearts with joy and peace, and leads us into all truth.

"For I am God and there is none else; I am God and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, "My counsel shall stand and I will do all My pleasure." (Isiah 46:9-10)

Indeed, as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.(Colossians 2:7)

Stand in the offering plate.

Whereby, When Ye Read The Scriptures -- His Word -- Ye May Understand The Mystery of Christ - Part 1694

"For through Him we both have access by ONE SPIRIT unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:18)

Apostle Paul is saying that if ye/we have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God ("which is given me to you-ward!") how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery ... whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in Christ, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel:whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power." (Ephesians 3:1-7)

At this point, Paul is speaking to the saints which are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. Herein, Paul is praising the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly in Christ ... according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.

Why? Because from the very beginning of the world, He has predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. And thus, Paul desires that we understand what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in god, who created all things by Jesus Christ -- to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God -- according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Let me say that again -- "to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly might be known by the church and manifold wisdom of God -- according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:10)

You see, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:9) Jesus was God Himself manifest in the flesh, having taken on a body unto Himself so that He could bring salvation to you and I. And He did so in such a way that His glory was initially hid from the world, or else the world would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Indeed, what God did in His manifold wisdom is purpose our salvation in His perfect sacrifice to the world. He gave us His Name to love and adore and behold, and the ONLY Name -- JESUS -- whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9) And He shed His precious blood on that cross so that we would no longer be aliens from the commonwealth of Israel.

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are 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 twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God  in one body by the cross, having slain the enemy thereby." (Ephesians 2:12-17)

It is because of the grace of God, and His abundant kindness that we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast.

But even more so, when we ask Jesus to become King of kings and Lord of lords in our hearts, and are water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive His gift -- that is the Spirit of Christ living within. While those in the old testament could only look ahead to our time, we have an opportunity to have the Living Word leading and guiding us into all truth.

The same Word that was with God and was God and was made flesh. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

But for those of us who receive Jesus, and behold His glory, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 3:19-22)

We are His beloved -- the Jesus people -- who know in whom we serve. Just like S/Paul did when He asked, as he was blinded by the light that shone all around him on his way to Damascus -- "Who art Thou, Lord?"

"I am Jesus!"

""I, the Lord, the first and with the last, I am He." (Isaiah 41:4; Revelation 1:8,11)

Yes, Christ Jesus our Lord and Christ, who willingly loved His creation so much that He would bring us salvation so that we too (as Gentiles) could become fellow heirs in the mystery of godliness.

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

For this cause we bow our knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Let those who have ears to hear and eyes to see, hear and see and understand the mystery that God had put in place (after His own counsel) from the beginning of the world.

He is our all in all! Stand in the offering plate.