The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation, Who Shall I Fear? The Lord Is The Stronghold Of My Life - Part 1870

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:1-4)

One of the most interesting aspects of the Holy Bible scriptures -- the Word of God -- is that within there is a cloud of witnesses which attest to the love and kindness of God our Saviour. The gospels -- written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John -- tell similar accounts of Jesus, and His journey on this earth. The controversy that one might expect when it comes to several witnesses scribing what these saw is that one might get the message wrong, and therefore cast doubt upon the accuracy of the gospels. But in this case, all the prophets and the psalmist alike point to the coming of the Messiah. Jesus is His Name. (Matthew 1:18-23; Acts 4:12) In fact, throughout the scriptures, we understand the statement, "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" (Psalm 40:7; Hebrews 10:7)

As well, it is important to note here that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8) It was His abundance of love and mercy for His beloved creation that dictated His plan of salvation -- the mystery that was beheld in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. But unlike the modern day religious culture who denies that Jesus is the Father, even when these know that Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" these want to reduce Jesus to a third of God.

Still, the Word that was with God and was God was made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) The Lord having come forth as a mighty man, so that we could have life in Him. (Isaiah 42:16) Indeed, when the Lord God looked around to see if any one was worthy, there was no one. Thus, He Himself became our Saviour, and He did so because He loved us from the very beginning. His purpose for our lives placed in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb.

It is here that we see the difference between the true body of Christ Church wherein Jesus is the Head and a false religious culture that denies Jesus and His power thereof. Interestingly, there are many scriptures which speak of this in the scriptures. Nevertheless, our Lord God and Saviour desires a family and regardless of the proliferation of false teachings within the modern day church, those that love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength will find the truth.

"Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17)

The apostles are clear on that point. Herein some scriptures that demand that we not be misled by any other gospel, which does not align with the apostolic doctrine outlined in Acts 2 -- wherein, on the day of Pentecost the body of Christ church had its beginning. Within these scriptures, we understand, as Peter standing with the eleven told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38) This is why the first 3,000 souls saved repented, and were baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- so that these could receive the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of the Lord Jesus in their hearts. But I digress.

The following are the scriptures I alluded to above. Read and meditate on these things in your faith journey. Search the scriptures as a workman doth, so that we can accurately discern between what is right and true and just, and other teachings which have no foundation or basis in the Word.

"For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." (II Peter 2:20-22)

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils ... 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 ..." " (I Timothy 4:1-3)

"For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost ..." (Hebrews 6:4-8)

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition ..." (II Thessalonians 2:3)

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." (II Timothy 3:1-9)

From Jesus' parable -- "They on the Rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the Word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." (Luke 8:13)

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." (Hebrews 3:12)

"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." (II Peter 3:17)

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matthew 24:12)

But we have a higher calling in Christ Jesus. Remain steadfast in the Lord Jesus who loves us beyond measure. "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears." (Hebrews 12:12-17)

So many witnesses pointing to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant who said He will never leave us nor forsake us. This is why He said He would send us another Comforter -- the Holy Ghost -- so that we would know that Jesus is God Almighty in the flesh, and that His Spirit now dwells within. See that ye refuse not Him that speaks to your very being, but instead receive a kingdom which cannot be moved. Attach yourself to the Rock which is Jesus, and let us have grace whereby we may serve Him as our God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 

Stand in the offering plate.

Cast All Your Fear and Anxiety Onto The Lord Jesus For He Will Bring The Victory - Part 1869

There are times when believers can be discouraged from the struggles that life brings. This is a natural response given the numerous trials and tribulations that can blindside us on any given day. But Acts chapter 12 is an example whereby faith overcomes even the darkest moments. In this chapter, Herod the king has laid violent hands upon those who belong to the church. He had killed James the brother of John and proceeds to arrest Peter. Herod instructs four squads of soldiers to guard Peter while in prison, intending to present Peter to the people at the conclusion of the days of unleavened bread. With this kind of oppression against Peter, it would be easy to see that this was the end for Peter.

But what Herod did not count on was God's army being more powerful than his own. The same God who loved us so much that He would become flesh and shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that we might have salvation and life eternal was in charge. So what happens next? Believers began praying in earnest for Peter. The very night that Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 

"Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell, and he struck Peter on the side and woke him saying, "Get up quickly" and the chains fell off his hands." The angel instructed Peter to get dressed and follow him. At first, Peter thought he was seeing a vision. This can't be real, he surmised. But the reality began to kick in when they had passed the first and second guard, and then upon their arrival at the city entrance, the iron gate opens for them. "

And Peter came to himself and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." When Peter realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, where many believers were gathered in prayer. The people were amazed! Motioning for the people to be silent, Peter told them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.

As one can imagine, Herod was angry. "Now when the day came, there was no small stir among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him and could not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death." On an appointed day, Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne and made an oration to him. And the people shouted, "The voice of a god and not of man." Immediately, an angel of the Lord smote him because Herod did not give God the glory and the word of God grew and multiplied.

As we read here with Peter, even in our darkest moments, and through all of our earthly trials and tribulations God has a plan for you and me. So, even when there appears to be no way out of our circumstances, we can remain confident in His grace and mercy that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus has already opened the door! Believe on Jesus today!

Jesus Saith, "Come And Dine!" But None Of The Disciples Durst Ask Him, "Who Art Thou?" Knowing That He Was The Lord - Part 1868

Jesus saith unto them, "Come and dine." And none of the disciples durst ask him, "Who art thou?" knowing that it was the Lord." (John 21:12)

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles -- "If ye 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; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and 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.

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory ... for this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:1-21)

We know that apostle Paul (as Saul) was blinded on the road to Damascus by a bright light. A short time prior, Saul was an overseer to the stoning of Stephen, one of the seven chosen to be table servants. Thus, from Stephen's testimony, Saul already knew about Jesus. He was (as the scriptures state) without excuse. Still, Saul did not know Jesus and this is a key understanding.

So, when he was suddenly stopped on his way to Damascus, wherein his motives were to gather and jail any believers in Jesus that he found, Saul knew that this encounter was significant.

This may explain why Saul asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" (Acts 9:5; Acts 22:8; Acts 26:15) The voice from heaven told Saul that He was Jesus, the same Jesus who was both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) In the rest of the book of Acts, we begin to see how Saul became Paul, chosen specifically by the Lord Jesus Christ to become an apostle to the Gentiles. As a side note, it is important to note that Saul was very well educated, and thus, familiar with the intricacies of the Old Testament. Even so, Saul was instructed to go to see Ananias where he was taught about salvation and water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Further elaboration can be found in Acts 9.

"And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Behold, I am here, Lord." ... And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight ... Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem," ... And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 9:10-17)

But I digress. By the time Paul (an apostle and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ) writes to the Ephesians, he has acquired an increased level of understanding, this time by revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ. In chapter 3, Paul tells us that we live in the dispensation of grace of God. We are no longer living under the old covenant of Law, even though that Law serves as a schoolmaster to point us to Christ. But after we receive Jesus within our hearts, His law is written in our hearts, wherein, He as the Comforter (the Holy Ghost) leads and guides us into all truth. (John 14:26; John 15:26; Acts 1:2-3; I Timothy 3:16)

The law that states -- Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is one Lord, and we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. With His abundant love in our heart, which we understand that the grace of God has extended to us, we are able to love one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

After the kindness and love of God our Saviour ... (Titus 3:4-7) The mystery of godliness that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. The mystery of Christ, which Paul has written afore in a few words, is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

His purpose? So that the Gentiles should become fellow heirs, and of the same body of Christ church, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel. And, as Paul has said in another scripture, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ sets us free. We can stand fast in His liberty because He paid the ultimate price -- the perfect sacrifice -- on that cross, when He shed His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I.

Yes, Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. His Name given to us specifically for this dispensation of grace.  "And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)

The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. 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 1:1-14)

Throughout the scriptures, the Lord God reveals Himself to His people. And in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6)

And lest we be led astray by the modern day religious culture, the scriptures clearly declare that Mary (who was blessed in bringing forth this son) clearly rejoiced in God her Saviour. (Luke 1:67) So did John the baptizer point to Jesus as the prophesied Lamb of God. Likewise, the prophets, psalmist, and those that followed Jesus daily as disciples knew that Jesus was the Messiah.

Therefore, the knowledge of the covenant wherein the Lord God would take away our sins is found in the Word. This is why we can be assured that the good news gospel message of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ is not hidden from those who seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. In fact, when our hearts turn in totality to Him -- the Lord Jesus Christ which was made of the Seed of David according to the flesh; and declared 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 ..." our salvation is confirmed. (Romans 11:25-36)

No longer are we conformed to this world, but rather, because of our Lord God's willingness to become our Saviour, we are transformed by the renewing of our mind, that ye prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. In this time of pressing into the Lord Jesus, we begin to see Him for who He really is. Not as a God who sent His one and only Son to die, but rather as Almighty God who gave His only "begotten" Son for us. He clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have life, when we believe in our hearts that Jesus is both Lord and Christ.

Meditate on these things, knowing that when one does everything they do in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, He is our sustenance and strength, and that our hearts will bubble over with His joy and peace and mercy and love.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Hearken Unto Me, O Jacob and Israel, My Called; I Am He; I Am The First, I Also Am The Last - Part 1867

The Father goes forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) The man Christ Jesus is that mighty man. The promised Christ. The prophesied Saviour. To wit, God in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.

"For thou art an holy people unto THE LORD thy GOD, and THE LORD hath CHOSEN thee TO BE A PECULIAR PEOPLE UNTO HIMSELF, above all the nations that are upon the earth." (Deuteronomy 14:2)

"Looking for that blessed hope, and THE GLORIOUS APPEARING OF THE GREAT GOD AND OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST; WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR US, THAT HE MIGHT REDEEM US FROM ALL INIQUITY, and PURIFY UNTO HIMSELF A PECULIAR PEOPLE, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:12-13)

"For thy MAKER is thine HUSBAND; THE LORD OF HOSTS IS HIS NAME; AND THY REDEEMER THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL; THE GOD OF THE WHOLE EARTH SHALL HE BE CALLED. IN A LITTLE WRATH I HID MY FACE from thee for a moment; but with EVERLASTING KINDNESS WILL I HAVE MERCY on thee," SAITH THE LORD THY REDEEMER." (Isaiah 54:5, 8)

"DOUBTLESS THOU ART OUR FATHER, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: THOU, O LORD, ART OUR FATHER, OUR REDEEMER; THY NAME IS FROM EVERLASTING ..." (Isaiah 63:16)

Indeed, when we repent and are water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are born of HIM WHO WILL APPEAR and BE SEEN BY EVERY EYE, EVEN THOSE WHO PIERCED HIM Will LOOK UPON AND SEE “HIM” and they will mourn because of HIM THAT THEY DO SEE IN THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST! The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14) This same JESUS whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)

"HE CAME UNTO HIS OWN, and HIS OWN RECEIVED HIM NOT. But as many as RECEIVED HIM, to them gave HE POWERFUL TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME: Which WERE BORN, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, BUT OF GOD ..." (John 1:1-18)

"And now, little children, ABIDE IN HIM; that, WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, we may have confidence, and NOT BE ASHAMED BEFORE HIM AT HIS COMING. If ye know that HE IS RIGHTEOUS, ye know that every one THAT DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS BORN OF HIM." (I John 2:28-29)

"And I WILL POUR UPON the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: AND THEY SHALL LOOK UPON ME WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED, AND THEY SHALL MOURN FOR HIM, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in BITTERNESS FOR HIM, as one that is in BITTERNESS for his firstborn." (Zechariah 12:10)

"BEHOLD, HE COMETH WITH CLOUDS; and EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM, AND THEY ALSO WHICH PIERCED HIM: and ALL KINDREDS OF THE EARTH SHALL WAIL BECAUSE OF HIM. Even so, Amen. I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE ENDING, SAITH THE LORD, WHICH IS, AND WHICH WAS, AND WHICH IS TO COME, THE ALMIGHTY." (Revelation 1:7-8)

"Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE REVEALED , AND ALL FLESH SHALL SEE IT TOGETHER: FOR THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HATH SPOKEN it. O ZION, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O JERUSALEM, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah ...

"BEHOLD YOUR GOD! BEHOLD, THE LORD GOD WILL COME WITH STRONG HAND, AND HIS ARM SHALL RULE FOR HIM: BEHOLD, HIS REWARD IS WITH HIM, AND HIS WORK BEFORE HIM. HE SHALL FEED HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD: HE SHALL GATHER THE LAMBS WITH HIS ARM, AND CARRY THEM IN HIS BOSOM, AND SHALL GENTLY LEAD THOSE THAT ARE WITH YOUNG." (Isaiah 40:4-5, 9-11)

For thus SAITH THE LORD GOD, "MY PEOPLE went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. 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 BRINGETH GOOD TIDINGS, that PUBLISHETH PEACE; that BRINGETH GOOD TIDINGS of GOOD, that PUBLISHETH SALVATION; THAT SAITH UNTO ZION, THY GOD REIGNETH! ~ (HE that Speaks)

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 REREWARD." (Isaiah 52:4-12)

JESUS said, "AND, BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY; AND MY REWARD IS WITH ME, TO GIVE every man according as his work shall be. I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE END, THE FIRST AND THE LAST." (Revelation 22:12-13)

"The LORD SHALL GO FORTH AS A MIGHTY MAN, HE SHALL stir up jealousy like a man of war: HE SHALL CRY, YEA, ROAR; HE SHALL PREVAIL AGAINST HIS ENEMIES. I HAVE long time holden MY PEACE; I HAVE been still, and refrained MYSELF: NOW WILL I CRY like a travailing woman; I WILL DESTROY AND DEVOUR AT ONCE." (Isaiah 42:13-14)

"FOR, BEHOLD, THE LORD WILL COME WITH FIRE, and WITH HIS CHARIOTS LIKE A WHIRLWIND, TO RENDER HIS ANGER WITH FURY, AND HIS REBUKE WITH FLAMES OF FIRE. FOR BY FIRE AND BY HIS SWORD WILL THE LORD PLEAD WITH ALL FLESH: AND THE SLAIN OF THE LORD SHALL BE MANY. They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, SHALL BE CONSUMED TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD. FOR I KNOW THEIR WORKS AND THEIR THOUGHTS: IT SHALL COME, THAT I WILL GATHER ALL NATIONS AND TONGUES; AND THEY SHALL COME, AND SEE MY GLORY ..." (Isaiah 66:15-18)

"Then SHALL THE LORD GO FORTH, AND FIGHT AGAINST THOSE NATIONS, as when HE fought in the day of battle. And HIS FEET SHALL STAND IN THAT DAY UPON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: AND THE LORD MY GOD SHALL COME, AND ALL THE SAINTS WITH thee. And it shall come to pass IN THAT DAY, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:

But IT SHALL BE ONE DAY which shall be KNOWN TO THE LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. And IT SHALL BE IN THAT DAY, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And THE LORD SHALL BE KING OVER ALL THE EARTH: IN THAT DAY SHALL THERE BE ONE LORD, AND HIS NAME ONE." (Zechariah 14:3-9)

"GOD that made the world and all things therein, seeing THAT HE IS LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though HE NEEDED ANY THING, SEEING HE GIVETH TO ALL LIFE, AND BREATH, and ALL THINGS; And hath MADE of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they SHOULD SEEK THE LORD, IF HAPPY they MIGHT FEEL AFTER HIM, and FIND HIM, THOUGH HE BE NOT FAR FROM EVERY ONE OF US: For IN HIM WE LIVE, AND MOVE, and have OUR BEING; as certain also of your own poets have said, FOR WE ARE ALSO HIS OFFSPRING.

Forasmuch then as we are THE OFFSPRING OF GOD, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this IGNORANCE GOD WINKED AT; but now COMMANDETH ALL MEN EVERY WHERE TO REPENT ... Because HE HATH APPOINTED A DAY, IN THE WHICH HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS BY THAT MAN WHOM HE HATH ORDAINED; WHEREOF HE HATH GIVEN ASSURANCE UNTO all men, in THAT HE HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD." (Acts 17:24-31)

"When the Son of man SHALL COME IN HIS GLORY, and ALL the holy angels WITH HIM, then shall HE SIT UPON THE THRONE OF HIS GLORY: And BEFORE HIM SHALL BE GATHERED ALL NATIONS: and HE SHALL SEPARATE THEM ONE FROM ANOTHER, AS A SHEPHERD DIVIDETH HIS SHEEP FROM THE GOATS: And HE SHALL SET THE SHEEP ON HIS RIGHT HAND, BUT THE GOATS ON THE LEFT. Then SHALL THE KING SAY UNTO THEM ON HIS RIGHT HAND, COME, YE BLESSED OF MY FATHER, INHERIT THE KINGDOM PREPARED for YOU FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD." (Matthew 25:31-34)

"For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I WILL MAKE, shall remain BEFORE ME, SAITH THE LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, SHALL ALL FLESH COME TO WORSHIP BEFORE ME, SAITH THE LORD. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have TRANSGRESSED AGAINST ME: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh."  (Isaiah 66:22-25)

"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 FIRSTFRUITS; AFTERWARD THEY THAT ARE CHRIST’S AT HIS COMING. THEN COMETH THE END, WHEN HE SHALL HAVE DELIVERED UP THE KINGDOM TO GOD, EVEN THE FATHER; WHEN HE SHALL HAVE PUT DOWN ALL RULE AND ALL AUTHORITY AND 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.

The first man is of the earth, earthy: THE SECOND MAN IS THE LORD FROM HEAVEN. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and AS IS THE HEAVENLY, SUCH ARE THEY ALSO THAT ARE HEAVENLY. And as we HAVE BORNE THE IMAGE of the earthy, WE SHALL ALSO BEAR THE IMAGE OF THE HEAVENLY." (I Corinthians 15:21-28, 47-49)

"HE THAT COMETH FROM ABOVE IS ABOVE ALL: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: HE THAT COMETH FROM HEAVEN IS ABOVE ALL." (John 3:31)

"I JESUS HAVE SENT MINE ANGEL TO TESTIFY UNTO YOU THESE THINGS IN THE CHURCHES. I AM THE ROOT AND THE OFFSPRING OF DAVID, AND THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR. And THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, COME. And let him that heareth say, COME. And let him that is athirst COME. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
HE WHICH TESTIFIETH THESE THINGS SAITH, SURELY I COME QUICKLY. Amen. Even SO, COME, LORD JESUS. I THE LORD AM HE; I AM JESUS!" (Revelation 22:16-17, 20)

"WHO HATH WROUGHT and DONE IT, CALLING the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the FIRST, and WITH the LAST; I AM HE." (Isaiah 41:4)

"HEARKEN UNTO ME, O Jacob and Israel, MY CALLED; I AM HE; I AM THE FIRST, I ALSO AM THE LAST." (Isaiah 48:12)

As Jesus so clearly stated, "I AND (My) FATHER ARE ONE!" (John 10:30)

Stand in the offering plate.

Despise Not The Riches Of His Goodness And Forbearance And Longsuffering; And Know The Goodness of God Will Lead Us To Repentance - Part 1866

World changers. Changing the world as Jesus did, one soul at a time. Indeed, Jesus said, "He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12)

The question for most of us today is whether we are willing to step fully into the faith that Jesus intended for us. Whether we are willing to stand in the offering plate - literally -- and to serve our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. To move from our personal comfort zone and become everything that Jesus intends us to become -- from the beginning of creation -- even whilst we were still in our mother's wombs.

The Bible encourages us to "Hearken, my beloved brethren. Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" (James 2:5) So that He can attest to our faith, as stated in Matthew 25, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:23)

But often, we feel inadequate of our calling. Many times, we forget that Jesus called "ordinary people" to become "fishers of men." To go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28)

Note that Jesus did not stop His teaching there. Jesus continued His teaching, saying, "And these signs shall follow them that believe. In My Name, shall they cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)

As believing disciples -- followers of our Lord God and Saviour JESUS the Christ -- when that which is perfect is come. (I Corinthians 13:10) And the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of Jesus dwells within our hearts. (Acts 1:2-3; John 14:6-12; 26, John 15:26; I Timothy 3:16)

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if indeed I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12) This is the message intended for Jesus' disciples today. In fact, His good news gospel message has never changed.

But sadly, we have been side tracked by the whims and constructs of this world, labouring for the wrong manna. Collectively, we have let false religion make us comfy in the pews, rather than our hearts becoming solely focused on Jesus the Christ who paid the price for our sins on that cross. In so doing, we are settling for much less than discipleship in His Kingdom.

And thus, as believers, failing to understand that we are the sons and daughters of the Most High King. That we have a God given purpose in this world -- which includes being that city on a hill to those who are lost, with Jesus shining through us to one and all.

Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life!"

Jesus said, "I am the Light of this world!"

Jesus said that if we come to Him we will never thirst again.

Luke 6:39-49 further elaborates on this point. Herein, Jesus is sharing a parable with the people. "Can the blind lead the blind?" He says, "Shall they not both fall into the ditch? Therefore, the disciple is not above his Master, but every one that is perfect shall be as his Master." (Luke 6:40)

Therefore, let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:3-5) Why? Because Thou wilt keep you in perfect peace -- those whose mind is stayed on JESUS. (Isaiah 26:3) Those who trust in the great I AM, bringing forth His fruit ... for a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good.

Therefore, become like the man who built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock, so that when the flood arose, the stream may have beaten vehemently on that house, but nothing could shake it. The Rock is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins.

His abundant love, His long-suffering, His forbearance, His mercy and kindness for you and I is unshakeable. This is why Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for us. This is why we should behold Him as the Lamb of God! And why we should search the scriptures for His truth -- so that we are sanctified by His truth -- Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17)

Keep your eyes focused solely on our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ this day. Step into the offering plate, and then stand in the offering plate.

Take The Helmet Of Salvation And The Sword Of The Spirit, Which Is The Word Of God - Part 1865

"For there is ONE God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. " (I Timothy 2:5-6)

The modern day world in which we live defines mediator as a person who attempts to force people involved in a conflict come to an agreement -- such as a go-between. But in this case, wherein Jesus is our blessed Saviour, He is not only our mediator, but also God Himself who loved us so much that He would also become our Saviour. The dayspring from on high having come to visit His people. 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)

After the kindness and love of God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16) He paid the price in full for our sins, having satisfied the law that was intended to be a schoolmaster to bring us to the promised Christ. In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-23)

However, this is the revelation that gets missed when the religious culture attempts to separate God Almighty into three persons. These choose to ignore that our Lord God Almighty loved us so much that He would hide the mystery of salvation in His bosom from the very beginning, until the Seed should come to whom the promise was made. But before we get to this point, let me first restate the very first commandment. That is, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

When God robed Himself in flesh, and came to this earth in the form of a Son -- the Word that was with God and was God made flesh, dwelling among us -- it was so that His true glory was hid from those whose heart desire was only for His blessings, and not to worship Him in thankfulness and praise for everything that He does for you and I. You see, if Jesus had said outright that He was God Almighty in the flesh, multitudes would follow Him but it would only be for what He could give them, rather than desiring to behold Him for His love and kindness.

This is evident in the example of Jesus feeding the five thousand from the young lad's loaves and fishes. Even though Jesus performed a miracle that should have pointed to His glory, the people came the second day to Him because their bellies were hungry. Their self-serving interests trumping what should have been a thankful heart, for having had the opportunity to meet the Christ, which was promised from the very beginning of the world.

The Lord's Christ! The One whom Mary rejoiced in as God her Saviour.

Indeed, Jesus told His disciples who He was. Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) Jesus said, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also; and from henceforth, ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:7) In the wilderness before His ministry on earth began, Jesus told satan that he should not tempt the Lord thy God.  (Matthew 4:7; Deuteronomy 6:13-18; Deuteronomy 8:3)

Jesus' identity was never a secret to those who press in to Him, because He told us that if we knocked, He would open, and if we sought Him, we would find Him. In fact, throughout the scriptures, our salvation that can only be found in Jesus is the focal point. "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me."

In the book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords.

And His Name, as the angel declared to Joseph, shall be called JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-23)

The entire scriptures are about the Lamb of God. And, after Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. Jesus said that He would never leave us nor forsake us, but that His disciples would see Him no more (in the form of man, on this earth) Rather, He would send another Comforter, the Holy Ghost, who would dwell in our hearts forever, comforting us from the bondage of this world, and leading and guiding us into all truth.

This is why Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost declared, "This SAME JESUS whom ye have crucified is BOTH LORD AND CHRIST." (Acts 2:36) Because the son of man (even on this earth) is Lord of the Sabbath. Yes, God robed Himself in flesh and came into this world as a Son, because there was no one who could be found that was perfect. Even so, He still retained His glory for those who sought Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

The fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9)

And false religion has duped us into believing that God is three persons. How sad that we have not pressed into the holiest of holiest, who willingly shed His precious blood on that cross for our sins. He wore the crown of thorns. He took that spear in His side. He was whipped and beaten, and mocked so that we might have eternal life in Him.

Apostle Paul said that if anyone preach another gospel, let them be accursed. And he did not just make this statement once. To the Galatians, Paul wrote, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you?" This is serious because false religion has rewrote the greatest love story ever told and hid it from your hearts. But that can change. We can have life in Him by pressing into Him, studying the Word -- not as a servant but as a friend. As a lover of the Most High who loves us beyond measure. The same God who took our place so that we could have life.

Yes, throughout the holy Bible, which teaches and shares the greatest love story ever told to mankind. What is never said in the scriptures is that God is a them, or us, or three in one, or a triad. Father God is never mentioned in the scriptures. Neither is God the Son. These are false religious terms intended to sidetrack you from the truth -- the one and only God who loved you and I enough to become as one of us.

God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, but committing unto us the Word of reconciliation-- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (II Corinthians 5:19)

This is why Jesus could say -- "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6)

Because as Jesus stated prior to being taken up, and subsequently, THROUGH the Holy Ghost giving commandments to the disciples whom He had chosen, "ALL power  is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18; Acts 1:2-3)

How much scriptural evidence do we need to understand what Jesus was saying when He said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me!" -- as Jesus repeated from prophecy from afore? (Luke 3:18-19; Isaiah 49:8-9; Isaiah 61:1-2)

Have we forgotten that Mary (the mother of Jesus) rejoiced in God her Saviour, whilst the "holy thing" was still in her womb? (Luke 1:46-47; I Timothy 1:1; I Timothy 2:3)

Or that Simeon, a just and devout man who waited patiently for the consolation of Israel said upon seeing the babe Jesus, "Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel?" (Luke 2:25-32; Isaiah 42:6; Acts 10:45; Acts 13:47; Acts 28:28; Isaiah 52:10)

Yes, Jesus said, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:7)

"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one." (Galatians 3:19-20)

"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." (Hebrews 9:15)

It is for this reason, that in these last days, we are instructed to come out from among them so that we too do not suffer their plagues. Know too that the Lord Jesus has a purpose for each and every one of us, that He placed in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb. This is the time to understand that our hearts are sanctified by truth. What is truth? Thy Word is truth!

Stand in the offering plate.

Without The Shedding Of Blood, There Can Be No Remission Of Sin - Part 1864

"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 divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:8-12)

He takes away the first covenant, also recognized as the old covenant, so that He could establish a second new covenant. By His will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus the Christ once and for all. At the beginning of the Holy Spirit ministries in Jesus, we find Jesus reading from the prophetical book of Esaias [Isaiah]. 

Therein, He read a passage that stated, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and recover the sight of the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." And He closed the book. The acceptable will of the Lord. 

The day of God’s visitation, He takes away the first, while firmly establishing the second. Recall when Jesus had completed all that was required to secure our redemption? He sat down. Here we find Jesus standing, and in so doing, a new dispensation of grace, or unmerited favour commences. In Acts 7, verse 56, Stephen presented the good news of salvation to a group of religious people, laying out these same historical events. Note in Acts 7 that Jesus was standing. The significance of standing is that this was to be the final call to a religious Jewish nation. They were at that moment to be cut off because of their stubborn unbelief.

Saul who was party to all these happenings, was to be met by the Lord Jesus when he journeyed to Damascus.  While he journeyed to Damascus, the Lord revealed that Saul, renamed Paul was a chosen vessel to Him.  As a result, Paul would now be His Apostle to the Gentiles. Jesus stood up while Stephen was being stoned to death. This sojourning is further expanded upon in Acts chapters 8 and 9.

But the good news is that this meeting led to the complete altering of future events now. The Lord's way is not our way, He looks not on the outward appearance of men. He looks into one's heart. God swung open the door of obtainable salvation to the Gentiles. The Lord redeemed to Himself a believing people, who would be His own people. He is going to call them by His name. These people will be His bride. The Jesus People.

Recall that in the Garden, God said it was not good that man should dwell alone. God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam. God operated on Adam, removing one of his ribs. From that removed rib, God made a woman from Adam’s rib bone. A woman to be loved by him, even as he would take care of his own flesh. Why? Because the woman being the bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh. Now consider Calvary, when Jesus hung on the roman cross. It is recorded in John 19:33, that one of the soldiers with a spear pierced the side of Jesus. When he did, the scriptures record, forthwith, there came out blood and water. 

Without the shedding of His blood, there shall be no remission of sin. We are washed with the water of the Word of God and now we are clean. We are clean through the Word that He has spoken to us. As He said, he that is internally clean needs nothing more than to wash His feet. Peter was admonished of God when God alerted him that what He, God has cleansed we must never call (His believing bride ) common or unclean. We are bone of his bone and flesh of His flesh. A new covenant was established and brought us into the reality of being purchased by God Himself. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God toward us. God’s love being visibly expressed when He gave Himself for us. 

The greatest love story ever told. Peace to all who are in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

For Thine Is The Kingdom, The Power, And The Glory, Forever And Ever, Amen - Part 1863

"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!" (Acts 2:42-46)

The one accord expressed above is a perfect description of what should happen between believers when they repent, and are baptized in the precious Name of their Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, and consequently, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38) New believers to the faith should display a desire in their/our hearts to obey His Word, and to study His Word, and to learn from Him what His purpose for our lives should be. 

Because in their hearts, those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith have come to understand that He is their all in all -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending -- King of kings and Lord of lords. Like the disciples, these have chosen to follow Him, doing everything they do in both word or deed in the Name of JESUS.

The only name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The name above every other name God used up until this current dispensation of grace. (Philippians 2:9) Indeed, the angel said to call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Note that Jesus also referred to Himself as the Bread of life, wherein if we eat, we will never hunger again. And Jesus tells us to ask in prayer -- "Give us day by day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11) Moreover, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4) 

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

In the scriptures, the analogy of bread is used quite often. For example, when the enemy tempter came to Jesus in the wilderness, he said to Jesus,  "If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." (Matthew 4:3) 

In one of His greatest miracles, Jesus' disciples said unto Him, "Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?" (Matthew 15:33)

In a parable, Jesus said, "Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?" (Matthew 7:9)

"And in another place, when His disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have taken no bread." Which when Jesus perceived, He said unto them, "O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? ... How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?" Then understood they how that He bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." (Matthew 16:5-12)

Other examples?

From the apostles: "Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." (II Thessalonians 3:8, 12)

From the Pharisees and scribes: "Why walk not Thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?" (Mark 7:5)

From Jesus who said unto the woman: "Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs." (Mark 7:27)

And there is yet another teaching moment from the disciples who asked Jesus, "From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? ... Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf, and they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have no bread." But when Jesus knew it, He saith unto them, "Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?" (Mark 8:4, 14-16)

And one more to meditate upon: "Now he that ministers seed to the Sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness ... " (II Corinthians 9:10)

Finally, to come full circle, Jesus was praying in a certain place and ceased, when one of His disciples said unto Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." And Jesus said unto them, "When ye pray, say, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." (Luke 11:1-4)

Although this same model prayer is cited twice in the gospels, this one does not add the last part which states, "For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever, amen." Nevertheless, the heart desire to get to know our Lord God and Saviour better is evident in both examples. He is our victory. He is the key to wisdom and knowledge, and His love for you and I is more than sufficient to know that we can be alive and sustained in Him.

If you haven't asked Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your life, today is the day of salvation. Today is the day that if you hear His voice, hearken unto Him, because He is the bread of life, wherein if you taste thereof, you will never hunger again. Stand in the offering plate.

For This Is My Covenant Unto Them When I Shall Take Away Their Sins - Part 1862

"For this is My covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins." (Romans 11:27; Isaiah 27:9)

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

The Lord came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

"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 form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.

Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it. Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to Him that fashions it, "What makest Thou? or Thy work, He hath no hands?" Woe unto him that saith unto his Father, "What begettest Thou?" or to the woman, "What hast Thou brought forth?"

Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and His Maker, "Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons, and concerning the work of My hands command ye Me. I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. I have raised Him up in righteousness, and I will direct all His ways: He shall build My city, and He shall let go My captives, not for price nor reward," saith the Lord of hosts." (Isaiah 45:5-13)
Because of the love and mercy of God our Saviour toward man, He willingly appeared, taking away the sins of the world. (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35; Titus 3:4-7) The mystery -- the mystery of godliness that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world-- so that we as believers in Jesus by faith, are not ignorant of the truth. And, similarly, "lest ye should be[come] wise in your own conceits." (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Romans 11:25)

Yes, Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, and He shed His precious holy blood on the cross so that you and I could have salvation in Him. God manifest in the flesh and dwelt among us, so that we could and would behold His glory. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Isaiah 9:6) And after He was taken up, He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) The Comforter, the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive (because it sees Him not, neither knows Him) which is the Holy Ghost (as Jesus told His disciples) who would lead and guide us into all truth. (John 14:26)

Jesus said, "But [this comes to pass] that this Word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, "they hated Me without a cause." But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me; and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning. These thing has I spoken unto you that ye should not be offended. " (John 15:26-27; John 16:1)

The first Adam, earthy, but the second Adam, the Lord from heaven. The son of man still the Lord of the Sabbath. The same Spirit of the Lord that moved upon the face of the waters in the very beginning, robed Himself in flesh, so that after His kindness and love, we could have salvation, when our hearts turn to Him as our Lord God and Saviour. (John 1:1-18; John 10:30; John 14:6-12)

Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; [even] the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him, but ye know him; for He dwells with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more, but ye see Me, because I live, ye shall live also. At that day, ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments and keep 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 14:16-21; I John 2:5; John 10:30-36; John 14:6-12; John 1:1-18; John 16:16, 22; I Corinthians 15:20; I Corinthians 2:14)

Through the perfect sacrifice on the cross, wherein Jesus paid the price for our sins once and for all with the shedding of His precious holy blood, we are without excuse. We can no longer claim to have a cloak for our sins. (John 15:22) We can no longer use our own self-righteousness as a garment of protection, because regardless of whether we admit it or not, we all have knowledge of the Lamb of God, who gave His own humanity for the sins of the world. The vail was torn from heaven to earth.

Thus, when we come to the understanding of the greatest love story ever told, that God Himself loved us so much that He would come Himself to redeem His people from this world, we can have abundant life in Him.

This is why Jesus said, "If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father."

Therefore, we are not of this world, because Jesus has chosen us out of the world. He has sanctified us by His Word. He has redeemed us through His precious blood. And now, we can be confident in the salvation because the Spirit of truth is come, and He will guide us into all truth.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Lo, This Is Our God; We Have Waited For Him, And He Will Save Us: This Is The Lord; We Have Waited For Him, We Will Be Glad And Rejoice In His Salvation - Part 1861

"O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy Name; for Thou hast done wonderful things; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. For Thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built. Therefore, shall the strong people glorify Thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear Thee. For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low. And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." (Isaiah 25:1-9)

Herein, the Lord God through the prophet Isaiah was foretelling the time when He would become our Saviour, and the entire world would see His love displayed to us on that cross. A time in the last days when the vail that prevented people from seeing God would be removed, when people's hearts turned to Him. Apostle Paul speaks about this, to the point wherein he writes that even in the reading of the Old Testament, the vail remains on the hearts. This is because our life in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ can only be found in the New Testament, when He Himself became a propitiation for our sins.

Having found no other worthy, He Himself decided to robe Himself in flesh, personally delivering His plan of salvation toward us -- the same plan of salvation that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning.

"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)

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

"To wit, 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 5:19)

"Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, [I say] at this time His righteousness: that He might be just and the justifier of Him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:22-26)

So where then is the boasting? What makes people think that they are righteous (self-righteous?) in and of themselves? Most certainly, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, and as the scriptures clearly state, there are no exceptions. And yet, there are still those who will judge others, and focus on particular sins, without first taking the log out of their own eye. But thankfully, God is the same God of both the Jews and the Gentiles also, and it is He which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. (Romans 3:29-30)

This is why the scriptures conclude that by the "law of faith" a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:28) And that, "to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Joshua 24:2; Romans 4:6; Psalm 32:1-2)

Therefore, as Paul writes: "Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God -- not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious.

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: but their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But 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. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3:1-18)

Thus, in this current dispensation of grace, we no longer wait for Him to come (for God has become our Saviour) but rather, instead, waiting on Him to give us our guidance and instruction. For He is our hope, and because of His sacrifice on the cross for you and I, we need to be glad, rejoicing in His salvation plan for His people.

Why? Because we have the promise of peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ living within -- the Holy Ghost, having been justified by faith -- by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and not only so, but we should glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation works patience, and patience, experience, and experience, hope, and hope makes us not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us ... " (Romans 5:1-6; Isaiah 32:17; Ephesians 2:14, 18; I Corinthians 15:1; Hebrews 3:6; Matthew 5:11-12; James 1:3, 12; Philippians 1:20; III Corinthians 1:22; Romans 4:25)

All because He who was delivered for our offences, was raised again for our justification. Therefore, our heart desire should be thankfulness, that the Lord God hath called us into His fold. But thankful also, that without that perfect sacrifice on the cross, we would be lost, condemned into eternal damnation forever. Think on these things that the Lord has said to us through His Word.

Stand in the offering plate.