And It Shall Come To Pass, That Whosoever Shall Call On The Name Of The Lord Shall Be Saved - Part 1964

"The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say: and [may] the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound. Therefore, I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." (II Timothy 2:6-10)

"For whether He were Husbandman, or Shepherd, or a Labourer in the field, He was overtaken, and endured that necessity, which could not be avoided: for they were all bound with one chain of darkness." (Wisdom of Solomon 17:17)

This explains why in these last times -- "Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until He receives the early and latter rain." (James 5:7)

That is, the same Almighty God who created the world clothed Himself in the form of earthly sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin), in order that we who believe in Jesus the Christ by faith, and obey His commandments -- to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love to love one another -- would obtain life everlasting. He was in the world and the world made by Him and the world knew Him not. Likewise, He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

But when the humanity of God was on that cross, His hands pierced for one and all to behold, we were given a second chance to put our trust in Him. A second opportunity to dine at His most elaborate wedding feast -- being clothed in His righteousness and love.

As the scriptures tell us -- "For God so loved the world ..." (John 3:16) 

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

The Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His friends, we are instructed to "hear ye Him ..." 

Indeed, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

Thus, if we liken this same husbandman to a farmer in today's world, for example, then we know that the husbandman has sown much seed upon the ground and planted many trees. But if the seed which is sown good in the season comes not up, or that which is planted does not take root, "even so is it of them that are sown in the world, they shall not all be saved."  Or, if the husbandman's seed should perish, if it receives not rain in due season, or if there comes too much rain, it will then become corrupted.

Neither of these outcomes are the farmer's intent, for the farmer (like the Lord our God husbandman) would that all would come to fruition, and flourish. As the scripture states, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:8-10)

And to the Jews: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that kills the prophets, and stones them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34)

The same analogy (wherein we are likened unto the husbandman's seed) can be used to describe the destiny of mankind. But the good news is that when we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith willingly and gladly lend our ear and heart to hear His voice -- the same man which God formed with His own hands in the beginning, breathing the breath of life into the earthly Adam, the same Lord who has created us all in His own image, and made us as the offspring like unto Him, is constantly calling us into His fold -- the body of Christ church.

But do we (His created beloved) even realize that we -- for whose sake He the Lord has made all things -- desires for you and I to have a personal relationship with Him -- He who is precious? This is why we are likened unto the husbandman's seed, because the Lord of glory Himself is beckoning us to become inheritors of His goodness and grace. He is calling us to be one of His beloved who like the farmer's seed will come forth to fruition, fulfilling His purposes which He wrote in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb.  

Yes, He formed mankind in His own image. And as the scriptures so often tell -- "Like as the field is, so is also the seed; as the flowers be, such are the colours also; such as the workman is, such also is the work; and as the husbandman is Himself, so is his husbandry also: for it was the time of the world."

This is why right now, the Lord is pleading with all flesh to behold His glory and to turn their hearts to Him. Indeed, hear ye the Word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His Word -- "your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My Name's sake, said, "Let the Lord be glorified" but He shall appear to "your joy" ...  and they shall be ashamed." (Isaiah 66:5)

"And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people; all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed." (Isaiah 61:9; Revelation 3:8-9)

Thus, greatly rejoice in the Lord, and let your soul be joyful in God, for He hath clothed Jesus (as we now know Him by His Name in the New Testament side) with the garments of salvation. He hath covered Him with the robe of righteousness as a bridegroom decks Himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. And we are being invited into the most elaborate wedding feast of all time. Hearken unto His voice and know that He is God whose love is displayed continually in the heavens for us to see.

"For as the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations." (Isaiah 61:10-11)

 This day hath He given you salvation. This day hear His voice, and come unto Him. His Name is Jesus, and yes, He shall save you from all your sins.

Stand in the offering plate. 

That The God Of Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father Of Glory, May Give Unto You The Spirit Of Wisdom And Revelation In The Knowledge Of Him - Part 1963

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28)

"In whom we have redemption thorough His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself; that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; in Him, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will ..." (Ephesians 1:7-14)

"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 .... " (Hebrews 9:14-18; Hebrews 9:8, 26-28)

And, as every man hath received this gift, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God ... so that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever, Amen. (I Peter 4:10-11) The mystery? That this same God who made the world in the beginning was in the world and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) 

The scriptures state that Jesus -- He is the Great I Am. The scriptures state that Jesus is God Almighty manifest in the flesh. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. The son of man being the Lord from heaven. The same Lord who was prophesied to come forth by Isaiah came to earth as a mighty man. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; II John 1:9; Acts 20:28; II Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 1:8; John 1:1-18)

"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) 

Thus, in the greater scheme of things, it was only the deceiving satan who was supposed to be fooled [tricked; bamboozled; conned; deceived; deluded; duped; flimflammed; misled; outfoxed; sucked in] by the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. That is, that after His kindness and love, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) and became as one of us in the form of a Son so that we might have life everlasting. Yes, it was only the cheating enemy which was to wrongly believe that the Lord God did not love His beloved creation enough to willingly shed His precious holy blood on a cross on their behalf. 

For us who believe in Jesus by faith, He gives us a more fulfilling life, that goes beyond the desires of this world, wherein for the name of Christ, happy are we. It is in this context that it was never intended for His beloved creation -- you and I -- to be blinded from the greatest love story ever told -- that in the man Christ Jesus, God made His abode, and provided Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins on a cross.

Because of His perfect sacrifice, His kindness and love, His desire to commune with His beloved, that in Him we can rejoice, inasmuch as we have become partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy. (I Peter 4:13)

And yes, this sis why we endure all things for the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. Believe in His wondrous and most precious love this day, and don't allow anyone who has erred concerning the truth to move you away from the foundation of God which stands sure.

We have so very much to be thankful for. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus because as we know, the husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits. Stand in the offering plate.

We Which Have The First Fruits Of The Spirit, Within Ourselves, Waiting For The Adoption, To Wit, The Redemption Of Our Body - Part 1962

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit." (II Corinthians 5:1-5)

For purposes of clarity, earthly house refers to our physical bodies. We have been born the image of the earthy. In another place, apostle Paul writes about the first man [Adam] being of the earth, but the second man [Jesus] is the Lord from heaven. (I Corinthians 15:47) 

And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith shall also bear the image of the heavenly. "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." (I Corinthians 15:50) 

Paul goes on to reveal to us a mystery. That is, we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In fact, as the scripture states, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting, O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:47-57)

Indeed, Jesus said, "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent." (Revelation 3:18-19)

You see, there is a promise of the Lord, wherein He wants to bring us to the next step of understanding of life in Him. It is in this context that while we who believe may be in the world, we are not of this world. How do we know? Because like Jesus said to the impotent man who had an infirmity thirty-eight years, He has made us whole. We no longer are troubled trying to get into the pool before the others so that we can receive a blessing too, but rather, we have heard Jesus saying to us in our hearts, "Rise, take up thy bed and walk!" (John 5:6-9)

And in this context, we have been cured for life, from the ailments of this world, because we know that our earthly houses are only temporary. We have a higher hope in our Lord God and Saviour whose promises are true. And as He has stated, we have proven the Lord to be who He said He is.

Therefore, as Paul writes to the believing saints at Corinth, "we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.

Wherefore, henceforth, know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [Him] no more. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:1-21)

Emmanuel, being interpreted, is God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) Simeon recognized Jesus as the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:26) Mary recognized Jesus to be God her Saviour. (Luke 1:46-47) Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And the apostles going forward in this current dispensation of grace told those who gladly received the Word that God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6-12)

And we being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Let those with eyes to see, see and ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

For The Kingdom Of God Is Not In Word, But In Power; He Restores Our Souls, Wherein He Leads Us Into Paths Of Righteousness For His Name’s Sake.-- Part 1961

Jesus asked the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection, "Do ye not therefore err, because ye have known not the scriptures, neither the power of God?" (Mark 12:24-30)

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

When we begin our life journey on this earth, we are all born into sin. As the scriptures state, we have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But the good news is this. When we ask Jesus to be both our Lord and Saviour, our hearts begin to change, desiring His goodness and grace over the things of this world. 

"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;!" (Romans 3:24-25)

Indeed, He is precious! Because of His love and kindness for us, God our Saviour toward man appeared. And, as a consequence of His willingness to shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I, we can be set free from all the entanglements of this world. Therefore, as believers in Jesus by faith, no longer are we servants of corruption because He has cleansed us from all unrighteousness. Not because of what we can do, or have done, but because the Lord of glory, the dayspring from on high loved us so much as His beloved, that He would visit His people.

It is for this reason we gladly stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. And consequently, the God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)

Thus, all the promises of God in Christ then being yea and amen, unto the glory of God by us.

As apostle Paul said, "Now He which stablishes us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Moreover, I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand." (II Corinthians 1:20-24)

But there is even more joy in serving the Lord Jesus whose promises are true.  This is why those who believe in Jesus by faith can confidently move forward knowing that when we are in  Christ, we are a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (Ii Corinthians 1:20-24)

The same Word which was with God and was God that was made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-18) Emmanuel, being interpreted -- God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) Certainly, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:26) Mary the mother of Jesus recognized Him to be God her Saviour. (Luke 1:46-47) Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And the apostles on the day of Pentecost told those who gladly received the Word in their hearts that this same Jesus whom they [we] had/have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (II Peter 3:14-18)

Jesus Himself said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6-12)

Why do we need a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus? Because the same God who made the world in the very beginning was in the world and although the world did not recognize Jesus for who He was [as the scripture states -- the world knew Him not] our hearts need to desire more of Him.

Our hearts need to respond to this same He [God Himself] who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18) He is the Great I Am. God Almighty manifest in the flesh as Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 3:16) The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) The son of man being the Lord from heaven. (Matthew 12:8; Psalm 24:10; Matthew 25:31-46) The same Lord who was prophesied to come forth by Isaiah came to earth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; II John 1:9; Acts 20:28; II Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 1:8; John 1:1-18)

"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) 

This is why we "take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)

Because without His blood on the doorposts of our heart, and having cleared our conscience toward God through water baptism in His Name -- the precious Name of the Lord Jesus, we miss our higher calling wherein He willingly restores our souls. As the scriptures state, "therefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 

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. But instead grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For it is to Him that the glory be, both now and for ever. Amen.

Stand in the offering plate.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Lord Of Glory - Part 1960

"But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed ..." (James 1:25)

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:17-18)

James goes onto clarify the criteria of "being a doer of the work of the Lord" and not just hearers only, wherein we could, as the scripture states be deceiving ourselves. As well, James refers to our Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord of glory. (James 2:1) James' writing is consistent with the apostles. For example, Peter, also, while standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost told the first 3,000 souls saved that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

However, the modern day religious culture is presenting new terminology in reference to the Lord God Almighty that can not be found anywhere in the scriptures. And this outcome, even though believers in Jesus by faith have been instructed against "adding" to the Word of God. A perfect example is in reference to the the term "Father God" which has become extremely popular in religious circles. In fact, the use of the term Father God is being proliferated by those in ministerial positions -- even when there is absolutely no scriptural reference anywhere in the Bible where this term is used.

The question then is this. If God is God, then why do we feel the need to change/introduce/add to the Word of God? Are the scriptures not sufficient for telling us who the Lord God is? Can we as His beloved not accept that His Word is truth, because as Jesus said, we are sanctified by truth. (John 17:17)

For clarity, believers should know that whenever God as a Father is referenced in the scriptures, the Word states -- God our Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, or similarly, the Holy Ghost as the Father which overshadowed Mary wherein she would bring forth a son. (Luke 1:35)

Why is this important? Because James instructs us not to err. (James 1:16) And if any man teach another gospel, as apostle Paul states, "let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)  Anathema Mar-an-a-tha to those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 16:22)

Thus, we who believe need to understand that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." (James 1:17-18)

And similarly, that we who believe are the "... elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: grace unto you and peace be multiplied. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you; who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time ... being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible by the Word of God which lives and abides forever." (I Peter 1:3-5; I Peter 1 23)

Also, that we how believe "should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ, in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise -- which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:12-13)

But I digress somewhat. How does the scriptures refer to God? Following are a sampling of scriptures which should help us to understand His truth.

"In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters ..." (Genesis 1:1-2)

"For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God ..." (Deuteronomy 10:17; Revelation 1:8)

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh ..." (Jeremiah 32:37)

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek ..." (Isaiah 61:1)

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness ...." (Psalm 48:1)

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our 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." (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:28)

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance. The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men." (Psalm 33:12-13)

"Know ye the LORD He is God; It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." (Psalm 100:3)

"Exalt ye the Lord our God and worship at His footstool; for He is holy." (Psalm 99:5)

"God is the Lord ..." (Psalm 118:27)

"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:7)

"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 1:3)

"Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 1:2) 

"Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 1:2)

"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:2)

"To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Colossians 1:2)

"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 1:1)

"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ ... Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:1-2)

"Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord." (I Timothy 1:2)

"Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philemon 1:3)

And to ensure that we are clear on who God is -- "To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)

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)

His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. Yes, God became our Saviour so that we might have manifold more in this life, and everlasting life in the next. Don't let the misunderstandings of religious circles deceive you from knowing the truth that is in His Word, but rather study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead. And consequently, He abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. His Word given so that we can find life in Him. He is God our Saviour, and He knows them that are His, because we seek His truth in all things. Therefore, hold fast to the good news gospel -- that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us. And when it comes to the truth of His Word, let us not err, knowing that the foundation of God stands sure.

Be strong then in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

They Also That Erred In Spirit Shall Come To Understanding, And They That Murmured Shall Learn Doctrine - Part 1959

Jesus asked the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection, "Do ye not therefore err, because ye known not the scriptures, netter the power of God?" (Mark 12:24-30)

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

Emmanuel, being interpreted, is God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) Simeon recognized Jesus as the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:26) Mary recognized Jesus to be God her Saviour. (Luke 1:46-47) Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And the apostles going forward in this current dispensation of grace told those who gladly received the Word that God became our Saviour.

Jesus Himself said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6-12)

Why? Because the same God who made the world was in the world and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. He is the Great I Am. God Almighty manifest in the flesh as Christ Jesus. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. The son of man being the Lord from heaven. The same Lord who was prophesied to come forth by Isaiah came to earth as a mighty man. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; II John 1:9; Acts 20:28; II Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 1:8; John 1:1-18)

"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) 

And the apostles in the new? "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)

In fact, it was only satan who was supposed to be fooled by our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ having clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) as a son. It was only the enemy which was to deceived into thinking that the Lord God did not love His beloved creation enough to willingly shed His precious holy blood on their behalf. As such, it was never intended for His beloved creation -- you and I -- to be blinded from the greatest love story ever told. 

That is, how the same Almighty God who created the world clothed Himself in the form of earthly flesh, in order that we who believe in Jesus the Christ by faith, and obey His commandments would find life everlasting. 

We certainly witness this very same love in one of Jesus' parables, wherein Jesus told His disciples beforehand that the Son of man shall be delivered unto the hands of men. (Luke 9:44; Matthew 17:22-23) Herein, Jesus tells of a certain nobleman who went into a far country to receive for Himself a kingdom. And now, as we witness in the parable, He has returned to gather those who believe in Him. Jesus' parable from Mark 12: 

"A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season He sent to the husbandmen a servant, that He might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again He sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again He sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. 

Having yet therefore one son, His well beloved, He sent Him also last unto them, saying, "They will reverence My son." But those husbandmen said among themselves, "This is the heir; come, let us kill Him, and the inheritance shall be ours." And they took Him, and killed Him, and cast Him out of the vineyard. 

"What shall therefore the Lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The Stone which the builders rejected is become the Head of the corner. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?"

It is no wonder, as Jesus states, that "they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way." (Mark 12:1-12) From the beginning of time, our Lord God and Saviour has sent His servants and prophets, and the psalmist also, to invite His beloved people back into the kingdom of God. But sadly, and far too often, the people would not listen so finally, God sends His only begotten Son (God manifest in the flesh -- I Timothy 3:16) to become our Saviour. 

As Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) told the first 3,000 souls to be saved, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36-41) He paid the ultimate price for our transgressions by shedding His precious blood on a cross for you and I. Indeed, God became our Saviour. He prepared a body wherein He could become the perfect sacrifice on a cross.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28)

Indeed, don't let the deceivers of this modern day religious culture draw you away from the Lord Jesus Christ who is not the God of the dead, but rather the God of the living. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed, the Lord our God is One Lord, and He is so faithful to those who willingly worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Those who will gladly receive the Word. (Acts 2:36) So many examples within the New Testament Bible to set us free from the worldly entanglements. 

Behold, God is our salvation, and in this dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. Take hold of the good news gospel today. Press into the King of kings and Lord of lords who loves us beyond measure.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Whoso Keeps His Word, In Him Verily Is The Love Of God Perfected - Part 1958

Apostle Paul said -- these things speak, and exhort and rebuke with all authority, and, to let no man despise thee. 

Indeed, as the scriptures so clearly state -- "For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works ..." (Titus 2:11-15)

So, if we are instructed then to speak these things. as the scripture states, why are we not speaking these things? Why is it that many believers have not even heard of the doctrine of Christ? Or that, as Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Or that if ye have seen Me -- Jesus -- ye have seen the Father also. (John 14:6-12)

Certainly, apostle Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ according to the faith of God's elect speaks often about how in due time God manifested His Word through preaching ... "according to the commandment of God our Saviour." (Titus 1:1-3) 

Thus, Paul's instruction herein speaks of the commandment of God our Saviour, and similarly, the proclamation that the grace of God that brought to us salvation appeared to all men. It is for this reason that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, forever looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ... who gave Himself (not themselves) so that we might have life everlasting. 

This is the doctrine of Christ.  That He gave Himself -- the same God who made us in the beginning prepared a body for Himself to become the perfect sacrifice on a cross. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) In Him did all the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. (Colossians 2:9) Yes, Jesus was the visible image of the invisible God. (Hebrews 1:1-13) For this cause, He is the mediator of the New Testament. (Hebrews 9:8, 14-18)

In spite of the modern day religious culture, one of the foundational doctrines that grounds us in the faith, and helps those who believe to go on unto perfection is the doctrine of Christ. (Hebrews 6:1-2) And this will we do, as the scriptures state, if God permit. But note that if we are unskilful in the Word of righteousness, we are still babes, and in need of a teacher that will teach us again the oracles of God. (Hebrews 5:12-14) But I digress.

Concerning Jesus, John wrote that He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. That He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) The same Word who was with God and WAS GOD -- 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)

The mystery of godliness -- God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

Moreover, the Word states that "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." (II John 1:9)

But does that mean we have more than one Spirit living within? Of course not. As Jesus said, He must go in order for the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost to come. This is why we are "justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS. This is the Name that was declared by the angel of God, even before Mary conceived. 

As well, it is important to note that this same Spirit of God -- the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35)

This explains why -- "whoso keeps His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected, Hereby, know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the Word which ye have heard from the beginning ..." (I John 2:5-7)

Again, as John shares, that Word that was in the beginning with God and was God was made flesh. And as many as received Him -- JESUS -- to them gave He power to become the sons of God, [even] to them who that believe on His Name. (John 1:14) As John the baptizer said of Jesus, "This was He of whom I spake, He that comes after me is preferred before me for He was before me. And of His fullness have all we received and grace for grace, for the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared. (John 1:14-18)

Not another God, or a separate person as the false trinity/triad church teaching states, but this one God loved us so much that He Himself would become flesh and pay the price once and for all for our sins. 

Further, this same Son said to His disciples, while He was yet present on this earth, that "the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)

In another place, Jesus said, "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 ..."  John 15:26)

Therefore, let that good news gospel "abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He hath promised us, [even] eternal life .... but the anointing which ye have received of Him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. 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 2:24-29)

Why? Because whosoever denies the Son, hath not the Father [but he that acknowledges the Son hath the Father also.] (I John 2:23]

This is the Holy Ghost, which sadly, many modern day revisionist (rewritten) Bibles have changed throughout (erring in their understanding of the Word of God) to Holy Spirit. In fact, 81 times has Holy Ghost been changed to Holy Spirit without any understanding or wisdom that declares that after Jesus was taken up, He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)

The same Comforter -- the same Holy Ghost which is the anointing referred to above-- that Jesus said could not come until Jesus was taken up. The same Comforter whom Jesus said He would send AFTER He was taken up which is why the disciples (120 in the upper room) tarried at Jerusalem. For clarity, remember that Jesus told His disciples that they would see Him no more, Paul being the last to see Jesus, and him as one born out of due time. (I Corinthians 15:1-8)

Similarly, as Paul states in Titus, there is only ONE who is coming back for those who believe in the appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus the Christ. 

It is in this context that we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith need to understand that when God clothed Himself as one of us so that we might have life in Him, He did so at a great cost. His love displayed for one and all to behold. This is the commandment which we had from the beginning -- that we not only love one another but also that we walk after His commandments.

"This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it." (II John 1:5-6)

Jesus said, "And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." (Matthew 12:32)

Much more can be said on this subject, but for now, let this suffice. Stand in the offering plate. 

The Grace Of Our Lord Jesus Christ Be With You All, Amen! - Part 1957

"Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever, Amen!" (Romans 16:25-27)

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him, [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end, Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Why? Because He hath chosen us in Him and He did so before the foundation of the world. As a consequence of His abundant love for His chosen people, and His willingness as the Good Shepherd to shed His precious holy blood on the cross, whilst we were still His enemies, we should desire to be holy and without blame before Him in love. (Ephesians 1:1-4) But not because of our own good works, but rather as a result of the kindness and love that He had for His beloved creation -- you and I. (Titus 3:4-7)

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) 

But now, we can be justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth -to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare 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 3:24-26)

Where is the boasting then? Of works? Or of the law? "Nay, but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:22-28)

We are justified by faith and sanctified by His Word. (John 17:17) When we repent and are water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are washed clean from all unrighteousness, because we have put on His garment, and thus, become righteous in Him.

That is, the same He having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ... wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself. (Ephesians 1:5-9)

"By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations fro His Name ..." (Romans 1:5-6)

Therefore, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 

"Now unto Him that is able, token you from failing, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, glory and majesty and dominion and power, both now and forever, amen." (Jude 1:24-25)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Did Not Come To Condemn The World But To Save; This Is The Lord's Redemption Plan For You And I - Part 1956

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

"For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abides." (Psalm 119:89-90)

Jesus said, "I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (John 17:14)

"We have also a more sure Word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" (II Peter 1:19)

It is impossible for God to lie because God stands over His Word to perform it. John 1:1 tells us that "in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Without word, it is impossible for anyone to theorize. God in the beginning counselled with Himself. His counsel planning how God Himself would become man's Saviour, and as such, provide the necessary pure and holy Seeds (male and female) of His holy Spirit. 

It is in this context that God gave man a body so that our spiritual intents, unseen to creation, may now be visibly demonstrated. Man was always intended to be a visible expression of God's spirituality. But man messed up in the Garden. Still, God is Love and His promises true to those who believe.

Indeed, He so loved the world (John 3:16) He condescended ... a condescension so unfathomable in scope. He, the Creator, would leave His Glory stooping down, veiling Himself in the flesh appearing in fashion as a son over His own household. In so doing, He ushered Himself into this lost world. His Grace. His Mercy. His Love. He would become all things to all men that He might save that which would have been utterly and totally lost without God's predestined plan of salvation. 

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

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

Who then would dare to say that sin is insurmountable? Sin pales in comparison to the height, width, depth and length of our Lord God and Saviour's love. As far as the east is from the west, that is the measurement of eternal Life Seed -- for surely the life is in the blood. God's plan is to purchase man's redemption sacrificing Himself as a Son. The blood that flowed in Jesus' veins was the Spirit of God's own blood. 

When the two seeds of promise arrived into Mary, the predestined destination, the holy Ghost brought His own two seeds together (i.e. the promise to Eve and the promise to Abraham). The fetus conceived of the Holy Ghost was now in Mary's womb. The angel declared to her that that which is conceived in her was conceived of the Holy Ghost. It is no wonder that Mary asked, "How could this be?" (Luke 1:35)

The holy fetus child of His holy Spirit is now in an environment to receive earthly fashion. The fetus will be found in fashion as a man receiving nourishment from Mary's fallen sinful body. God having previously said that all have sinned, "there is none righteous, no not one."

Thus, Mary was a surrogate mother blessed among women. However, never more blessed, for far more blessed are all people who hear the Word of God and do it, as Jesus pointed out. Isaiah the prophet prophesied saying, "Unto you a child is born, unto you a Son is given." God had said the soul that sins, it shall die. Are you dying? Mary like all other humans die because it is appointed once for men to die, and Mary was not any different in this respect. But we also know that she was a recipient of God's declaration. 

Still, He who was brought forth from Mary's womb was without father or mother and without descent. Others made reference to Joseph as being His father and Mary His mother and Jesus was obedient. Still, Jesus never once called Mary Mother and most certainly not a queen of heaven. [Please note this is not a put down of Mary, for I also acknowledge that she was blessed.]

For He was GOD robed in flesh as a son and honoured them as such, not being as a child disobedient to them. But like the multitude of heavenly hosts, we worship God saying: "Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace and goodwill toward all men." The shepherds in the field who were keeping watch over their flock by night praying went to find Jesus because these knew that the time to do so, when they saw the star was now. The wise men too. 

When Simeon saw the babe, he knew that He had seen the Lord's Christ. This continued throughout Jesus' walk on earth, wherein the miracles and healing, and the mighty signs and wonders that He displayed could only come from God. This explains why the Pharisees wanted to kill Him for He made Himself to be God. Little did they know that in Him did all the fullness of the Godhead dwell. (Colossians 2:9) Yes, Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. but I digress.

For us, who have been washed and sanctified by both the water and the Spirit, we gladly come to worship at the feet of JESUS, the one and only mediator, our great high priest presenting our gifts of simplicity, and heart sincerity offering ourselves into His purpose for our lives. Glory be to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Praise His holy Name.

Indeed, peace be in Jesus name! Stand in the offering plate.

The Lord Be Magnified; Let All Those That Seek Thee Rejoice And Be Glad In Thee - Part 1955

"I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a Rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respects not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not desire; mine ears hast Thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast Thou not required. Then said I, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me." I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within my heart.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. Withhold not Thou Thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let Thy loving kindness and Thy truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart fails me. Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, "Aha, aha." Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: let such as love Thy salvation say continually, "The LORD be magnified." But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God." (Psalm 40:1-17)

When we worship the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we begin to understand that He directs our paths. When we incline our ear and heart toward the Lord, He hears our cry. He brings us up out of the miry pits of this earth and puts a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God. And in return, blessed is that man that makes the Lord his trust. 

And as the scripture states, "And many more believed because of His own Word!" (John 4:41) The Word that was with God and was God, and dwelt among us on this earth so that we could have His salvation and life everlasting within our hearts -- filling our hearts to overflowing with His precious and abundant love.

The Lord Jesus is His Name. In this dispensation of grace, He is our help and deliverer. He gives us His song of praise. Let His loving kindness and truth preserve you. The Lord Jesus be magnified in our hearts forever. Stand in the offering plate.