Speak Thou The Things Which Become Sound Doctrine; The Kindness And Love Of God Our Saviour Toward Man Appeared - Part 1991

"In Him dwelt ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

God gave all of Himself, all of His identity and power, His throne, and even His Name to the Word made flesh.To wit, God was in Christ Jesus reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:17) Not one third of God, which the religious culture teaches, but all of God was in Christ Jesus redeeming the world unto Himself. His precious holy blood that was shed on the cross so that we might be saved from damnation. He Himself beaten beyond recognition, and a crown of thorns placed on His head so that we might have life more abundantly in Him.

"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)

"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)

As you can see, God has no other identity in this current dispensation of grace except in JESUS. The Scriptures make it clear -- there is no other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) For He paid the ultimate price, and all He asks is that we humbly approach the throne of grace, repenting of our sins, turning our hearts entirely to Him, and being water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47; John 1:18, Hebrews 1:2-3, Colossians 1:15-20, Acts 4:10-12; Philippians 2:9; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21)

Why is this important? For He is our all in all, and when we respond to Jesus as both Lord and Christ in our hearts, He will freely give us the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit dwelling within for one and all to behold. To Him should be all our glory and honour and praise! For to Him gave all the prophets witness that through HIS NAME , whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.

That is His promise to us who believe in God our Saviour. This is why we rejoice and leap for joy because we know that our reward is great in heaven, because of the ultimate sacrifice that was made when the Greatest Shepherd ever laid down His precious humanity for the sheep. And that same God our Saviour is returning to gather His bride unto Himself.
And to him that overcomes, "will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne." (Revelation 3:21) 

Because, as Jesus said, "All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:15)

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)

"He shall be for a sanctuary ..." (Isaiah 8:14-15)

And now, as we know the end is night, we become more determined to look "for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:13-15)

Stand in the offering plate.

Given Unto Us Exceeding Great And Precious Promises: That By These Ye Might Be Partakers Of The Divine Nature - Part 1990

"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!" (Romans 10:17)

"But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ... "(Titus 1:3)

In a world wherein we have become accustomed to hearing numerous voices (willing to pull us this way and that way), we who believe in Jesus by faith understand that there is only ONE way to truth and life, and that is through our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Why? Because it was He -- God manifest in the flesh -- who willingly laid down His life on a cross so that we might be saved. (I Timothy 3:16) The good Shepherd laying down His own life for us, whilst we were still His enemies.

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

The Word made flesh dwelt among us, so that we could behold His glory, wherein He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 1:1-18; John 14:6-12) He is the Bread of life. He is the living water, wherein if we drink, we will never thirst again. Not as one third of g/God but as God Himself, who after His kindness and love toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) All the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9)

Yes, JESUS -- the ONLY Name under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) And for those who rely on names which God used on the Old Testament side, the New Testament scripture is also clear -- JESUS is the Name ABOVE every other name. (Philippians 2:9)

As the angel of the Lord declared, "His Name shall be called JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Thus, there is only one voice, one Good Shepherd that can set our hearts right with God, renewing our minds also so that we are focused solely on His goodness, and mercy, and grace. The Great I Am. The Prince of Peace! The Everlasting Father. The Lord God who came forth as a mighty man to become our Saviour. (Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13)

In fact, God has no other identity in this dispensation of grace except in Jesus. For He paid the ultimate price, and all He asks is that we humbly approach the Throne of grace, repenting of our sins, turning our hearts to Him, and being water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47; John 1:18, Hebrews 1:2-3, Colossians 1:15-20, Acts 4:10-12; Philippians 2:9; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21)

Why is this important? For He is our all in all, and when we respond to Jesus as both Lord and Christ in our hearts, He will freely give us the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit dwelling within for one and all to behold. To Him should be all our glory and honour and praise! For to Him gave all the prophets witness that through HIS NAME , whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:42-48)

Thus, hear ye Him -- "to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25)

He shall be for us a sanctuary! He shall be for us our hiding place! He shall be for us our only stronghold! The Rock which can never be moved!

Stand in the offering plate.

For Even Christ Our Passover Is Sacrificed For Us; This People Have I Formed For Myself: They Shall Show Forth My Praise - Part 1989

"And their soul shall be as a watered garden, and they shall not sorrow any more at all!" (Jeremiah 31:12)

"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 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, and God said, "Let there be light; and there was light." (Genesis 1:1-3)

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6)

As apostle Paul said to those who worshipped an "unknown god" in Mars Hill -- "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth dwells not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needs anything, seeing He gives 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 haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He not be 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." (Acts 17:24-28)

Thus, according to the scriptures, the apostles, the prophets, the psalmist, and our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ as well, there is only one God. And in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS! It is He that has come in the Name of the Father -- wherein the angel of the Lord declared, "And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

JESUS -- the Name which is ABOVE every other name that God used prior to the ushering in of the new testament. "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every Name. (Philippians 2:9) The ONLY Name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Thus, "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)

In this regard, the scriptures have always pointed to One God -- who became our Saviour, having made Himself of no reputation, taking upon Himself the form of a servant and made in the likeness of men; "and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death - even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:7-9)

The commandment of God our Saviour. "... but hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour." (Titus 1:3; Titus 2:13; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 1:1; I Timothy 3:16) And, similarly, the doctrine of Christ which sadly is rarely taught within the walls of man-made religious institutions. (II John 1:9; Hebrews 6:1-2)

Nevertheless, this same Spirit of the Lord God decided from the beginning of the world to do a new thing in this "current" dispensation. But because of man's transgressions, wherein we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, He had to first declare -- "Glory to God in the highest and peace and good will to all." (Luke 2:14) Therefore, when the dayspring from on high visited His people, His free gift of salvation was extended to each and every one of us. No longer were the laws written in tablets of stone (as in Moses' time), but in our hearts. Neither were there any distinctions between Jew or Gentile, male or female. (I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28)

However, the stumbling block to understanding the good news gospel (as repeatedly prophesied and acknowledged) is JESUS! This is where the religious culture has failed because these have not remained steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:36-47) Let me explain because nothing is hid from those who seek the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. And like the disciples in Luke 24, Jesus will open our understanding when we study His Word faithfully, as doth a workman studies to show themselves approved unto God, "a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) 

Continuing then, we can see that this same Lord God is described in different ways throughout the scriptures. Here are some examples but this list is in no way exhaustive -- as Lord; as the Light of this world; as the Bread of life; as the Lord God Almighty; as the Christ; as the Son of man; as the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and similarly, that He is not a God of the dead, but of the living." (Acts 2:36; John 6:35, 50; John 8:12; John 3:16-19; Luke 20:37-38; Revelation 1:8; Matthew 12:8) 

In assigning descriptive attributes or various names to our Creator, there is never an implication that these do not refer to the one and the same God who was later manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)  Most certainly, Thomas recognized that the Lord Jesus was God manifest in the flesh when he thrust his hand into Jesus' side, saying, "my Lord and my God!" (I Timothy 3:16; II Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 1:8; Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6)

But this insight and understanding of the mystery is from the beginning -- "Unto thee it was showed that thou might know that the Lord -- He is God. There is none else beside Him. Out of heaven, He made thee to hear His voice, that He might instruct thee ..." (Deuteronomy 4:35-36)

"I am the Lord thy God ..." (Deuteronomy 5:6)

"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)

The Lord thy God is not the Author of confusion! If this is the first time you are hearing about the Oneness of God, and His abundance of love for His beloved people -- the greatest love story ever told -- that He would willingly prepare for Himself a body for sacrifice on the cross, please ask the Lord Jesus to open the scriptures to you, and as well, your eyes of understanding -- letting the same mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.

Other scriptures?

"I am the Lord thy God ... thou shalt have no other gods before Me ... for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God!" (Exodus 20:1-7)

"Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord, and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might, and these words which I command thee this day, shalt be in thine heart." (Deuteronomy 6:4)

"I, even I, and He, and there is no god with Me." (Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 45:5)

"O Lord, there is none like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears ..." (I Chronicles 17:20)

"For Thou art great, and doest wondrous things: Thou art God alone ..." (Psalm 86:10)

"Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour. I have declared and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you; therefore, ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "that I am God." (Isaiah 43:10, 21)

"Thus saith the Lord, and the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts; "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God ... Is there a God beside Me? yea, there is no God; I know not any." (Isaiah 44:6, 8)

"I the Lord, the first, and with the last, I am He." (Isaiah 41:4, 26; Revelation 1:8)

In this latter verse, does the "with the last" suggest a triune/triad/trinity/god in three persons dogma as the modern day religious culture would have us believe? Of course not. The apostles clearly point to One God -- His Name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace. 

John further clarifies, stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The SAME was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men ... and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth.) (John 1:1-18)

Yes, indeed, "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)

Jesus Himself confirms the same when the scribe came to Him asking, "Which is the first [greatest] commandment of all?" Jesus said unto Him, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear O Israel; the Lord our God is One Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment." (Mark 12:29-31)

Apostle Paul writes as well, ".... there is none other God but One ... One God, the Father of whom are all things, and we in Him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things and we by Him. Howbeit, there is not in every man that knowledge ..." (I Corinthians 8:4-7)

And it is herein that the dilemma begins, and that apostle Paul declares that this understanding of the Godhead is not in every man. Why? Perhaps, because we who proclaim to believe subscribe instead to the dogma of a powerful man-made religious culture over the Word of God Himself. Remember, the voice from heaven instructs us to "hear ye Him!" Who? Jesus!

Should this not be sufficient motivation for us to determine for ourselves the truth? Jesus clearly said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) There is a reason for this, because as Jesus said, "If ye do not believe that I AM HE, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24; Isaiah 43:10; John 13:19) But as we know from John 14 as well, Jesus goes onto tell His disciples that "if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father." (John 14:6-12; John 10:30)

But I digress somewhat. As the scripture points out, the Spirit of God created the world and everything within so that we -- His cherished beloved -- could find salvation in Him. This is why the scriptures tell us that the mystery of the Godhead was hid in the bosom of the Father until this New Testament appointed time, and similarly, that the ushering in of the New Testament could not occur while the first -- the old covenant/testament -- was yet standing. (Hebrews 9:8, 14-18; John 1:18; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 13:33; Psalm 2:7; Hebrews 1:5) 

Had there been more than One God, the scriptures would never have declared, "In the beginning, God ..." (Genesis 1:1) Or that the Spirit of this same singular "God moved upon the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:2) Even the psalmist David declared, "Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy Spirit from me." (Psalm 51:11) At no point in the old covenant side is God ever described as a plural. Neither do we ever see in the scriptures such religious terminology as Father God, or God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit. Why not? Because none of these terms are scriptural. Nowhere in the scriptures are these terms used, and I mean nowhere.

Further, it is only when God declares, "This day have I begotten Thee" that the Holy Ghost -- the Most High overshadows Mary so that she can bring forth a son. (Psalm 2:7; Hebrews 1:5; Matthew 5:48; Matthew 6:14, 26, 32; Matthew 15:13; Matthew 18:35; Luke 11:13; Ephesians 1:3; Luke 1:35) Prior to this, there are no references to the Holy Ghost, except in prophecy. The same applies to references to the Son. Only in prophecy are we enlightened as to the glorious plan of salvation that God had in mind for us from the very beginning. It is for this reason, that those of us who live in this dispensation of grace are so privileged, wherein the shedding of His precious holy blood covers all our transgressions -- because He paid the price for our sins on that cross -- once and for all.

All necessary because His people wanted to serve other gods before Him, even though the numerous day to day, and year to year, blessings came from God alone. 

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect ... a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. [But] they have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of His children; they are a perverse and crooked generation. Do ye thus require the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? Is not He thy Father that hath bought thee? Hath He not made thee, and established thee?" (Deuteronomy 32:6)

Looking to the future, Isaiah prophesied, "But now O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou art our potter, and we all are the work of Thy hand." (Isaiah 64:8)

And Jeremiah too who writes of a time -- "in those days" when the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel: "But I said, "How shall I put Thee among the children, and give Thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations?" and I said, "Thou shalt call Me My Father, and shalt not turn away from Me." (Jeremiah 3:18-19; Isaiah 11:13; Amos 9:15; Psalm 106:24; Isaiah 63:16)

"... the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of Hosts is His Name. Great in counsel, and mighty in work!" (Jeremiah 32:18-19; I Chronicles 29:10-11) 

And again, "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)

In the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi states, "Have we not all One Father? Hath not One God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?" (Malachi 2:10)

The burden of the Word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi certainly asks a good question -- "Have we not all One Father?" Perhaps, this is why Jesus clarifies to His disciples, having said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) In another place, Jesus said, "he that hath see Me, hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:6-12) In yet another scripture, Jesus said, "Ye neither know Me nor My Father; if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19; John 16:3; John 14:7)

Does this mean that the Son is God also? Yes, in the sense that the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:5-6) In speaking of Jesus, Matthew wrote, "Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23) John wrote that the Word which was with God and WAS GOD was made flesh and dwelt among us. That He was in the world and the world made by Him and yet the world knew Him not. (John 1:1-14; 10:30-33; John 20:28) 

Peter said, "This SAME JESUS whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) In writing to the saints in Corinth, Paul writes, "To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:17)

This is why we who believe are instructed to "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)

The same Holy Ghost which overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son also signified that the new dispensation could not come while the first tabernacle was yet standing. (Hebrews 9:8: Luke 1:35)

Continuing, when the risen Jesus opened the scriptures to the disciples in Luke 24, it was so that the disciples whom He had chosen would understand that this same Master/Teacher/Son of man in whom they had walked for three plus years was also the Lord of Glory. (Acts 1:2-3) The first man, Adam -- earthly, but the second man the Lord from heaven. (I Corinthians 15:47) 

Of course, this should have been evident from the numerous miracles, and mighty signs and wonders that Jesus did while He walked with them. For example, when Jesus calmed the winds and the winds immediately ceased, or when Jesus walked on the water which caused them to worship Him saying, "Of a truth, Thou art the Son of God"  (Matt 14:33) Was it not these, in and of themselves that led the disciples to hold Jesus by the feet and worship Him? (Matthew 28:9) 

Is this not what we who believe should be doing as well -- holding Jesus by the feet and worshipping Him? This is what the wise men did, the shepherds, and all who were in the upper room. Was it not the Name of JESUS that the authorities demanded that the apostles stop preaching? 

Nevertheless, the apostles knew in whom they believed. So much so that when Jesus instructed them to go to Jerusalem and tarry in the upper room until the power from on high -- the Most High -- came upon them, they did not ask why. Rather they just heeded Jesus instruction, knowing by then that Jesus had to leave in order for the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost to come. (Acts 1:8; John 14:26; John 15:26) 

"Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)

Yes, Jesus was the visible image of the invisible God -- the brightness of glory and the express image of His person. (Hebrews 1:1-3) Up until the moment, the Holy Ghost this signifying, God who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ... But unto the Son [He saith], "Thy Throne O God is forever and ever. A sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom." ..." (Hebrews 1:1-12' Hebrews 1:1-3, 8)

Why is the Son explained in this fashion? Because as we know from the very beginning, the Spirit is God. And likewise, God is Spirit. (Genesis 1:2) The word Jesus spoke -- they are Spirit and they are life. (John 6:63) "But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you." (Romans 8:11, 16)

"It is the Spirit that bears witness because the Spirit is truth." (I John 5:6; John 14:6)

Clearly, the Father is Spirit and holy too. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of our Lord God and Saviour and there is only One Spirit. (Luke 1:4-48) But His Name? JESUS ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) 

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17) 

As a consequence, we who believe are now members of the body of Christ church and the Lord Jesus the Head. This is why apostle Paul writes -- "There is One body, and One Spirit, even as ye are called in One hope of your calling; One Lord, One faith, One baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-6)

The same Holy Ghost who overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son is the same Holy Ghost who dwells within. "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)

For further clarification -- "Now there are diversities of gifts but the SAME Spirit, and there are differences of administrations but it is the SAME God which works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal ..." (I Corinthians 12:1-6; Matthew 16:17; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 15:28)

Not another God but the one and self-same God who took it upon Himself to become the perfect sacrifice -- His humanity veiled in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin).

Oft quoted is the example of Jesus being water baptized by John to prove that there is more than one God. Let's examine the scriptures on this particular point. At Jesus' water baptism, the Spirit of God descended LIKE a dove and lighted upon Him and a voice from heaven said, "This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10) Note how Luke scribes this same occurrence -- "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also being baptized and praying, the heaven was opened, and the HOLY GHOST descended in a bodily shape and LIKE a dove upon Him and a voice came from heaven, which said, "Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee am I well pleased." (Luke 3:21-22) Like on the Mount, who did the people see? Jesus only, and as the scriptures so clearly state, we are to hear ye Him. 

The prophesied Christ/Messiah -- "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" (Hebrews 10:7; Psalm 40:7) Every single book of the Bible speaks of this One and Same JESUS, who will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-23) This one and same Jesus who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) The son of man who is the Lord from heaven. 

"For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." (Matthew 12:8)

"To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:17)

"For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:10)

It may also be worth noting here that Luke (who is a physician by profession) called the fetus in Mary's womb a "holy thing." (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20; Hebrews 1:2, 8) And that Luke wrote of the Holy Ghost overshadowing Mary so that she could bring forth a son. After the resurrection, when the apostles' understanding was opened, the apostles clearly describe this understanding as the doctrine of Christ, and one of the foundational doctrines that the body of Christ should understand. (Hebrews 6:1-2; II John 1:9; I Timothy 2:13; Titus 3:4-7) 

Although I John 5:7 has been contested in some circles, I will include this verse for added clarity, and leave it for you to decide if John's writing in the epistles fully aligns with the Word of God. That is, "For there are three that bear record in heaven; the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost AND THESE THREE ARE ONE!" (I John 5:7)

Scripture never implies separate beings (or persons) in the Godhead but rather, that the promised Christ is both the power of God and the wisdom of God. (I Corinthians 1:24) That the promised Christ is the manifestation of glory and His person. (Hebrews 1:2-3)

"This day have I begotten Thee!" saith the Lord. This is the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory, "which none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (I Corinthians 2:7-8)

"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) Indeed, the Father, Son and Spirit are the One and Only true God -- the Comforter, the Holy Ghost who will never leave us nor forsake us. (John 10:30; John 14:9-11; Romans 1:20; Ephesians 4:4-6; Matthew 1:23; Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 1:35; John 14:16-17; Romans 14:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; II Corinthians 1:21-23; Philippians 2:5-8)

Other scriptures for your learning and edification?
I Corinthians 12:3; I Corinthians 6:15-20, I Corinthians12:3-7,11-13; John 4:24, Ephesians 4:30, Matthew 1:18- 23;Matthew 10:20; Luke 12:12; John 17:11; I Peter 1:15-17; Isaiah 43:3-5; Isaiah 45:11; Malachi 2:10, Isaiah 44:24; Isaiah 45:11; Romans 11:33-36; Psalm 33:6-9; Malachi 2:10; I Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 1:2-12; Hebrews 2:10; Colossians 1:15-20; John 1:1-18; John 5:19-20; James 1:17-18; I Peter 1:23-25; II Peter 3:5; Psalm 104:30; Job 33:4; I Corinthians 1:24; Proverbs 3:19; Proverbs 8:22-30; Galatians 4:6; II Corinthians 3:17-18; John 1:32-34; John 20:21; Romans 8:9-11; I Peter 1:10-12; Acts 16:6-7; I Corinthians 15:45-47; I John 5:6; John 15-19, 26; Mark 1:24; Hebrews 7:26; Isaiah 43:3,15; John 3:6.

Scriptures that reveal the Son of God Jesus Christ is our Father who begets us by His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost? I Peter 1:23-25; Isaiah 9:6; John 12:35-36, 44-46; Mark 2:5; Mark 5:34; Matthew 9:2, 22; Luke 8:48; Mark 10:24; John 13:33, Revelation 21:3-7; I John 2:1, 22-29; James 1:17-18; Isaiah 45:5-12; Isaiah 53:10; John 1:32-34; I Peter 1:16-17; Revelation 22:16; Is. 11:1-10; Romans 15:12; Revelation 5:5; John 14:6; I Corinthians 12:1-31; Acts 2:1-47)

Or that the Spirit of the Lord is Truth and that we are sanctified by truth -- Thy Word is truth! (John 17:17; I John 5:6; II Corinthians 3:17-18; John 14:6, 9-15-19, 26; John 14:26; John 15:26)

Jesus Himself said, "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you" (John 14:26, I John 2:1). 

Thus, God gave all His Spirit to the Son (John 3:34; Colossians 2:9; Matthew 28:18), all of Himself (John 16:15), all His identity and power (Matt. 28:18-20), even His Name (Matthew 1:21-23; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 1:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:3-6; Revelation 3:12), His Throne (Daniel 7, Revelation 3:21; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 22:1-5). 

God n Jesus Christ Himself (Colossians 2:9). 

Finally, God has no other identity in this dispensation of grace except in Jesus. No other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) For He paid the ultimate price, and all He asks is that we humbly approach the Throne of grace, repenting of our sins, turning our hearts to Him, and being water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47; John 1:18, Hebrews 1:2-3, Colossians 1:15-20, Acts 4:10-12; Philippians 2:9; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21)

Why is this important? For He is our all in all, and when we respond to Jesus as both Lord and Christ in our hearts, He will freely give us the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit dwelling within for one and all to behold. To Him should be all our glory and honour and praise! For to Him gave all the prophets witness that through HIS NAME , whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:42-48)

Jesus Christ -- He is Lord of all! (Acts 10:36)

Stand in the offering plate.

As Poor, Yet Making Many People Rich; As Having Nothing And Yet Possessing All Things; Our Heart Is Enlarged - Part 1988

"For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us ..." (I Corinthians 5:7)

It is in this context that we are to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. That we put on the whole armour of God so that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high place ..." (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Moreover, the apostles instruct those who believe -- as workers together with Him -- not to receive the grace of God in vain. (II Corinthians 6:1) Why? For we are labourers together with God; ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 3:9-11)

The apostolic doctrine was established on the day of Pentecost. Therein, Peter standing with the eleven told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) How could this be true? Because in Luke 24, the risen Jesus (but not yet taken up) opened to the disciples the understanding of the scriptures.

Jesus said, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Me." (Luke 24:44) He did not stop there. Jesus said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached IN HIS NAME among all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem, and ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you, but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:46-49)

And it came to pass that while He blessed them, He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And from that point forward, the disciples worshipped Him -- JESUS -- and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Were they blessing another God? Most certainly not, because these knew that this same Jesus whom they worshipped was God their Saviour.

And this is the message that went forward when Peter standing with the apostles said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

As we also know, this is the same message that was repeated throughout the New Testament, for every single example of water baptism in the scriptures is performed in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And when we (like the disciples in Luke 24) have our understanding of the scriptures opened to us -- in our hearts -- we will also desire to work together beseeching one another that we received not the grace of God in vain.

"Giving no offence in any thing that the ministry be not blamed, but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God and by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left -- our hearts enlarged unto one another, caring and supporting and loving one another into the Kingdom of God.

In other words, we who have entered into the body of Christ church, wherein Jesus is both Lord and Christ, shall be known by our love for one another. Stand firm in the offering plate.

Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Dwelling Place In All Generations; From Everlasting To Everlasting, Thou Art God! - Part 1987

"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, "which," [saith He], "ye have heard of Me." For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)

Then remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that He [Jesus] said, "John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [He did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ: what was I, that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:16-17)

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4)

Then, as the scripture saith, "hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." (Acts 11:18) 

The promise of salvation and everlasting life extended to each and every one of us, when we believe in our hearts that Jesus was He. After His kindness and love, God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) The same Spirit of the Lord God who created this world in the very beginning loved us enough to prepare a body for Himself for sacrifice, so that we might find abundant life in Him. Oh how He must have grieved from the foundation of the earth.

And yet, still, the Word made flesh and dwelt among us so that we behold His glory! To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. God manifest in the flesh. So our hearts too, like Mary did, could rejoice in God our Saviour. (II Corinthians 5:19; John 1:1-18; John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 9:6)

In so doing, He willingly delivered unto us the greatest love story ever told to mankind -- one that He continues to write day in and day out in our hearts! Why? Because His love toward us dictated the shedding of His own precious holy blood on a cross so that we might have abundant life in Him. The Great Shepherd, the Great I AM laying down His humanity once and for all -- for His enemies. 

But He did not stop with His offer of salvation, even when that act alone is more than sufficient. Rather, His love desire extended far beyond His free gift to us (but extremely costly to Him) sacrifice. That is, He willingly bestows upon those who believe in Him by faith and are baptized in His Name - the Name of the Lord Jesus - the infilling of His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- His power and wisdom so that we can too (like the disciples/apostles) be of one accord. (Acts 2:36-47)

Jesus told His disciples in advance, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." And when He [Jesus] had spoken these things, while they beheld, He [Jesus] was taken up; and a cloud received Him [Jesus] out of their sight.

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He [Jesus] went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:10-12)

And, as Jesus promised, "there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:3-4; Acts 4:31; Acts 1:5; Mark 16:17)

But not everyone that hears the good news gospel message will believe. Sadly, there are those who only begin their faith journey with God, quickly to turn back to the things of this world. We see examples of both in Acts 19, and the results thereof.

Therein, it came to pass that while Apollos was at Corinth, apostle Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto Him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism."

Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid hands upon them and the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied. As the scriptures notes, there were about twelve men at this time.

In this same chapter, Paul then goes into the synagogue and for about the space of three months, disputes and persuades the things concerning the Kingdom of God. "But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus." (Acts 19:9)

And this continued for about the space of two years, so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. As well, God wrought special miracles by the hands of apostle Paul. For example, when Paul brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, the diseases departed from them and the evil went out from them and, as a consequence, the Word of God grew mightily in the hearts and minds of men.

This led to certain of the vagabond Jews -- exorcists which had evil spirits taking upon themselves to call over them the Name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We adjure you by Jesus, whom Paul preaches," (Acts 19:10-13) Certainly, the seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew and chief of the priests did so. But the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are ye?" 

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this incident was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. In fact, many that believed came and confessed and showed their deeds. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed. (Acts 19:14-20)

But this is not the only scriptural example wherein divers turned away -- their hearts hardened, believing not the truth concerning the Kingdom of God and likewise, not holding fast the form of sound words. Paul writing to Timothy says, "This thou know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." (II Timothy 1:15) Moreover, we are instructed to "watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I [Paul] ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." (Acts 20:31) "... who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." (II Timothy 2:19) 

Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, "The Lord knows them that are His." and, "Let every one that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19; I Corinthians 3:11) For if a man purge [cleanse] himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. This is why we flee also youthful lusts; and follow righteousness; faith; charity; peace; and with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (II Timothy 2:19-22; I Timothy 6:11-12)

"That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells within us." (II Timothy 1:14)

It is in this context that "these all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren." (Acts 1:14) And they let their "supplication come before Thee: deliver me according to Thy Word." (Psalm 119:170)

Paul continues, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." (I Timothy 2:1-2)

And as a consequence, as prophesied from afore, as the Lord hath said, "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 mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn." (Zachariah 12:10)

This is why we trust in the living God today, who gives us richly all things to enjoy that we may do good, that we may be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (I Timothy 6:17-21)

Stand in the offering plate. 

GOD Who Is Spirit Has Done Likewise; FATHERING All His REDEEMED Children In A Son's Body - Part 1986

"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." (Isaiah 25:1)

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:3-4)

The question for this day then -- who is the Holy Ghost? Is He a third person of a triad god, a trinity made up of dividing God Almighty into thirds -- as the false modern day religious culture teaches? Or, as the scriptures state, is He the same power of the Highest -- the Most High -- that overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son?

Note that Mary (the surrogate mother of Jesus) said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47) As the scripture states, the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. (Luke 1:35) Mary is not alone in this understanding -- that after His kindness and love toward men, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6; Acts 1:2; Revelation 1:8)

Apostle Paul likewise declared that we should "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, for the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men ... 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 2:10-14; Romans 5:15; I Corinthians 1:7; Colossians 3:4; Isaiah 53:10-12; Galatians 1:4; Ezekiel 37:23; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 9:14; Exodus 15:16)

How does this come about? There is a transition between Luke 24 and Acts 1, that is often missed. Luke is telling of Jesus is appearance to His disciples one last time. Note that when they saw Jesus, the disciples supposed that they had seen a s/Spirit. So, Jesus says, "Peace [be] unto you. Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold, My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me and see; for a Spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have." (Luke 24:36-38)

And when Jesus had thus spoken, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they yet believed not for joy and wondered, He said unto them, "Have ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took it, and did eat before them. And Jesus said unto them, "These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Me."

Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. And He said unto them, "Thus, it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

And there we see Jesus leading them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifts up His hands and blessed them. As the scriptures state, "while He blessed them, He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God, Amen." (Luke 24:39-53)

Note that Jesus told them that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations. This is very important, particularly in response to those who falsely attempt to divide God into three different and distinct beings, because herein Jesus is clearly stating that His Name -- the Name of JESUS -- is the Name that was given, that would save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Acts 2:36-38) The Name of the Christ who had to suffer and rose on the third day. But I digress.

The continuation of Luke 24 is found in Acts 1, wherein the former treatise to Theophilus is "of all that Jesus began to do and teach -- UNTIL THE DAY IN WHICH HE [JESUS] WAS TAKEN UP, AFTER THAT HE [JESUS] THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST HAD GIVEN COMMANDMENTS UNTO THE APOSTLES WHOM HE [JESUS] HAD CHOSEN." (Acts 1:2-3)

Indeed, Jesus had been visiting with them for a considerable period of time before He commands His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem, and to wait for the promise of the Father, "which ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:4-5; Luke 24:49; John 14:16-17, 26; John 15:26) The Holy Ghost being the Comforter that would come only after Jesus ascended.

Continuing, the disciples ask Jesus if He plans to restore the kingdom to Israel at this time. Jesus answers, saying, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judae-a, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:6-8)

When Jesus had spoken these things, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by in white apparel, which also said, "Ye men to Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in the manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27; Revelation 1:17; Revelation 14:14)

Note that in order for the Holy Ghost to descend on the day of Pentecost, Jesus had to first leave. Because Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. The scriptures do not state Jesus "and" the Holy Ghost as [sadly] some would have you believe. It is for this reason that 120 disciples "in one accord in prayer and supplication" were in the upper room, including the disciples, the women, the mother of Jesus and His brethren. (Acts 1:12-14; Luke 24:52; Acts 9:37-39; Acts 20:8; Matthew 10:2-4; Luke 6:15; Jude 1; Acts 2:1, 46; Luke 23:49, 55; Matthew 13:55)

To recap, when Jesus walked this earth, He told His disciples that they would see Him no more. Moreover, Jesus said that He must first leave in order for Him to send to them another Comforter, the Holy Ghost, which would lead and guide them/us into all truth. This same Holy Ghost which would bring unto our remembrance His Word. And also, that this Comforter which Jesus would send from the Father would dwell in us.

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. And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning." (John 14:26; John 15:26-27)

For clarity, note that apostle Paul said that he was very last to see Jesus, as one born out of due time. (I Corinthians 15:1-8) So, if Jesus was to be seen no more, then how can He live within us? Because, as the scriptures state, He was quickened. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit ..." (I Peter 3:18)

Taking this further, and on the New Testament side of the cross we understand that “In the beginning was the Word.” (John 1:1) Herein, the Word reveals that JESUS is the embodiment of the Word; the same Word that was with God and was also God! And as we read further in the first chapter of John, we understand that this same Word that was God was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18)

The Word was veiled in flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. 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)

In this context then, JESUS is God’s Word manifest in the flesh. And as we know from our own humanity, one cannot separate the word(s) from the person saying the words. As well, the scriptures reveal that in JESUS did ALL the fullness of the Godhead (divine nature and essence) dwell bodily. (Colossians 2:9) Therefore, without controversy God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

Moreover, God is Spirit and it is in God that we now live and move and have our being. This is evident from the day of Pentecost when this same JESUS told the disciples, "I will come to you" and does so, in the form of the Holy Ghost. It is here that we begin to see God being an unseen Spirit manifest in the flesh, appearing as a Son named JESUS. Remember, the scriptures clearly state that in Jesus dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (I Corinthians 5:19) " ... 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)

The blood in JESUS' veins was not of Adam’s sin prone race. No, the blood within JESUS' veins was the blood of the holy Spirit that originally moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2) The Same Spirit that led the Israelites through the Red Sea. The Same Spirit that closed the door to the ark which Noah built. The Same Spirit that appeared to Abraham with the angels in the tent. And this Same Spirit prepared for Himself a body, wherefore He would come into this world as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16)

Does that mean that the holy Spirit purchased our redemption with His own precious blood? It sure does. More importantly, it means that we were not redeemed with corruptible things as the priests of old did, but with the precious blood of a Lamb. JESUS, the Lamb of the Spirit of God. The perfect sacrifice. Our Most High Priest.

"Which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed, and onely Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords ..." (I Timothy 6:15 /Authorized KJV)

"“To the onely wise God our Sauiour, be glory and maiestie, dominion and power, now and euer. Amen.” (Jude 1:25 / Authorized KJV)

Yes, God laid down His humanity for us. When JESUS was crucified, He was declared even then to be the Lord of Glory! Jesus dwelt within a sin prone body, for redemption required the death of a righteous man from Adam's race. However, there was not a righteous man to be found. Why not? Because as the Bible has stated, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Each and every one of us has been born into sin, because of Adam's transgression in the Garden.

Still, why did God have to prepare for Himself a body and become a man? (Isaiah 9:6) Why did the Lord God have to come forth as a mighty man? (Isaiah 42:13) Why did God have to Himself become our Saviour? (Jude 1:25) Because judgment demanded that a man had to pay the price of redemption. This is why the Word which was with God -- being God’s own Word and not that of another person -- became man. In this context, God ‘SEEDED’ His own spiritual Word into Mary's womb whereupon the child, the "only begotten" Son of the Spirit of God (named JESUS)was veiled in sin prone flesh.

God whose Word is Spirit and Truth was veiled in a sin prone body. Inside JESUS body did dwell the life of God’s own holy Spirit - which Spirit is pure and notably untainted humanity. God’s own pure humanity. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23) Therefore, God manifest Himself in the flesh - which flesh is destined to be crucified in order that we could obtain a means of salvation - whereby sin prone fallen sons and daughters of God could be redeemed.

In the man Christ JESUS, God was manifest in the flesh and fashioned as a Son. (I Timothy 3:16) Similarly, wherein the holy Spirit life and blood did dwell, also dwelt the power, wisdom and Word of God. All of these are inseparable from God. (I John 5:7) For if any of these were to be distinct and separate from God, then God would be no longer God. Neither would all the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily in Him.

But we know assuredly from the scriptures -- God is not divided into thirds. We also know that after God said, "This day I have begotten Thee," the Holy Ghost did signify that the New Testament could not be ushered in until the old covenant had been taken away. (Hebrews 9:8, 14-18) Before this appointed time, God was referred to by many names, and described for example, as the Spirit of God, the Lord God, the Holy Spirit, the Lord of hosts, the Lord of glory, and the as well, in Genesis, the Spirit of the Lord God. This list is not exhaustive but serves as an example of the many different ways and Names God used throughout the Old. But now, when the Lord had declared to do a new thing, we see the dayspring from on high visiting His people.

On this day a Son was begotten. From that point forward, the Holy Ghost is referenced because the new work that had been prophesied from the beginning -- the mystery of the Godhead that was hidden in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning has now been unveiled for one and all to see. As John states in the second epistle -- he that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath BOTH the Father and the Son. In other words, the Holy Ghost reflects the love displayed when God willingly became our Saviour on that cross. (II John 1:9)

Moreover, I would be remiss if a reference was not made also to He that was promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, by whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name." (Romans 1:1-5; I Timothy 1:11; Acts 26:8; Galatians 3:8; Psalm 89:3-4; Psalm 132:11; Isaiah 11:1; Galatians 4:4; Psalm 2:7; Acts 9:20; Acts 13:33; Acts 2:1-47)

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God [be] honour and glory forever and ever, amen" -- Jesus Christ -- which in His times He shall show who is the blessed and only Potentate; the King of kings and Lord of lords, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see to whom be honour and power everlasting." (I Timothy 1:11; I Timothy 6:14-16; I Corinthians 9:17)

We know also from the scriptures that all the fullness of the Godhead did dwell in Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) And we likewise know that JESUS breathed upon His disciples saying to them, “Receive you the Holy Ghost." There is a reason for this. The holy Spirit within JESUS' body breathed and said, "Receive you the Holy Ghost." In JESUS dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead. JESUS being the embodiment of the Father, The Word and the Spirit and these three ARE ONE. (I John 5:7)

JESUS is the Spirit of God and the Spirit of God is JESUS. JESUS is the Word of the Spirit of God and the Word of the Spirit of God is JESUS! God is one Spirit who has manifested (or revealed) Himself in the face of JESUS. (Hebrews 1:1-12)

As well, JESUS is the fruit and offspring of the Spirit of God. God Himself clothed in flesh as a Son in whose crucifixion we were to be born again -- to be fathered by the Seed body of the holy Spirit being crucified. The shell of the body (veil of the holy Spirit died and in death has brought forth an innumerable amount of offspring.) We are His offspring. We are the JESUS people.

What else do the scriptures say? Except that a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abides alone. But when it dies it brings forth multitudes of offspring. In this same way, JESUS the shell -- wherein the Seed life of the holy Spirit died -- is bringing forth SEEDED people who then become JESUS' offspring.

Therefore, no man "took" JESUS' life. At any time, JESUS could have called for a legion of angels to deliver Him from the horror of the cross. But JESUS came to lay down His life as a Son in order that we - the fallen sons of God - should be proclaimed free from the bondage and entanglements of this world. For he who is set free by the sacrificial offering of the sinless body of the holy Spirit is really free. Born again into glorious liberty as the sons and daughters of God.

Thus, it was for you and I that He said, "Father, why hast thou forsaken Me?" If JESUS had not spoken these words, then that sinless body would never have died. But then He said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" And at that point, the perfect sacrifice, so that we might find abundant life in Him was finished, once and for all. The holy Spirit bore our sins in His own body on a dead tree. And we know this to be true because even the sun darkened when we crucified the Lamb of God - the Lord of Glory on that day! We even shouted away with Him because we will not have this man to rule over us!

Nevertheless, as a consequence of JESUS being crucified once and only once there is no more sacrificial offering required for sin. The true light of the glorious gospel of God in the face of Jesus the Christ -- forever more shines. A Light much brighter than even the noon day sun. And now, we are better able to understand how God who is Spirit has done likewise FATHERING all His REDEEMED children in a Son's body. This is why He that has the Son has Life! Hear ye Him!

Jesus said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you Lo, I am with you always!"

Thus, by the time we read John's epistles, we know better the commandment of the doctrine of Christ. 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) Not as a trinity or triune god, or a god in three persons but rather, the doctrine of Christ wherein we who repent and are water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit of the Lord God Almighty dwelling within us. In this dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Therefore, as the disciples oft wrote, we need to fully understand the grace and mercy and peace which is from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ -- the Son of the Father in truth and in love, the vehicle in which God became our Saviour. (II John 1:3) Not as separate beings (or God in three persons / a triad or trinity as the modern day religious culture wants us to believe) but as the One and Only God who willingly and gladly laid down His life for His enemies, as the Great Shepherd, so that you and I, His beloved creation could and will have life everlasting in Him.

This is indeed the greatest love story ever told, wherein the Great Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. Thus, for the truth's sake, which dwells within those who believe in Him shall be with us forever, as we proclaim the good news gospel of Jesus Christ to one and all - as it is written.

In closing, let me ask you this -- have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? If not repent and be baptized into the Name of JESUS this day, going down into the water in the ‘likeness’ of JESUS' death and being raised up out of the water in the ‘likeness’ of JESUS' resurrection ... so that you too shall receive the promised gift of the holy Spirit of JESUS as He breathes eternal life into you!

Of course there is much more, but let this suffice for this day. To all my brothers and sisters in Christ from all nations, peace be to you all in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.

The Day Of The Lord Will Not Come Except There Come A Falling Away, Departing From The Word Of The Lord First - Part 1985

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God ... and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, as the only begotten of the Father ..." (John 1:1-18)

But the scriptures speaks about a future time when there will be a departure from the faith that was once delivered unto those who believed. Indeed, Jesus asked, "Will I even find faith when I return?" This should be a sobering question for each and every one of us. Are we doing our part to bring unbelievers into the Kingdom?

Herein, the Word was delivered initially (Alpha) -- first spoken by the Lord Himself and that same Word in turn delivered to us by those who abode with Him. Those seeing and hearing firsthand and being truly eye witnesses of the miracles, signs and wonders, and numerous examples of healing among the multitudes.

If we read the scriptures, we see that the message delivered to the early believers was continually confirmed by God. Their Word with mighty signs and wonders assuring us, even today, that they were and still are His chosen witnesses, even to the uttermost parts of the earth. Therefore, comfort one another with these words for God did not speak with a forked tongue. God indeed said what He meant to say and God meant what He said.

As pointed out in the scriptures, no man disannuls God's Word (Omega).

Why? Because Jesus tempted and tried in all points like as we are was without sin. And in providing redemption for His beloved people, He willingly laid down His sinless life to wash away our inherited sin, that had resulted from Adam’s disobedience to the direct Word of God (disobedience).

Jesus was the Lamb of God, the only begotten Son of the holy Spirit of God. God Himself as a Son conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of a woman. (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:18-23; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8)

But not of her. The fetus was the child of the Most High God, now to be clothed upon with sin prone flesh, resulting in Jesus, being found in fashion as a man. The Spirit of God being manifest in the flesh. Inside Jesus dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily as a man.

But Jesus is not dead because He was raised from the dead. This means Jesus is alive, and we who were dead in trespasses and sin, and formerly alienated from God, now have an opportunity to be brought nigh to Him, walking in the light of the living Word. For we are now as Christians the body of the Christ, and of His Spirit have we all received.

Because Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us.

And now, as the time gets short, Jesus continues to invite us to the most elaborate wedding feast of all time. Yes, even now, the risen Lord Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords is still saying -- "Whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well [fountain] of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)
Today is the day of salvation. Please don't harden your heart but rather, ask Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your life today. Repent and be water baptized [buried] in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Receive ye the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38)

Find a New Testament and begin reading, and ask the Lord of hosts to reveal Himself to you, for He loves you beyond measure. His love never fails!

Stand in the offering plate.

For In Him Dwells All The Fullness Of The Godhead Bodily; The Commandment Of God Our Saviour - Part 1984

"For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ..." (I Timothy 2:3)

According to the scriptures, "God our Saviour" is a commandment for those who believe. Indeed, He hath "in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ..." (Titus 1:3)

Moreover, in understanding the Godhead, we should first note that the word Godhead is found in the scriptures only three times. In the first, God Almighty is not likened to any physical image or man-made idols. This is evident from the time when Paul is standing in the midst of Mars Hill and states to the men of Athens, "I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription -- TO THE UNKNOWN GOD -- whom therefore ye ignorantly worship.

Him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all therein, seeing that He is the Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands: neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He gives 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 haply 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." (Acts 17:22-29)

The second example is found in Romans 1:20, which states, "For the invisible things, of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." This means that from the very beginning, the creation of the world, God's handiwork can be seen and understood by men. So much so, that this leaves us without excuse. John explains that "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)

Third, in Colossians 2:9, the Word tells us that ALL the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Christ Jesus. And as a consequence of His love and kindness toward man, we are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power, in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands ... the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised Him from the dead. (Colossians 2:10-12) 

Within the New Testament scriptures, there is never any reference to the Godhead being a family of three divine persons in heaven. Or a triad. Or a triune god. Or a god in three persons. These all emerge from man-made institutionalized religious dogma and are false, because each is contrary to the scriptures -- the Word of God. As apostle Paul said, "If any teach/preach another gospel, let him be accursed." Therefore, there is an inherent obligation upon those who teach others to be accurate and forthright in all their presentations. But I digress somewhat. 

My point is this. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Therefore, the only divine being dwelling in Christ is God. And since God is a Spirit which is invisible, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in the visible Christ Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

"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." (2 Corinthians 5:19)

But there is much more. Jesus said, "For He whom God hath sent speaks the words of God, for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him." (John 3:34) This means that with all the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in the man Christ Jesus, and that same God did not give the Spirit by measure unto Him, the Godhead must be in Jesus. The visible image of the unseen Spirit of God.

"Who being the brightness of [His] glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ..." (Hebrews 1:1-3) As an aside, Isaiah prophetically writes that God will give His right arm to bring salvation to His people.

In reference to the Son (which seems to be where the issue lies in terms of the Godhead), it should be noted that prior to the moment the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she would bring forth a Son -- the only begotten Son -- there are zero references to a Godhead -- beyond the One Spirit who created the world in the beginning. There are numerous scriptures to confirm that the Spirit of God was in the beginning. And lots of references to indicate that the Lord is God and that God is the Lord. One and the Same.

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea." (Job 9:8)

" ... that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself ..." (Isaiah 44:24)

"I am the Lord and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:18)

What is important to note here is that God was never described in the context of Father or Son prior to the ushering in of the New Testament, these last times, when it was announced that the dayspring from on high would visit His people. The moment in time which He marked with the words, "This day have I begotten Thee." 

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 1:18)"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 1:20) This "holy thing." 

Further, "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 ..." (Hebrews 9:8-9) 

In other words, the old had to go if the New Testament was to be ushered in. "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 9:15-18) The Lord was about to do a new thing, wherein those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

Not "them" as the religious culture wants you to believe, but rather, the One and Only God who loved you and I enough to become that perfect sacrifice -- without sin. The Great Shepherd laying down His life -- His humanity -- for His sheep. Never did anyone ever within the scriptures worship God in thirds. 

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD ..." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all .." (Ephesians 4:5-6) "There is One body, and One Spirit, even as ye are called in One hope of your calling ..." (Ephesians 4:4)

Behold, the mystery that was held 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)

Willingly, God became our Saviour. His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. But as Jesus also told the Jews, we must believe that Jesus is that He. The One and Only Spirit who manifested Himself in a sin-prone body for our redemption (yet without sin), so that we could receive His redemption. He told His disciples, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Jesus also said to His disciples that if they had seen Him, they have also seen the Father, and thus, know Him. (John 14:8-9)

Acts 20:28 offers a good summation: "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." 

"Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, "Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, His reward [is] with Him, and His work before Him." And they shall call them, "The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord: and thou shalt be called ..." (Isaiah 62:11-13)

And as believers in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ by faith, know also that "if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 8:11)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Behold, The Eye Of The Lord Is Upon Them That Fear Him, Upon Them That Hope In His Mercy - Part 1983

"O Lord my God, in Thee do I put my trust ..." (Psalm 7:1)

"But I trust in Thee, O Lord," I said, "Thou art my God!" (Psalm 31:14)

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)

"For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; Him shalt thou serve, and to Him shalt thou cleave, and swear by His name. He is thy praise, and He is thy God" (Deuteronomy 10:17-20)

If the scriptures say that the Lord is God, and also, that this same God is Lord throughout the Old Testament, wherein we have been instructed to worship the Lord thy God -- One God -- with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and that this One God who created us in the beginning is the same Spirit of the Lord God that moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis, why do we think this One God can be reduced to thirds (a triad/triune/trinity) in the New Testament side? (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31; Genesis 1:1-2)

For if "the Lord, the God of Israel" is One and in Him alone is our hiding place -- [note -- in Him not them is our hiding place] -- why are we so willing to push these age old written truths aside for modern day false religious dogma that does not align with the scriptures? Should not the Word and the Spirit agree in all things? Since when did it become legitimate to replace the scripturally accurate doctrine of Christ (which is hardly ever preached) in favour of man-made declarations? (II John 1:9; Hebrews 6:1-2)

Moreover, when the scriptures clearly state that the Word that was in the beginning with God and WAS GOD was made flesh and dwelt among us, do these scriptures not confirm that this same One God who loved us from the very beginning and shed His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I, was indeed God manifest in the flesh. (John 1:1-14; I Timothy 3:16)

John tells those who believe that "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) 

Paul also writes, "To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:19)

When the Jews who asked Jesus, "Who art Thou?" did Jesus not say -- "Even [the same] that I said unto you from the beginning ...." (John 8:25-27)

Which is, as Jesus said unto them, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM [He], and [that] I do nothing of Myself: but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him ... If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself but He sent Me ... verily, verily, I say unto you -- Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:14-59)

Indeed, Jesus repeatedly confirmed that He had come forth from the Father, and that He would ascend once again to the Father. The SAME from whence He came would He return. This is why the Holy Ghost - the Comforter -- could not come until Jesus ascended. We see this same insight elaborated upon in Luke 24 and in Acts 1, wherein "Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, AFTER THAT He [JESUS] THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen." (Acts 1:2-3)

The same Holy Ghost, the same Most High that had overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a child is the same Heavenly Father who we worship in spirit and in truth. Yes, He -- the Holy Ghost fathered the child that came forth -- Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:21-23) Even Mary, the mother of Jesus herself rejoiced, saying, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47)

Jesus told His disciples -- "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Jesus told His disciples -- if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father -- and know Him (John 14:6-12) Because Jesus was the dayspring from on high visiting His people. The visible image of the invisible God. (Hebrews 1:1-12) And yes, He was the same God who after His kindness and love toward man became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) He clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh but was without sin as He dwelt among us. In Him the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. (Colossians 2:9) And Holy is His precious, holy Name. 

As well, John the baptizer always pointed to Jesus as the Lord who was to come, even though too He was before Him. The same Lord that is God, and the same God who is Lord. And this same Lord God has given to us His precious Name -- the Name of JESUS.

"... they shall call on My Name, and I will hear them: I will say, "It is My people" and they shall say, "The Lord is my God." (Zachariah 13:9)

Jesus continues, saying, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My Name, I will do. If ye love Me, keep My commandments. 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!" (John 14:13-19)

So that 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 25:9)

This is why we who believe by faith now "look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works ..." (Titus 2:13-14)

Why? Because "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For He hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully ... he shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of His salvation.

And as David the psalmist also alluded -- "This is the generation of them that seek Him, that seek Thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah." (Psalm 24:1-10)

Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He is our all in all! (Revelation 1:8)

"According to Thy Name, O God, so is Thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness ..." (Psalm 48:10) His promise to us? "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him ..." (II Chronicles 16:9) That means, like David, our mourning will be turned into dancing, "for Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto Thee forever. (Psalms 30:11-12)

This should be our hearts desire always -- not because of works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "But I Said Unto You, That Ye Also Have Seen Me and Believe Not!" - Part 1982

Jesus said, "Whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well [fountain] of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

Herein, Jesus instructs us not to labour for the meat which perishes, but for the meat which endures unto everlasting life. What does Jesus say is the work of God? "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." (John 6:26-28) Who is the "Him" that He hath sent, referred to herein? The Lord Jesus Christ who is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Great I Am. The Lord of glory who willingly sacrificed His humanity so that we - His beloved creation -- could have life everlasting in Him. (Revelation 1:8; 11; Isaiah 41:4; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 11:17; Isaiah 9:6)

This is why Jesus could legitimately state, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me" because Jesus is the ONLY way to eternal life. In another place, Jesus further clarified what He was saying when He said, "... for if ye believe not that I Am [He], ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24) Therefore, if we do not believe on Him -- and His perfect sacrifice on the cross, wherein God was manifest in the flesh, having made a body for Himself (the Word made flesh and dwelt among us) so that we can have life in Him, we also will die in our sins. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; John 3:16)

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

But as the scriptures note, this was not sufficient for these same people to whom Jesus said, "Ye seek Me not because ye saw the miracles but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled." These same asked Jesus, "What sign showest Thou then, that we may see and believe Thee? What dost Thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert: as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to eat." (John 6:30-31) Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven and gives life unto the world." (John 6:26, 30-33)

Yes, Jesus is the Bread of life. And as Jesus continually said, "he that comes to Me shall never hunger: and he that believes on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, "That ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and him that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son and BELIEVES ON HIM may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:35-40)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES ON HIM should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Sadly, the world/modern day religious culture has focused on Jesus only as the Son of God, and similar to the Jews at that time, have not accepted that Jesus also said, "I am the Bread which came down from heaven." I am He that came forth from the Father and will return to the Father.

Rather, like the Jews, we murmur at Him, asking, "Is not this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He saith, "I came down from heaven?' Often, because we have accepted the false religious teachings that speak of God as a triad, a trinity, a tri-une god, a god in three persons, or divide God into thirds, we have failed in the very first commandment. That is, to love the Lord our God -- the One and Only God Almighty with all our mind, heart, soul, and strength. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4; II John 1:9)

The One and Same God who came forth like a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) The same God who clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) so that we can find real life in Him. (I Timothy 3:16) The same God who became our Saviour. His Name in this current dispensation of grace? "And His Name shall be called JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)

And understanding also, the commandment of God our Saviour. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... (Titus 3:4-7; Titus 2:13; I Timothy 1:1; I Timothy 2:2; II Corinthians 5:19)

Nevertheless, in spite of what the religious are proclaiming, Jesus therefore said unto them, and likewise, unto our hearts -- "Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him; and I will raise him up the last day." (John 6:43-44)

But Jesus does not stop there. He continues, saying, "It is written in the prophets, "And they shall be all taught of God." Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father comes unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save H/he which is of God, H/he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you -- he that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever, and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:43-51)

"This is that bread which came down from haven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead; he that eats of this bread shall live forever." (John 6:58)

Later, Jesus says again, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink ... he that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)

Herein, in this last verse from John 7, Jesus is speaking of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive, except at this particular time, the Holy Ghost was not yet given -- because that Jesus was not yet glorified." (John 7:37-38) That happens in Luke 24 and Acts 1, wherein Jesus must go in order for the Holy Ghost, the Comforter to come.

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

"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8; Isaiah 6:2-3: Revelation 1:4, 8; Isiah 11:2; John 1:10-11)

Stand in the offering plate.