As For God, His Way Is Perfect: The Word Of The Lord Is Tried: He Is A Buckler To All Those That Trust In Him - Part 2097

Paul answered, "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 21:13)

Interestingly, when Paul had later been arrested, the governor beckoned for him to speak against the accusations that had been made. Paul answers, saying, "Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. 

But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult, who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them -- touching the resurrection of the dead, I am called in question by you this day." (Acts 24:10-21)

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that Way, he deferred them, and said, "When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter." And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." (Acts 24:10-25)

This example shows that even during times of tribulation and persecution, the Lord makes a way for believers to witness of their faith. And for Paul, having met the Way - the Lord Jesus -- while enroute to Damascus, he also knew that there was no other God but this same Jesus whom they had crucified. (Acts 2:36) After all, Paul had determined to not know anything among the people, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (I Corinthians 2:2) And likewise, also to joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5:11) 

He "who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." (II Timothy 1:9)

Even through his own personal transition from Saul to Paul, wherein formerly as Saul, he had persecuted and jailed those who believed in Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life should have been evidence of the power of Jesus, the accusers still came forward, accusing Paul of saying things contrary to the traditions of men teachings. How does Paul respond? Paul responds by saying, "There are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me." In other words there was nothing to accuse him of. 

Moreover, Paul said, "But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets ..." (Acts 24:14)

In believing Jesus to be the One and Only Way for men and women to receive His free gift of salvation, apostle Paul confirmed that he did not venture away from what was written in the law and in the prophets. But rather, that Paul understood that this same Jesus, whom ye/we have crucified is now both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) He is no longer on the cross. He is no longer in the tomb. Bur rather, Jesus was the fulfillment of the law, and particularly so, when Jesus on the cross said, "It is finished!" 

Similarly, Jesus was the promised Messiah, the prophesied Christ, who came to receive those into His Kingdom -- who believe in Him by faith. And Paul also understood that this same Jesus -- He willingly became the purchase for our sins when the veil was torn from top to bottom, from heaven to earth. 

Herein is our salvation wherein we too can joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. For as Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Why? Because Jesus is the I AM prophesied to come in the old. He is the "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" He has now become God our Saviour, the Lord of hosts has come down from heaven, to rescue the perishing. 

Not as some in the modern day religious culture would have us believe, but rather, as Paul so clearly understood, and was willing to die for -- the volume of the book is "written of Me." 

"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil ..." (Hebrews 6:19)

"And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all ..." (Hebrews 9:3)

"By a new and living Way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh ..." (Hebrews 10:20)

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; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8; Titus 2:13) 

"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:11)

And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31) 

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Indeed, he who hath the Son hath the Father also. (I John 1:9) Keep focused on JESUS, the Great I AM whose eyes seeks the world throughout for those hearts who desire more of Him -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His Way is perfect! Stand in the offering plate. 

Beware Of False Prophets And False Teachers Among You, Who Privily Bring In Damnable Heresies, Even Denying The Lord That Bought Them -- Part 2096

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not." (II Peter 2:1-30

Throughout the New Testament scriptures, the apostles warned believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith not to be foolish by subscribing to "another" gospel. Indeed, Paul writes, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6) 

In another place -- "For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." (II Corinthians 11:4) 

And yet, in another, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you? That ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1)

When Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost preached the gospel including repentance and water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, it was so that we would know the truth that sets us free. As John scribed, "Thy Word is Truth!" (John 17:17) 

Jesus -- the Bread of Life! The Word that was with God and was God made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18) This Jesus whom ye have crucified, as Peter said, "is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36) 

But there are those who preach another gospel turning Almighty God and His promised Christ into thirds -- false teachings that do not align with the Word of God in its entirety. In fact, Jesus Himself told His disciples that they would see Him no more. Why? Because the Son of man that is the Lord of glory was resurrected from the body. No longer was Jesus after the fleshly Adam, but rather, now THROUGH the Holy Ghost giving commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) This is why the 120 tarried in the upper room in Jerusalem, until they received the power from on high -- the Holy Ghost which Jesus said would speak of His salvation plan that was carved in stone before the world was formed.

It is this JESUS who shall save us from our sins. This same JESUS who willingly gave His humanity -- His body so that we might have abundant life in Him. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 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)

"Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" 

And yet, the false teachers and preachers want you to subscribe to a man-made lie, wherein you will never understand that God clothed Himself in flesh (yet without sin) as a Son. And that He -- God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. These won't tell you of the greatest love story ever told, when the Lord of heaven came as the Son of man. Moreover, they will not tell you that the Son in whom we have life is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, King of kings and Lord of lords. Or that when Jesus said, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him." (John 14:6-12)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is with us all, and in you all who believe in Jesus the Christ as Lord. (Ephesians 4:5-6)

Indeed, there is only One King and His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS. On the day of Pentecost, "they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" because these understood the truth. (Acts 2:42) These understood that there is no other name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The Name above every other name is JESUS. (Philippians 2:9) 

He is our hope and joy. This is why Thomas could say, when he thrust his hand into Jesus' side, "my Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) When they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (Acts 7:59) As Paul writes, "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." (Philippians 3:10)

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people:" (Hebrews 8:10)

"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:2)

“Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead ...” (Acts 17:31)

But if we are zealous of the law, and desire to be enslaved again into bondage, wherein we subscribe to the whims of this world and not the truth of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul writes as well -- "But if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) the Lord knows how to deliver the g/Godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. 

Presumptuous are [they], self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. 

Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the] son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbade the madness of the prophet.

"These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, 'The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.'" (II Peter 2:4-22)

But it does not have to be this way, because Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6-9) 

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (I John 5:11-12)

Don't be led astray by those who proclaim to know the truth, and yet do not know in whom they worship. Instead, search the scriptures and discover for yourself how the Lord God paid the ultimate price for you and I when He shed His precious holy blood on that cross. Thus, as the scripture saith, "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) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

So It Is Written -- The First Man Adam Was Made A Living Soul; The Last Adam Was Made A Quickening Spirit - Part 2095

"And in that day shall ye say, "Praise the Lord, call upon His Name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His Name is exalted." (Isaiah 12:4)

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)

We are now living in that day, referred to above, when we are to praise the Lord God who created us and call upon His Name. "Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us ..." (Luke 1:78)  As the scripture further declares, His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily ..." (Colossians 2:9) 

He is the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His humanity for the sheep, whilst we were still His enemies. (John 10:11-18, 30) This same God who created us in the beginning -- the Alpha and Omega -- loved us enough to become our Saviour. 

"To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19) 

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

The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-4) 

This didn't just happen by chance (as some like to surmise) but rather, God's plan of salvation was prophesied from the very beginning. God's ultimate plan of salvation decided before the foundation of the world was formed. That at a time appointed when God would declare -- "This day have I begotten Thee" -- His right arm would go forth to bring you and I salvation. 

"O sing unto the Lord a new song; for He hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory." (Psalm 98:1) The Lord coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) 

However, sadly, the current modern day religious culture falsely suggests that God exists in thirds, including one third of Him offering Himself on a cross. And in some religions, the teachings even worse, suggesting that Jesus is a second person of a trinity -- a triad, triune god wherein we are left worshipping G/god as persons. And then if we follow that analogy, there must also be a third person in the G/godhead because apparently a first and second person is not sufficient for our salvation. It is no wonder Almighty God asks -- "What is man?" (Psalm 8:4; Psalm 144:3; Job 7:17)

Instead of glorifying the Lord that is God as Almighty, and giving Him all the praise and honour and glory He so rightly deserves, we instead reduce God to a person like you and I. A created being without acknowledging that God is and is to come and always was and therefore, can never be reduced to a person. Nevertheless, the false religious culture wants us to believe that there is more than one King of kings and Lord of lords, even when scripture clearly indicates otherwise. (Revelation 1:8) And the outcome is sad. 

Still, for those who seek the Lord God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and worship Him as the One and Only God, we find JESUS whom the apostles declared as their One and Only Lord God and Saviour.  (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31; Acts 20:28; Titus 2:13; Matthew 17:8) 

This explains why Jesus could legitimately say, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." And then, also as Jesus said to Philip, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how say thou [then], "Shew us the Father?" Believe thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwells in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I [AM] in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake." (John 14:9-11)

Throughout the scriptures, there has only ever been One God, and in this current dispensation -- the fullness of times -- the time in which we live -- His Name is JESUS. The same Spirit of the Lord God that moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis is the SAME SPIRIT of the Lord God that dwells within the hearts of believers today. (Genesis 1:1-2) 

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:13)

You see, the first Adam was made a living soul, but the second was the Lord from heaven. Jesus had to go in order for the Holy Ghost - the power from on high to fall upon His people on the day of Pentecost.   Indeed, the man Christ Jesus said to His disciples that ye shall see Him no more. (John 14:19; John 16:10)

Further clarity is offered in Acts 1 -- "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: to whom also He [Jesus] 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)

The good news? That even when we so wrongly misunderstand His abundant love and mercy for His people, the Lord our most awesome God still sets His heart upon His beloved creation -- you and I, remaining faithful that He will eventually receive a family, His beloved bride, His body of Christ church without spot or wrinkle. He endures with long-suffering so that none would be lost -- even when Job asks -- "What is man, that Thou shouldest magnify him? and that Thou shouldest set Thine heart upon him?" (Job 7:17)

Indeed, this same Lord God of Israel willingly took on sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might personally know Him who created us, and experience His love and mercy dwelling within. As John writes, "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; I Timothy 3:16) 

Apostle Paul further clarifies, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (II Corinthians 13:5)

And apostle Paul ought to have known, given his testimony. Yes, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6) Therefore, we too need to understand that the same Spirit of the Lord God who created the world and everything within is the same Spirit of the Lord God -- the Holy Ghost that dwells within us in the fullness of times. 

Thus, God is not three distinct divine persons. Neither does He have three identities, three personalities, or three centres of consciousness. Rather, as the scriptures declare from beginning to end -- "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" 

One God and in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS. The only name under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12; Colossians 2:9) Why? Because the resurrected Jesus -- the Bread of Life, the Living Water, the Way, the Truth, and the Life -- is the One and Only King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8,11; John 4:10-11; John 7:38; John 6:33-51; John 14:6; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13; Genesis 1;1; Matthew 1:21-23; I Timothy 3:16) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Howbeit, That Was Not First Spiritual, But That Which Is Natural, And Afterward That Which Is Spiritual - Part 2094

"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:4-6)

This scriptural passage confirms that we who believe in Jesus by faith are saved because of the Lord's grace and mercy, and not of ourselves. Similarly, between the old covenant under the law, and the new testament, there had to be a changing of the guard, if you will. In other words, in order for the new testament to be ushered in, the Holy Ghost had to first signify "that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing ..." (Hebrews 9:8) 

This is critical to understanding the current dispensation in which we live, the fullness of times, and that in this New Testament side, the Lord was about to do a new thing, wherein the dayspring from on high would visit His people.  God Himself manifest in the flesh to deliver to the world His glorious plan of salvation. That is, He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18) Nevertheless, He declared peace and good will to all, when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a Son. 

As Mary said, " ...  My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47)

David made a similar statement in the psalms, stating, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)

We are seeing the first -- the Old Testament -- that was not spiritual but natural being replaced by the new, wherein the Lord has made a way for our sins to be forgiven -- when there was no way. To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:17) He paid the ultimate price -- a hefty price -- when He shed His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I. 

Indeed, "the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening Spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (I Corinthians 15:45-49)

Further, in Hebrews 9, the scripture saith, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14)

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament [is] of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood. For the Testament is confirmed when men are dead: for it is yet of no force as long as he that made it, is alive. Wherefore, neither was the first ordained without blood." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

Legally, there had to be a purchase. This is why "after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man. appeared." (Titus 4:3) And this abundant mercy toward His people has never changed at any point throughout the passage of time. The plan of salvation that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning, and yes, even before the world was formed, was so important that time stood still. The earth shook because this same Jesus whom ye/we have crucified is now both Lord and Christ.

You see, Jesus is no longer on a cross. He is now the living Christ, or as Thomas said upon thrusting his hand inside Jesus' side -- "my Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) His selfless (but so costly to Him) sacrifice for us who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith now sets us free from the bondage of this world. And after His precious holy blood was shed on that cross (and the purchase paid in full), we who believe have been set free fro all sorts of religious bondage. 

What did Jesus say? "

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised ...." (Luke 4:18)

But note also, that after He was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. Now that is love -- abundant love, manifold much love, and indeed, as I so oft state, this is the greatest love story ever told. But in order to understand how much the cross must have grieved our Lord God leading up to the time He would clothe Himself in sin prone flesh (and yet without sin) , before He became our Saviour is clearly evident in the old, when the prophets foretold of the events which were to come. 

"And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee." (Psalm 9:10)

 

One example of the Lord speaking through Isaiah is this -- "My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place." (Jeremiah 50:6)

Making the situation worse is that many churches are failing to teach the way, the truth and the life -- JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-23) 

There is definitely more to come on this topic. But rather than overwhelm you, it is important that we understand context, and the Lord's purpose in every single thing we do. Meditate upon these blessings this day. More to come on this particular subject in the days ahead. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Understandest What Ye Read? he That Acknowledges The Son Hath The Father Also - Part 2093

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The question is this. When you read the New Testament scriptures, do you understand what ye read? Do you understand that Jesus is the Word made flesh? Do you understand that Jesus is no longer nailed to a cross? Moreover, how do we deal with scriptures that clearly state that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords, particularly in light of modern day religious teachings that reduce Jesus to a second person within a three-headed godhead? 

It is at this juncture that we who profess to believe need to study the scriptures so that we wholly understand that this same Jesus whom ye/we have crucified in our hearts is now (after His resurrection) both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36; Revelation 1:8) The first man earthy, but the second, our Redeemer, the Lord from heaven. And that He -- this same Jesus -- is inviting those who believe in Him to Come and Dine at His wedding feast. 

Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. 

Jesus -- Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 

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

In Acts, wherein the apostles are now putting into action what Jesus taught while on earth, we see Philip who ran thither to the enoch, after hearing him read the prophet Esaias [Isaiah]. Philip asks, "Understandest thou what thou readest?" And he said, "How can I, except some man should guide me?" And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 

The place of the scripture which he read from Isaiah was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before His shearer, so opened He not His mouth: in His humiliation His judgment was taken away: and who shall declare His generation? for His life is taken from the earth."

From Isaiah -- "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opens not His mouth." (Isaiah 53:7)

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, "I pray thee, of whom speaks the prophet this? of Himself, or of some other man?" Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" And Philip said, "If thou believe with all thine heart, thou may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea." (Acts 8:30-40)

In scriptural example after example, the apostles in the New Testament body of Christ church preached Jesus, and believing followers were water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 8:35; Acts 2:36-41; Acts 10:44-48) Indeed, their eyes were focused on Jesus -- as both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) With determination they preached nothing “save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” and as a result they turned cities upside down.

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (I Corinthians 2:1-5)

In preaching the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to one and all, the church grew in numbers, even in the face of longstanding persecution. Their faith wasn't hidden from others. Indeed, the beatings and imprisonments only further grounded their understanding of Jesus as their King of kings and Lord of lords. And whilst those in authority did not understand the boldness of the apostles, they had to begrudgingly admit and marvel, taking note that these "unlearned and ignorant men" must have been with Jesus.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13) 

But what is too often missing in the gospel message taught today is that the early church believers weren't just believing because they knew of the Christ Jesus who walked the earth. This same Jesus who was crucified and His body placed in a tomb by Joseph and Nicodemus. This same Jesus who healed the sick, and did miracles among the people, healing the broken-hearted, having chased out the moneychangers in the temple. 

No, the believing saints in the New Testament church knew the "risen Jesus" -- the resurrected Jesus -- whom after He was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) The Comforter, the Holy Ghost whom Jesus said would never leave them nor forsake them, and would lead His people into all truth. The Holy Ghost that would come and dwell in them, when they would see Jesus (as a man) no more. It is this risen Jesus -- who Peter identified as both Lord and Christ on the day of Pentecost -- whom these served. (Acts 2:36)

The point being that the apostles and members of the early church knew the resurrected Christ. But more importantly, they trusted in the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. And that same Good Shepherd is coming back to rescue His sheep from this increasingly perishing world.

"As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day." (Ezekiel 34:12)

This is why we who trust in the Lord Jesus by faith should be "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!" (Titus 2:13)

Because that day is surely coming, and much sooner than we think. Nevertheless, the question is do we understand what we read? Do we believe in the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism that the apostles were so willingly to be persecuted for? (Ephesians 4:5-6) Do we worship Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ? 

It's time to return to our first love, wherein we trusted in the Lord Jesus by faith for our sustenance and day to day. Yes, He is still the Bread of Life. Yes, He is still the living water wherein if we drink, we will never thirst again. Yes, Jesus is the He -- that if we would only believe, will establish our steps in His purposes, renewing our hearts and minds with His wisdom and knowledge and grace. Don't let the cares of this world lead you astray. Don't become like the foolish Galatians who settle for a sermon once a week, without checking their foundation.

Remember, the Lord saith, "My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place." (Jeremiah 50:6)

It does not have to be this way. Instead, ask the Lord Jesus to "give you this day your daily bread!" Ask Him to lead and guide you into all truth. Search the scriptures for therein is truth, the same Word that sanctifies and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Most of all, be diligent and understand that the volume of the book is "written of Me!" 

Stand in the offering plate. 

This Is The Work Of God, That Ye Believe On Him Whom He Hath Sent - Part 2092

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out Mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads," saith the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 22:30-31) 

"Behold, the days come," saith the Lord God, "that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord ..." (Amos 8:11)

" ... for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loathes this light bread." (Numbers 21:5)
 

My question -- are we there yet? Are we living in the days when few believers are willing to make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for this land? Is it safe to suggest that there is a famine in this land -- not for physical bread or water, but rather hearing the words/Word of the Lord? The Bread of Life, wherein our souls are nourished? Or do we hear the Word, but the shallow teachings are so far removed from the "I AM" truth that we actually have begun to "loathe" this light bread? 

Still, even in this saddest of times, we can be assured the Lord is still searching for those hearts who are focused entirely on Him, and who are unshakeable in their faith, willing to stand in the gap for the people of this land. There is an example in John 6 -- a similar situation to the days in which we live, wherein Jesus is telling them that He is that Bread of Life, the Living Water wherein if they (and by extension, we) would only drink, we would never thirst again. 

When these asked Jesus, "What sign shewest Thou then, that we may see, and believe Thee?" they also asked Him, "What dost Thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written -- "He gave them bread from heaven to eat." How does Jesus respond? He then said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the Bread of God IS HE WHICH COMES DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND GIVES LIFE UNTO THE WORLD!" 

For clarity, please read that scripture again -- "For the Bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world." (John 6:33) 

Then said they unto Him, "Lord, evermore give us this bread." Jesus said unto them, "I AM the Bread of life: he that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." But I said unto you, "That ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me; and him that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out .... For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:30-40) 

Again, for clarity, Jesus said, "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 6:40)

If Jesus were not the Great I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the King of kings and Lord of lords, how could Jesus, as He states here, "raise him up at the last day" -- those who believe in Him? 

How could those which see the Son and believe on Him (as the scripture saith) be raised up on that last day by Jesus if He were not the Word that was God made flesh; God manifest in the flesh; to wit, God in Christ; the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily among us -- clothed in sin-prone flesh and yet without sin?

How could Jesus claim the authority to raise believers up in the last day if He were only the "second" person in a multi-headed Godhead, as the modern day religious culture would have us believe?

Because the religious culture founded on a tri-une god (trinity, god in 3 persons) does not know the One and Only God that "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) For had they known, they too would have understood, as Jesus said, "I AM [He]" 

Jesus clearly said He is the Bread of Life! The first man earthy but the second, the Lord from heaven. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) "If you have seen Me, ye have seen the Father ..." (John 14:6-12) 

You are now asking -- how did we miss this? The Lord coming forth as a mighty man? (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) Because there is a famine in the land -- for the Word made flesh. And that shallowness is causing even those who profess to "loathe" that Bread -- because the religious teachings fall short. Nevertheless, as Jesus said in His model prayer, "Give us this day our daily Bread!" We don't need to rely on a one-man/one-woman ministry for our sustenance. We can seek the Bread of Life, and become wholly sustained from His nourishment. 

Remember the two who walked toward Ennaus and Jesus started walking with them, and how their hearts burned within from the scriptures? We need to return to that place of worship and praise -- our first love for our Lord God and Saviour, and let Him establish our steps, and like the apostles on the day of Pentecost, similarly recognize that this same JESUS, whom ye/we have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) 

The key here is to believe on Jesus the Christ, and know too that He is the Lord from heaven. As Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM!" 

Yes, indeed, God manifest in the flesh. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. The Great I AM. The ONE LORD GOD who willingly became our Saviour. And we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) 

Other scriptures? That SAME GOD is telling us that He -- JESUS -- the Word made flesh -- is THAT very same Bread -- the Bread from heaven, and that the Bread He "will give is My flesh!" "This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE ON HIM whom He hath sent." (John 6:29) Jesus said, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM [He], ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24)

Then said Jesus 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." (John 8:28)

Some said, "This is He." Others said, "He is like Him: but He said, I AM [He]." (John 9:9)

Jesus said, "But I know Him: for I AM from Him, and He hath sent Me." Then cried Jesus in the temple as He taught, saying, "Ye both know Me, and ye know whence I AM: and I AM not come of Myself, but He that sent Me is true, whom ye know not!' ... "What manner of saying is this that He said, "Ye shall seek Me, and shall not find Me: and where I AM, [thither] ye cannot come?" (John 7:28-36)

Yes, God became man to save all of mankind, but He did so without stopping being God, and He will raise those who believe in Him on that last day. Remember, Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I AM meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29) 

Stand in the offering plate.

For The Lord Hath Made Bare His Holy Arm In The Eyes Of All The Nations, And All The Ends Of The Earth Shall See The Salvation Of Our God - Part 2091

"The LORD hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your re-reward." (Isaiah 52:10-12)

"O LORD, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy Name; for Thou hast done wonderful things; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth ... For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall ... He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." (Isaiah 25:1-12)

Thus, when He spread forth His hands in the midst of them (as he that swims spreads forth his hands to swim) the people should have recognized that this same Jesus whom ye crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) 

Why? Because as the Lord through Hosea said centuries earlier, "Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)

Stand in the offering plate.
 

Jesus Said, "I AM The Root And The Offspring Of David, And The Bright And Morning Star!" - Part 2090

"The God of my rock; in Him will I trust: [He is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; Thou saves me from violence." (II Samuel 22:3)

"And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be ... I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last ... I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star ... And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let him that hears say, "Come." And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:12-17; Revelation 1:8) 

It is for this reason that we believe in JESUS the Christ -- being the One whom He hath sent! (John 6:29) Hear ye Him! Indeed, the great I AM from the old covenant made flesh and dwelling among us -- "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not.  The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. God manifest in the flesh. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16; II Corinthians 5:17; Isaiah 9:6)

The first commandment confirmed in both the old and the new states -- "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD!" And there is none other God or Saviour beside Him. This reality is made abundantly clear throughout the scriptures, but most particularly when the Word of the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah, foretelling of the ultimate sacrifice that was to come. That is, when God clothed Himself as a man -- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him -- so that He could become our Saviour. (Colossians 2:9) Now that is love of the highest order, when the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. (John 10:11-18)

From Isaiah: "For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee." (Isaiah 43:3) "Verily Thou art a God that hides Thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour." (Isaiah 45:15) "Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time? Have not I the Lord? And there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me." (Isaiah 45:21)

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

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

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

For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under Him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill. And He shall spread forth His hands in the midst of them, as He that swims spreads forth his hands to swim: and He shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands. And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall He bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust." (Isaiah 25:1-12)

In yet another place, "Yea, truth fails; and he that departs from evil makes himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no judgment. And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompense. 

So shall they fear the Name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him .... And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob," saith the LORD. "As for Me, this is My covenant with them," saith the LORD, "My Spirit that is upon Thee, and My words which I have put in Thy mouth, shall not depart out of Thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of Thy seed, nor out of the mouth of Thy seed's seed," saith the LORD, "from henceforth and for ever." (Isaiah 59:15-21)

"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 shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are My witnesses," saith the LORD, that I am God.

YEA, BEFORE THE DAY WAS I AM HE; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand: I will work, and who shall let it?" Thus saith the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; "For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King."

Thus saith the LORD, which makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; which brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow. "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honour Me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, my chosen. This people have I formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise.

But thou hast not called upon Me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of Me, O Israel. Thou hast not brought Me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured Me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast bought Me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled Me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made Me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied Me with thine iniquities. I, even I, am He that blots out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put Me in remembrance ...." (Isaiah 43:10-28)

"The LORD hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:10) 

Only one Saviour and He is -- the Great I AM -- the Root and offspring of David. Thus, when He declared "this day have I begotten Thee" -- it was so that we (His beloved) could know Him who has loved us beyond measure. In this current dispensation of grace, His Name JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I AM The Living Bread Which Came Down From Heaven -- Giving My Flesh For The Life Of The World!" - Part 2089

Jesus said, "I AM that Bread of Life!" Jesus said, "I AM the living Bread which came down from heaven!" Then Jesus said, "The Bread that I give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world!"

For the casual observer, who does not know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, these references to being the Bread of Life doesn't make a lot of sense. However, when one desires to understand that this same Jesus -- described often in the scriptures as the Son of man -- and that He is the Lord of glory, our hearts begin to open, and the scales that kept us in blindness fall from our eyes.

Indeed, when we believe that Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him; God manifest in the flesh; Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us; the reconciliation offered for our salvation, we become privy to Jesus as the visible image of an unseen God. The only begotten because the Holy Ghost fathered Him when overshadowing Mary so that she could bring forth a son. This is why Jesus could say, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) And "if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father, and know Him." (John 14:6-12) 

God clothed Himself as a Son -- robed in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him. The Word that was with God and was God became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-3, 10-11) He gave His right arm for our salvation. Why? As Titus declares, "After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)

The "regeneration" of the Holy Ghost happened after Jesus was taken up, and then THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) The same Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of the One and Only Lord God in the Old Testament -- is both the Father and the Son. His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS, for He alone shall save His people from their sins.

In another place, Jesus told them --  "Before Abraham was, I AM!" Jesus also told His disciples -- "I AM, the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6)  To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Jesus was God manifest in the flesh, the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Jesus. This is why we must believe on Him whom He hath sent. (John 6:29) 

Because there is no other. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all! (Ephesians 4:5-6)

This is why we 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 key is JESUS. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8)

Finally, as Jesus so aptly points out -- "This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE ON HIM whom He hath sent." (John 6:29) 

That Bread of Life that can't be replicated. Why not? Because God's love for His people has become the greatest love story ever told. He is the Great I AM hidden from those casual hearts, but becoming everything to those who have come to know the breadth and depth of His abundant love in their hearts. Thus, search the scriptures this day and ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to reveal Himself to you. Most certainly, you will not be disappointed.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Whoso Offers Praise Glorifies Me: And To him That Orders his Conversation Aright Will I Show The Salvation Of God - Part 2088

"The mighty God, [even] the Lord, hath spoken,and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence ... " (Psalm 50:1-3)

In scriptural example after example, we see that when praying to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, these believers did so in one accord. Prayers that recognized the goodness of God. Prayers like "Lord, You alone are the Maker of the heavens and the earth. All things were made by You, and without You Lord, there would be nothing but emptiness. Imagine what emptiness would look like. Only a void where God's creation exists today. But instead, God provided a place, this place called earth. 

In another scriptural example, David, a believing ancestor under the influence of God's holy Spirit said, "Why are the Gentiles raging? What is this turmoil among the nations? People are busying themselves with empty things. Why are the thoughts of the people so foolish? Planning their little plots against Me, the Almighty God?"

These questions asked by God our creator. All the while, the kings of the earth are setting themselves in array against Him, conspiring with the rulers.  Indeed, the kings were mustering together to make some common cause against the same God who was willing to die for them. Wake up folks. Realize the truths that God has delivered unto you and I -- His love story unveiled so that you and I can have abundant life in Him. 

"To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:17; I Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:18-21)

"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 the Lord so clearly states, "Jesus is My only "begotten" son. My holy child who bears My name. My Spirit conceived Him. He is My seed, and in Him I am pleased to dwell." In other words, God is saying, "I was in the man Christ Jesus." God had become as a son, brought forth from a surrogate mother’s womb. While clothed with generational sinful flesh, God was indeed tempted and tried, just as all men are who are recipients of Adam’s fallen race and yet, in all points, without sin. 

Rather, He humiliated Himself in an endeavour to express Himself to you and I as a son. And as a brother. Likewise, as a kinsman in the flesh. By doing this, God was ensuring that His own predetermined plan, the one predicted before the world was formed, would surpass any human understanding of the love and mercy God had for us. In fact, even while the human race, indeed you and I, were still opposing God's plan of salvation, He was intent on accomplishing deliverance on our behalf. The course was marked out by Me, as God so clearly relates in the scriptures. 

"Lo, the volume of the book is written of Me!" 

Me, saith the Lord, as your Saviour. I predetermined by Mine own counselled will what would bring My people back to Me, and I did so prior to the very existence of anything considered in this world.

Then why God asks are people still opposed to Me? Has sin rendered them/you/us so incapable of making just decisions? Or, are you just like Pilate? Think of the Lord looking upon the current situation in the world today. People everywhere are denying the Almighty God, choosing instead to worship what they know not.  Lovers of pleasure and worshipping the created rather than the Creator. Advocating for alternative lifestyles that can never satisfy. And abortions wherein the child that our Creator has placed His purpose in his heart never sees the light of day, because a child may be an inconvenience. Yes, there is a great forsaking in the midst of the land. Evil is flourishing, and spiritually Lord, the world o dark. 

But Lord, we know you are the Light of the world. And consequently, we need you to come and shine your light on us today. Therefore Lord, we beseech you to stretch forth Your hand of deliverance. Enable us who trust in You to spread the good news gospel. That with all boldness,  we may speak with honesty and sincerity the Word of your salvation plan. 

Most of all, that we would open wide our mouths and with perfect courage, we may at all times continue to speak your good news gospel message to those who have not had an opportunity to hear Your gospel.  Lord, work within us, confirming Thy Word with the same signs and marvels that the apostles displayed in the New Testament times. Perform miracles once again among the multitudes, thereby healing the sick and broken-hearted. Deliver those who have been imprisoned by the deceitfulness of satan’s delusions of bright lights, from the one who was never very good at keeping promises anyway.  

Lord, deliver the people. Lord, we ask that You will always remember that we are Your adopted children, our citizenship status before You. For there are many of us who still recognize that our deliverance was purchased by Your demise as a son, and as He was, we are now. We also know that because we are in Jesus, our prayers will be assuredly answered. Still Lord, shake the pillars of our hearts and fill us with your holy Spirit presence. Comfort us with your Holy Ghost that will lead and guide us into all truth. 

Moreover, send us out Lord to the masses. Establish our steps in such a way that we go about Your business every day, preaching the gospel so that You may save those people who, unfortunately, at this moment appear to be lost. We know Lord that you are the Light of the world who shines on us. The Bread of Life. The Living Water wherein we will never thirst again.

May all who read this arise and trim your lamp. If you have no oil in your lamp, ask Jesus to breathe on you the oil of His holy Spirit. Be baptized into the precious, holy Name of Jesus. Go forward into the harvest field. May our God of love, mercy and compassion hold your hand. And know this - that your labour is not in vain when it is labour for the Lord. 

Stand in the offering plate, and when you do, give all of yourself. Jesus did not die for your money. Jesus died for you. As the psalmist writes, the cattle upon a thousand hills belong to the Lord and yet, He still came and shed His precious holy blood for you. 

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