In Awe Of His Majesty, His Love, His Grace, His Mercy For His Beloved Creation - Part 2125

How shall anyone escape if we ignore or neglect so great an offer of eternal salvation? The gift of salvation that is freely offered to all of Adam’s offspring. Yes, the gift of eternal life. The gift of everlasting life. But even more so, we receive His peace and joy within our hearts -- to the point wherein our cups runneth over.

According to the scriptures, eternal life cannot be attained by any other means other than that which God accomplished on our behalf of us at Calvary. There is no other means of salvation. Just as God has declared that there is no other name other than the Name of JESUS whereby anyone can be saved, there is no other means to be saved. (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)

Why? Because JESUS is the only Begotten Son of God! JESUS was not begat as we are. JESUS, the SEED of promise that brought forth the embryo was of the holy Spirit that moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis. In JESUS' veins was the life giving blood of the holy Spirit.

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

Therefore, in JESUS did dwell ALL the fullness of Godhead bodily. JESUS as a man being the very same God who is Spirit. And as a man, JESUS was still the form of God. Only in that period of time was JESUS veiled willingly in flesh appearing as an earthly image (as was Adam) of that spiritual form.

JESUS being the “I AM“ -- before Abraham was, I AM.

JESUS being also the “Father” of all things created, seen and unseen. JESUS being the very same God who has made all things - the very same God - not another person! Like the scriptures state repeatedly, JESUS is God appearing in flesh as A SON! Indeed, JESUS is the ONE HOLY SPIRIT being the FATHER of ALL who now for our sakes was found in fleshy fashion as a SON. The words that JESUS spoke including the healings and miracles were of the holy Spirit who indwelt JESUS!..

JESUS said, "It is not my flesh that is doing these works, miracles, signs and wonders. It is the Spirit of God that dwells within." For it was a performance of the grace of God in JESUS the Christ endeavouring to reconcile the fallen Adamic race to Himself. In other words, JESUS the Christ was put to death in the flesh and buried, arising from the tomb very early in the morning on the third day - which day was the first day of the week of Sabbaths - fulfilling Leviticus chapter 23.

Upon that morning Mary spoke to Jesus. As the scriptures reveal, JESUS said to Mary "Do not touch me for I have not yet ascended to my Father." However, that same day just prior to evening -- when the disciples were gathered together in a locked door room -- suddenly JESUS appeared in the room. The assembled group were filled with fear, thinking they were looking at a spirit being.

But JESUS told them to touch Him -- "HANDLE ME and see." A Spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have. While in their midst, JESUS asked for food and they gave food to Him and He ate the food. Still, JESUS continued to go in and out among them for a period of 40 days and nights (Read I Corinthians 16 and Acts chapter 1). At the completion of these days JESUS ascended into Heaven. After His ascension, JESUS through the operation of His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost gave commands to His chosen apostles. (Acts 1:2-3)

From henceforth, we do not know JESUS after the flesh. But in the scriptures, we retain a partial record of the things that took place as JESUS walked among us in flesh. As it is written, even though we have known JESUS after the flesh, yet henceforth, we no longer know Him in that fashion.

The work of redemption for His beloved creation is complete. He has accomplished His part in offering to each and every one of us salvation. But His offer does not stop there. He is currently inviting every heart to come to Him and to behold His glory and peace in their life. What does this mean?  It means that we are to believe in Jesus, and to make Him both Lord and Christ in our lives. (Acts 2:36) And then as Peter (standing with the eleven) said on the day of Pentecost -- the beginning of the New Testament church (wherein the purchase for our souls had now been made in His own blood) -- we are to repent, and be water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus so that we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)

Herein will we find the purpose that the Lord Himself has offered to those who believe in Him. Indeed, Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and He never fails to astound us who believe with His mercy and kindness and grace.

Stand in the offering plate.

Who Is The Lord Of Glory? - Part 2124

In Jesus did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) Peter, standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is the Lord of glory. (Acts 2:36)

Jesus as a man being the very same God who is Spirit. And as a man, Jesus was still the form of God. Only in that period of time was Jesus veiled willingly in flesh appearing as an earthly image (as was Adam) of that spiritual form. This is why the risen Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the Alpha and Omega -- for there never was any other besides Him. (Revelation 1:8; Acts 4:12)

After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16)

But some want to separate Jesus from the Father -- even when Jesus Himself said, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30) Similarly, Jesus said to His disciples that if they have seen Him -- Jesus -- they have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) And now, after the resurrection, He -- Jesus THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST gives commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)

But I digress. This day I would like to focus on the Lord of glory of the new and the "glory of the Lord" in the old. As prophesied -- "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former," saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts." (Haggai 2:9) For those who may not know, the Bible is divided into the old and the new, and we are of the latter house -- in the New Testament dispensation of grace, wherein we can be saved because of the blood Jesus shed on that cross so that you might have abundant life and peace in Him. (Hebrews 9:1-18)

But sadly, many who profess to believe have missed the point when it comes to the Godhead. These do not adhere to the first commandment which states, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) Not God in three persons or a triad god but rather One God -- One Shepherd -- One Lord of hosts who loved His beloved creation so much that He would prepare for Himself a body for sacrifice.

Thus, "who [is] this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." (Psalm 24:8)

"Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He [is] the King of glory. Selah." (Psalm 24:10)

"The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in His works." (Psalm 104:31)

"Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord." (Psalm 138:5)

Further, "let them praise the Name of the Lord: for His name alone is excellent; His glory [is] above the earth and heaven." (Psalm 148:13)

From henceforth, we do not know Jesus after the flesh. But in the scriptures, we retain a partial record of the things that took place as Jesus walked among us in flesh. (John 1:1-14) As it is written, even though we have known Jesus after the flesh, yet henceforth, we no longer know Him in that fashion. Moreover, when we understand that "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" -- we come to know that Jesus was manifest in the flesh to destroy the work of the devil (mission accomplished!) meaning the work of Redemption is now complete! This is why who believe that this same Jesus is the Lord of glory -- we enter into the Rock, and hide in Thee, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty." (Isaiah 2:10)

Other passages confirming that there is only One Lord of Glory -- or wherein the glory of this One Lord  shone all around, we only have to look to Saul's unanticipated meeting with the Lord. Therein, when the Lord shone a light all around Saul, and he was blinded, Saul asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" What was the response? "I AM JESUS."

"For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14)

Again what is the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as prophesied by Habakkuk? And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

It is time for us in this last generation to once again to allow His Spirit to take us up and bring us into the inner court so that we too can "behold, the glory of the Lord [that] filled the house." (Ezekiel 43:5; Ezekiel 44:4)

Indeed, "Holy, holy, holy, [is] the Lord of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of His glory." (Isaiah 6:3)

Stand in the offering plate.

For The Lord Takes Pleasure In His People: He Will Beautify The Meek With Salvation - Part 2123

"The Lord reigns, He is clothed with Majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith He hath girded Himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved." (Psalm 93:1)

Over the years, we have mentioned being clothed in/with His righteousness when we repent and are water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38-41) The idea of being clothed is a thread that runs from the old to the new, and offers hope to those who believe in the Lord and His goodness and grace. Indeed, we should be in awe of His love and kindness that would lead God to become our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16) 

But similar to right and wrong, light and darkness, we choose how we desire to be clothed. For example, we can be clothed in humility, where in we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is in heaven, or conversely, clothed with shame and dishonour -- particularly in those who magnify themselves against our Lord. In the former, believers understand that this same Jesus whom ye/we have crucified in our hearts (before we come to Him) is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) 

And in Him, we are clothed with His righteousness. In Him, we stand and feed in the strength of the Lord and in the majesty of the Name of the Lord. Our hearts desiring to abide in Him -- the One who redeemed us from eternal damnation. 

As Jesus said, "I AM the Bread of Life!"

As Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (John 14:6) 

When we have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father, and also know Him. (John 14:6-12) 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) And this same ONE LORD reigns forevermore -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the King of kings, the Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8)

And in this last day, we should desire to stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, "in the majesty of the Name of the Lord [our] God; and [we] shall abide: for now shall He be great unto the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:4)

This is why our hearts cry, "Abba Father!" Because the Lord takes pleasure in His creation. While He was clothed with a crown of thorns, so that we could experience His goodness and grace in our hearts, we should desire to be clothed with humility and subject to one another; for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. (I Peter 5:5)

Further, it is "in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven; if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." (II Corinthians 5:2-4)

Why is this critical?

For "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head above all." (I Chronicles 29:11)

His Name in this current dispensation of grace? JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

This explains why believers rejoice. This is why we also should remain continually in awe of His majesty -- for what is man that the Lord God of heaven would give so much attention? But from the very beginning (and as the scripture saith, even before the Spirit of the Lord moved upon the face of the waters) He had a plan for our redemption, for those who desire more of Him in their hearts, souls, minds and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

As Jesus said, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples." (John 15:6-10)

Herein too, is why we who believe desire to continually "bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honour and majesty." (Psalm 104:1) This is the reason we shout for joy, they also sing. (Psalm 65:13) For we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people who show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness and into His marvellous light. (I Peter 2:9)

Stand in the offering plate. 

And Ye Are Complete In Him, Which Is The Head Of All Principality And Power:- Part 2122

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6)

Apostle Paul continues by warning believers against those who would spoil us through philosophy and traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world. Instead Paul encourages believers in Jesus by faith to pursue Christ and to be complete in Him, He who blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that were against us, Why? Because He took all of our sins out of the way, nailing them to His cross, and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. The Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep tore the vail from heaven to earth so that we could experience abundant and eternal life in Him.

This is why the risen Jesus, the resurrected Jesus who is now both Lord and Christ -- this same Jesus who is no longer on the cross or in a tomb is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8)

The salvation message, wherein we who believe are complete in Him -- so "that [our] hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;" (Colossians 2:2) When we believe in Jesus by faith, and go on to be water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41) Our life changes. Our hearts and minds renewed in Him. 

Still, the world will do anything and everything to prevent us from pursuing the heavenly -- His unique purpose placed in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb, and it is this pursuit of our souls that apostle Paul is warning us of, and to know with an assurance that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ never fails. Thus, continuing in Colossians 2:

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye 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, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by 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. 

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:8-15)

His purpose?  To let the peace of God rule in our hearts, "to the which also ye are called in One Body; and be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:15-16)

So that "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." ( Colossians 3:22-23)

"whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that He might know your estate, and comfort your hearts ..." (Colossians 4:8)

As stated earlier, Jesus never fails. Stand in the offering plate.

Through The Grace Of The Lord Jesus Christ We Shall Be Saved - Part 2121

And certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, "That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:1-11)

Read that message again -- that we believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus the Christ we shall be saved. But as we see too, there are always those who desire to bring us into bondage, placing us under the law. Sadly, this has not changed, even when we have the benefit of the apostles' communications to lead and guide us. Then, some believers in the primitive assembly thought it necessary for the believing non Jews to be circumcised. It was similarly dictated that they must adhere to the Law by those who set themselves up to be an authority.

Well, taking that position caused an extensive inquiry, and I am sure when the scriptures state, "no small dissension and disputation" -- that the discussion could be considered more than lively. What we need to note is that God had chosen Peter to initially deliver the good news of the gospel to the non Jews. Peter said at that initial moment that it was God who knows the heart. It is God who becomes acquainted with a believer and understands people's innermost thoughts. Certainly, it was God who by the outpouring and inputting of His own Spirit upon the non Jews, welcomed the non-Jewish into the flock. It was He who had previously breathed His Spirit upon the Jews. God, in so doing, declared that He was placing no difference between the non Jews and the Jews. There would be no distinctions. He did not discriminate. No respecter of persons.

"... (for He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)" (Galatians 2:8)

[As an aside, please note that Peter is not being elevated above the other apostles here. For as we know, Peter stood in agreement (as an equal within the body of Christ church) delivering the Acts 2:38 message on the day of Pentecost, wherein the first 3,000 souls were saved in the New Testament.]

Since God purified and cleansed the non Jews heart’s by faith, we need to ask why the sect of the Pharisees in Acts 15, and many modern day religious culture today willingly bring God's abundant love for His people into question now? Why strain the patience of God? In fact, why are so many endeavouring to put a burden on the shoulders of non Jewish believers, a burden that neither we nor our forefathers did?

As we read further, we see that James added his position to the discussion. James relayed how it pleased God at the first to visit the non Jews. It became obvious that God was choosing a people dedicated to His name. To this the afore-predicted language, the prophets agree. As it is written in the scriptures, "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up ..." (Acts 15:16)

In other words, God was saying, "I will raise My tabernacle afresh so that the residue of believing men and women from all nations who belong to Me, may now earnestly seek after Me." God from the beginning of time, and well into eternity, knows what He is doing. He has our lives planned out even before the foundations of the world were created. And our purpose too! 

So how then, does religion's judgment and subsequent decisions that include imposing irksome restrictions on non-Jews become valid. Remember, these were non-Jews who were turning by faith to the Lord Jesus. So where do we stand today?

Peter and James confirmed that God's plan of salvation wasn't about dictates. Rather, there were four things that the non-Jews should do. First, to abstain from the pollution of idolatry. As well, abstain from fornication and sexual vices. And lastly, that they should keep themselves from eating the flesh of strangled animals. Indeed, from blood in any form, including processed or blood soaked meat. The reason? Life is in the blood. Life is in the shedding of blood.

Subsequently, the apostles and elders, in unison with all the believers decided to write on paper their decision. If you are reading along in the scriptures, you will find the references in Acts chapter 15:23-28. Here comes the good news. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary requirements. That is, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in the Lord. For the non Jews, this letter was critical. Note that when they received this good news, they rejoiced. They had been encouraged by its contents. You can almost hear them saying, "Yes, I will remain steadfast in the Lord."

Fast forward to the 21st century. God is still adding believers to His church daily. He is creating a nation of believers and building a temple of living stones for His own habitation. This is a temple not made with hands. Nor is this temple constructed of brick or mortar, wood, hay, or stubble. In this temple, Christ is the corner stone. The apostles and the prophets are the foundation. There is no other building. The Word is the foundation.

For God has said, "What house are you going to build Me when Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. As born again believers, we are the building chosen of God to be His habitation. His spiritual habitation.  The house in which He is so very pleased to dwell. We are the body of Christ. This building is the measure of the stature of the body of Christ. Thus, if you are looking for an analogy, how about God’s measuring tape?  

God redeemed His people ensuring their rebirth and salvation through His blood. Our sins were washed away by baptism as we called upon the Name of the Lord. Yes, we are baptized into His temple by the same Spirit that dwelt within the man Christ Jesus. And now we are that body -- the body of Christ -- in which He is so pleased to dwell. 

Indeed, "Thy Word is true [from] the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments [endureth] for ever." (Psalm 119:160)

May our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- who now rules and reigns within your believing heart bless you. Stand in the offering plate. 

O God The Lord, The Strength Of my Salvation, Thou Hast Covered my Head In The Day Of Battle - Part 2020

"... for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (II Corinthians 6:16)
"We then, as workers together [with Him] beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For He saith, "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" (II Corinthians 6:2)

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." (Revelation 12:10)

"Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou [art] the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:5)

"... but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

"Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? Or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou He, O Lord our God? Therefore we will wait upon Thee: for thou hast made all these things." (Jeremiah 14:22)

It is for these reasons and more that we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and go onto be water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- strive not to give offence in any thing but rather "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, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:1-10)

Although there is so much to understand here, even within these few scriptures, I encourage you to meditate on these this day, for the Lord Jesus has a purpose for each and every one of us to fulfill. His love beyond measure, searching our hearts to see if we too will render our all in all for Him. In Him, we can become conquerors against the things of this world. How? Because He has renewed our minds and hearts, so that He receives all the praise and honour and glory that only the Lord of glory deserves. 

If you have not, please ask Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in your heart and soul today, for His goodness and grace, His mercy and kindness toward His creation will never fail in this current dispensation of grace. Through it all, let Him be the strength of our salvation today and forevermore. Most of all, don't take your eyes off the Lord of glory who willingly shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that you and I could experience His abundant life within. 

Today is the day to ask the Lord Jesus to establish our steps. To move us forward from our place of comfort and earthly desires to the heavenly, proclaiming His Name -- the Lord God of glory -- to all nations. Stand in the offering plate. 

For The Lord Sees Not As Man Sees; For Man Looks On The Outward Appearance, But The Lord Looks On The Heart - Part 2119

"And to make all [men] see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord -- in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him." (Ephesians 3:8-12)

Indeed, when we understand the greatest love story every told, and begin to know that this whole world was constructed so that God could invite unto Himself a family, our understanding of who we are and our purpose in Him should be humbling. Why? Because we come to the heart place wherein we learn how precious we are to Him -- that He would come into the world -- all the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Christ Jesus -- so that we could have abundant life in Him.

This is the manifold wisdom of God -- that He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord a redemption plan so that we -- His creation -- could experience wholeness and completeness in Him. A salvation plan so extensive and far reaching that He continues to invite those outside of the fold into the body of Christ family. Hid in God from the foundation of the world and yet designed in such a way that when we do decide to come to Him in our broken state, His abundant love that is beyond measure fills our hearts, making us whole again. 

But to be whole, as He intended for you and I from the very beginning, full of His joy and peace, we need to understand that the Great Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. And when He did, He tore the vail from heaven to earth. He provided a means for us all to be reconciled to Him. 

"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled ..." (Colossians 1:20)

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God." (II Corinthians 5:18-20)

O how much the cost --  for the Lord of glory to look at His rebellious people and still willingly lay down His humanity for His beloved. As Peter standing with the eleven declared on the day of Pentecost, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

That message alone should prick our hearts to consider His abundant and all comprehensive love for you and I. 

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

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

His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS for He shall (and has) saved His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) This is why the Lord sees not as man sees -- the outward appearance -- but rather, He examines our hearts to see who will surrender the seeming obligations and intents of this world to follow Him. 

He who 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) 

If you haven't already, I plead with you to ask Jesus to be both Lord and Christ within your heart. Ask the Lord Jesus to pick up the pieces of your broken heart and make you whole once again -- as He fully intended for His beloved from the very beginning. Find a New Testament and begin reading how the Lord God of the heavens -- this same creator of the universe took on sin-prone flesh (but without sin) so that we could personally know His goodness and mercy and love that surpasses all human understanding. Let Him fill you with His Spirit so that your cup can runneth over with His joy.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Him God Raised Up The Third Day And Showed Him Openly; Not To All But Unto Witnesses Chosen Before God -- Even To Us! - Part 2118

And the Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, "Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy and say unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts -- "Hear ye the Word of the Lord." Thus saith the Lord God. -- "Woe unto the foolish prophets that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing." (Ezekiel 13:1-2)

And He said unto me, "Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee." And the Spirit entered into me when He spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard Him that spake unto me. And He said unto me, "Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against Me: they and their fathers have transgressed against Me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiff-hearted. I do send thee unto them, and thou shalt say unto them, "Thus saith the Lord God." And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear (for they are a rebellious house) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. 

And thou, Son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. And thou shalt speak My words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious. But thou, Son of man, hear what I say unto thee. Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee."

And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and lo, a roll of a book was therein; and He spread it before me, and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations and mourning and woe."  (Ezekiel 2:1-10)

Note that Ezekiel was recognized as a prophet. How do we know? The Word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him. (Ezekiel 1:3) Equally important to note that Ezekiel was not a soothsayer, or a palm reading type of prophet wherein he speaks specifics about one's personal future (as the modern day religious culture falsely presents as prophecy) -- but rather, Ezekiel heard the Word of the Lord. He also spake the Word of the Lord. 

But there is manifold more herein. The Word that was not only with God but was God was made flesh and dwelt among us, so that we would have the privilege of beholding His glory. (John 1:1-14) This is why the scripture saith, "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me." Everything that God was about to do under the old covenant and into the New Testament was openly displayed, so that no one could plead ignorance. Thus, even in Ezekiel -- which is long before the dayspring from on high visited His people -- long before God willingly became our Saviour -- the Lord was warning us, and chastising us for our rebellion against Him.  As the Lord through David proclaimed, "How oft did they provoke Him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!" (Psalms 78:40)

It is no wonder David the psalmist asked the Lord, "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the Son of man, that Thou visits Him?" (Psalms 8:4) And in another place, "LORD, what is man, that Thou take knowledge of him! Or the Son of man, that Thou makes account of him!" (Psalms 144:3)

These are good questions. In part, the good news salvation message was about the Lord God Almighty gaining a family for Himself -- a chosen people, a royal generation, who would be more than willing to give Him all the glory and honour and praise. He knew that for the veil to be torn from heaven to earth, there would have to be a blood sacrifice -- a purchase -- that only God Himself could make by robing Himself in flesh. He also knew that this would be His last will and testament.

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:14-18)

The purchase was made and He showed Himself openly to one and all so that those who repent and are water baptized in His precious, holy Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus -- would find abundant everlasting rest in Him. In the name of the Shepherd who willingly came and laid down His life for His beloved creation.

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

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:189)

Still, as we read from the scriptures, the Lord grieved that His beloved creation -- you and I -- did not understand (and in many ways still do not understand) His abundant love for His people. As Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that kills the prophets, and stones them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34)

Nevertheless, He knew the cross had to happen if we were to experience His love. While they abode in Galilee, for example, Jesus said unto His disciples, "The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men; and they shall kill Him and the third day He shall be raised again." (Matthew 17:22-23; John 19:30; Acts 10:40) In another place, Jesus began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. (Mark 8:31)

This explains why Jesus said, "A little while and ye shall not see Me, and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father." (John 16:16) But God raised Him up the third day and our world changed. The stone was rolled away, and the handkerchiefs that wrapped Jesus' head neatly folded in the tomb. After appearing to numerous disciples and followers (and in the transition from John into Acts), we begin to understand that this same Jesus whom ye/we have crucified is now both Lord and Christ. And that after the resurrection -- "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 ..." (Acts 1:2-3)

Yes, this is the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. 

"And to make all [men] see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord -- in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him." (Ephesians 3:8-12)

Think on these things this day. Study the New Testament scriptures for yourself so that you too can be grounded in His truth. Stand in the offering plate.

Thou Art My Hiding Place ... Our Hope Is In Thy Word! - Part 2117

"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; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they.

For unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee?" And again, "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" And again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." And of the angels He saith, "Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire." But unto the Son He saith, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands: they shall perish; but Thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail.

But to which of the angels said He at any time, "Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:1-14)

For some, this passage of scripture may seem complicated, but it is not. As an analogy, think of yourself building a shed. In the beginning, the plan for a shed is similar to a seed taking root. Obviously, the shed is not built immediately but the steps to constructing a shed is taking shape. Supplies are ordered. Carpenters are scheduled. A site established, and the size, height, materials designed. Sometimes permits are necessary but eventually the work begins.

We see a similar Seed being planted when the earth and universe was formed. The seed -- being the brightness of glory and the express image of His person, upholding all things by the Word of His power. (Hebrews 1:3) Who is He then (that after purging Himself for our sins) sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high? 

His great plan of salvation (which at the first was spoken of by the Lord) and confirmed unto us by them that heard Him -- the prophets and psalmist. At the same time, God willingly confirmed this witness with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of His holy Spirit -- the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47) But we have jumped ahead somewhat.

Remember that under the old covenant, the law was added 430 years after the promise was given. Therefore, the law cannot undo the promise. Neither can the law be tagged onto, or added to the promise. Those first 300 years of the gospel, sent the fallen angels into a tailspin. Indeed, if one were to use a cliche, you could say that the cat was out the bag. It required immediate damage control, and spin artists working tirelessly 24/7 to stop the leaks. It took 300 years before they had established a foothold. It took 300 years before satan could transform himself into a messenger of light, replacing the head of the body of Christ church with an impostor asserting infallibility.

They in turn sat down and hammered out their own man-made religious gospel. They introduced to the then generation that God was three distinct and separate persons -- a triad, or trinity. In fact, their fabricated gospel was so entrenched that woe to them who dared to contradict their darkened minds. The decline in the good news gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ was swift. From light into darkness -- at the flip of a switch. From a primitive church exposing demonic practices and idolatry to the establishment of another gospel, totally adverse to the gospel which had been personally delivered by our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

The gospel as proclaimed to the world, in which He Himself was more than willing to die for. This is why we who profess to believe in the Lord Jesus by faith willingly stand fast in the liberty that was given to us by the Lord. We adhere to His instruction, allowing the Holy Ghost -- Jesus -- to establish our steps. 

Give us this day our daily Bread. 

But as it is written, some can't move away from the gospel of Jesus Christ fast enough. In this context, apostle Paul said, "I marvel that you are so soon removed from the gospel which was delivered to you. Why are you so soon shaken from it?" The God in Christ meant what He said and said what He meant. (II Corinthians 5:19) This promise of God is not a slippery slope. It is impossible for God to lie. God wants to speak to us. We need to listen.

Moreover, in Hebrews 6:13, God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater. He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely with my blessing I will bless you. In multiplying, I will multiply you. Verse 16 of the same chapter reads that men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end to all strife. God, willing to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath. These two immutable characteristics include (1) it is impossible for God to lie and (2 ) we have a strong consolation that we who have fled for refuge, laying hold upon the hope set before us, the hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, will enter into that within the veil.

Why? Because Jesus is our one and only high priest forever -- after the Order of Melchisedec. Not like other priests, or imposters who ought to confess their sin, their folly and error to the one who alone can forgive sin. They ought to know better. The only one that can forgive sin is Jesus. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

He is the Word of the oath which existed before the law. He is the Word which brought forth the Seed of promise, the son of the holy Spirit and the one who is consecrated for evermore. For if we confess our sins to Him, who alone is the High priest, our sins will be forgiven. Jesus is more than willing to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Yes, the gospel provided a way for men and women to go directly to the throne of grace. His glory for one and all to see. The greatest love story ever told! Embrace His love and mercy this day. Peace to all who are in Jesus. 

Stand in the offering plate.

We Who Overcome, The Same Shall Be Clothed In White Raiment - Part 2116

Jesus said, "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you." (John 15:16)

Jesus said, "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you." (John 16:23)

Jesus said, "At that day ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you ..." (John 16:26)

Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God." (John 14:25)

In that day!

In that day we will understand that this same Jesus who we crucified is both Lord and Christ. In that day, we will understand that after Jesus is taken up, He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost will give commandments unto the apostles whom He has chosen. It is herein -- in that day -- wherein the same Jesus who said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" fills us with His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- when we repent and are water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41)

In other words, Jesus (who is God manifest in the flesh -- I Timothy 3:16), the Lord coming forth as a mighty man (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) never intended to live forever in a human body, but rather, from the very beginning (and before the foundation of the world was formed) decided to deliver unto us His unique plan of salvation -- so that we might experience His goodness and grace, and similarly, be filled with His joy.

But He gives us a choice. He does not railroad us into believing in His goodness and grace. His mercy for all the world to see. However, what He has done -- to wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself -- is provided His beloved creation with a way to be reconciled with our Creator. (II Corinthians 5:19) A way to discover His kindness so that we can become all that He had intended for us to be. (Titus 3:4-7)

In this, we can either believe Jesus in our hearts and souls for who He said He was, as evidenced and declared by an incredible number of witnesses or sadly, choose not to believe. The first option offers life everlasting in Him -- abundant life and joy forevermore, but the second eternal damnation. I pray that you decide for our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, who gave His all so that He could become our all in all.

Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8) 

But before we can become clothed in His righteousness, we need to repent and turn to Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:29-31) Then we are to be water baptized in the Name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and as an answer of a good conscience toward God. (Acts 2:36-41; I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 10:44-48)

As we learn from the scriptures, Peter (standing with the eleven in agreement) on the day of Pentecost decreed water baptism should be in the precious holy Name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38) Standing in full view and support of Peter was Matthew. (Acts 1:13) Thus, he ultimately helped baptize the first 3,000 souls saved -- in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:40-41) Note that Paul also baptized in the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:5) 

Indeed, the only way water baptism was ever performed in the New Testament side was speaking the name of Jesus. As we know, "there is none other name under heaven above, given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) As well, Jesus is the Name given that is above every other name God used in the Old Testament side. How can I say this? Because when the dayspring from on high decided to visit His people, the angel of the Lord announced that His Name shall be JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

God with us -- Emmanuel! It is for this reason that "I will declare Thy Name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee." (Hebrews 2:12)

Meditate upon these things this day! Stand in the offering plate.