Rejoice With Them That Do Rejoice; Overcome Evil With Good; If Your Enemies Thirst, Feed Them - Part 2135

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay," saith the Lord, "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:9-21)

The message continues, with Jesus saying, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?" (Matthew 7:11) In another place, Jesus says, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" (Luke 11:13)

The Spirit of holiness dwelling within. It is at this juncture that we should be desiring spiritual gifts -- the diversities of gifts that the holy Spirit of Jesus imparts severally to those who trust in Him. It is equally important to note that these Spirit gifts are given for the application of various ministries within Jesus' own body. The body of Christ [His church wherein Jesus is the Head] is the temple and habitation of the Spirit of Jesus. Not made with hands. Not building and bricks, or institutions -- as the world would have us believe. 

For those of you who are new to the gospel, there is only One body and there is only One Spirit. And the Lord would not have us ignorant when it comes to spiritual. (I Corinthians 12:2) It is the same Christ in God who achieves His purposes through them all. Each believer who is born again of God (born of water and of Spirit) becomes a living member of the temple of God. (John 3:1-21) In this new capacity, believers became functioning members into the body of Christ. They become adequately equipped of God, and as such, are now capable of exercising completely that which other members of the One body of Jesus may have need of at appropriate times (each member serving willingly each and every other member).
The scriptures state it this way: 

For to one is given by the holy Spirit of Jesus the ability to speak wisdom. To another is given by the holy Spirit of Jesus the power to express knowledge. To another is given by the same holy Spirit of Jesus, special faith. To another is given by the same holy Spirit of Jesus, the gift of healing. To another is given by the same holy Spirit of Jesus, the power to work miracles. To another is given by the same holy Spirit of Jesus, prophetic insight. To another is given by the same holy Spirit of Jesus the power to discern between true spirits and false spirits. To another is given by the same holy Spirit of Jesus, the ability to speak in languages that he never formally learned. These tongues of men and of angels, both unknown or unheard of. To another given by the same holy Spirit of Jesus is the capacity to interpret languages spoken through the gift of spiritual tongues. (I Corinthians 12:4-11)

Collectively, and individually, these gifts are the gifts of the Spirit of Jesus given for the edification of His own body (HIS TEMPLE). Jesus empowering each member and Jesus apportioning to each believer as He chooses and wills. For there is only one body. But within the body, there are many organs that work together in unity. In the same fashion, we are members of the body of Christ. We were all brought into that one body by water baptism in Jesus name and by the purifying baptism of His holy Spirit. We have all been added to the holy Spirit’s body, which is the body of the Christ. Because we are all members of Jesus' body, we all drink the same drink, and we all eat the same meat.To this end, let there be no divisions between believers. For it is written in the prophets, as Jesus said, "And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, comes unto Me." (John 6:45)

Jesus said, "Come unto Me and I will give you rest." 

Why Jesus? Because as Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life! No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) The Spirit of life, which indwells the body of Christ, breaking the shackles and the yoke of religious bondage, permitting believers to arise and take up the ministries of the Spirit of Jesus gifted to believers. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

When We Are Clothed In His Righteousness, We Are No Longer Clothed With Strange Apparel, But Filled With His Spirit of Holiness - Part 2134

"Ye do the deeds of your father." Then said they to Jesus, "We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God." (John 8:41)

Jesus clearly identifies Himself as the Light of the world, the Bread of Life to the Pharisees, but they only want to kill Him. In John 8, we see one such account wherein Jesus clearly tells them, in response to their question unto Him, "Where is Thy Father?" that "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19)

In another place, Jesus says, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) And in yet another, Jesus tells His disciples that if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father, and know Him. (John 14:6-12)

But if one's hearts do not want to accept Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour -- this same Jesus whom ye have crucified as both Lord and Christ, you will look for ways to justify yourself, and this is what is happening here in this encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The Pharisees therefore said unto Him, "Thou bear record of Thyself; Thy record is not true." Jesus answered and said unto them, "Though I bear record of Myself, yet My record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, My judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am One that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me bears witness of Me." Then said they unto Him, "Where is Thy Father?" Jesus answered, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:12- 20)

These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as He taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on Him; for His hour was not yet come. But the dialogue does not end there.

Then said Jesus again unto them, "I go my way, and ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come." Then said the Jews, "Will He kill himself?" because He saith, "Whither I go, ye cannot come.." And He said unto them, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 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."

Then said they unto Him, "Who art Thou?" And Jesus saith unto them, "Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge of you: but He that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of Him."

They understood not that He spake to them of the Father. 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. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." (John 8:21-29) 

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

As Jesus spake these words, note that many believed on Him, but not the Pharisees.

Jesus continues, saying to those Jews which believed on Him, "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 

They answered Him, "We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, "Ye shall be made free?" Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abides not in the house for ever: but the Son abides ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill Me, because My Word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with My Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." They answered and said unto Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus saith unto them, "If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father." (John 8:30-40)

Still determined to justify themselves, then said they to Jesus, "We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God." Thus, Jesus tells them, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? even because ye cannot hear My Word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do; he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not? Which of you convinces Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me? ... he that is of God hears God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God." (John 8:41-47)

Then answered the Jews, and said unto Him, "Say we not well that Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?" Jesus answered, "I have not a devil; but I honour My Father, and ye do dishonour Me. And I seek not Mine own glory: there is One that seeks and judges. Verily, verily, I say unto you, "If a man keep My saying, he shall never see death." (John 8:48-51)

At this point, Jesus was still inviting them into the fold, but their own hearts condemned them because these did not recognize Jesus -- that I AM He! Consequently, the Jesus said unto Him, "Now we know that Thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and Thou sayest, If a man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death. Art Thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest Thou Thyself?" 

Jesus answered, "If I honour Myself, my honour is nothing: it is My Father that honours Me; of whom ye say, that He is your God: yet ye have not known Him; but I know Him: and if I should say, "I know Him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know Him, and keep His saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad." Then said the Jews unto Him, "Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?" (John 8:52-57) 

Herein the punchline. And Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)

When their hearts were revealed, we see that these took up stones to cast at Him: but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." (John 8:59)

Indeed, there is one God and He Himself became our Saviour. And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The issue with the Pharisees is that these did not want to render their hearts to Jesus -- as both Lord and Christ -- and stand in the offering plate. (Acts 2:36)

Nevertheless, as the scripture states, and in spite of the Pharisees hardheartedness, there were those who did believe Jesus -- that I AM He.

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord ..." (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4, 38)

Stand in the offering plate.

Having Food And Raiment Let Us Be Therewith Content, Rejoicing Forever In The Dayspring Which Hath Visited His People - Part 2133

"Thou in Thy mercy hast led forth the people [which] Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided [them] in Thy strength unto Thy holy habitation." (Exodus 15:13) "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 5:19)

"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)

This is why the Lord hath said, "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" Because throughout the old and the new, the thread that weaves God's ultimate plan of salvation for His people is His willingness and mercy to redeem His people, so that He would gain a family unto Himself. A bride -- the body of Christ church. 

We see the witness of the prophesied Messiah -- the Christ Jesus in the prophets and in the psalms -- every word written pointing forward to the redemption plan of our Lord God and Saviour. But not often do we relate Jesus to Joshua wherein the Lord says I will bring forth My servant the BRANCH. In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. (Isaiah 4:2)

In that day, which we know has come wherein the dayspring from on high hath visited His people. As Jesus clearly states, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me." (John 15:4) 

It is herein (within the following cited prophecy of Zechariah) that we who believe in Jesus as both Lord and Christ by faith, seeking to know His mercy and grace toward a peculiar people -- might find reconciliation and agreement for Hebrews 4:8 and Acts 7:45, wherein Jesus is changed to reflect the historical Joshua. Let those who read, understand also.

"For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day." (Hebrews 4:8) "... which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David." (Acts 7:45)  

As background, the name of JESUS herein is changed to reflect the historical Joshua (from the Old Testament) in the revised versions of the scriptures, and as in most things emanating from modern day religious circles explained away through arguments of language and translation. But let's look closer at what Zechariah states in prophecy, knowing that now -- in this current day of salvation -- this dispensation of grace wherein we are alive, the Lord Jesus has already taken away the filthy garments from those who believe on Him and clothed them with His righteousness. In other words, He has looked beyond the ordinances of the old and for this cause, became the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 9:1-18) 

But I digress somewhat. Regarding Joshua ...

"And He shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto satan, "The Lord rebuke thee, O satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, "Take away the filthy garments from him." And unto him he said, "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment."

And I said, "Let them set a fair mitre upon his head." So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by. And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; "If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth My servant the BRANCH. 

For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof," saith the Lord of hosts, "and I will remove the iniquity of that land in One day. In that day," saith the Lord of hosts, "shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree." (Zechariah 3:1-10)

" ... 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 ..." (Titus 3:5)

In that day, wherein the Lord God would prepare for Himself a body that would take away the filthy garments of His people, redeeming them with His own precious blood. In that day, when a people who were not originally His people would come to Him and worship Him in all things. The same Spirit of Holiness that moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis provided for us in this current generation a plan of salvation, wherein He clothes us in His righteousness, so that we might have abundant life in Him -- when we repent and are water baptized in His Name -- the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41)

Most certainly, Stephen at his own stoning knew the I AM of the old is this same JESUS whom they had crucified in the new. The Bread of life. The Living Water that quenches all thirst. 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)

How can we be sure? Because Stephen's recounting of Israel's history to the council in Acts 7 was to show them that this same Jesus whom they had crucified was the God of their fathers. (Acts 7:52; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 2:36) When Jesus stated, "... but when the husbandmen saw the s/Son, they said among themselves, "This is the heir; come, let us kill h/Him, and let us seize on h/His inheritance" we can know that this very same council knew Jesus to be the Messiah, and rejected Him. (Matthew 21:38) 

As one of the chosen seven, full of the Holy Ghost Stephen (a table servant) knew the scriptures, and  would have taken every opportunity to show them that Jesus gave the victories to their fathers, and not Joshua as they trusted and believed. From Stephen's testimony in Acts 7:

"Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen ... which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built Him an house.

"Howbeit the most High dwells not in temples made with hands," as saith the prophet, "Heaven [is] My throne, and earth [is] My footstool: what house will ye build Me?" saith the Lord, "or what [is] the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?"

Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did, so do ye.] Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it]." (Acts 7:44-53)

What happens when Stephen does name Jesus Christ openly? (Acts 7:37)

"When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:54-60)

Indeed, Stephen's intent was to preach Jesus. Had Stephen meant Joshua, then he would not have been stoned because the council (including Saul/later apostle Paul who oversaw the stoning of Stephen) would have been in one accord with Stephen. But it was this same Just One -- the Spirit of Holiness that prepared for Himself a body who paid the ultimate price for our sins through His own precious, holy blood shed on a cross.  

As a consequence, we who believe can know that He has taken away the filthy garments from those who believe in Him and worship Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. In that day, saith the Lord, will we know that He has clothed His people with a change of raiment. In that day, saith the Lord, we will know His mercy and grace, and that He led forth the people which He has redeemed. It is He -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ who delivers us by His strength unto His holy habitation.

Thus, "hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost -- [the One and same Spirit of Holiness who created us in the beginning now dwelling within the hearts of them who believe]. (Romans 1:5)

Let those with ears to hear, hear, and understand the goodness and mercy of the Lord. Stand in the offering plate.

Fear Ye Not, Neither Be Afraid, Have Not I Told Thee From That Time And Have Declared It - Part 2132

" ... who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ..." (Hebrews 1:3)

There is only one God. As the scripture so clearly states, there was no other God before Him and there is no other God now. This is why -- "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!"

"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." (Isaiah 43:10)

"Ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside Me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any." (Isaiah 44:8)

"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)

Throughout the scriptures, we are beholden to One God. Indeed, the very first commandment begins with the words -- "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

Further scripture to prove there is only one Lord God and He became our Saviour? "And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall there be One Lord, and His Name one." (Zechariah 14:9-10)

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

Jesus said that we should call no man father upon the earth for One is your Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 23:9) This is why Jesus could say, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30) And that if ye have seen Me -- Jesus -- ye have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) 

"And Jesus answered [the scribe], "The first of all the commandments [is], "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is One Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment." And the second is like, [namely] this, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:29-32)

"Seeing it is One God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith." (Romans 3:30)

Who is this God that became our Saviour too? His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Indeed, after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) Don't be fooled by the false traditions of men that reduce Jesus forever to a Son position -- still on a cross -- the Son of man only -- rather than the Lord of glory, King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending -- as He is now, when that stone at the tomb was rolled away, so that we could see the resurrected Christ for who He really is. (Revelation 1:8)

For far too long, we have been saddled with a false trinity/triad/God in 3 persons religious teaching that has proven that these don't understand how much God loved His beloved creation. These do not comprehend love beyond measure, or how the Good Shepherd would lay down His life for His sheep. Nevertheless, the scriptures are clear. In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... And the Word was made flesh ..." (John 1:1-14)

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

Jesus told us, "But if I do, though ye believe not Me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him." (John 10:38)

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

Know too that after He -- Jesus was taken up, He -- Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments  unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) 

Indeed, the Son of man is the Lord of glory. The One and Only God who willingly became our Saviour. His Name is Jesus in this current dispensation of grace. It is for this reason that we "look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!" (Titus 2:13)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Honour And Majesty Are Before Him: Strength And Beauty Are In His Sanctuary.- Part 2131

"And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the Majesty of the Name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall He be great unto the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:4)

Is this the experience which was previously spoken of by the prophet Joel? Is this what the scriptures intended when we read that in the last days the Lord would pour out His spirit upon all flesh? Certainly, Joel prophesies of the last days. As well, in Acts chapter two, it is revealed that not only do the heavens open but we see the outpouring of God‘s Spirit into the lives of Adam‘s now redeemed race of believers. The actual event recorded plainly for us in the scriptures, so that we also could be partakers of the goodness and mercy that God has for us.

Yet in spite of the succinctness and accuracy of the scriptures, and the eventuality of Joel's prophesy coming to realization, we are left wondering as to why someone would endeavour to misrepresent this grand opening of the entrance of the new covenant sealed with Holy Ghost blood -- confirmed by the Spirit of God. Why would that be? The new covenant entering in, complete with sound effects sounding as if a mighty wind was blowing, this sound so effective that its sound filled all the place where they were sitting should have been sufficient evidence. Indeed, the prophesy now fulfilled on the day of Pentecost definitely demanding their priority attention and focus. (Acts 2:1-47)

We should have been shouting with joy -- wow -- to the events that were transpiring in Acts. Their tongues and language now also affected by the Spirit of God. Their tongues somehow feeling as if they had become cloven (split or divided) in a way that made them appear to be on fire. This experience felt as if someone was sitting on them. Certainly, something unexplained was happening to those individuals assembled together. Everyone appeared to be moving from one episode to another, with each one in step one with the other one. In essence, what was happening? Well, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of God.

While the noise filled the room, the dialect was totally unknown to those listening. As they observed the proceedings, they noted that the sounds being expressed by those who were assembled were emanating from their own mouths. It seemed like their tongues were on fire, just like a lot needed to be said and yet, there was not enough time to say it. This cloven tongue on fire experience just remained on them. Again, to those observing, it appeared as if they were not in command.

Then wonders of wonders, an emotional high occurred within the midst. It was as if a spring of waters began rising up. Just when the people had thought there could be no higher or greater joy, peace covered them like a blanket. What better peaceful experience than the peace that comes with redemption? These experiences birthed them into a new covenant, a new creation experience.  They have now been filled with the His Spirit. They have now engaged in a born again experience. They had been born of God. Indeed, these people had been adopted by the one true God who was in the man  Christ Jesus and reconciled us to Himself by the shedding of His own blood. (For more on Pentecost, see Leviticus 23 / Acts 20:28 / Hebrews 9:1-18 / Acts 2:1-47)

No longer is God on the outside knocking on hearts but now God is on the inside. We, as new born children, now desire more than ever before to be fed with the sincere Word of God. Yes! With cloven tongues we speak as men in everyday happenings. We speak with surety of the wonderful words of life which allow individuals who receive Jesus into their lives to secure God's plan of redemption and enjoy a born again life. Although this life experience is unimaginable in the eyes of unbelievers, it is true nonetheless.

I repeat the words Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Are you a ruler and you do not know these things? Except a man be born again, he can neither see nor can he enter the kingdom of God."

But the good news is that we can see clearly now.  Lord, you alone have the words of eternal life, and you alone have given freely of the gift. As the scripture states, "Be still and know that I am God." Remember too that when the Holy Ghost enters, we, like the bush in the old testament burn in our hearts as with fire, but we will not be consumed.

Thanks to the goodness and grace of God, we are regenerated and reborn.

After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) Don't miss out on the greatest gift ever offered to mankind but rather stand in awe of love so magnificent that God Himself was willing to shed His own precious holy blood so that we might have abundant love in Him.

To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) God manifest in the flesh, calling us back unto Him. (I Timothy 3:16) 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)

For this reason, we "shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the Majesty of the Lord, they shall cry aloud from the sea." (Isaiah 24:14)

Amazing grace, how great Thou art! Stand in the offering plate.

Bless The Lord, O My Soul, O Lord my God, Thou Art Very Great; Thou Art Clothed With Honour And Majesty - Part 2030

"The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing." (Psalm 65:13)

What is the song that radiates from the souls? Yes, "bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God ... Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with Honour and Majesty." (Psalm 104:1)

"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)

It is no wonder we jump for joy, and that we are stirred in our hearts with compassion and grief when we hear someone curse the blessed, most holy and precious Name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Because He is the Creator of this universe and all that is within -- the same Spirit of the Lord that moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis -- but also the same God that became the visible image in the form of a Son in this current New Testament dispensation of grace. For this reason alone, He is our all in all.

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

But there are those who deny that this same Lord God in the Old Testament, His Majesty that is exalted as Head above all willingly took our place on a cross, having made the ultimate purchase -- paid for with His precious, holy blood so that we might be saved. Indeed, yes, He purchased us with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)

In so doing, He offered to His creation the free gift of salvation -- if our hearts would only turn to Him.

"His glory is great in Thy salvation: honour and majesty hast Thou laid upon Him." (Psalm 21:5)

But I digress. My point is this. Until we abide in Him, as Jesus so clearly said, we will never be able to rest in the peace and joy that only He can give to us. Why? Because when the Lord God created man in the beginning, and formed us within our mother's womb, He gave us a purpose. That purpose is to worship Him, and adore Him, and praise Him, and to give Him all the honour and glory and praise in all things (both good and bad) -- in this dispensation of grace -- with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and then from His love flowing through our very essence, to love one another. 

As the first commandment states, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) 

For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever, amen. 

Indeed, "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)

This is the very reason we who believe 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)

His love and presence in our very being brings forth the song wherein we sing -- bless the Lord O my soul, O Lord my God Thou art very great. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Looking For That Blessed Hope, And The Glorious Appearing Of The Great God And Our Saviour Jesus Christ - Part 2029

"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as g/God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is g/God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

What is the truth? Jesus said, "I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) 

Jesus goes on here to tell His disciples that if they have seen Jesus they have seen the Fathers and therefore know Him. Similarly, Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only "begotten" Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) 

Still, there are far too many who do not understand who their God is, and would rather fall down before idols than worship the living God whose name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS. (Matthew 1:21-23) 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) 

And thus, those who reject the resurrected Jesus, or refuse to accept this same Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending -- to them God has sent strong delusion -- because He finds no pleasure in unrighteousness. But to those who believe in Him by faith, and have made this same Jesus whom we had previously crucified both Lord and Christ in our hearts, to them He has made conquerors and overcomers.

It is in this context that we who believe (as the apostles modelled before us) are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, "brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by Word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." (II Thessalonians 2:1-17)

Stand in the offering plate.

Wherefore, We Serve A Lord God Which Cannot Be Moved And His Mercy Everlasting To Those Who Abide In Him - Part 2028

"Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (II John 1:9)

"And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." (I John 3:24)
 

Within the church community, we often hear Hebrews 11 preached. But to these, as the scripture states, "having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:39-40) 

This is not to suggest that these people -- both men and women were not mighty in their time but rather that we in the New Testament side should be even more courageous. Again, from Hebrews 11: 

"For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." (Hebrews 11:32-38)

Thus, there is so much more that we in the New Testament, who have the promised Seed dwelling within should be overcoming. It is for this reason that I believe the next chapter -- Hebrews 12 -- is so much needed for the children of God in this current generation. We need to understand that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith and that 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 12:1-3) 

What was the joy? That the Lord God would receive unto Himself a family. And in so doing He was willing to endure such contradiction of sinners against Himself. This is why God was manifest in the flesh -- so that we might find abundant life and peace in Him. Indeed, He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, for those who desire in their heart to abide in His goodness and grace. 

His Name in this current dispensation of grace -- JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. He has provided the means for us to abide in Him and He in us. Repent and be water baptized in the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus the Christ, and receive His gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)

Why is this important? Because we need to be clothed in His righteousness. 

"... that we might be partakers of His holiness ... [yielding] the peaceable fruit of righteousness ... Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God." (Hebrews 12:10-15)

The Old Testament was intended to show us the great a cloud of witnesses compassed about so that we on the New Testament side would 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.

"For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the Word should not be spoken to them any more: (for they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: and so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, "I exceedingly fear and quake") but ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that] of Abel.

See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven: whose voice then shook the earth: but now He hath promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven."

And this Word, "Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:18-29)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Christ Is The Ark Of Safety; In This Dispensation Of Grace, His Name Is JESUS - Part 2027

"... which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God." (Luke 3:38)

"And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: "For God," said she, "hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." (Genesis 4:25-26)

Therefore, Adam and Eve had three sons - each with totally different personalities. The first son Cain is remembered because he killed his own brother.

"And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, "I have gotten a man from the Lord." And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord ... " (Genesis 4:1-8)

The first son named Cain, we remember because he murdered his own brother. It is also noted that Cain's offering was not sufficient in the Lord's eyes. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." (Hebrews 11:4) Specifically, in the scriptures, God confronts Cain saying, "What have you done? The blood of your brother cries to Me from the ground!" The result? God sent Cain away from Adam and Eve which explains why God put a mark on him lest anyone finding him should kill him.

The account from Genesis: And the Lord said unto Cain, "Where is Abel thy brother?" And he said, "I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?" ... And Cain said unto the Lord, 'my punishment is greater than I can bear." ... And the Lord said unto him, "Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden." (Genesis 4:9-16)

"Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew He him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous." (I John 3:12)

As we see here, Abel endeavoured to worship God -- his works considered righteous in the sight of the Lord. But it is not Abel or Cain that is the focus today but rather, Adam and Eve's third son Seth. What is rarely revealed is that Seth -- Adam’s third son -- had the seed of promise indwelling within him (the Seed of the one who would bruise the serpent head - that is the Seed Christ). Whether Seth was conscious of the Seed indwelling him or not, it is recorded in the scriptures that men began at that point to call upon the name of the LORD.

If we follow the promised Seed line, we come to the birth of Noah. This was during a time when sin was rampant. Even so, Noah was found to be righteous in God's eyes. This is why God determined to destroy the human race from the earth by flood whilst still protecting Noah and his family. It also offers a rationale as to why God instructed Noah to build an ark. It is important to note here that in Noah, did dwell the Seed of God’s promise.

Therefore, God was not going to destroy that Seed of His Promise. Rather, Noah gets to work on a 100 year boat building project. When the Ark is complete, Noah and his family - eight persons in total - move inside. God closes the door. Immediately the rain and floods appear from every direction. At the same time, the unbelieving mockers and the scoffers who had made fun of Noah for this hundred year period began to tremble with fear. After the flood, only eight persons remain alive. Noah, his three sons and each of the wives. Still, God promised to never flood the earth again. Indeed, God's promise is viewed in the appearance of a beautiful rainbow.

The rainbow symbolizing God's promise to His beloved creation.

What we need to note here is that the Ark is symbolical of Christ. The water - in this case the flood - surrounding the ark is symbolical of baptism in water by immersion. Believers being baptized into the name JESUS the Christ - the promised Seed.  (Acts 2:36-41)

This promised Seed then travels from Noah into Shem (Sem). It is from these three sons that our world became populated. It is also from these three sons that we have the race colours - white, yellow and black. All sons have Adam’s blood but only Seth's blood contained the promise Seed of a new blood line - God’s holy Spirit - who at an appointed time would come forth of a woman. At the appointed time when the Lord God would say, "This day have I begotten Thee!" (Acts 13:33; Psalm 2:7; Hebrews 1:5)

The day when the dayspring from on high would visit His people. "The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing ..." (Hebrews 9:8)

That promised Seed passed through all the generations of old until the time when the angel of the Lord said, "And ye shall call His name JESUS" -- (Immanuel meaning God with us) -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) This is why Christ is the ark of safety! This is why we are invited to call upon His name -- JESUS -- so that we, each and every one of us can step into the ark and be protected from the woes of this world.

Come to the Lord Jesus today, and in your heart, ask Him to be both Lord and Christ. Be water baptized by immersion in the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and He will fill you with His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty Which Was And Is And Is To Come; His Name JESUS! - Post 2026

"As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake." (Ezekiel 1:28)

That bow in the sky is often associated with Noah -- wherein the Lord God has established His covenant with Noah and all his people. From Genesis 9:

"And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moves upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that lives shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man. And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein."

And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, "And I, behold, I establish My covenant with you, and with your seed after you; and with every living creature that [is] with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish My covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth."

And God said, "This [is] the token of the covenant which I make between Me and you and every living creature that [is] with you, for perpetual generations: I do set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: and I will remember My covenant, which [is] between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that [is] upon the earth."

And God said unto Noah, "This [is] the token of the covenant, which I have established between Me and all flesh that [is] upon the earth." (Genesis 9:1-17)

Thus, when we see the rainbow in the sky, we oft remember God's promise to mankind. But the importance of the rainbow does not stop with Noah. John writes of this same bow in Revelation. For example, John writes, "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, "Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." And immediately I was in the Spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there] was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald ... Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that lives for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:1-11)

"And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: and he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left foot on the earth, and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, "Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not." And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that lives for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to his servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:1-7)

The rainbow is God's promise to all of His creation, and that same rainbow is intended for us to remember this day -- His goodness and grace, His kindness and love, His endless mercy for His people. Consider these things this day. 

Stand in the offering plate.