The Lord Is Nigh Unto Them That Are Of A Broken Heart; And Saves Such As Be Of A Contrite Spirit. - Part 2179

And when Jesus was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, "What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God? Art Thou come hither to torment us before the time?"

And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought Him, saying, "If Thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine." And He said unto them, "Go." And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told everything, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw Him, they besought him that He would depart out of their coasts." (Matthew 8:27-34)

In another place, "when Jesus went forth to land, there met Him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in [any] house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, "What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, [Thou] Son of God Most High? I beseech Thee, torment me not. (For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness).

And Jesus asked him, saying, "What is thy name?" And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought Him that He would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought Him that He would suffer them to enter into them. And He suffered them.

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. " (Mark 5:6-13)

And again, "when He went forth to land, there met Him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, "What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God Most High? I beseech thee, torment me not." (For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

And Jesus asked him, saying, "What is thy name?" And he said, "Legion" -- because many devils were entered into him. And they besought Him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought Him that He would suffer them to enter into them. And He suffered them.

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country." (Luke 8:27-34)

How often did men and women marvel, wondering and amazed that Jesus was not like any other man who taught them. In another place, the people wondered at His doctrine, and how His teachings were accompanied with mighty signs and wonders. When the ship was tossed by winds and waves, Jesus commands the weather to stop, and as a consequence, His disciples came to know who Jesus is -- that He rebuked the storm and the winds subsided.

But herein, when Jesus commanded the devils to leave those who were tormented in their souls, there was no hesitation for the devils knew it was better to go with the herd of swine over the cliff and perish than to deal with the wrath of the Lord Jesus -- for tormenting the souls of men, and keeping them in bondage.

As we see, the mercy of Jesus extended to those bound in the chains of this world, and He set them free once and for all from their tempestuous and tormented ways. An exemplary example to those who observed Jesus from afar casting out the devils from these men. What happened next? Those who looked after the swine went and told everyone in the city and the country what they saw Jesus do.

Why? Because Jesus is the promised Messiah, the prophesied Christ which was to come -- the dayspring from on high visiting His people. And as He had prophesied in the old, He had come to heal the sick, and free the broken-hearted.

As the prophecy states, "The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised ..." (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1)

At this point, let me cite the latter half of Psalm 107, because there should continue to be rejoicing in the land -- that the Lord Jesus is still in charge, and not one thing happens to us that He does not know. Indeed, while Jesus may have been the Son when He walked on this earth, He is now the Lord of glory -- all power and authority belonging to Him. (Matthew 28:18; I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8)

Be edified knowing too that this same Lord is still setting at liberty them that are bruised, preaching deliverance to the captives, recovering sight tot he blind and healing the brokenhearted. His mercy and love toward us, still enduring forever. To Him -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ be all the glory and honour and praise!

From Psalm 107:19-42:

"Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His Word, and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He commands, and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He makes the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He brings them unto their desired haven.

Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the elders. He turns rivers into a wilderness, and the water springs into dry ground; a fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. He turns the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into water springs, and there He makes the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; and sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.

He blesses them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffers not their cattle to decrease. Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow. He pours contempt upon princes, and causes them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. Yet sets He the poor on high from affliction, and makes him families like a flock. The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord." (Psalm 107:19-42)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Asks, "How Is It That Ye Sought Me?" -- Part 2178

"The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: He is greatly exalted." (Psalm 47:9)

"For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3)

"Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness ... Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham ... And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (Galatians 3:6-9)

" ... that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:14)

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds" -- as of many; but as of one, "And to thy seed, which is Christ" ... For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:16-18)

"And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)

"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman. (Galatians 4:22)

The Lord said to Abraham that he was blessed because of his believing faith. Similarly, the Lord confirmed that Abraham's believing faith was counted to him as righteousness. Indeed, because of his faith in the Word spoken by the Lord to him, God said to him “that in him and in his seed would all the nations of the earth be blessed“

"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." (James 2:23)

God did not say, in the plurality of Abraham's seed that nations would be blessed. God spoke in the singular, speaking of a particular seed. And that seed of blessing is the new blood seed of the Spirit of God that God implanted into Abraham’s seed bank. This is the seed we now know as Jesus the Christ, who is the promised seed of God. Therefore whosoever applies faith in the seed of the Holy Ghost he or she will be blessed. Likewise, whatsoever nation nationally believes in that seed, they in turn will be blessed as well.

The record of the scriptures verify that when individuals come to Jesus with nothing except sincerity and truth, the blessing immediately flows over them engulfing all those into the ghostly atmosphere of the Spirit of God. Past history records that when a nation turns to God, that nation becomes blessed, and remains safe from all enemies. Unfortunately, when a nation willingly rejects God they decline into disarray.

In Part 126, we wrote of Mary's pregnancy and her discourse with the angel of God. Mary accepted all that was spoken to be truth saying to the angel, “Let it be so unto me according to your Word." This event, in all probability would be much better understood by a woman, and more than likely by a woman who has birthed a child.

The next time we hear of Jesus was when He parted from the company of his family, eventually being found in the temple talking with others about the scriptures. When Mary and Joseph did find Jesus, they too would have wondered why He had left without first discussing with them His purposed intent.  Like any parent, when a child goes missing, all sorts of thoughts pass through their mind.

However, in this situation, Jesus responds to their queries with a question. That is, Jesus simply asks, "Do you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?"

At 12 years of age, maybe that answer would have been lacking somewhat. Nevertheless, I am sure that they now had a reality check - an "aha" moment - for both Mary and Jospeh knew the origin of His birth. And now we find Jesus expressing to His chosen parental guardians that He must be about His Father’s business.

Indeed, all seed comes from God. But one has to wait until the seed matures to behold the contents -- the fruit that comes from the seed. Herein, the Spirit is of God. God is the Father of all spirits. In Jesus' case, He came forth from God. God’s own seed - inseparable. God and His Seed. God and His Word Jesus. One Spirit. One Word. One God. One Flesh. One Name. All the fullness of God dwelt in the man Christ Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)

Silence in Heaven until the Spirit of God in Christ states, "I must be about My Father’s business!"

"And He said unto them, "How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?" (Luke 2:49)

Think upon these words giving yourself wholly to them so that we with all our learning can gain understanding too. Lord Jesus open our understanding that we might understand the scriptures, in the same fashion as You did when you walked with the two on that country lane. And let these same scriptures burn in our hearts also for You Jesus are the Way, the Truth and the Life! (John 14:6-12)

Jesus -- the Bread of Life!

Seek His love and mercy in your life today. And peace to all who are in Jesus -- our One and Only God and Saviour -- the Mediator which after His kindness and mercy led to God becoming our Saviour.

Stand in the offering plate.

Woe Be To The Shepherds That Do Feed Themselves; Should Not The Shepherds Feed The Flocks? - Part 2177

"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, "Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; "Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" (Ezekiel 34:2) 

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." (I John 5:20)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-6) And yet, as we are witnessing all about, the modern day religious culture has entrenched a false triad, triune type God wherein God is not God Almighty but divided into thirds, reduced to three persons. What a travesty that these self-proclaiming shepherds have chosen to follow the traditions of men, even when the scriptures prove otherwise. 

Certainly, the first commandment, confirmed by Jesus Himself in the New Testament should be sufficient evidence that Jesus is the One and Only true God, and from knowing Him comes eternal life. Indeed, "hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) Indeed, after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) His Name JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) God manifest in the flesh, and the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (I Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9)

Throughout the Old Testament, God was recognized as One Lord. David the psalmist wrote, "The Lord [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2) "For who [is] God save the Lord? or who [is] a Rock save our God?" (Psalm 18:31)

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse ..." (Romans 1:20)

His Name in this current dispensation of grace -- JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) This is why there is no other Name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Likewise, that the Name of Jesus is above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) And that every knee shall bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. 

Nevertheless, the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning (intended to fool only satan and his legions) has sadly led to the deceit of millions of souls by a compromised religious culture -- wherein the shepherds feed themselves, not knowing themselves in whom they serve. Again, as the scripture saith, should not the shepherds feed the sheep? 

This is certainly the instruction that Jesus gave to Peter when Jesus said to Peter the second time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" Peter saith unto Him, "Yea, Lord; Thou know that I love Thee." He saith unto him, "Feed My sheep." He saith unto him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, "Lovest thou Me?" And he said unto Him, "Lord, Thou knows all things; Thou knows that I love Thee." Jesus saith unto him, "Feed My sheep." (John 21:16-17)

And this is the gospel message that Peter (standing with the eleven -- including Matthew) gave on the day of Pentecost when Peter not only declared that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ, but did as Jesus asked when He said to Peter -- feed My sheep. As we know, when the people were pricked in their hearts, they asked Peter and the eleven apostles what they must do to be saved. 

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) 

This same question that Jesus asked -- "Lovest thou Me?" -- can be applied to our own salvation. Do we love our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ? Do we know Jesus as the Lord of glory -- the first man earthly, but the second, the Lord from heaven? Do we love His Word -- as it is written -- or sadly, do we reject the scriptures against ourselves -- in favour of a religious culture gone awry? (Luke 7:29-30) 

As apostle Paul later confirmed, "but hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour!" (Titus 1:3)

"... not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." (Titus 2:10)

It is for this reason that we who believe are "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!" (Titus 2:13)

But I digress. For the record, every single water baptism in the New Testament (after the cross) was performed in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And this same Peter has commanded every one of us to do the same. To become clothed in His righteousness -- born again of the water and the Spirit -- so that we too can receive the Holy Ghost. (Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 10:44-48) 

Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee -- Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)

"Lo, here is water -- what hinders you from being baptized?" 

It's a good question! But don't just get wet being baptized in the titles, as the religious culture will insist.  Study the scriptures yourself and know that there is only One God, and in this dispensation of grace His Name is JESUS. The I AM of the old is Jesus in the New.

As Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) Why? Because (as Jesus then declares to His disciples) -- if ye have seen Me, you have seen the Father, and know Him. (John 14:7-12) In another place, Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30)

And when He declared, "this day have I begotten Thee," it was because the appointed time for the Lord's Christ to come -- we can with assurance know that the dayspring from on high hath visited His people. 

It is in this context that "whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God; he that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (II John 1:9)

Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

The Lord Jesus Is All Sufficient, An Ever Present Help In the Times of Need - Part 2176

"I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan." (Mark 1:8-9)

"... and were baptized of [John the baptizer] in Jordan, confessing their sins. "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." ... Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him ... But John forbade Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" ... And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him ..." (Matthew 3:11-16)

"Then said he [John the baptizer] to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" ... Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, "Master, what shall we do?" ... John answered, saying unto them all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." ... Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened ..." (Luke 3:7-21)

"And all the people that heard [him], and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:29-30)

"And they asked [John the baptizer], and said unto him, "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water: but there stands One among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose." These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. ... "And I knew him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost." (John 1:-25-28, 33)

"But Jesus answered and said [to His disciples], "Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They say unto Him, "We are able." And He saith unto them, "Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father." (Matthew 20:23-24)

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4)

These scriptures, in part, take us from the beginning of the New Testament, wherein the prophets declared that the dayspring from on high would visit His people to the point wherein Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost informs the first 3,000 souls saved that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

At the same time, when the people were pricked in their hearts, and asked "what must we do?" then Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:38-41)

By this time, the disciples (now apostles) have received the Holy Ghost that will lead and guide them into all truth. The mystery of the Godhead, as stated in I Timothy 3:16, is apparent. That is, "to wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19) As well, as we understand from Acts 20:28, they [we] have been instructed to "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism -- One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore He saith, "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.)" (Ephesians 4:5-10)

"The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second [man is] the Lord from heaven." (I Corinthians 15:47)

So, why then, if Jesus is God manifest in the flesh, do we have a modern day religious culture so bent on preaching a great commission that was not adhered to by the apostles -- or should I instead say, elevating one isolated scripture over every other example of water baptism in the New Testament -- and to the detriment and peril of many believers. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 10:30; John 1:10-11; Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6)

This is a good question, particularly since, as the scriptures state, God is not the Author of confusion. (I Corinthians 14:33) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3:16)

"... but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith." (Romans 16:26) And, for clarity, allow me to add II Peter 3:15-16: "And account [that] the long-suffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." (II Peter 3:15-16) But I digress.

In the gospels, the great commission (as it is called today within religious circles), is written three times (in the gospels of Mark, Luke and Matthew). In the first, Jesus tells His disciples -- "Go to all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature; he that believes and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. ... IN MY NAME shall they cast out devils and speak with new tongues." (Mark 16:15-18)

"Thus it is written, and behooved Christ to suffer and rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached IN HIS NAME. beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:46-47)

And again, in Matthew's writings, Jesus said, "Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them IN THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19)

Comparing these three scriptures, let's examine the wording cited, because again, God is not the Author of confusion, but of peace; believers assembling in one accord. In these passages, note that Luke and Mark use the verb preach and Matthew -- teach (to instruct). Matthew alludes to nations; Mark to all the world; and Luke -- "beginning in Jerusalem." In terms of baptism, Matthew and Mark use baptize, and Luke instead gives the definition of baptism -- being repentance and remission of sins (as per Acts 2:38).

According to Mark, the risen (resurrected) Jesus says to baptize "IN MY NAME." (Mark 16:15-16) 

"Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen. And He said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature; he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:45-48)

Luke cites Jesus as saying "to baptize IN HIS NAME" -- which we understand from the previous verse to mean in "Christ's" Name. "Then opened He [the risen Jesus] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:45-47)

Note that these scriptures portray the same meaning -- "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)

This also aligns with Acts 4:12 -- "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." -- and Philippians 2:9 -- "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name ..."

Also, as the angel proclaimed, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
 

So why does Matthew cite Jesus as commanding water baptism in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19) 

Because Matthew knew that the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost is JESUS. The ONLY NAME whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Further, Matthew was in attendance with the eleven on the day of Pentecost, when Peter (standing with the eleven) told the first 3,000 souls saved to repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41) Did Matthew disagree with Peter? Not a chance, for as the scriptures clearly declare, these were all in one accord. (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1, 46; Acts 4:24) 

So, how do we reconcile Matthew 28:19 with the other scriptures? First, we should recognize that in every water baptism recorded in the New Testament after the cross, water baptism was performed in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 10:44-48) That water baptism is an answer of a good conscience toward God. (I Peter 3:21-22) That we are buried into His death when we go into the water, and likened unto His resurrection when we come out of the water. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?" (Romans 6:3-4) And that we are clothed in His garment of righteousness. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into One Spirit." (I Corinthians 12:13)

"... (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.)" (Acts 8:16)

And as we know, those who "gladly received the Word" were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:41)

Therefore, the Name that the apostles understood to be THE NAME -- from the Lord Jesus Himself -- was indeed His Name JESUS. Remember, Jesus said, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30) In another place, Jesus said, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father, and know Him." (John 14:6-12) This is why Jesus could also say -- "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me" -- and in Matthew 28:18, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth" -- because Jesus is God manifest in the flesh -- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him -- and it was His precious, holy blood that was shed on the cross for you and I. (Colossians 2:9; Acts 20:28; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8; II John 1:9)

And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John’s baptism." Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:3-5)

It is for these reasons, and many more that water baptism in any other name could not fulfill the commandments that the Lord Jesus (through the Holy Ghost) gave to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3, 8)

These include: I baptize you in My name; I baptize you in His name; I baptize you in Christ's name; I baptize you in the Father's name; I baptize you in the Son's name; I baptize you in the Holy Ghost's name; or even, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Why? Because not one of these provides remission of sins. Again, what did the angel declare, when ushering in the New Testament? "And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ..." (Matthew 1:21-23) "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

"I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else ..." (Isaiah 45:5-7)

"Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [AM] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:10-11) 

"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) 

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

Yes, Jesus is the Great I AM, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. But there is still more. When Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom, Peter preached the good news gospel message on the day of Pentecost, after tarrying in Jerusalem. (Acts 1:1-2, 13; Acts 2:14, 1-47; Matthew 16:19; Revelation 1:8; I Timothy 3:16; II Corinthians 5:19; )

That is, "Repent and be baptized every one of you IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) And that simple gospel message has not changed throughout history. As a consequence, "they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)

Final observations for this day? First, in Acts 18:8, Crispus who was the chief ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house, and many of the Corinthians hearing too, believed and were baptized. We know Paul taught baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 19:1-7) because the Ephesus believers who had been baptized unto John's baptism of repentance were re-baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus after hearing Paul's teaching on this matter.

Second, apostle Paul clarified The Name in I Corinthians 1: " Now I beseech you, brethren, by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (I Corinthians 1:11-18)

Let those with eyes to see, see, and ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

He Makes The Storm A Calm So That The Waves Thereof Are Still - Part 2175

Then said they unto him [Jonah], "What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us?" for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. And he said unto them, "Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you." (Jonah 1:12)

And they came to Him, [Jesus] and awoke Him, saying, "Master, master, we perish." Then He arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm." (Luke 8:24)

And He [Jesus] saith unto them, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Matthew 8:26)

And He [Jesus] arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39)

Herein, are two examples of raging storms. In the first, Jonah on the Old Testament side instructs the others on the boat to cast him into the sea so that the sea would calm because he knew in his own heart that it was his disobedience to the Lord that caused the storm. In the latter example (on the New Testament side), Jesus speaks directly to the winds, rebuking the raging waves, and when He does, the sea is suddenly calm. The danger that was imminent to those disciples in the boat subsided at His spoken word.

In both examples, the stormy seas were so tempestuous that the others on the boat(s) became fearful. And as we see from the gospels, the disciples who had walked with Jesus, and witnessed His many miracles similarly "feared exceedingly." (Mark 4:41)

"And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, "Master, carest Thou not that we perish?" And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:38-40)

As we read, Jesus spake to the winds and the sea was immediately calm. There was no more danger to those in the boat because He calmed the tempest that heaved the ship in the stormy seas. It must have been quite the storm for the disciples to be frightened, knowing that many had been experienced fishermen -- before having heeded Jesus' call to "follow Me!"

The contrast revealing -- Jonah was cast into the sea by those on the boat (headlong over the side of the boat and into the storm) while the disciples tarried on the boat in fear, trembling over the possibility of imminent death, if the boat succumbed to the stormy waves. In both cases, the Master who commands the seas was known. In one, Jesus is sleeping on the boat. In the other, Jonah ends up in the belly of a great fish. Three days and three nights later, Jonah is spit out on the shores of Ninevah wherein he proceeds to preach to those within, as the Lord had originally decreed. How often are we like Jonah, not responding to the Lord's instruction, and then later, when we do, His peace fills us and the storms that once taunted us -- calmed.

[For background, Nineveh is first mentioned in Genesis 10:11-12 -- "Ashur left that land, and built Nineveh." The city became the flourishing capital of the Assyrian Empire. Nineveh is linked to the Biblical rein of King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah -- Old Testament side. Nineveh is also a place where Sennacherib is known to have dwelt. (Isaiah 36:1; Isaiah 37:17-37; II Chronicles 32:1-22; II Kings 18:13; II Kings 19:16-36) In the time of Jonah, Nineveh is recognized as a "wicked city" worthy of destruction. God has sent Jonah to preach to the Ninevites but as we know, he did not initially heed the Lord's call. However, when Jonah finally concedes and preaches to those in Nineveh, they repent, and God showing His abundant mercy, spared the city from destruction and ruin.

In other words, the Ninevites responded to the Lord God's call to repentance -- the message preached to them by Jonah. To me, it offers a wonderful prelude to the Lord God's mercy and grace being further extended to the Gentiles (wherein He forgives those who repent) in the New Testament side. But I digress.]

As we are now so privileged to know in this current dispensation of grace -- "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9) 

Still, even then, the tempest that Jonah experienced (prior to finding himself in the belly of the great fish) is instrumental in showing us too that the Lord is still in control of the storms that rage around us, and that, in the end, it is He -- Jesus who is God manifest in the flesh -- that brings the calm. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31; John 10:30; John 1:10-11; John 14:6-12; Revelation 1:8) So when the disciples marvelled, asking "what manner of man is this that even the winds and the sea obey Him" we should be likewise prompted into complete awe of His Majesty. (Matthew 8:37; Mark 4:41)

Why? Because like the sinner who trembles in fear when the storms howl around them, attempted to wholly engulf them, we also know that our Lord God and Saviour hears our heart's cry. Indeed, He is still in the storm calm-ing business -- gliding those who believe on Him and trust in His Name into a sea of eternal and everlasting rest. Yes, the Lord hears our cry and calms the sea so that we can safely abide in Him. As the disciples observed, "even the winds and the sea obey Him." (Matthew 8:27)

"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:1-8)

Note that in both scriptural examples, the storm raged around Jonah and Jesus' disciples too but they were not overtaken by the storm. At the same time, it is important to observe that these were not kept form the dangers of the storm. But the lesson here is that when we wholly trust in Jesus (as both our Lord God and Saviour, the Christ), He gives us His peace and rest that surpasses all human understanding. He knows the beginning from the end, and in Him, we know who holds our future.

Yes, Jesus has the authority to prevent the storms of life, but like the disciples, we needed to see His Majesty displayed -- in that even the winds and seas obey Him. And also, that He will deliver us from every storm that is thrown at us, when we wholly put our trust in Him. Only Jesus can provide the perfect calm. Only He -- the One and Only God can disarm the roaring storms into silence, replacing the worldly noise with the peaceable fruits of His righteousness. 

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

If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, ask Him into your heart today. Find a New Testament Bible (preferably an authorized King James version) and study His Word. Let His love and peace guide and instruct you in the day to day. Ask the Lord Jesus to establish your steps. 

As apostle Paul wrote -- "And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (II Corinthians 12:9)

Therefore, when we turn to the Lord Jesus, as did the disciples in the boat, we have an example that even under the pressure of heavy trials, we have a Saviour in whom we can trust. We can prove Him to be faithful in all things, for as Jesus Himself said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you; I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you!" 

Allow me to close with the following scripture, which is so telling for each and every one of us who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and have willingly, in answer of a good conscience toward Him, been water baptized in His precious, holy Name. (Acts 2:36-41; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:1-4; I Peter 3:21-22)

"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ ..." (I Peter 1:6-7)

He alone is worthy of all our praise! Thank you Jesus for all the many blessings you bestow upon Your people.

Stand in the offering plate.

It Is Written - Part 2174

"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an anti-Christ." (II John 1:7)

Who is Jesus the Christ? God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) And in this dispensation of grace, "His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins .... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Mathew 1:21-23)

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19; Acts 20:28)

As the world continues to darken, becoming void of the Word of God, the anti-Christ(s) seem to be quickly proliferating. In these last days, as the scripture states, the devil is running to and fro to deceive whomsoever he will. In fact, there is a reason the spirit of the devil is described as the father of lies -- because he is. Indeed, as Jesus said, there is no truth in him.

Right from the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, the devil opposed the Word of God. And again when the devil tempted the Lord Jesus in the wilderness, the devil always presented a twisted warped presentation of the written Word. Recall throughout that the Lord constantly reminded the devil of the truths of God which were written. The Word of God being not only accurate and confirmed in heaven but similarly unchangeable.

This is why believers have endeavoured to express faith in the finished plan of God at Calvary. “It is finished" was His cry. This explains why salvation is not a salvation of works. This salvation is the redemptive work of God Himself toward all sinners. (Acts 20:28) After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) He personally delivered His free gift of salvation to His beloved creation, while seeking to save that which was lost. 

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

His salvation message of grace and mercy, and His love filling our hearts with joy so that we can be forever complete in Him. Not just me but you too! And when the Word of God is spoken into our hearts -- the Seed being planted and watered -- our salvation becomes akin to the light switch being turned on. The light of the glorious gospel of God revealed in the face of Jesus is shining in our hearts.

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19) Like a day star -- the dawning of a better day -- light arising and the darkness gradually being dispelled because the dayspring from on high has visited His people.

It is for this reason that the Word of God is all powerful. The stony heart of unbelief being circumcised with the truths delivered by the Lord to the apostles. These were truths that He had Himself chosen and their word (which of course did not deviate from) His Word. He confirmed the Word and by so doing established a Rock on which believers could take to the bank of heaven.

The blood of the Holy Ghost that flowed in the veins of the Lord Jesus, which flowed from the side of His marred body for man’s redemption was wholly sufficient. Thus, when you accept Jesus into your heart, and He becomes both Lord and Christ in our life, we come into His knowledge, knowing that Jesus died so that we might receive the gift of salvation. (Acts 2:36-41)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Please don't let another day slip by without the Saviour. Rather, accept Jesus as Lord God and Saviour in your life today. Repent and be baptized in His holy name -- the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Stand firm in His teachings, remaining steadfast in the apostle's doctrine.

Stand in the offering plate.

O Give Thanks Unto The Lord For He Is Good; His Mercy Endures Forever, And Let The Redeemed Say So - Part 2173

"O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endures for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; and gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation." (Psalm 107:1-7)

What is interesting herein is not only David the psalmist's desire to share the Lord's goodness and mercy, but he instructs us -- as the redeemed of the Lord -- to say so. To share our testimony of His kindness and grace with others so that these too will know from whence comes our salvation, and inner peace and joy. (Philippians 3:20)

Apostle Paul offers guidance in a similar manner in writing to Philemon, wherein he states, "I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." (Philemon 1:4-6)

Thus, when we acknowledge every good thing which is in you and I -- because of the Lord Jesus, we are led from the darkness to "Great Light." Our hearts and minds renewed from darkness into life everlasting. And that when we accept Jesus into our life as both our Lord and Saviour, we can know that light is sprung up within Why? Because Jesus is the Light of this world and He never fails! 

Jesus is the Bread of Life.

Jesus is the Living Water.

Jesus is the Light of this world.

And He never fails. Indeed, when we hear the Bridegroom's voice -- we should know that He who is above all in earth, and above all in the heavens --- is the same Lord God and Saviour that rent the vail from top to bottom. This same Jesus that fulfilled the law that had formally kept us in bondage. That after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-5)

As the remainder of Psalm 107 states, our hungry souls have now been filled with His goodness and grace.  His Light having sprung up from within us when we asked Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in our life. (Acts 2:36-41) What does the scripture say? Taste and see that the Lord is good!  

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9)

The first man earthy, but the second the Lord God from heaven coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11) He became the perfect sacrifice, shedding His precious, holy blood so that we could have life abundant, ushering in the New Testament on the day of Pentecost. The beginning of the New Testament church.

Continuing, David writes, "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder." (Psalm 107:19) Yes, Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted, the lame, the lost.

"And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of Thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing." (Psalm 107:22)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "Lo I AM With You Alway, Even Unto The End Of The World, Amen - Part 2172

James writes, "thou believe that there is One God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)

Interestingly, when it comes to the great commission disseminated by the modern day religious culture -- there is only one scripture referenced, even though God Himself has declared that He is not the Author of confusion. As well, the Lord God confirms that all scripture is written and confirmed in heaven. Thus, in spite of man's lack of wisdom in discerning the scriptures, God does not make mistakes.

"It is written ..."

In this regard, it is critical to note that three accounts of the great commission are recorded in the scriptures. Within each, God has imparted a particular detail that the other passages did not. For example, Mark 16:15-20 instructs believers in Jesus by faith to "Go to all the world and preach the gospel to every creature; he that believes and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen." (Mark 16:14-20)

Note that Jesus said herein -- "IN MY NAME shall they cast out devils and speak with new tongues."

In Luke's account, Jesus said, "Thus it is written, and behooved Christ to suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name. beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:36-41)

It is important to recognize that this latter scripture points to the day of Pentecost when 120 believers were tarrying in the Upper Room. Previously, Jesus had told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until the power from on high had come -- the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost. And when this happened, and the first 3,000 souls saved, it was because of the people's willingness to repent and be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins so that these also would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)

Jesus had earlier told His disciples that they would see Him no more. Acts 1:2-3 goes onto state 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) Not Jesus and the Holy Ghost but Jesus through the Holy Ghost. We also understand this from Paul's writing in I Corinthians 15:1-8 when Paul declares that he was the last to see Jesus, as one born out of due time. 

But the account we are told most often comes from Matthew 28:19. This is when Jesus tells His disciples to "Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them in THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19) 

Even though the scripture clarifies -- singular -- in the Name, people are led to believe that this means in the names -- plural --  of the Father, Son and of the Holy Ghost [Spirit]. Obviously, these have not read the scripture wherein Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) Nor are these familiar with John 14:6-12, when Jesus tells His disciples that if they "have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him." This is what the scriptures refer to as the doctrine of Christ -- acknowledged in both Hebrews 6:1-2 and II John 1:9. But I digress. 

For clarity, let's consider each of the instructions Jesus gave to His disciples from the individual perspective of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Luke and Mark use the verb preach while Matthew says teach. While Matthew says all nations, Mark says all the world. Luke confirms Jesus' instruction that informs us that the beginning of the New Testament church would be in Jerusalem. 

Matthew and Mark refer to baptize in their writings. Luke goes one step further by defining baptism as repentance and remission of sins. Or, as I Peter 3 alludes -- baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God. 

In terms of how to baptize, Mark writes that Jesus said to baptize "IN MY NAME." Luke says Jesus said to baptize "IN HIS NAME!" And Matthew wrote that Jesus said to baptize IN THE NAME of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, or as used now -- Holy Spirit. Still, how would one baptize "in My name" -- if you were not familiar with His Name. The same principle applies to trying to baptize someone "in His Name." Or in Christ's name? Or even in the Father's name, or the Son's name or the Holy Ghost's name?

Why? Because in all of the above examples, there is no "name" given whereby we must be saved. There is no name indicating that His Name in this current dispensation of grace is the Name above every other name. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)

But Peter (to whom Jesus had given the keys to the kingdom in Matthew 16:19) knew the truth when he stood with the eleven apostles on the day of Pentecost and said,  "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receive you the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-38)

Note that Matthew was in attendance on the day of Pentecost. And, as the scripture states, the first 3,000 souls that were saved were in one accord. No division. Matthew was not there screaming and causing division. Indeed, Matthew agreed with what Peter was saying. (Acts 1:13; Acts 2:14) But in many of today's congregations, we are told that Matthew's account is the only scripture concerning water baptism that is accurate. And this statement, even when Jesus states in the verse before -- "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)

How could Jesus say this? Because after He was glorified, the Son of man became once again the Lord of glory, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, Alpha and Omega. (Revelation 1:8) 

As the first commandment so clearly states, and confirmed by Jesus when He walked on this earth, "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is one Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) "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) 

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-60

Study the scriptures to show thyself approved unto God. Hide His Word in your heart and so much so that the cares of this world cannot take the Bread of Life away from being our sustenance. He is the Great I AM. Let those with eyes to see, see, and ears to hear, hear.

Stand in the offering plate. 

I Sing Praises To His Name, O Lord Jesus - Part 2171

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21)
"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)

Notice that there is no "they" granting you according to the riches of His glory. Note too that unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Always He. His Name is JESUS in this current dispensation of grace ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Indeed, this same God who created the world from nothing, plus every living thing that exists within, was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. His love displayed on a cross so that we who believe in Him should have everlasting life. Yes, His love beyond measure displayed on a cross for all to see so that we could fully understand the breadth and depth of God's love for His people. This is the simplicity of the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. His saving grace, and mercy extended to each and everyone of us so that we can revel in Him forever.

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not." (John 1:10-11) The Word that was not only with God in the beginning but was God was later made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14) "This day have I begotten Thee!"

This was the moment in time -- the prophesied moment in time when the dayspring from on high would visit His people. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) God willingly became our Saviour, even when He knew the final outcome -- shedding His precious, holy blood on a cross, marred in His form beyond that of any man, nails hammered into His hands -- all so that He could bridge to us -- His free gift of salvation,. (Titus 3:4-7)

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

Thus, our heart desire should always be to stand in the offering plate in the day to day, glorifying our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ in all that we do -- singing praises unto His Name!

Blessed be His holy Name!

Jesus Said, "Surely, I Come Quickly!" - Part 2170

The glorified Lord Jesus is inviting those who believe in Him by faith to the most elaborate wedding feast ever, saying, "Come and dine!"

This same Jesus who is King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending -- the root of the offspring of David AND the bright and morning star is calling us into His peace and joy and mercy, and into everlasting life!

This is the promise that was given before the foundation of the world was even formed.

"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:12-13, 16, 21; Isaiah 9:6; II Corinthians 5:19; John 1:10-11; Acts 2:36-41)

Stand in the offering plate.