As Prophets Had Spoken -- "Ought Not Christ To Have Suffered These Things And To Enter Into His Glory?" -- Part 2205

"And it came to pass, that, while they communed [together] and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. And He said unto them, "What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?" And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto Him, "Art Thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?"

And He said unto them, "What things?" And they said unto Him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him. But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; and when they found not His body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that He was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found [it] even so as the women had said: but Him they saw not."

Then He said unto them, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and He made as though He would have gone further. But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed [it], and brake, and gave to them.

And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them ..." (Luke 24:16-33)

As you can see, Jesus had already gone to the cross, being buried in a tomb for three days and three nights (as Jonas was in the belly of the fish). And when the women had come to the tomb with the spices they had prepared, they found the stone rolled away. It was the first day off the week and very early in the morning.  (Luke 24:1-2)

"And they entered in and found not the body of the Lord Jesus." (Luke 24:3; Luke 24:23) 

Much perplexed about the situation, behold two men stood by them in shining garments who said unto them, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee saying -- "The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again" -- and they remembered His words, and returned from the sepulchre to tell these things to the eleven. (Luke 24:4-12)

What is interesting in these scriptural accounts is that the hearts of Jesus disciples had to be open to receive and believe that the Jesus they once knew as the son of a carpenter had risen from the dead. That this same Jesus whom was crucified was resurrected -- both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) That after His kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4) And to believe what  the prophets had said from afore -- "ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" (Luke 24:26)

When Jesus later appeared to the ten, He said unto them, "These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Me." (John 24:44) Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. 

"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. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:46-49)

Sing praises to His mighty Name as we too lift our voices unto the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Stand in the offering plate.

Which Is The Church Of The Living God; The Pillar And Ground Of The Truth - Part 2204

" ... and understand Thy truth." (Daniel 9:13)

"Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His Name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up ..." (Acts 15:14-15; Acts 2:1-47)

The Word of God is both now and historically the one and only absolute when it comes to truth. (John 17:17: John 14:6-12) Thus, as the scriptures point out, anyone advancing teachings contrary to that which was spoken by the Lord JESUS who is to us the Word of God -- the Word made flesh having dwelt among us -- cannot be trusted. Or, as apostle Paul states, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9; John 1:1-18) 

Why? Because the very Word that was purposed by God’s own determinate counsel and foreknowledge, is now being delivered to you and I through the mouth of the Lord JESUS.  As Jesus declared, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man can come to the Father but by Me." Why? Because as Jesus tells Philip, "if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father -- and know Him." (John 14:6-12) 

Jesus also tells His disciples in another place -- "I and My Father are One!" -- so that there could be no confusion about the mystery of the Godhead. (John 10:30) That the Godhead is not like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. (Acts 17:29) That there would be no excuse -- "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." (Romans 1:20)

" ... that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ..." (Colossians 2:2-4)

The doctrine of Christ. (Hebrews 6:1-2; II John 1:9)  

"These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou ought to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:15-16)

Therefore, "holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9) 

What is sound doctrine?

"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becoming holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to [be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed.

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. [Exhort] servants to be obedient unto their own masters, [and] to please [them well] in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." (Titus 2:1-10)

It is for this reason that we search and study the scriptures for truth, for there is only One Way to heaven. In this dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins .. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that He might fill all things." (Ephesians 4:8-9; Psalm 68:18; Colossians 2:15; John 3:13; John 6:33)

Indeed, Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

The Lord Hath Made Bare His Holy Arm In The Eyes Of All Nations, And All The Ends Of The Earth Shall See The Salvation Of Our God - Part 2203

"Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandments of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen." (Romans 16:25-27)

There are numerous scriptures which attest to the mystery of God and/or the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. That is, the Word that was with God and was God was made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; II Corinthians 5:19; Matthew 1:21-23) So that we could experience His gift of salvation in our hearts and lives. In this context, we have been blessed beyond measure because we are also able (in this current dispensation of grace) to search the scriptures for His wisdom, knowledge, and truth. 

Moreover, as I Timothy 3:16 tells us, we can understand the Godhead without dispute, for as the scripture states -- "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16) 

In Isaiah, we learn that God gave His right arm for our salvation. In the psalms, David tells us that God is the Lord and the Lord is God. In Titus and John's gospel, we see that this same God who created the world in the beginning willingly became our Saviour. And that after His love and kindness, God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7; John 10:30; John 14:6-12; Isaiah 9:6)

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

In the ushering in of the New Testament, we are informed that "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)

After the cross, we are instructed to wisely "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)

Sadly, however, there are many within the modern day religious culture who would have us believe God has three heads, or is a triad, or multiple personalities. Others attempt to mislead us through religious statements of faith that suggest God is three persons, co-existent and co-eternal, one with another. 

But to believe in a triad or triune god, would mean that Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) must have gotten the revelation wrong when he declared, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) Or that, Jesus who said we would see Him no more, now speaks THROUGH the Holy Ghost, the promised Comforter, giving commandments to the apostles He has chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) 

The doctrine of Christ (Hebrews 6:1-2; II John 1:9) Indeed, He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. That He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) Nothing hid from those who have decided to follow Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. As Jesus said, "Seek and ye shall find!" (Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9)

However, in the book of Revelation (which ironically is intended to reveal the mystery of God to His chosen people), the scripture saith that the voice of the seventh angel begins to sound when the mystery of God is finished. This is the same mystery as He hath declared to His servants the prophets. 

"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 10:7)

Before elaborating, it is important to accept that not everyone will comprehend the mystery of God. Jesus Himself said this when speaking with His disciples. "And when He [Jesus] was alone, they that were about Him with the twelve asked of Him the parable. And He said unto them, "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them." (Mark 4:10-12) 

In another place, Jesus said, "But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand ..." (John 10:27-29)

Third, Jesus said, "I AM - the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:6-7) 

Thus, if you don't understand who Jesus is (according to His own words) you do not know the Father, nor have you seen Him. For clarity, let me continue this dialogue between Jesus and Philip so that there is no miscommunication. 

"Philip saith unto Him, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffices us." Jesus saith unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, "Shew us the Father?" Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwells in Me, he doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you -- he that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father." (John 14:6-12) 

Jesus told His disciples, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Jesus did not say that He and the Father are two, three, or ten. But to understand this, we need to accept that a time was coming (as Jesus told His disciples) when they would see Him no more. Paul confirms this further in I Corinthians 15:1-8 -- that he was the last to see Jesus (as one borne out of due time!) Then we read about the risen Jesus in Acts 1:2-3 wherein now, after the cross and resurrection, Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. 

But wasn't Jesus the mediator, the bridge between God and man so that we might find abundant life in Him? What doth the scripture say? "The most quoted on this topic -- "For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 2:5) And then the explanation -- "Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one." (Galatians 3:20) 

While in our world, we understand mediator to be an "in between" -- as a third party -- God is the exception agreeing that a mediator is not a mediator of one -- except in His case, wherein God is ONE! 

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

But doesn't Jesus sit on the right hand of God, some might say? Yes, but if we had read the prophets and psalmist, we would know that God gave His right arm for our salvation. As the Lord saith, "And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me; and My fury, it upheld Me." (Isaiah 63:5) 

"O sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him." (Psalms 98:1) 

"The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly; the right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly." (Psalm 118:15-16) 

"The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:!0) 

So many scriptures to prove that the same One God -- the Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning of creation willingly gave His right arm for our salvation. His love for all the world to behold. 

It is for this reason that we "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)

"And after these things, I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, "Alleluia; salvation, and glory, and honour, and power unto the Lord our God:" (Revelation 19:1)

The same song that we desire to sing from our hearts now. That is, thanksgiving and praises to the Only One True Living God! He never changes. (Hebrews13:8) All sufficient, Almighty, All knowing, Creator, Our Saviour, Righteous Judge & Soon and Coming King & Everlasting Father -- My Lord God Almighty JESUS CHRIST. The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8) 

Stand in the offering plate.

If thou Put The Brethren In Remembrance Of These Things, thou Shalt Be A Good Minister Of Jesus Christ - Part 2202

"Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit." (Hebrews 6:1-3)

"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)

"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." (I Timothy 4:6)

We read that apostle Paul marvelled that "ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-7)

Or that some would receive a truth that is not the truth. "For if he that cometh preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if ye] receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him]." (II Corinthians 11:4)

But Paul went further when he stated not once but twice that if any preach another gospel, including an angel from heaven, let him be accursed -- "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

Why is this important? Because the Word is forever established in heaven. The same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning now is continually inviting us to enter into His fold, wherein we can commune with the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His friends.

"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)

Sadly, however, we have an emerging modern day religious culture convinced that the One God who created us in the beginning has three heads -- and is in some form a triad god. And also, that this same God is not a Spirit but rather three persons -- likened to you and I. Some explain God this way, that there is one God who eternally exists and/or co-exists as three  (3) distinct persons. Others say that God is both one (1) and three (3) at the same time. Still others define the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (the accurate translation of the latter is Spirit in the holy!) as distinct persons, each person being fully God.

If you are like me, confused at how three can equal one, or that the Lord God who made us in His own image can be described as persons, wait until you hear some of the other explanations that accompany such muddled thinking. But first let me state the obvious. When John wrote that "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not" and that "He came unto His own and His own received Him not" -- he was writing of the One and Only God who willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6;Isaiah 43:9-15; Isaiah 42:13) 

"Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) 

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

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

You see, the same Lord God who they worshipped in the Old Testament willingly shed His own precious blood on the cross for you and I ... so that we could receive His free gift of salvation. (Acts 20:28) Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)  "I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me." (Isaiah 45:5)

"For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, "Seek ye Me in vain." I the Lord speak righteousness; I declare things that are right." (Isaiah 45:18-19)

Other scriptures?

"Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device." (Acts 17:29)

"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)

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

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

The question then is this -- how does the modern day religious culture teach that the Father, Son and mistranslated Holy Spirit / Spirit of the Holy arrive at a God in three persons conclusion? Because these have not studied the doctrine of Christ. (II John 1:9; Hebrews 6:1-3) These have not understood the abundant love and mercy of the Lord God -- that after His kindness and love toward men God appeared. Neither have these comprehended that the same He who knew no sin would hide His glory from the world so that He could redeem His beloved people into everlasting life.

"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) 

"... how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:14-15; Hebrews 9:14-18)

So much to learn and hide in our hearts but let's not stop now. These have said because the Father is referred to as God the Father, then the Father must be separate and a person from the Lord Jesus Christ. Often cited is Philippians 1:2, wherein apostle Paul writes, "Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ." But is that what is actually being said?

Let's consider Acts 1:2-3 wherein the scripture saith, "until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen: to whom also He [Jesus] shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)

The Son of man then is the Lord of glory. The first man Adam earthy but the second -- the Lord from heaven. As Isaiah noted, the Lord would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13) His right arm providing salvation for His beloved creation. This is why the doctrine of Christ (and not the trinity/triad) is so critical to understanding the Godhead, wherein God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

In fact, when Jesus is referred to as the one and same God who is coming back for His body of Christ church -- His bride in Titus 2:13 -- we understand in whom we seek --"looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

These also attest to the holy Spirit [Spirit in the holy] being referenced as God in Acts 5:3–4. Actually, for clarity, the term used is Holy Ghost which is more accurate if we factor in II John 1:9. But I digress. In the example, Peter said, "Ananias, why hath satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." (Acts 5:3-4)

For clarity, note that the Holy Ghost is first used in reference to the New Testament, when , as the scripture declares, the dayspring from on high was about to do a new thing, declaring peace and good will toward men. The Holy Ghost this signifying that the New Testament could be ushered in while the old was still standing. (Hebrews 9:8) As well, we know that the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. (Luke 1:35) In other words, the Holy Ghost fathered the Son in Mary (the surrogate mother).

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19) He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18) The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9)

His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) The Word made flesh so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:14)  After the kindness and love of God toward men, He willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) No one else beside Me, as the Lord God states in Isaiah. The Great I AM who was before Abraham; Emmanuel, being interpreted God with us, both Lord and Christ as Peter stated on the day of Pentecost, the "is and was and is to come", the King of kings and Lord of lords ... His Name above every other name and the only Name whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace. "For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour!" (Isaiah 45:3; I Timothy 3:16; II Corinthians 5:19; Matthew 1:21-23; Revelation 1:8; Acts 2:36-41; Revelation 1:8; Titus 2:13; Psalm 18:2, 31; Psalm 33:12; I Timothy 6:3; Luke 1:16, 35;; Luke 20:37; Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 37:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 8:58; John 1:10-11; John 10:30; John 14:6-12; I Corinthians 15:47)

Nowhere in the scriptures is God described as a person. Even when God appeared in the tent to Abraham is God in the scriptures described as a person. Jesus -- after the order of Melchisedec/k -- is not described as a person.

The confusion is when we assume a false doctrine because we ourselves have not searched the scriptures for truth. The same truth that Jesus clearly presents when He said, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18) Or as Jesus said repeatedly, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Because Jesus in the new is the I AM of the old. And if we actually read John 14, we would understand that Jesus was informing His disciples that if they had seen Him [Jesus], they have seen the Father and know Him. (John 14:6; John 10:30)

But those who promote a triad god like to suggest that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons because it allows them to place the One and Only God Almighty among the other equally important to them gods of this world. These do not readily admit that Saul's encounter on the road to Damascus is insightful, particularly when Saul asks, "Who art Thou, Lord?" and the Lord replies, "I AM Jesus!"

The I AM -- Bread of Life!

Thus, rather than referencing the many different ways of considering God -- the burning bush, in the fire, on the mount, as a Spirit when Jesus walked on the water, as different roles or manifestations of the One and Only Living God, these reject the scriptures, declaring without substance of foundation that the Bible also indicates that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons. Sadly, there is never any reference to God as persons/three persons.  Are we just to accept that these have some inside track to the truth, that is outside of the scriptures? No way, for as apostle Paul said, if any one preaches another gospel than what we have taught, let him be accursed. This may explain why in this day and age, the Lord tells those who believe in Him to go beyond the highways and byways and into the hedges for the "whosoever" that will believe on Him.

Other scriptures that are raised as an argument against the One and Only God loving us so much that He who knew no sin would become our Saviour? 

John 3:16 is often referenced suggesting that since the Father sent the Son into the world, there must be two persons and/or God cannot be the same [person] as the Son. But what does that scripture actually state? Read carefully. "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)

Who are we to believe in? We are to believe in Him -- Jesus -- because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Our salvation was purchased through God as a Son -- wherein God Himself clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have everlasting life.

These also reference the Son returning to the Father, as Jesus clearly states, "because I go to My Father" without ever referencing the end of that particular scripture when Jesus said, ".. and ye see Me no more." (John 16:10) Again, why? Because Jesus now THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) The last to see Jesus -- Saul, as one born out of due time. (I Corinthians 15:8)

It is for these reasons that we who believe in Jesus as both Lord and Christ -- "the Lord's Christ" as Simeon points out, the promised Messiah, the same Rock that followed the Israelites through the Red Sea -- must understand the doctrine of Christ, and similarly that Holy Ghost is the correct interpretation of God in the New Testament side.

"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)

But someone who is trinitarian will try to tell you that the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit into the world, citing John 14:26 as an argument for determining that the Holy Spirit must be distinct from the Father and the Son. However, when we actually read what Jesus said in John 14:26, what does He say?

Jesus, sharing with His disciples, saith, "But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) As Jesus said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) And He does not leave us, nor forsake us -- because the Comforter -- the One and Same Spirit that moved upon the face of the waters in the very beginning now dwells within. (Genesis 1:2) The Same Lord that is God, and God that is the Lord, according to psalmist David dwells within. (Psalm 18:2, 31; Psalm 72:18) 

His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS.

Another scripture often cited to suggest God has three heads, or is divided into thirds is Acts 2:33. There is never context given in this presentation, or a notation that herein is a confirmation of the prophecy being fulfilled. Thus, I add context and leave it with you to search the prophecy that ed to Peter (standing with the eleven) declaring in one accord the following: "Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on His throne; he seeing this BEFORE spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is NOT ascended into the heavens: but He saith Himself, "The Lord said unto My Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool." (Acts 2:33)

So much more to explain here but let this suffice for now. 

The final argument offered is the baptism of Jesus, wherein, as trinitarians will state, we see the Father speaking from heaven and the Spirit descending from heaven in the form of a dove as Jesus comes out of the water (Mark 1:10–11; Matthew 3:13; Luke 3:12-21; Luke 7:29-30; John 1:25- John 3:22) But for whose benefit was the voice? Did they forget the prophecy given to John the baptizer, the forerunner to Jesus who was full of the Holy Ghost from birth? Of course these do because if you knew the truth, you would be set free from serving multiple gods. 

As John himself states, "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 1:33) 

The Spirit descending like a dove was for John the baptist to know that Jesus is the promised Lamb who would take away the sins of the world, if we would only believe in Him. This is why John could say, "Behold the Lamb of God!" upon seeing Christ Jesus approaching. And we who believe should know that herein, the prophecy from afore was being fulfilled to John. An assurance to John that Jesus was indeed the Saviour. 

Again, "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) But we are without excuse, because His Word is clearly available to all of us. The Word made flesh dwelt among us and we are to behold His glory as the ONLY BEGOTTEN of the Father. (John 1:18) 

While trinitarians are quick to get hung up on the first part of John 1:1 that He was "with God" -- again, these don't complete the verse wherein the scriptures saith this same "Word was God." But I won't hid the truth from you because the understanding of the Godhead does not come from cherrypicking parts of verses without adding context.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-15)

Who is the Light of this world? As Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the world! he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) Not another god but the One and Same God made flesh, who dwelt among us. Note that John doesn't write that all things were made by "them" but by Him. And that Him -- He is God Almighty, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the Alpha and Omega and in this dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS. (Revelation 1:8) 

Jesus told us beforehand of what was to come, so that we we would have eyes to see and ears to see -- and that we too would know in whom we worship. Not a them but Him -- His love displayed for all the world to see. 

Just before the cross, Jesus provided us with further insight, saying, "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, [that] shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew [it] unto you." (John 16:13–15)

If we stopped there, some might think the Father is not the Son and the Son not the Holy Ghost, but wait -- Jesus does not stop speaking there. As in John 10:30, when Jesus clearly states, "I and My Father are One!" He had more to say because He would not that we be ignorant of the He that was in the world. (John 1:10-11)

Indeed, Jesus shares with His disciples, saying, "A little while, and ye shall NOT see Me: and again, a little while, and ye SHALL see Me, because I go to the Father." Then said [some of] His disciples among themselves, "What is this that He saith unto us, "A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me: and, because I go to the Father?" They said therefore, "What is this that He saith, A little while? we cannot tell what He saith."

Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask Him, and said unto them, "Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, "A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me?" Verily, verily, I say unto you, "That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembers no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man takes from you. AND IN THAT DAY YE SHALL ASK ME NOTHING. Verily, verily, I say unto you, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My Name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time comes, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father." (John 16:13- 25)

That time has come and indeed is here. And from II John 1:9, we should clearly understand that if we do not have the Son, we will not have the Father either. To suggest that the Father is not the Son negates Jesus' words in John 10:30 and John 14:6-12. Further to suggest that the Holy Ghost is not the Father negates Luke 1:35 when the scripture clearly states that the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. And as Matthew wrote unto the Jews, this same Jesus is Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Therefore, to accept the false trinity teaching means that the greatest love story ever told will not be told. That is, after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4) To accept the false trinity teaching also means that we do not know the Name that is above every other name, or that precious, holy Name whereby we "must" be saved. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9)

Note that there is more to come on this subject and that I trust when the Comforter, the Holy Ghost comes, He shall lead and guide you into all truth -- and we will hear ye Him -- Jesus!  (John 14:26; John 15:26; Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5) Never in the scriptures are we directed to "hear ye them."

As the first commandment states, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) And as this same God saith through Isaiah, "there is none beside Me." No other Saviour but Me. He saith, No other God beside Me. So many scriptures pointing to the abundance of love of a God who willingly took our place so that we might be saved.

Let me close with these words which Jesus spake as He lifted up His eyes to heaven: "Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee -- the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gave Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was." (John 17:1-5)

Why? As Jesus continued, saying, "I have manifested Thy Name unto the men which Thou gave Me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gave them Me; and they have kept Thy Word." (John 17:6)

And now we know from Revelation that the risen Jesus (who Peter and the apostles declared as both Lord and Christ - Acts 2:36) is the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8) This is why we can come unto Him all those who are heavy laden and He will give you rest, because He Himself made a way when there was no way. 

"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)

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

Stand in the offering plate.

Where A Testament, There Must Also Of Necessity Be The Death Of The Testator; The Fullness Of Times; The Promise Of Eternal Inheritance -- Part 2201

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved; in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ....

Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in One all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will: that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:3-14)

"For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit ..." (Ephesians 3:1-5)

" ... whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God ... [even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints:"(Colossians 1:25)

Herein, apostle Paul references the dispensation of God which was given to him for us -- to fulfill the Word of God. It refers to the fullness of times, wherein the Lord in the New Testament does a new thing. Thus, when Paul writes of the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, he refers to the time when the dayspring from on high would visit His people. And thankfully, this mystery has now (in the time in which we live this day) been made manifest to His saints -- "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)

There had to be a changing of the guard (if you will) -- a moment in time when a purchase in blood would be made, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, we (and they too) might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Everlasting life in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

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

The mystery that was from the very beginning is that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) That the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) That He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. That He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

You see, Paul was an apostle born out of due time. (I Corinthians 15:7-9) Paul did not walk with Jesus while He walked on this earth, but rather, received his understanding of the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ by revelation. And yes, it is apostle Paul who was chosen to preach to the Gentiles (you and I who are not Jews/Israelites) so that we could know the mystery of Christ -- which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men. But now, in this current time, we have the promise, wherein we are to "take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28) 

The mystery? That the promised Messiah from afore; the prophesied Lord's Christ; His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins; has now come so that we might have abundant, everlasting life in Him. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35; Hebrews 9:8; Revelation 1:8) 

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

His free gift of salvation? The purchase made with His own precious blood so that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, becoming clothed in His righteousness.

Why? Because He hath made us accepted in the beloved; in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.

It is for this reason that apostle Paul never wavered in presenting the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to one and all -- because the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning has now been revealed. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us so that we can behold His glory. (John 1:1-14) Jesus -- the Great I AM willingly and decidedly (even before the foundation of the world was formed) to redeem His beloved people -- through the cross, shedding His own precious holy blood. (John 8:58) 

This is why Jesus could say, "I AM the Bread of Life!" (John 6:35) 

"I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man come unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

Paul has signified that in the fullness of times -- the period of time in which we live today, there is a harvest coming in, wherein He is gathering together in One all things in Christ. The body of Christ church wherein Jesus is the Head.

In the fourth New Testament citation of the word "dispensation" we see that Paul varies the meaning somewhat while writing to the saints and churches in Corinth. That is, Paul writes:

"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me. What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel." (I Corinthians 9:16-18)

You see, when the Lord Jesus appeared to persecutor of Christian believers Saul (later renamed Paul) on the road to Damascus, it was because the Lord had a purpose for him to fulfill. And, as we understand from Acts 13, when Paul and Barnabas waxed bold -- "It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles." (Acts 13:46) There was 400 years of silence between the old and the new, when the Israelites did not hear from God because these worshipped another/ strange gods. 

Nevertheless, there was a people who were not originally His people -- you and I -- the Gentiles who the Lord knew would become His chosen. Therefore, in these last days, the fullness of times, we are privileged to know the risen Jesus -- who is King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending -- and that He is extending the same invitation of salvation -- His free gift of salvation and mercy to one and all today. 

Do not harden your hearts but rather, draw closer to Him who loved you from the very beginning. Study His Word for your daily sustenance and life, knowing that Jesus had a plan all along -- to become your Redeemer. The Great I AM who is and was and is to come. His Name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.

Stand in the offering plate. 

There Is Only One I AM, And His Name Is JESUS, For He Shall Save His People From Their Sins - Part 2200

The Word of the LORD has gone forth from Jerusalem. Within the scriptures, Peter was not and is not the head of the Church. Neither was Peter ever a pope. Rather, Peter was one of twelve apostles who delivered the first message in Acts chapter 2 -- on the day of Pentecost. Note the terminology. Delivered. Yes, delivered by the voice of Peter in unison and one accord with the other eleven apostles who, as noted in the scripture, were standing with Peter.

Remember, Peter received the same Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of holy baptism as all the others. To say that Peter alone was given the keys to the kingdom of God reveals a level of total ignorance and contempt towards the Word of God. In the scriptures, we learn that JESUS is the door into the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the only door into which Kingdom no man can enter except that he or she is born again of water and of the Spirit.

So upon the day of Pentecost when the people heard that they had indeed crucified the Lord of Glory, they became inwardly convicted. They cried out to PETER and to the REST of the apostles saying, "Men and brethren, what must we do?"

Now here comes the key. Peter replies, saying, "Repent and be baptized into the Name of the Lord JESUS the Christ, for the remission of sin and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." This is God's promise to you and to your children and to ALL others who might be afar off.

What can we do? We can accept the same key in our hearts this day. We can repent (and recognize that in our ignorance of the will of God we have actually been crucifying the Lord of Glory,) and be baptized into the name of JESUS, receiving of His holy Spirit. Then can we walk in the presence of God, day in and day out communing with God our Saviour.

This is the ONLY key to the kingdom of heaven. It is this key that unlocks the door for the whosoever who submits themselves and obediently obeys the voice of His Spirit. And because you have willingly obeyed the gospel you are immediately and securely standing upon the SOLID ROCK of the Word of God which lives and abides forever. This Word must be delivered throughout the earth to all generations as it was written - unaltered - for to man is the Word of God sent.

Unfortunately, there are some who attempt to conjure up another gospel message. An example can be found in Acts chapter 8 where it is recorded that in Samaria all persons from the least to the greatest believed that Simon was the great power of God. You may be in a similar predicament as they were. Maybe you have embraced another gospel which in and of itself is not the Gospel of God. Following statements of faith wherein there is no evidence or foundation for these teachings in the scriptures.

It is from this scriptural perspective that we learn that Peter never was and never will be the Head of the Church of God. The Church of God is founded in JESUS the Christ the Son of the holy Spirit of God, who was indeed born of a surrogate mother. Nevertheless, not of her, for that which was conceived within her was and is the Seed of the Spirit in the Holy, which offspring is JESUS. And in Him will all believing people from all nations upon earth be blessed. This is why you and I will be more blessed than Mary ever was when we believe the Word of God.

So the message today is simple. The Word of God is the only authoritative source of truth. Any deviation is nothing more than a doctrine of devils. Brethren wherever you are, remember that God Almighty, whose Name is JESUS in this current dispensation of grace is the same today, tomorrow and forever! The Great I AM, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Stand in the offering plate.

Who Gave Himself A Ransom For All, To Be Testified In Due Time - Part 2199

"For God is not [the author]of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (I Corinthians 14:33)

"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 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 3:14-16)

I have heard people say that the scriptures are difficult, and hard to understand. In part, the challenge is in understanding that the Bible is a book of revelation, and that as we seek the Lord our God in our hearts, the Word is opened unto us. Kind of like being in grade school again, wherein without a foundation in mathematical principles, for example, we would struggle with the same subject in the higher grades. Thankfully, however, the Lord God moves the scales from our eyes when our hearts turn to Him as our Saviour. 

His Name in this dispensation of grace is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

This is our starting point, knowing that the same Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis loved His beloved creation so much that He would shed His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) Thus, when we begin to see God as One, as in the first commandment which states, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One!" we begin to see how rich the Lord's mercy for His people. 

"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) 

He is the Author and finisher of our faith. And He is not a they, as the modern day religious culture would have us believe -- sigh! To this end, there is an interesting scripture regarding Jesus, which states:

"And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, He departed thence. And when He was come into His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, "Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not His mother called Mary? and His brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?" (Matthew 13:53-55)

Sadly, even though these were astonished at His teachings, His wisdom, and His mighty works, they still likened Jesus to the son of a carpenter and not the Lord and Christ -- the first man Adam earthy, but the second the Lord from heaven, as the scripture saith. (Acts 2:36) Apostle Paul (formerly Saul who was known abroad for persecuting the Christian believers) experienced a similar wrath from those who were in the business of making money from religious endeavours. 

As the Scripture saith,  "And the same time, there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain [man] named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, "Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: so that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships." 

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians." And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not." (Acts 19:20-30)

You see, we have to make a heart choice for Jesus. When we do, we must come out of her My people -- so that we do not suffer her plagues. We need to step away from religions that lead us astray from the Great I AM -- who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 

His Name again? JESUS -- He is our lifeline for salvation. He is the Bread of Life. He is the Living Water wherein when we drink, we will never thirst again. And once resurrected from the grave, because death did not have a hold on Him, He now is seated on the throne, inviting you and I to partake of His goodness and grace and mercy. 

You see, Jesus went into the temples and chased the moneychangers out with whips because these had chosen to make a mockery of the simplicity of His love for His beloved people. Over time, we still have those in religious circles who want to complicate the gospel, and muddy the waters so that we never come to the knowledge of God our Saviour. Nevertheless, He has a chosen people who will seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength -- a people who will stand on the Rock that is Jesus the Christ, regardless of the confusion that surrounds us.

Why? Because these have come to know God their Saviour. These have come to the knowledge of the truth. And these are determined to surround themselves in His abundant love, letting the Holy Ghost lead and guide into all truth.  Jesus is the Great I AM -- God our Saviour who would have all men and women to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there [is] One God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity." (I Timothy 2:3-7)

Today is the day of salvation! Trust in Jesus as your Lord God and Saviour this day, tasting and seeing that He is good, for He never fails those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

Stand in the offering plate.

But God, Who Is Rich In Mercy; For His Great Love Wherewith He Loved Us Hath Quickened Us Together With Christ - Part 2198

And you [hath He quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

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. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Abundant love has He shown to us, having created man in His own image. However, if it wasn't for the "but God" and His mercy and great love, we would be lost forever in our sins. But God made a way where there was no way. He gave us hope when hope was not an option -- in Christ Jesus, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

He hath quickened you and I who were dead in trespasses and sins because of His great love and kindness toward His beloved creation. And, as apostle Paul writes to the saints in Ephesus, He paid the ultimate price, having shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. (Acts 20:28) It is for this reason that our sights are not on the things of this world, because our Lord God and Saviour has a better plan for those who love Him. 

That is, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. That in the ages to come, He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us -- through Christ Jesus. The greatest love story ever told. 

By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God! Stand in the offering plate. 

So Mightily Grew The Word Of God And Prevailed: The Lord Who Is Both Lord And Christ, The Restorer Of Soul - Part 2197

"Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation His works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descended not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:13-18)

In so doing, we who believe in the resurrected Jesus -- who we (like Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) know to be both Lord and Christ -- should be willingly showing His works through our conversations and deeds ... with meekness of wisdom. For we have come to know that in our day to day, Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. The One Absolute who never fails. He is the Rock which can't be moved -- the Christ who is and was and is to come. Moreover, in this current dispensation of grace, Jesus is the only Name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) And His Name -- the Name of JESUS is the Name above every other Name. (Philippians 2:9) 

As the scripture saith, "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)

Yes, the same Spirit of the Lord God who created all things willingly became our Saviour. He shed His blood on the cross for you and I. (Acts 20:28) The same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis is the same Spirit of the Lord God who dwells within our hearts this day. Because of His kindness and love toward us, we can know the true wisdom which only comes from the Lord. (Titus 3:4-7; Acts 20:28; Isaiah 9:6)

And, as the scripture saith, the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace because the Spirit in the holy dwells within. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Who Also Hath Made Us Able Ministers Of The New Testament - Part 2196

" ... who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (II Corinthians 3:6)

"Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifies. 

Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 

As it is written, "For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." (Psalm 44:22; Romans 8:36)

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:33-39)

In Romans we are assured that even in the confusion that is continually before us, we are conquerors through Him that loved us. And consequently, there is nothing that is able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39) 

You see, when David wrote about the confusion in the Psalms, he was under the Old Testament, speaking forward to the promise which was yet to come. That is, the Son of man which is the Lord of glory! Thus, the absolute that we understand and believe is Jesus -- the prophesied Christ -- our Rock.  

From the scriptural account in Psalms, David writes about the confusion that is continually before him. 

"My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me, for the voice of him that reproaches and blasphemes; by reason of the enemy and avenger." (Psalm 44:16) But David does not stop there. He offers hope and the promise of a coming Saviour who will never fail us, nor let us down in the day to day.

So, even in the adversities that we call life, David writes, "All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten Thee, neither have we dealt falsely in Thy covenant. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from Thy way; though Thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death. If we have forgotten the Name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; shall not God search this out? for He knows the secrets of the heart." (Psalm 44:17-21)

It is in this context that we understand that even in the trials and tribulations of life, we can also attest  -- "Yea, for Thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter" -- knowing also, that in all things the world devises against us, we have not forgotten the Name of our God. We have not stretched out our hands to a strange god, or conversely, as the modern religious culture, divided our One Lord God and Saviour into three. 

Rather, in all things we worship and give praise and honour and glory to God our Saviour for He is -- the Great I Am -- the Lord Jesus -- the promised Messiah -- the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Bread of Life, and as such He is victorious over the snares of the enemy, if we only keep our eyes focussed on Him.  (Psalm 44:16-23)

Stand in the offering plate.