For Why Is Our Liberty Judged Of Another Man's Conscience? Rather, Greet Them That Love Us In The Faith - Part 2282

"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King." (I Peter 2:15-17)

As Revelation 12 points out, there is only one accuser of the brethren -- called the devil and satan which attempts with his lies to deceive the whole world. And as we learn from the Garden of Eden, his lies can be subtle. Still, at the end of the day, as the scriptures clearly point out, the devil is the loser because our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ is victorious in all things.

Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords; Alpha and Omega; the first and the last; the beginning and the ending; the blessed and only Potentate.

It is in this context that we who believe are instructed to "keep [this] commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in His times He shall shew, [who is] the Blessed and Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen." (I Timothy 6:14-16)

However, as we also know, there is still an interim period between the now we live in and the end for the world. This explains why believers are instructed to put on the whole armour of God, so that we are not taken in by the devil's lies and foolishness, who in the end, is only interested in destroying us.

But the good news? Because there is always good news when we trust in the Lord Jesus by faith is that we  too is that can rest assured, knowing the devil's destiny has been decided once and for all -- that he was cast into the earth, and his angels cast out with him. The devil's days of destruction are numbered, and his demise quickly coming up. 

Moreover, as the scriptures state, the devil was kicked in the head when Jesus shed His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I. In fact, when the vail was torn from top to bottom, from heaven to earth, and the New Testament was ushered in, Jesus became the conqueror. And because of His love, we are now more than conquerors through Him that loved us. (Romans 8:31)

You see, God personally delivered His life redeeming plan of salvation. (Acts 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21-23; Titus 2:13) He paid the ultimate price once and for all with His precious blood on that old rugged cross so that we might have abundant everlasting life in Him. 

As Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6-12)

"After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." (Philippians 3:4-9)

So don't let the devil sway you with his lies. Neither carry the weight of those who want to judge our liberty by their own conscience. Rather, learn how to grow in the Lord's goodness and grace, casting all your burdens on Jesus -- who in exchange, as He states, will bring us into His rest. Why? Because when we trust in the Lord Jesus by faith, and rise up to follow Him (as did the apostles, leaving our nets behind), and are water baptized in His precious holy Name according to Acts 2:36-41, we are filled with His peace and kindness, being clothed in His righteousness.

Know too that when we do everything in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus, we become stronger, aware that we who believe are on the winning side. The body of Christ overcoming the things of this world by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of His testimony, bearing witness in our lives. And similarly, because we have come to personally know the risen Jesus (who is both Lord and Christ) we can also abide in Him, grounded in our faith, and recognizing that He never ever fails.

"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:9-11)

Thy Word is truth, and we are sanctified by His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

So Speak Ye, And So Do, As They That Shall Be Judged By The Law Of Liberty. - Part 2281

" ... for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10)

In these tumultuous times, wherein the darkness and void of this world is rapidly increasing, it is equally refreshing to know that we are to be anxious for nothing. And that in all things, there is nothing that can happen to us, that the Lord of glory, our Lord God and Saviour has not already taken care of. Some observers might call this a blind faith. Personally, I believe this just gives even more overwhelming evidence of the goodness and mercy and grace and love of God our Saviour.

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

Why is this important in our faith journey? Because we who believe have come to that rightful heart place of humility, wherein we recognize that we can only do all things through Christ which strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13) He is the conqueror in our day to day. And He is the One and Only King of kings and Lord of lords who delivers us from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty -- as children of the Most High. (Romans 8:21)

"Therefore, stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1) And know too that ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13) 

For "whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:25)

Stand in the offering plate.

For He Looked For A City Which Hath Foundations, Whose Builder And Maker Is God - Part 2280

"But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:25)

Indeed, as believers in the risen Jesus — whom Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) identified as both Lord and Christ — we are instructed to stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and to not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Acts 2:36; Galatians 5:1)

Why is this important to understand? Because as apostle Paul further states, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.  For all the law is fulfilled in one Word, [even] in this; “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Galatians 5:13-18)

When Jesus walked on this earth, He summarized the ten plus commandments into two, instructing those who profess to believe in Him by faith,  to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His abundant and everlasting love flowing through us -- to love one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

But as we have seen throughout the old covenant, too often the people did not listen, and instead turned and polluted His precious, holy Name. Because these did not hearken unto His goodness and grace, in proclaiming liberty every one to his brother, and to his neighbour, these reaped the downfall that was never intended for them.

Most certainly, we see this in Jeremiah wherein these “turned and polluted My Name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids. Therefore thus saith the Lord, “Ye have not hearkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you,” saith the Lord, “to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.” (Jeremiah 34:17)

In other words, if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.  This explains why then the Lord hath encouraged us to "walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5:16-18)

Again, if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are no longer under the law. Rather, we have been set free to stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ.

"And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another ... " (Galatians 5:25)

" ... that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:4) Knowing too that "there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Lord Jesus Is My Strength, My Hope In Times of Trouble, The Lord Our Shepherd-- Part 2279

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

Today is the day of salvation! This day, here the voice of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ! 

Give us this day our daily bread -- that is, Jesus who is the Bread of Life, the Light of this world -- who is the One and Only King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6)

Stand in the offering plate.

Glory Shadowing The Mercy Seat, Of Which We Cannot Now Speak Particularly - Part 2278

"... and the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service [of God]. But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which He offered for Himself, and for the errors of the people: the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation." (Hebrews 9:4-10)

As we are witnessing here, the old covenant and law could not bring salvation -- the re-establishing of a personal relationship with God our Saviour -- to one and all, both Israelites and Gentiles. This is why the law (in this current dispensation of grace) is a schoolmaster, intended to bring us to Christ. Because within the law, we should recognize that each and every one of us have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God.

It is in this context that we need the "but Christ" -- who was destined from the very beginning to bring forth a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands but by His own blood, wherein He entered in once into the holy place, to obtain eternal redemption for you and I. Why is this important? Because it is through the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, so that our conscience could be purged from dead works to serve the living God.

In so doing, He became the mediator of the New Testament, the Lord Himself pitching the tent so that we might experience His redemption plan, wherein He paid the price with His own blood for our sins. As a consequence, we should be so very thankful that we have a Lord God and Saviour who loves us -- His beloved creation -- beyond measure. And too, that His salvation plan was specifically established so that we would have eternal, everlasting life in Him.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, whereof the holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which He hath purchased with that His own blood." (1599 Geneva -- Acts 20:28)

"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." (Authorized King James -- Acts 20:28)

Continuing in Hebrews 9 -- But Christ!

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us.] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: 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 liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you."

Moreover, He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

[It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:2-4)

It is for this reason that we who believe greatly rejoice in the Lord, our soul so very joyful in our God; for He hath clothed us with the garments of salvation. He hath covered us with His robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorns [herself with] her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10)

So now, knowing that we can receive His free gift of salvation, knowing our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ as both our friend and Saviour, finish the course that He has established for us with joy, and the ministry, which we have received of the Lord Jesus -- "to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

Stand in the offering plate.

I Have No Greater Joy Than To Hear That My Children Walk In Truth - Part 2277

"While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name: those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I AM not of the world." (John 17:12-14)

Just before the cross, Jesus prayed, knowing that these things -- the travesty of the cross, wherein He must take onto Himself the sins of those in the world -- must come to pass -- if we (His beloved creation) were to receive His free gift of salvation. At this point, we now recognize that Jesus was to become the Mediator of the New Testament, a propitiation for our sins, paying the ultimate price once and for all, so that we might experience abundant life in Him.

As we have learned from the scriptures -- His precious, holy Word -- the vail was torn from top to bottom; from heaven to earth. (Matthew 27:50-52; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45; Hebrews 6:19; Hebrews 10:20) Put another way, there was a changing of the guard between the old and the new testaments. The playing field now levelled so that every individual (and not just the Israelites) could come to personally know and experience the joy of knowing JESUS as their Lord God and Saviour.

It is herein that we greatly rejoice in the Lord, our souls joyful in Him our God, because He hath clothed us with the garments of salvation, covering us with His robe of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10; Acts 2:36-47)

Hebrews 9 offers a deeper understanding -- the clarity that is not often spoken from modern day pulpits but still so very necessary to knowing how far the Lord God would go to offer us -- His beloved creation -- that He the Good Shepherd would lay down His own life for His sheep. (Acts 20:28)

That "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28)

Meditate on these things as you read from Hebrews 9:

"Then verily the first [covenant] had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shew bread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people. (Hebrews 9:1-7)

But then comes the New Testament, wherein because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross, we have been set free, in the liberty wherewith is Christ. Continuing in Hebrews 9:

" ... 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: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: HOW MUCH MORE SHALL THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, WHO THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT OFFERED HIMSELF WITHOUT SPOT TO GOD, PURGE YOUR CONSCIENCE FROM DEAD WORKS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD?" (Hebrews 9:8-15)

Herein, the answer.

"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. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This [is] the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover, He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."

[It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:16-28)

This is our hope, our joy, our peace, that Jesus -- the Bread of Life -- the Light of this world -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Great I AM -- has sent us free once and for all, when we believe on Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love flowing through us, decide to love one another. Be cleansed through His Word today, knowing that each and every one of us has been given a purpose -- that is beyond the world's understanding.

Stand in the offering plate.

God Hath Made Us Upright - Part 2276

"I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength. 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 18:1-2)

In John 15, Jesus is speaking to disciples who already believed (trusted) in Him. Therein, Jesus is sharing that He is the vine, and we are the branches. Although there are many keys to life found within this particular message - Jesus is reinforcing within His disciples' hearts that He -- Jesus -- is the Bread of Life; that He is both Lord and Christ; and at this point in the scriptures, the Good Shepherd is about to "willingly" lay down His own life for His sheep. (Acts 2:36) Knowing that the severity of the cross was to happen next, Jesus was encouraging His disciples to "abide in Me!" 

Jesus said, "I am come a Light into the world, that whosoever believes on Me should not abide in darkness." (John 12:46)

Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I AM the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:4-7)

This same Jesus telling His disciples, "For without Me, ye can do nothing!" (John 15:5)

In context, Jesus instructs those who believe in Him by faith to not only trust Him but also to "abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me."

Why? Because as Jesus states, "I AM -- the Vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. [But] if a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned." (John 15:4-6)

In other words, our connecting point for salvation and everlasting life is the risen Jesus living in our hearts -- the Comforter dwelling within our very essence in the day to day -- the Holy Ghost -- wherein Jesus said, "I will never leave nor forsake thee." That in everything we do, we do so in the Name of Jesus, praying without ceasing and rejoicing evermore.

But there is more understanding here. First, to abide means to trust in the Lord as our Rock, our Fortress, our Deliverer, our God -- or as the psalmist David points out, "my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2) To continually rest, or dwell in His presence regardless of the circumstance. Some Biblical definitions include: dwelling; remaining; continuing; enduring; awaiting in continuance; in a fixed state; residing in Him; an enduring that even words can't properly define. 

In this context, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ becoming our everything, wherein we become fixated upon Him and His goodness and grace and mercy. And remembering, as Jesus said, "for without Me, ye can do nothing!" 

Is this message sinking in? Are we beginning to understand that without this same Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh -- who is the same Word made flesh that dwelt among us so that we would behold His glory -- we can do nothing. (Acts 2:36-41; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; II Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 2:9; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 9:6)

Yes, Jesus is the true vine, and we are cleansed through the Word -- which Jesus has spoken unto us. We are sanctified by truth -- Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17) Therefore, why is abiding in the Lord Jesus so instructive? Why is abiding so critical to being connected to the Lord of glory? As the scripture declares, so that your joy might be full. So that "My joy" -- as Jesus said, "might remain in you!" (John 15:11)

"Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour My righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, "Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." (Psalm 35:27)

As one can only imagine, there is much more to come on this understanding. In the interim, remember that whosoever looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:25) 

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Is Faithful To Forgive: Drink From His Living Water Of Life Freely - Part 2275

"Now we believe ... " Not because of what the woman at the well had to say, but rather because they had heard Jesus speak. As stated in the scriptures, they "heard Jesus ourselves, and know that He is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." (John 4:42)

Herein, is the conclusion of Jesus meeting with the woman at the well, who was from Samaria. We learn that this woman had come to the well to draw water during the day, so that she did not suffer the rejection of others around her. Most would have come early morning or in the evening when the sun would not have been as hot. Remember too, this woman had numerous husbands (as Jesus points out) and the man she currently lived with at this time was not her husband. But I am getting ahead of myself here.

From the top, Jesus' disciples had gone into the city to buy food. Sitting alone, Jesus said unto the woman "Give me to drink." The woman aware of long-standing traditions between the Jews and the Samaritans asked, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask drink of me who am a woman of Samaria?"

Jesus answered and said, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that said to you, "Give me to drink" you would have asked of Him, and He would have given you Living Water -- wherein ye would need not drink again!" Looking around the woman said "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle?"

Jesus answered and said unto her, "Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give, shall never thirst. [Indeed] the water that I give shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. " (John 4:8-26)

As the conversation continues, the woman began to desire the living water that Jesus spoke of -- so that she too would thirst not. Certainly, she wanted to know who Jesus was. Who was this man that in conversation could tell her all about her past? Her many transgressions under the law. In response, the woman knew enough to say to Jesus, "I know that when the Messiah comes, who is called the Christ, He will tell us all things."

But Jesus, recognizing her love, said, "I that speak unto you am He." It is I -- Jesus -- who gives life. And life more abundantly. It is I -- Jesus -- who pours out living water on those believers who desire the Word. Jesus said, "He that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)

Other scriptures confirm the same. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thine offspring." (Isaiah 44:3)

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let him that heareth say, "Come." And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalms 23:5) "And He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." (Revelation 22:1)

Like the woman at the well, desire the living water that is only available from Jesus the Christ. The Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the ending. Our Lord God who became our Saviour and knows each and every one of us by name. The scriptures state that "if we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

Indeed, "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6) This is the Jesus we serve and He never fails.

Stand in the offering plate.

And They Shall Know That I Am The Lord, I Even I AM - Part 2274

"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship Him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." (Revelation 13:8)

We hear a lot these days about the end times, and the apocalypse with Armageddon type references. Thankfully, the underlying message within the book of Revelation is for believers to understand that Jesus is our Lord God and Saviour, and that we are to worship Him -- the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world. But many get caught up in determining the signs of the times, and how prophecy is being fulfilled, and fail to see how much love our Lord God had for His people -- that He would willing pay the price once and for all for our sins. He paid the purchase price for you and I.

Nevertheless, Revelation 13 makes some important points that those who believe need to understand. Thus, I have copied this chapter below for your learning and edification. Written by John while on the island of Patmos, he sees a vision.

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified [it] by His angel unto His servant John: who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." (Revelation 1:1-3)

Continuing, after the risen Jesus has spoken to the seven churches, John writes, "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, "Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His Name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are NOT written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

If any man have an ear, let him hear -- he that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him, and causes the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six." (Revelation 13:1-18)

And later in Revelation 17, John writes:

"And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, "Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."

So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: and upon her forehead was a name written, "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (Revelation 17:1-5)

Lots to consider herein, but let's also not forget the many promises our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ has promised to His people. That is, that we will understand what is happening all around because we trust in the Lord Jesus for His wisdom and knowledge. And similarly, His people will never worship the beast.

Indeed, from Daniel: "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." (Daniel 12:10)

Stand in the offering plate.

Who Was Foreordained Before The Foundation Of The World, But Was Manifest In These Last Times For You! - Part 2273

"... who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you." (I Peter 1:20)

“The Spirit of the Lord God [is] upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Jesus later cites this same prophet Esaias (Isaiah) when He walked on this earth, proclaiming,“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, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:17-19)

Why is this important? Because every scripture has a corresponding scripture (at least one but can be many more than one) confirming every teaching and doctrine in the Bible. In some ways, the Word can be likened to a puzzle wherein each piece needs a matching piece to fit -- or else the puzzle cannot be finished. This is why Jesus laid the foundation, and apostle Paul later writing:

"According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 3:10-14)

"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!" (Ephesians 1:4)

"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone]." (Ephesians 2:20)

"For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26)

God knew from the very beginning, even when the world was still void, that He had a people who we're not His people, but would eventually be His people -- a chosen people, who would worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. And that these same believers would search the scriptures so that they could personally know and understand how much our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ loved His beloved creation. 

Give us this day our daily bread. That is, Jesus who is the Bread of Life.

If you have not asked Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your life, today is the day. If you have ventured away from your first love, it's time to come back because the Lord Jesus has a wonderful purpose just for you. Meditate on these things this day. Open your New Testament anywhere and begin reading. Therein you will find life in abundance! 

Stand in the offering plate.