"What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness." (Romans 9:31)
Sadly, professing believers too often skirt around scriptures that do not align with traditional, religious dogma. I was reminded of this from an article I was reading that focused specifically on Acts 2:42-47. There was no mention of the instructions pertaining to salvation -- that led those first 3,000 souls to be saved on the day of Pentecost. Neither was there any attention focused on how this large number of people came into "one accord" -- or for that matter, even the message that Peter (standing with the eleven) preached. (Acts 2:36-41; Hebrews 6:1-2)
That is, "repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-41)
Indeed, it felt like a message without foundation -- that the church is akin to a social club without any absolute as the Head of the body of Christ church. Thankfully, there was some mention of "continuing steadfastly" in the apostles' doctrine, which may cause some believers to search for further clarity -- what exactly does this mean? -- but my concern is for new believers who may not understand that the reason the early church became the world changers they did is because they repented and were clothed in the righteousness of Jesus -- by being water baptized in His precious Name. (Acts 2:38-41; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21; Acts 8:12-16; Acts 4:12; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; Revelation 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20)
After all, did Jesus not instruct us to follow Him? Are we not to be baptized in the Name -- singular?
Why is this critical to understand? Because when we truly desire to follow Jesus as both Lord and Christ, as the Bread of Life, as the Shining Light so desperately needed to strengthen us in this world, longing after His unique purpose for our life, worshipping Him as our God and Saviour -- with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, our heart motivations and desires will change. And through that willingness to have the Lord Jesus establish our steps, we become transformed into His likeness. Our heart desires for the things of this world quickly diminishing. Our minds renewed because we too, like the early believers willingly put on His cloak of righteousness.
And as a consequence, Jesus writes His Name in our hearts. He cuddles us in His hand so that we might have abundant life in Him. But this love relationship is not done in a vacuum. We who profess to believe must desire the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, so that when we love Him (Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is ONE LORD!) we can flow His love through to others around us. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:29-31)
Therefore, in order to more effectively understand the intensiveness of the word desire, I compared it to my craving or hunger of hankering after chocolate (a weakness!) -- or more aptly put, that intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing for a chocolate bar that only it will satisfy. Other synonyms to describe 'desire' include: itching, longing after, a passion for, a thirst that is not easily quenched, an urge that continues and does not go away. A zeal. An eagerness or impatience to be satisfied. Similar to an obsession, a necessity or need, which we believe to be a requirement.
It is here that I ask the question? When we say we are following Jesus (as both our Lord and Christ), do we long after Him -- the One and Only Lord who offers the living water wherein we will never thirst again? Does our desire to follow Jesus include a passion for the heavenly; an eagerness or impatience to do His will that only He can satisfy. Again, that thirst and hunger that is not easily quenched.
Note that Peter was not speaking alone on the day of Pentecost. The eleven other apostles stood with him in one accord -- desiring also to become world changers, regardless of the cost. Do we believe as the psalmist did -- that in our desire to focus on the Lord as our Shepherd -- that we too shall not be moved because the Lord is always before our face. Does our heart rejoice and our tongues ever glad, and our flesh resting in His hope and joy?
Or, do we still have one foot in the world, straddling the fence, hoping that somewhere along the way, the Lord will bless us for our half-heartedness? It is an honest question that hopefully causes each and every one of us to examine ourselves.
At the end of the day, the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep should be our focus. For we certainly were His when after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... (Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16) Meditate on these things this day!
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Sunday, February 24, 2019
His Love Abounds; The Invitation To Come Still Extended To Those Seeking His Forever Peace and Joy - Part 2291
And the Lord of hosts will bring you again into the place wherein you will no longer be captive to the trinkets of this world, but instead, you will know the truth that will set you free! The determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God -- whom they/we have crucified before professing Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour in our hearts, before humbly coming before the throne of grace, asking for His mercy.
After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... (Titus 3:4-7)
Who is the King that sits upon the throne of David? Matthew writes -- "And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
The Bread of Life! The Light of this Word!
Stand in the offering plate.
After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... (Titus 3:4-7)
Who is the King that sits upon the throne of David? Matthew writes -- "And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
The Bread of Life! The Light of this Word!
Stand in the offering plate.
Because Ye Have Not Hearkened Unto My Words, Saith The Lord! - Part 2290
Continuing in Jeremiah 29, we learn what happens when we reject the Lord God our Saviour Jesus the Christ ... because ye would not hear! That is, "My people perish for lack of knowledge!" (Hosea 4:6) Because "ye would not hearken to My words," saith the Lord.
Because you preferred to be carried away captive to the things of this world, and listen instead to those prophets who were not servants of the Lord -- those whom the Lord did not raise up for His glory and praise and honour; those with other agendas that do not include preaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Moreover, "because ye have said, "The Lord hath raised us up prophets in Babylon," -- [know] that thus saith the Lord of the King that sits upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwells in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity; thus saith the Lord of hosts --- "Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.
And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them: because they have not hearkened to My words," saith the Lord, "which I sent unto them by My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them]; but ye would not hear," saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 29:5-19)
As we know too from other scriptures, those who failed to hearken to the voice of the Lord did not want to hear the truth, and thus, chose instead to kill the prophets who brought unto them the Word of the Lord.
Still, there is hope!
Because regardless of what the modern day worldly and religious leaders say, the dayspring from on high has visited His people. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, as promised by the prophet Isaiah. God willingly became our Saviour. And now, as we know from Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost, He that ye crucified is both Lord and Christ. And this same He continues to perform His Good Word toward us, if we place our trust in Him.
JESUS -- the Only Name whereby we must be saved! (Acts 4:12; Acts 2:36-41; I Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:9; Matthew 1:21-23)
His thoughts of peace toward those who love Him (not of evil), to give to each and every one of us who believe in Him by faith -- "an expected end!" His purpose within our heart -- if we would only hear His Word -- the Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14; I Timothy 3:16)
What do we need to do? We need to stand fast in the liberty that is Christ! We need to trust that the Lord will perform His Good Word toward us, and set us free forevermore. We need not to be deceived by those who willingly strive to put us in bondage, that move us away from the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God -- purposely leading us astray from the Way, the Truth, and the Life -- the Lord Jesus the Christ.
Most of all, we need to take hold of the fact that "after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... the One and Only who willingly took our place on and old rugged cross so that we might know Him in His fullness. (Titus 3:4-7)
For as He saith, "I will cause you to return to this place, wherein you will know the thoughts that I thing toward you -- the thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Stand in the offering plate.
Because you preferred to be carried away captive to the things of this world, and listen instead to those prophets who were not servants of the Lord -- those whom the Lord did not raise up for His glory and praise and honour; those with other agendas that do not include preaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Moreover, "because ye have said, "The Lord hath raised us up prophets in Babylon," -- [know] that thus saith the Lord of the King that sits upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwells in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity; thus saith the Lord of hosts --- "Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.
And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them: because they have not hearkened to My words," saith the Lord, "which I sent unto them by My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them]; but ye would not hear," saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 29:5-19)
As we know too from other scriptures, those who failed to hearken to the voice of the Lord did not want to hear the truth, and thus, chose instead to kill the prophets who brought unto them the Word of the Lord.
Still, there is hope!
Because regardless of what the modern day worldly and religious leaders say, the dayspring from on high has visited His people. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, as promised by the prophet Isaiah. God willingly became our Saviour. And now, as we know from Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost, He that ye crucified is both Lord and Christ. And this same He continues to perform His Good Word toward us, if we place our trust in Him.
JESUS -- the Only Name whereby we must be saved! (Acts 4:12; Acts 2:36-41; I Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:9; Matthew 1:21-23)
His thoughts of peace toward those who love Him (not of evil), to give to each and every one of us who believe in Him by faith -- "an expected end!" His purpose within our heart -- if we would only hear His Word -- the Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14; I Timothy 3:16)
What do we need to do? We need to stand fast in the liberty that is Christ! We need to trust that the Lord will perform His Good Word toward us, and set us free forevermore. We need not to be deceived by those who willingly strive to put us in bondage, that move us away from the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God -- purposely leading us astray from the Way, the Truth, and the Life -- the Lord Jesus the Christ.
Most of all, we need to take hold of the fact that "after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... the One and Only who willingly took our place on and old rugged cross so that we might know Him in His fullness. (Titus 3:4-7)
For as He saith, "I will cause you to return to this place, wherein you will know the thoughts that I thing toward you -- the thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Stand in the offering plate.
For I Know The Thoughts That I Think Toward You, Saith The Lord, Peace And Good Will To All - Part 2289
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," saith the Lord, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
In this specific passage, Jeremiah has just scribed these words as a letter and sent it to the "residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon; (after that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;) by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon). (Jeremiah 29:1-4)
No small audience and indeed, to some extent all inclusive. Within, Jeremiah is relaying to those carried away as captives what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel saith.
"Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; build ye houses, and dwell [in them]; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace."
In other words, worship Me, saith the Lord, and I will give you rest! Worship Me and I will cause you to be fruitful and increased there -- not diminished. Worship Me and ye shall eat the fruit of your labour and be satisfied. Pray unto the Lord, seeking His wisdom and counsel, for all this and much more, for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace, saith the Lord.
Further, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; "Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy FALSELY unto you in My Name: I have NOT sent them," saith the Lord.
How do we know this to be true?
For thus saith the Lord, "That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I WILL VISIT YOU, and perform My Good Word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," saith the Lord, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you," saith the Lord: "and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you," saith the Lord; "and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive!'
And, as we now know, the Lord did come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) God was manifest in the flesh so that we could behold His glory -- the Great Shepherd who willingly became our Saviour. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16) The same Lord, the King that sits upon the Throne of David, who personally delivered to us His plan of salvation, shedding His precious, holy blood so that we might have life in Him. (Acts 20:28)
This is the blessing for this day, that we can know the Name of the God who is written in our hearts. His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:18-21)
The Great I AM -- King of kings and Lord of lords forever and ever, amen!
Stand in the offering plate.
In other words, worship Me, saith the Lord, and I will give you rest! Worship Me and I will cause you to be fruitful and increased there -- not diminished. Worship Me and ye shall eat the fruit of your labour and be satisfied. Pray unto the Lord, seeking His wisdom and counsel, for all this and much more, for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace, saith the Lord.
Further, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; "Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy FALSELY unto you in My Name: I have NOT sent them," saith the Lord.
How do we know this to be true?
For thus saith the Lord, "That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I WILL VISIT YOU, and perform My Good Word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," saith the Lord, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you," saith the Lord: "and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you," saith the Lord; "and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive!'
And, as we now know, the Lord did come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) God was manifest in the flesh so that we could behold His glory -- the Great Shepherd who willingly became our Saviour. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16) The same Lord, the King that sits upon the Throne of David, who personally delivered to us His plan of salvation, shedding His precious, holy blood so that we might have life in Him. (Acts 20:28)
This is the blessing for this day, that we can know the Name of the God who is written in our hearts. His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:18-21)
The Great I AM -- King of kings and Lord of lords forever and ever, amen!
Stand in the offering plate.
When We Seek The Lord, We Will Find Him, When We Search For Him With All Our Heart - Part 2288
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," saith the Lord, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Jeremiah was a prophet, whose reputation as a prophet of the Lord was confirmed because he always spoke the words/Word of the Lord. Not his or her own opinion in some paraphrased form, wherein what results (sadly!) is a collection of man's wisdom and thoughts, and not that of the Lord God but he spoke what the Lord wanted to speak to the people.
That is, thoughts of peace and not of evil -- to give us an expected end! It is in this context that when we seek the Lord, we shall find Him -- when we search for Him with all our heart.
This is confirmed by the first commandment in both the old covenant and again when Jesus spoke to the scribe in the New Testament. That is, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord ... and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:29-31)
In this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6)
He is God our Saviour, who down from His glory came to bring us abundant life in Him.
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
I AM The God Of Abraham, The God Of Isaac, And The God Of Jacob - Part 2287
Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle Jesus in His talk. To do so, they sent out unto Him their own disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Master, we know that Thou art true, and teach the way of God in truth, neither care Thou for any [man]: for Thou regards not the person of men. Tell us therefore, "What thinkest Thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?" (Matthew 22:15-16; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26; Mark 3:6; Mark 8:15)
Certain of the Pharisees and the Herodians had gone to see Jesus -- to catch Him in His words. Their question -- "is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?" But Jesus knowing their hypocrisy said unto them, "Why tempt ye Me? Bring Me a penny, that I may see [it]." (Mark 12:14-17)
Indeed, Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why tempt ye Me, ye hypocrites? Shew Me the tribute money." And they brought unto Him a penny. And He saith unto them, "Whose is this image and superscription?" They say unto Him, "Cæsar’s" ... then saith Jesus unto them, "Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s." When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:12; Romans 13:7; Matthew 17:25)
Remember, in those days that Jesus was born, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. (Luke 2:1-7) But I digress.
But the day was not finished yet. We see that on the same day came to Jesus the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked Him, saying, "Master, Moses said -- If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. "
Again, the authorities of that day trying to trick Jesus and catch Him in His words. But what did Jesus say? Jesus answered and said unto them, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:23-32; Exodus 3:6; Acts 7:32; Matthew 21:16; Matthew 18:10; Psalm 103:20; John 20:9; Acts 4:1; Matthew 3:7)
And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine. We see later in the scriptures that these same priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees were not happy when the people came to hear about Jesus and the resurrection from the dead, because many of them which heard the Word believed. (Acts 4:1-4)
Continuing, we see that Jesus had put the Sadducees to silence. As a consequence, the Pharisees gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked Jesus a question, tempting Him, and saying, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said unto him, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:33-40; Luke 7:30; Luke 14:3; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Luke 10:27; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 19:18)
Remember, the rich young ruler asking Jesus, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16-19)
"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this -- thous shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Galatians 5:14)
Returning to Matthew's account, we once again see the Pharisees gathered together. Jesus asks them, saying, "What think ye of Christ? whose Son is He?" They say unto Him, "The Son of David." He saith unto them, "How then doth David in Spirit call Him Lord, saying, "The Lord said unto My Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? If David then call Him Lord, how is He His Son?"
And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions. (Matthew 22:15-46) Indeed, as the scriptures saith, "For Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17)
In closing, Paul gives us some good counsel, writing that as we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially. unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10; John 12:35; Ephesians 2:19)
Stand in the offering plate.
Certain of the Pharisees and the Herodians had gone to see Jesus -- to catch Him in His words. Their question -- "is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?" But Jesus knowing their hypocrisy said unto them, "Why tempt ye Me? Bring Me a penny, that I may see [it]." (Mark 12:14-17)
Indeed, Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why tempt ye Me, ye hypocrites? Shew Me the tribute money." And they brought unto Him a penny. And He saith unto them, "Whose is this image and superscription?" They say unto Him, "Cæsar’s" ... then saith Jesus unto them, "Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s." When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:12; Romans 13:7; Matthew 17:25)
Remember, in those days that Jesus was born, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. (Luke 2:1-7) But I digress.
But the day was not finished yet. We see that on the same day came to Jesus the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked Him, saying, "Master, Moses said -- If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. "
Again, the authorities of that day trying to trick Jesus and catch Him in His words. But what did Jesus say? Jesus answered and said unto them, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:23-32; Exodus 3:6; Acts 7:32; Matthew 21:16; Matthew 18:10; Psalm 103:20; John 20:9; Acts 4:1; Matthew 3:7)
And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine. We see later in the scriptures that these same priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees were not happy when the people came to hear about Jesus and the resurrection from the dead, because many of them which heard the Word believed. (Acts 4:1-4)
Continuing, we see that Jesus had put the Sadducees to silence. As a consequence, the Pharisees gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked Jesus a question, tempting Him, and saying, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said unto him, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:33-40; Luke 7:30; Luke 14:3; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Luke 10:27; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 19:18)
Remember, the rich young ruler asking Jesus, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16-19)
"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this -- thous shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Galatians 5:14)
Returning to Matthew's account, we once again see the Pharisees gathered together. Jesus asks them, saying, "What think ye of Christ? whose Son is He?" They say unto Him, "The Son of David." He saith unto them, "How then doth David in Spirit call Him Lord, saying, "The Lord said unto My Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? If David then call Him Lord, how is He His Son?"
And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions. (Matthew 22:15-46) Indeed, as the scriptures saith, "For Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17)
In closing, Paul gives us some good counsel, writing that as we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially. unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10; John 12:35; Ephesians 2:19)
Stand in the offering plate.
Standing Fast In The Liberty Wherewith Christ Hath Made Us Free - Part 2286
Continuing from the previous post, it is good to remember that Jesus was also accused by those in authority of sidestepping the Law. Even though Jesus preached the good news gospel to one and all, and was willing to lay down His life for His sheep, Jesus also had to summarize the ten commandments into two for the scribe, who asked, "Which is the first commandment of all?" (Mark 12:29-31; Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-28)
Jesus answered, and said, "The first of all the commandments is, 'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One Lord! And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' There is none other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:28-31)
And when the scribe came near to Jesus, after responding discreetly, He said unto him, "Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God!" (Matthew 22:46: Luke 12:34)
Is this a question that we can ask of ourselves on this day? Meditate upon The Word of God this day, and come to know Him as your personal Saviour. The Great I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.
Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus answered, and said, "The first of all the commandments is, 'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One Lord! And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' There is none other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:28-31)
And when the scribe came near to Jesus, after responding discreetly, He said unto him, "Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God!" (Matthew 22:46: Luke 12:34)
Is this a question that we can ask of ourselves on this day? Meditate upon The Word of God this day, and come to know Him as your personal Saviour. The Great I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.
Stand in the offering plate.
If Righteousness Come By The Law; Then Christ Is Dead In Vain - Part 2285
"For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely -- "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Romans 13:9-10)
Why? Because love works no ill to his neighbour: therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:9-10)
In another place, Paul writes to owe no man any thing, but to love one another; for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8)
And yet in another place, Paul asks, "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? [If it be yet] in vain. He therefore that ministers you the Spirit and works miracles among you, [does He it] by works of the law or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:3-5)
The answer to Gentiles -- Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], "In thee. shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (Galatians 3:6-9)
Note the scripture foreseeing told of these matters, that in this current dispensation of grace, no man can be justified by the law in the sight of God. Again, why? Because "the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith, but, "The man that does them shall live in them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree; that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith ..." (Galatians 3:11-14)
As Paul indicates, the function of the law was added because of the transgressions -- till the Seed should come to home the promise was made. So wherefore then serve the law? Does this mean the law is against the promises of God? Of course not. Indeed, God forbid; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scriptures hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came (under the old covenant), we were kept under the law, shut up unto faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:15-29)
Lots to take in this day! More to think about tomorrow too.
Why? Because love works no ill to his neighbour: therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:9-10)
In another place, Paul writes to owe no man any thing, but to love one another; for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8)
And yet in another place, Paul asks, "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? [If it be yet] in vain. He therefore that ministers you the Spirit and works miracles among you, [does He it] by works of the law or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:3-5)
The answer to Gentiles -- Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], "In thee. shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (Galatians 3:6-9)
Note the scripture foreseeing told of these matters, that in this current dispensation of grace, no man can be justified by the law in the sight of God. Again, why? Because "the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith, but, "The man that does them shall live in them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree; that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith ..." (Galatians 3:11-14)
As Paul indicates, the function of the law was added because of the transgressions -- till the Seed should come to home the promise was made. So wherefore then serve the law? Does this mean the law is against the promises of God? Of course not. Indeed, God forbid; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scriptures hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came (under the old covenant), we were kept under the law, shut up unto faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:15-29)
Lots to take in this day! More to think about tomorrow too.
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, February 18, 2019
Nothing Shall Be Able To Separate Us From The Love Of God, Which Is In Christ Jesus Our Lord - Part 2284
"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 8:38-39)
When Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, wrote o the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: he began by saying, "Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 1:1-2)
And again, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ ..." (Ephesians 1:3) Had Paul stopped here, we would not understand the Godhead, wherein Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:6) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) Or that God willingly became our Saviour, shedding His precious, holy blood for you and I. (Acts 20:28) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18)
And again, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ ..." (Ephesians 1:3) Had Paul stopped here, we would not understand the Godhead, wherein Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:6) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) Or that God willingly became our Saviour, shedding His precious, holy blood for you and I. (Acts 20:28) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18)
It is only when we continue reading the scriptures that we begin to see how the Lord's salvation plan, from the very beginning, was structured in such a way that we who believe in Him by faith might be saved.
" ... 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 1:1-14)
Did you count the number of references to Him and/or His? Not them, or a triune or triad but single -- Him. He hath chosen us in Him. He hath made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we have redemption through His blood. And this same He is going to gather together in one all things in Christ, both in heaven and which are on earth -- even in Him. This is why we hear the Word of truth, the gospel of our salvation -- in whom also after that ye believers are sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.
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 predestines us into 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 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 ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that ye believers, 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.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him ..." (Ephesians 1:17)
The Father of mercies -- who came forth as a mighty man so that we might have everlasting life. (Isaiah 42:13) In this dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Thus, Those Who Doth The Will Of God Abides Forever - Part 2283
Often, the word "doeth" is linked with believing in Jesus by faith. In the old covenant side, the word doeth is associated directly with the Law and the Ten Commandments, and the doeth as part of those instructions. When the Lord God came forth as a mighty man to become our Saviour on the cross, we see some cross over from the old when Jesus spoke to the Jews.
But after the cross, whereby the Lord God Himself became the perfect sacrifice for our sins, the doeth that was commanded in the old, should now come forth as a desire to do His will from our heart. In other words, there is an interesting transition taking place -- again, revealing that on the new testament side (the dispensation of grace in which we live today), the Lord has declared peace and good will to all, and from our hearts we should be singing and rejoicing continually, "Glory to God in the highest!" (Luke 2:14) But I digress, somewhat.
In the gospels, Jesus repeatedly preaches the Kingdom of God, and how we must believe on Him who was sent. We must "hear ye Him" -- Jesus -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) But as we note from the gospels as well, many did not see or accept Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. The promised Christ that was spoken of by the prophets and psalmist from afore. In fact, those in high places desired to kill Jesus.
As we know, this did not stop Jesus from preaching the good news gospel to anyone who would listen, and those who (like Jesus' disciples) desired in their hearts to "follow Me!" We see this when Jesus is teaching specifically to His disciples on the mountain. He begins with the simple commands of life -- the beatitudes -- and how He -- Jesus has come to fulfill the Law. To make a new covenant with His beloved creation and thus making the first old. (Hebrews 8:13)
"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." (Hebrews 9:15-28)
So, here we find Jesus saying to His disciples on the mountain -- "Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17)
Then Jesus continues by comparing the old teachings with the new and elaborating on how the new testament will differ from the old. In so doing, Jesus is revealing to His twelve disciples what new testament believers in Him by faith should look like, and how His disciples would become that "city on a hill" for Him. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Often, Jesus begins by elaborating on what not to do -- "For I say unto you -- that except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20) "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God -- for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes!" (Romans 10:3-4)
Then comes the doeth -- the instruction of how believers in Jesus by faith in this new testament side differ from those in the world. "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time -- "Thou shalt not kill" and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say unto you -- that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, "Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." (Matthew 5:20-25)
Herein, Jesus is changing the law in the first, from the laws written in stone to a new law that He has written in our hearts. From commandments in the old testament -- to faith in our hearts that our salvation might be "by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. (Romans 4:16)
His abundance of love now extending far beyond the Israelites/Jews to the Gentiles, who God has concluded them "all" in unbelief that He might have mercy upon all. (Romans 11:30-36) "For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." (Romans 11:27; Isaiah 27:9) The Lord Jesus Himself -- God becoming our Savior -- the Word made flesh -- in order to transition from the old into the new. This is why there is more than a blank page between the old and the new.
For "death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression -- who is the figure of Him that was to come ... for if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one -- Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:14-21)
Thus, herein, Jesus (in the gospels) is teaching about the "not" in the old before explaining the "doeth" that comes from desiring more of Him -- Jesus -- within our hearts.
For example, the not -- "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise, ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven" "Therefore, when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men." But rather, as Jesus so aptly points out -- "Verily, I say unto you -- they have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thine left hand know what thy right hand doeth; that thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly ..." (Matthew 6:1-4)
Continuing this instruction further, Jesus said, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock ... And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand." (Matthew 7:24-26) For not everyone that saith unto Me, "Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)
"Whosoever cometh to Me, and hears My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like ... but he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:47-49)
Why is the doeth so important? As Jesus said, "For every one that doeth evil hates the Light, neither comes to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth comes to the Light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:20-21)
Jesus confirmed that He is the Light of the world.
"There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came for a witness to bear witness of that Light, that all [men] through Him might believe ... he was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that comes into the world. 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, but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, to them that believe on His Name." (John 1:1-18)
What else is important? To come full circle, Jesus says, "For [there is] no man [that] doeth any thing in secret, [while] He Himself seeks to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world." (John 7:4)
In John 9, Jesus states, "As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." (John 9:5) There is a perfect example of this when the Jews did not believe concerning the man that Jesus healed, and received his sight. In that example, Jesus made clay and opened the man's eyes. The Jews even went so far as to question the man's parents, who referred them back to their son for his own testimony, "for the Jews had agreed already that if any man did confess that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
But how does this healed man later respond to further questioning by the Jews, that included "Give God the praise: we know this man is a sinner." (John 9:24)
The man says, "Whether he be a sinner [or no], I know not:one thing I know that whereas I was blind, now I see." Then said they to him again, "What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already, and ye did not hear. Wherefore would ye hear it again? Will you also be His disciples?" Then they reviled him and said, "Thou are His disciple but we are Moses' disciple. We know that God spake unto Moses; as for this [fellow], we know not from whence He is."
The man answered and said unto them, "Why herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners, but if any man be a worshipper of God and does His will, him He hears. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God He could do nothing." (John 9:1-31)
When Jesus heard that they had cast this man out, "Does thou believe on the Son of God?" He answered and said, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on Him?" And Jesus said unto the man, "Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talks with thee." And he said. "Lord, I believe." And he worshipped Him. And Jesus said, "For judgement I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." (John 9:35-39)
Other scriptures that confirm "doeth" with believing in Jesus by faith? That if any man be a worshipper of God and doeth His will that him He heareth?
Therefore, as Jesus said, "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." (John 14:10)
"And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them." (Galatians 3:12)
"Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free." (Ephesians 6:8) [Note: Jew or Gentile]
"And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever." (I John 2:17)
"If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him." (I John 2:29)
"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous." (I John 3:7)
And finally, "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." (I John 3:10)
"Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." (3 John 1:11)
Yes, in believing there is also a doeth but the doeth is not of works lest any man should boast, but rather the doeth is of thankfulness for the work that the Lord wroughts in us ... and this thankfulness comes from the heart. Stand in the offering plate.
But after the cross, whereby the Lord God Himself became the perfect sacrifice for our sins, the doeth that was commanded in the old, should now come forth as a desire to do His will from our heart. In other words, there is an interesting transition taking place -- again, revealing that on the new testament side (the dispensation of grace in which we live today), the Lord has declared peace and good will to all, and from our hearts we should be singing and rejoicing continually, "Glory to God in the highest!" (Luke 2:14) But I digress, somewhat.
In the gospels, Jesus repeatedly preaches the Kingdom of God, and how we must believe on Him who was sent. We must "hear ye Him" -- Jesus -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) But as we note from the gospels as well, many did not see or accept Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. The promised Christ that was spoken of by the prophets and psalmist from afore. In fact, those in high places desired to kill Jesus.
As we know, this did not stop Jesus from preaching the good news gospel to anyone who would listen, and those who (like Jesus' disciples) desired in their hearts to "follow Me!" We see this when Jesus is teaching specifically to His disciples on the mountain. He begins with the simple commands of life -- the beatitudes -- and how He -- Jesus has come to fulfill the Law. To make a new covenant with His beloved creation and thus making the first old. (Hebrews 8:13)
"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." (Hebrews 9:15-28)
So, here we find Jesus saying to His disciples on the mountain -- "Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17)
Then Jesus continues by comparing the old teachings with the new and elaborating on how the new testament will differ from the old. In so doing, Jesus is revealing to His twelve disciples what new testament believers in Him by faith should look like, and how His disciples would become that "city on a hill" for Him. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Often, Jesus begins by elaborating on what not to do -- "For I say unto you -- that except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20) "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God -- for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes!" (Romans 10:3-4)
Then comes the doeth -- the instruction of how believers in Jesus by faith in this new testament side differ from those in the world. "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time -- "Thou shalt not kill" and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say unto you -- that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, "Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." (Matthew 5:20-25)
Herein, Jesus is changing the law in the first, from the laws written in stone to a new law that He has written in our hearts. From commandments in the old testament -- to faith in our hearts that our salvation might be "by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. (Romans 4:16)
His abundance of love now extending far beyond the Israelites/Jews to the Gentiles, who God has concluded them "all" in unbelief that He might have mercy upon all. (Romans 11:30-36) "For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." (Romans 11:27; Isaiah 27:9) The Lord Jesus Himself -- God becoming our Savior -- the Word made flesh -- in order to transition from the old into the new. This is why there is more than a blank page between the old and the new.
For "death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression -- who is the figure of Him that was to come ... for if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one -- Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:14-21)
Thus, herein, Jesus (in the gospels) is teaching about the "not" in the old before explaining the "doeth" that comes from desiring more of Him -- Jesus -- within our hearts.
For example, the not -- "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise, ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven" "Therefore, when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men." But rather, as Jesus so aptly points out -- "Verily, I say unto you -- they have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thine left hand know what thy right hand doeth; that thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly ..." (Matthew 6:1-4)
Continuing this instruction further, Jesus said, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock ... And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand." (Matthew 7:24-26) For not everyone that saith unto Me, "Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)
"Whosoever cometh to Me, and hears My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like ... but he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:47-49)
Why is the doeth so important? As Jesus said, "For every one that doeth evil hates the Light, neither comes to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth comes to the Light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:20-21)
Jesus confirmed that He is the Light of the world.
"There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came for a witness to bear witness of that Light, that all [men] through Him might believe ... he was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that comes into the world. 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, but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, to them that believe on His Name." (John 1:1-18)
What else is important? To come full circle, Jesus says, "For [there is] no man [that] doeth any thing in secret, [while] He Himself seeks to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world." (John 7:4)
In John 9, Jesus states, "As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." (John 9:5) There is a perfect example of this when the Jews did not believe concerning the man that Jesus healed, and received his sight. In that example, Jesus made clay and opened the man's eyes. The Jews even went so far as to question the man's parents, who referred them back to their son for his own testimony, "for the Jews had agreed already that if any man did confess that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
But how does this healed man later respond to further questioning by the Jews, that included "Give God the praise: we know this man is a sinner." (John 9:24)
The man says, "Whether he be a sinner [or no], I know not:one thing I know that whereas I was blind, now I see." Then said they to him again, "What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already, and ye did not hear. Wherefore would ye hear it again? Will you also be His disciples?" Then they reviled him and said, "Thou are His disciple but we are Moses' disciple. We know that God spake unto Moses; as for this [fellow], we know not from whence He is."
The man answered and said unto them, "Why herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners, but if any man be a worshipper of God and does His will, him He hears. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God He could do nothing." (John 9:1-31)
When Jesus heard that they had cast this man out, "Does thou believe on the Son of God?" He answered and said, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on Him?" And Jesus said unto the man, "Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talks with thee." And he said. "Lord, I believe." And he worshipped Him. And Jesus said, "For judgement I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." (John 9:35-39)
Other scriptures that confirm "doeth" with believing in Jesus by faith? That if any man be a worshipper of God and doeth His will that him He heareth?
Therefore, as Jesus said, "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." (John 14:10)
"And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them." (Galatians 3:12)
"Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free." (Ephesians 6:8) [Note: Jew or Gentile]
"And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever." (I John 2:17)
"If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him." (I John 2:29)
"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous." (I John 3:7)
And finally, "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." (I John 3:10)
"Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." (3 John 1:11)
Yes, in believing there is also a doeth but the doeth is not of works lest any man should boast, but rather the doeth is of thankfulness for the work that the Lord wroughts in us ... and this thankfulness comes from the heart. Stand in the offering plate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)