But None Of These Things Move Me ... That I Might Finish My Course With Joy, And The Ministry, Which I Received Of the Lord Jesus - Part 2357

Jesus said to Annanias, concerning Saul -- "Go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel, for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16; Acts 13:2; Acts 21:11; Ephesians 3:7-8; II Corinthians 11:23-27)

For My Name's sake!

"If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)

Throughout the scriptures, the Lord our God identified Himself by a specific name -- so that His people would know Him. From the Old Testament, we know the Lord God used over 100 different names. In the New Testament (this current dispensation of grace in which we live), the angel of the Lord gave us one Name. That is, "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)

This verse in context - "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His Name JESUS." (Matthew 1:20-25)

So you know, this is the same Name the scriptures reference as the Cornerstone -- which (as Jesus states) the builders reject. (Isaiah 28:16) The same Name which Peter identifies as the Christ. (Acts 2:36) The same Name which is the ONLY NAME whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The same Name which is above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) The Name which the authorities in early church days forbid the apostles from preaching. The One and Only Name given by the angel of the Lord, when declaring "peace and good will to all!" 

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord." (Ephesians 2:20)

"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, "Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe [He is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner," (I Peter 2:6-7)

"And [Jesus] beheld them, and said, "What is this then that is written -- The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? " (Luke 20:17)

"And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:" (Mark 12:10)

"This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner." (Acts 4:11)

Jesus saith unto them, "Did ye never read in the scriptures -- "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner." This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" (Matthew 21:42)

But too many who profess to believe are on the outside of the body of Christ church looking in. Peering inside the windows for a glimpse of the peace and joy that comes from the Comforter, the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of the Lord our God dwelling within --- who have decided to reject the Name of JESUS, even though the scriptures are clear that everything we do in both word or deed must be in the Name of JESUS. 

Nevertheless, those who understand the message Peter (standing with the eleven) gave on the day of Pentecost are (like apostle Paul) so thankful to "serve the Lord with all humility of mind; and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews, and how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you] but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (Acts 20:23)

Stand in the offering plate.

For By One Spirit Are We All Baptized Into One Body - Part 2356

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. ..." (I Corinthians 12:1-3)

In previous posts, we saw that through the laying on of hands by Apostles Peter and John, the gift of the Holy Ghost was given to the believing Samaritans. Although the scriptural record does not explicitly state that the Samaritans spoke in tongues when they received the Holy Ghost, we are able to assume that because of the number of other examples cited in the Bible (whereby tongues accompanied the entrance of the Holy Ghost into believers), that the same gift was given to the Samarians too.

We should also note that this was both a momentous and eventful occasion. If we read the scriptures we note that Simon, a sorcerer was compelled to offer the apostles money, hoping to obtain the same gift as was being manifest around him. In response to Simon's request, the apostles told Simon that his money should perish with him if he thinks for a moment that money could buy the gift of the Holy Ghost.

As a sidebar to this conversation, the gifts of the Holy Ghost include the indwelling presence of the holy Spirit of Jesus, wherein He says, "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." But in relation to the gift of tongues, it is a topic that has admittedly been much debated among religious institutions. Questions have come forward including whether it is reasonable in the 21st century to assume that born again believers today could still speak in tongues. Thus, become recipients of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

[As an fyi, one of the favoured verses used by institutions for opposing the gift of tongues is the scripture that states tongues will cease.]

Unfortunately, it is only this portion of the verse that they rely on. In so doing, they withhold the rest of the verse which of course mentions ‘when” tongues will cease. That is, "when that which is perfect is come." These institutions also forget that tongues were given as a sign. Not to them that believe but tongues were given as a sign to those that don’t believe.

Sadly, these neither distinguish between the tongues of men and the tongues of angels in their discussions. To many, tongues is simply another language. This may be, in part, because the modern day religious community does not want their congregations to know what occurred on the day of Pentecost. But I digress.

Continuing, it is important to recognize that he or she who speaks in an unknown tongue (whether it be tongues of men or angels, or a completely unknown tongue) is not conversing with men. No, they are speaking directly to God. The person praying is praying to God in a Spirit language. Although his or her understanding of what he or she is praying is unfruitful to them personally, or at least in their natural mind, speaking in tongues represents a pouring out of one's heart to the Lord. And, as the scriptures declare, a person who speaks in tongues will be edified; strengthened.

Put another way, in the Spirit one is speaking mysteries. Still, even though the praying believers' understanding may seem unfruitful, the praying believers are edified in spirit. For assuredly the believer rightly knows that God knows what is on their mind and in their heart when they pray. Often, the believer quietly prays in spirit and at times he or she prays also with her natural tongue of understanding.

What then is the teaching that believers who the Lord Himself has given the gift of tongues should cease? Indeed, believers ought to continue praying quietly in the Spirit until the need of the spirit rests. For God who hears and sees in secret shall reward openly. At the same time, the gifted believer should pray to receive the gift of interpretation that accompanies the gift of tongues, in order that the believer’s understanding will be nourished.

For in the Spirit, the believer speaks mysteries. Paul the apostle to the Gentiles expressed that he spoke with / in tongues more than all the ones he was addressing.

"I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." (I Corinthians 14: 16-17)

As a crescendo, the scriptures also state that believers should not be forbidden to speak in tongues. How do the scriptures put it? Desire spiritual gifts because every good and perfect gift comes from Jesus, the true God as a son. The same God who Himself fathered us at Calvary.

God as a son sacrificed Himself for His children, shedding His precious holy blood so that we might know personally our Creator. The same God who became our Saviour, and who willingly bestows His gifts upon His beloved body of Christ Church. From I Corinthians 12:
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

For to one is given by the Spirit the Word of wisdom; to another the Word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

But all these work that One and the Selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by One Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (I Corinthians 12:1-13)

Meditate on these scriptures for your edification, desirous of spiritual gifts, knowing that we are all baptized into one body, and that the Lord makes us all to drink into One Spirit -- in one accord, as were the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47)

Stand in the offering plate!

This Commandment Is For You; To Give Glory Unto My Name, Saith The Lord Of Hosts - Part 2355

"Have we not all One Father? Hath not One God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?" Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which He loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god." (Malachi 2:10-11)

"For the Lord, the God of Israel saith that He hates putting away: for one covers violence with his garment," saith the Lord of hosts, "therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. Ye have wearied the Lord with your words." Yet ye say, "Wherein have we wearied [Him]?" When ye say, "Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them" or, "Where is the God of judgment?" (Malachi 2:16-17)

To me, this speaks volumes about the current times in which we live, wherein the morally good is considered evil and the blatantly evil considered good. In fact, we don't have to look far to witness these kinds of societal changes. Public policy and legislative changes that used to include subtle amendments is increasingly becoming prevalent ... and the overall negative effect being felt within the social fabric.

The Lord warned us that these signs (and more) would appear in the last days. But even sadder also is the willingness by church leaders to preach anything and everything but His Word to their respective congregations -- the Word which gives life. Herein, we see the Word reconfirming that the One God who created us in the beginning --  that He is the Father. And that this same Lord, the God of Israel has a name. 

However, this is not the message being taught within a good proportion of the modern day religious culture. Rather, therein, the One Lord God who created us in the beginning has been changed into a triad, a triune, multi-headed god(s) rather than search the scriptures for understanding of the Great I AM. The One and Only Absolute. And herein the Lord our God is saying that we have dealt treacherously with Him, the covenant He has given to us, and, as well, our brothers and sisters. 

Specifically, the Lord is pinpointing their hearts, saying, "They have dealt treacherously against the Lord: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions." (Hosea 5:7) In another place, "But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against Me." (Hosea 6:7)  And again, "For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against Me," saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 5:11)

And for good measure, one more -- "Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel," saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 3:20) 

Thus, to emphasize the seriousness, I looked up the definition of "treacherously." An adverb, treacherously can be defined as any or all of the following: traitorous, disloyal, perfidious, faithless, unfaithful, duplicitous, false-hearted, deceitful, false, untrue, back-stabbing, double-crossing, double-dealing, two-faced, Janus-faced, untrustworthy, unreliable, undependable, fickle apostate, renegade, subversive, seditious, rebellious, mutinous, breakaway, dissenter, heretic, nonconformist defector, deserter, traitor, turncoat schismatic treasonable, or treasonous.

Moreover, in the scriptures, the word treacherously is used eighteen times by the prophets, once in Lamentations, and once more in the book of Judges. Again, most of the references point to how we -- the Lord's beloved creation -- deal treacherously with the Lord and His covenant. Even though one scripture attests to hearing songs, even glory to the righteous, the Lord still grieves for His people who will not return to Him. The Lord saith, "My leanness, My leanness -- woe unto Me. 

"From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, "My leanness, my leanness, woe unto Me! The treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously." (Isaiah 24:16)

In some ways, we can equate the underlying message herein to Jesus' words in Revelation 3:8-9:

"I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 3:8-9)

In other words, if we don't actually know His Name, how can we who believe give glory unto His Name? This is a good question, and particularly relevant when it is asked in the context of today's religious ceremony and sacraments. Taking this thought further, we who believe should know in whom we serve -- should we not? Most certainly, the angel of the Lord declared His Name for one and all to behold. 

From Matthew 1:21-23: "And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." 

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

But I digress somewhat. Getting back to treacherous, Isaiah the prophet alludes to a grievous vision -- "A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer deals treacherously, and the spoiler spoils ..." (Isaiah 21:2)

And in another place, "Yea, thou heard not; yea, thou knew not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb." (Isaiah 48:8) 

Why is this message important? "... for the Lord God of Israel hath spoken [it]." (Isaiah 21:17) And in spite of ourselves, this same Lord God who willingly became our Saviour continues to invite us to know Him and His mercy this day. Yes, His Name Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The visible image of an invisible God. (Hebrews 1:1-12; Revelation 1:8) The One and Only who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross. (Acts 20:28) 

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

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

Thus, when we have tasted and seen the goodness of the Lord our God, knowing that He alone is righteous and merciful, we should not be looking for another to worship. Rather, we should be taking hold of His Word -- and in everything we do, in both word and deed, do so in the Name of the Lord Jesus. The same Lord Jesus which the scriptures describe as the Author and Finisher of our faith, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8)

But instead, many religious organizations have delegated this same Jesus to a back seat, dividing the One and Only Almighty King of kings and Lord of lords into thirds; into titles that never validate His Name. In this context, God is described as "them" and not Him. As multi-headed and described as titles rather than One. This outcome even when the very first commandment begins, stating, "Hear O Israel that the Lord thy God is ONE LORD." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

Did our congregational leaders miss this part when they parrot the Ten Commandments to our children? Certainly, many miss declaring the scripture that states -- " to make all [men] see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 3:9)

But the Lord warns against those who speak fair words, intent on tickling our ears, so that we never learn the truth -- the One and Only absolute. What does the Lord say? "Believe them not, though they speak fair words unto Thee." (Jeremiah 12:6) 

On the New Testament side, James further elaborates:

"Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you; your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth eaten; your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until He receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh.

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the Name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy ... 

... Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:1-20) 

You see, like Jesus, the prophets spoke forward to these last days, warning us of those who would put us out of the synagogues -- for His Name's sake. The precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus -- whom the angel of the Lord declared at the beginning of this current New Testament dispensation of grace. The very Name that every knee will bow before and declare Jesus to be Lord of all.

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name: that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

"Have we not all One Father? Hath not One God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?" Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which He loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god." (Malachi 2:10-11)

Who is the strange god Malachi alludes to? The strange god is the triad, multiple headed god(s) message that has entrenched the modern day religious culture. As Malachi and apostle Paul further warns to them who preach not the whole gospel, those that deny the Name of the Lord Jesus in their midst, referring to God as "them" and not the One Lord who is God -- let them be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9) 

Let's finish with Malachi who writes:

"And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto My Name," saith the Lord of hosts, "I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it. And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi," saith the Lord of hosts. 

"My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared Me, and was afraid before My Name. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with Me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi," saith the Lord of hosts. "Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept My ways, but have been partial in the law." (Malachi 2:1-9)

But it does not have to be this way. Get into the Word of God (preferably a translation like the Authorized King James) and ask the Lord God to reveal Himself to you, and help you to understand that the "fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him" -- Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) 

Stand in the offering plate.

Rejoice: For In Thee, O Lord, Do I Hope: Thou Wilt Hear, O Lord My God - Part 2354

"Hear the Word of the LORD, ye that tremble at His Word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My Name's sake, said, "Let the Lord be glorified: but He shall appear to your joy and they shall be ashamed ..." (Isaiah 66:5)

Increasingly, the modern day religious culture is becoming akin to the religious establishment in the days when Jesus walked the earth. Similar to then, those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and were subsequently water baptized in His precious, holy Name (according to the scriptures) were hated for standing up for scriptural truths. As Paul alludes, some were jailed and imprisoned for their faith. Others were beaten and thrown over cliffs. Moreover, believers were cast out of synagogues, as prophesied by the Lord Jesus. 

Sadly, the same situation is happening today, particularly by those religious who falsely teach a triad, three-headed, trinitarian god. Or present to their congregations that the One God who created us in the very beginning is now divided into three persons -- as in 1/3 of God does this, and another 1/3 of God does that. Those self-declared religious leaders who water baptize their parishioners in the titles -- and not in the "Name" that Jesus and the apostles instruct us to do.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:36-41)

But thankfully, Jesus doesn't just tell us this will happen. In fact, Jesus goes further, saying, "Blessed [are ye] that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets." (Luke 6:21-23) 

He tells us to rejoice when people hate you and separate you from their company. He tells us we are blessed -- when men shall hate us for our faith. In fact, if we look into these specific scriptures further, Jesus tells us to rejoice and leap for joy! Imagine the message that would send to those self-declared authorities who kick us out of their religious establishments -- watching us rejoice and leaping for joy!

As I read from both Isaiah and Luke, I thought of the scriptural example of the young dead maid.

"While He yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s [house], saying to him, "Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master." But when Jesus heard [it], He answered him, saying, "Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole."

And when He came into the house, He suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but He said, "Weep not; she is not dead, but sleeps." And they laughed Him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

And He put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, "Maid, arise." And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and He commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but He charged them that they should tell no man what was done." (Luke 8:49-60)

The same account of miraculous healing from Mark:

"While He yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, "Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?" As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, "Be not afraid, only believe."

And He suffered no man to follow Him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And He cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and sees the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when He was come in, He saith unto them, "Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleeps."

And they laughed Him to scorn. But when He had put them all out, He takes the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with Him, and enters in where the damsel was lying. And He took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, "Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, 'Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.'"

And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And He charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat." (Mark 5:35-43)

In both accounts, these laughed Jesus to scorn. What did Jesus do? As He continues to this day to perform for His people who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength this day. That is, to turn every single situation (both good and bad) around for His glory. Herein, we see a miracle performed and the young maid brought to life. Herein, we also see Jesus separate the unbelievers from the believers.

Continuing in Isaiah 5:

"And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: but the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is Holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.

Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: that say, "Let Him make speed, and hasten His work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!"

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from Him!

Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel.

Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against His people, and He hath stretched forth His hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcasses were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still. (Isaiah 5:15-25)

The Lord God Almighty (His Name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace) is still saying, "The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool; where is the house that ye build unto Me? And where is the place of My rest. For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been," saith the Lord, "but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at My Word." (Isaiah 66:1-3)

So the next time you are thrown out of a church or despised from the modern day religious community for speaking in the precious holy Name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, meditate on these things, rejoicing and leaping for joy, and remembering Isaiah 66:5 -- wherein the Lord shall appear for your joy!

Stand in the offering plate.

Hearken Unto Me, O Jacob And Israel, My Called, I AM HE, I AM The First, I Also Am the Last, And Beside Me, There Is No God - Part 2353

"Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and His redeemer the LORD of hosts; "I AM the first, and I AM the last; and beside Me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)

"Hearken unto Me, O Jacob and Israel, My called; I AM He; I AM the first, I also am the last." (Isaiah 48:12)

On the old testament side, the prophets from afore and the psalmist were looking ahead to the promise of salvation that was still to come. But in the new testament, the promise is revealed. That is, the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning has made Himself known to His people.

"This day have I begotten Thee." (Psalm 2:7; Hebrews 1:5)

"So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He that said unto Him, "Thou art My Son, today have I begotten Thee." (Hebrews 5:5)

Indeed, when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she would bring forth a son, we begin to see God's plan of salvation come to fruition. His abundant love for His people displayed so that we -- His creation, whom He loved beyond measure -- could experience a personal relationship with Him.

Mary rejoiced in "God my Saviour."

"And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." (Luke 1:46-48)

Yes, the same Spirit of the Lord God that moved upon the waters in Genesis overshadowed a virgin to take on His human qualities. As Isaiah prophesied, God has prepared for Himself a body to inhabit so that we could be redeemed.

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

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

Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

After the cross .... after Jesus was taken up ... after Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles He had chosen .. He now returns to take up His residence within our hearts. Indeed, He is the same Spirit that was and is and always will be. Our God is one Lord! There is only one Spirit and He willingly manifested Himself to His creation. He willingly shed His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I. The Great Shepherd laying down His life for His sheep.

The greatest love story ever told. The One and Only Lord God who loved His beloved creation beyond measure, and is still inviting us come unto Him, and He will give us rest. He will fill our cups to overflowing, filling us with His joy and peace. And now too, that same Spirit of the Lord our God now dwells within us when we believe in Him.

But the modern day religious culture has tried to make the Him plural, suggesting that God could not have loved us so much that He would take on sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have abundant everlasting life in Him. Indeed, in many churches today, the Name of Jesus is never used, even though the angel of the Lord declared to one and all, "And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

Instead, the religious point to some three headed triad -- a council of separate, co-equal persons -- and consequently divided the Almighty God into thirds. But God has never described Himself as a trinity or triune. In fact, the One Lord our God as ONE GOD was never contested in the Old Testament. This only became a point of contention when Jesus said, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him." (John 14:6-12) Or, when Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30)

Or as we now know from John's revelation on Patmos Island, that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last." (Revelation 1:8)

Indeed, God is ONE and His name in this current dispensation of grace is Jesus!

Yes, Jesus Christ is the God of the Old Testament. Indeed, He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Our God is not separated nor divided and most certainly is not a multi-personality God! Rather, He is that one and same Spirit that has always existed from the beginning. The God of the Old Testament, He is the Creator of all things. And some day soon, that same God who willingly shed His precious blood for you and I is coming for His people.

"Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:7-8)

"And when I saw him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, "Fear not; I AM the first and the last: I AM He that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I AM alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:17-18)

"And He said unto me, "It is done. I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely ... he that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son." (Revelation 21:6-7)

"I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:13)

Don't let the religious of this day sidetrack you from the truth, the One and Only Absolute. Find an authentic "translated" New Testament (not a revised paraphrased version) and ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to reveal Himself unto you. And know that He is the Way, the truth, and the Life. His Name is JESUS.

Stand in the offering plate.

To Declare His Righteousness For the Remission of Sins That Are Past ... That He Might Be Just and The Justifier of Those Which Believe In Jesus - Part 2352

In the last post, considerable scripture was cited from Romans 3, which has been copied below for your learning and edification. Be richly blessed!

"What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, "That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto His glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, "There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus.

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews only? is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is One God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:1-31)

Stand in the offering plate.

But Now The Righteousness of God Without The Law Is Manifested - Part 2351

"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God ...

being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)

Apostle Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ and called to be an apostle is writing to all that be in Rome - those whom are also called of Jesus Christ -- and he is thanking God through Jesus Christ for them all. And at this point, Paul longs to see them, that he may import unto them some spiritual gift -- so that they to the end might be established. (Romans 1:1-11)

Paul also confirms that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first and also to the Greek, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17) 

Paul reiterates this same message later in Romans 3, wherein he states, "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." (Romans 3:21-23)

Why is there no difference? In this current dispensation of grace, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. If the message just stopped here, we would all be doomed. We would all be lost for eternity. Thankfully, the message continues -- "being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." 

Why is the righteousness of God without the law manifested? Because in this current dispensation of grace, the Lord God is doing a new thing wherein the dayspring from on high will visit His people. 

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)

"Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." (Isaiah 42:9)

As we know this has already happened. As the angel proclaimed, "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)

Both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him." (Mark 1:27)

Thus, moving forward, apostle Paul is sharing the Lord's salvation plan, and how He willingly levelled the playing field so that each and every one of us could come to Him, and experience His endless joy and mercy forevermore. So that we could return to the relationship the Lord had intended from the very beginning. 

Indeed, His abundant love clothing us in His righteousness. His peace dwelling within to the point where we are no longer lost but instead our hearts more desirous of Him. It is in this context that we now see the righteousness of God revealed -- which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. 

For God so loved the world! 

Yes, the mystery which was held in the bosom of the Father until now when He declared, "This day have I begotten Thee!" The mystery of godliness. (I Timothy 3:16) He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) Moreover, Paul is questioning circumcision, and how the righteousness of God "without the law" is manifested. And, as we know from Paul's writings elsewhere, the law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.

"But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. The law brings us to understand our need for faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:23-25)

Read that again -- but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Why are we no longer under a schoolmaster? Because the Lord Jesus has set us free. (Galatians 5:1) He has filled our hearts with His Spirit -- the Comforter, who will lead and guide us into all truth. Our minds renewed.

Please note that there is much more to be said here, and we will delve into these scriptures more in the days to come. Just remember that we who believe have been justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. The law of faith. And when we respond to His call through water baptism in His precious, holy Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus -- He will fill us too with His Spirit. 

Paul's conclusion? "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Galatians 3:25) 

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:14-16)

Stand in the offering plate.

Herein Is Love Made Perfect; In His Abundant, Everlasting Grace - Part 2350

"And it shall be said in that day, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." (Isaiah 25:9) 

In the scriptures, the term "in that day" refers to this current dispensation of grace, wherein the Lord willingly levelled the playing field so that each and every one of us could have an opportunity to abide in Him. As the Good Shepherd, He lay down His humanity so that we could come to the knowledge of His saving grace. That we might know -- by grace are we saved through faith, and that not of ourselves -- it is the gift of God.

Still, for those who may not know, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. This same God who created the earth and all that is within in the very beginning decided then that He would become our Saviour. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)

The mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father until this day! 

But for far too many, the modern day religious culture with all its ordinances and sacraments (and sadly, as well idols) has taken root, and as a consequence, too many believers have moved away from rejoicing, praying without ceasing, and giving continual praise to the Lord, confessing His precious, holy Name to one and all. 

It is herein that questions need to be asked that will prompt us to return to the Lord our God who loves us beyond measure. For this, we look into an example Mark elaborated upon -- when Jesus came into His own country to teach in the synagogue. 

"And Jesus went out from thence, and came into His own country; and His disciples follow Him. 

And when the sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing [Him] were astonished, saying, "From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him." (Mark 6:1-3)

In His own country knowing who His earthly parents were, those hearing Jesus were astonished. Those listening to Jesus share wanted to know from whence hath this man these things. This knowledge that was not earthly but ever sustaining -- heavenly. More importantly, these asked what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands. 

Miracle after miracle. Wisdom and knowledge displayed every time the Pharisees and scribes, and the lawyers tried to trick Him. While Jesus continued to heal the sick, and open the eyes of the blind, healing the broken-hearted, those who watched Him had questions. And the list of questions growing -- "What manner of man is this?" 

My point is this -- when did we who profess to believe stop marvelling at the goodness and mercy of the Lord Jesus, knowing that He shed His precious, holy blood on a cross for us? When did we stop acknowledging all the blessings the Lord Jesus bestows upon us every day, confessing His Name in all that we do? When did we stop being thankful for His mighty deliverance from situations that could have been detrimental? When will we rejoice because we now live forevermore?

More importantly, when will we become equally "astonished" at the wonderful works of His hands to the point that our hearts and minds are transformed? Yes, we have so very much to be thankful for, knowing that herein -- within the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, is love made perfect. 

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwells in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear ...." (I John 4:16-18)

Meditate on these things this day! 

Stand in the offering plate.

Surely, They Are My People, Saith The Lord; Praise To His Blessed, Holy Name- Part 2349

"I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His loving kindnesses.

For He said, "Surely they are My people, children that will not lie: so He was their Saviour. In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

But they rebelled, and vexed His holy Spirit: therefore He was turned to be their enemy, and He fought against them. Then He remembered the days of old, Moses, and His people, saying, "Where is He that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of His flock? Where is He that put His holy Spirit within him? that led them by the right hand of Moses with His glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make Himself an everlasting Name? that led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?" (Isaiah 63:7-13)

The Rock which followed them through the Red Sea -- the Rock which was Christ.

Apostle Paul confirms this, writing, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness." (I Corinthians 10:1-5)

In the New Testament, the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning is revealed. That is, after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) Or ,as John the baptizer more specifically points out, "Behold, the Lamb of God" ... who taketh away the sins of the world. (I Timothy 3:1; Isaiah 9:6)

He willingly came into this world for you and I, shedding His precious, holy blood so that we might have abundant life in Him. (Acts 20:28)

Yes, many a time, Isaiah prophesied of a specific time in the future when the Lord God would give His right hand, and the arm of His strength for our salvation. A time when the Lord God would announce -- "This day have I begotten Thee."  (Hebrews 1:5)

"I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, "Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten thee." (Psalm 2:7)
In this current dispensation of grace, we are privileged to know the rest of the greatest love story ever told. We should be ecstatic that the Lord had devised a plan of salvation, whereby we could engage in a personal relationship with Him. That we could be grounded in His wisdom and knowledge and our hearts at peace, overflowing with His joy within. And unlike the Israelites, every step we take in Him can be filled with purpose, knowing that the Lord Jesus will never leave us, nor forsake us.

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself!" (II Corinthians 5:!9)

The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18)

Yes, "the Lord hath sworn by His right hand, and by the arm of His strength -- surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies, and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: but they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of My holiness." (Isaiah 62:8-10)

Stand in the offering plate.

His Own Temple In Which He Was Pleased To Dwell; Not Made Of Hands, Or Brick And Mortar - Part 2348

"And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." (I Peter 3:13-20)

In former days, some of us were blindly led astray to worship dumb and senseless idols. We were led into this darkness by persons who in all probability were themselves deceived. Or, as we learned from an earlier post, intoxicated by the things of this world, and thus, no longer able to discern the Word of God. Sadly, they now in turn pass along their erroneous error in the form of traditions of men and religious culture, continuing to propagate a lie that is contrary to the Word.

From a scriptural perspective -- how sad that we who believe choose to settle for man-made traditions rather than feasting upon the Bread of Life.

In this current dispensation, His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Thus, the importance of impressing upon you a scriptural understanding. Increasingly, we are hearing people who claim to speak messages received from the Spirit of God -- self-declaring themselves as prophets. The question? How can one know whether the individual/message is really inspired by God or whether they are fake, and doing what they do for their own gain? No doubt, you have met many who assert that they are Christians, attending church meetings and yet constantly curse and blaspheme the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus. But I digress.

Apostle Paul elaborates on the gifts of the Spirit, whereby different gifts are given to different persons. In his letter to the saints and churches in Corinth, Paul reaffirms continually that it is the same Spirit who is the Giver. The work of the Spirit of God is not a new work of God but a continuation of the redemptive work of salvation. The difference from the Old Testament to the New Testament is that it is now administered to the world by new (born again) believers who now are the new members of the body of Jesus the Christ.

In other words, the Lord God decided to do a new thing in this current dispensation of grace. Not an extension of the old, or a mixing of the old and the new, but a brand new work wherein we could enter His rest forevermore.

Thus, the reason Jesus' body became cursed for us -- because He came to fulfill the Law. But in this dispensation, and as new members in the body of Christ church, we are called to become equipped with the powerful gifts of Jesus' holy Spirit. Why? Because we are now a member of His body. We are placed as individual members into the place wherein His purpose (placed in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb) could come to fruition.

The Spirit of God who alone knows beforehand the body (which is the measure of the stature of Christ) requirements. This explains why it is the Lord who adds daily to the body of Christ.

From the scriptures, we also know that Jesus is the wise master builder. As the builder, He uses living stones (believers) and not brick and mortar to build His church, wherein the gates of hell will NOT prevail against it. 

His own temple in which He is pleased to dwell. As the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in the man Jesus the Christ, so also will the fullness of the Godhead dwell in this new temple which is and always will be His only begotten Son. Now, as in any body (or institution) there are differences in functions of each member. 

In a body, there are normally a variety of activities associated with each part. Likewise, there are also a variety of effects. But, at the end of the day, it is the same God who is the master designer and builder who works all of these things according to the counsel of His own will. It is the same one God achieving His purpose through them all. The manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Ghost are given to each believer that each may use the gift or gifts that the body of Jesus be nourished.

But these do not come from dwelling on man-made traditions for our nutrients. And this is the hinging point. If we want to serve the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we need to feast on His Word to show ourselves approved, rightly discerning. (II Timothy 2:15)

We have a God-given purpose to fulfill, and every day He gives us breath is because He is still fulfilling His purpose within us. For those who don't know the peace and love of the Lord Jesus dwelling within, ask Him to become Lord in your life today. Find a New Testament and read Acts 2 -- which marks the beginning of the New Testament church. Be born again just like Jesus said, of both the water and of the Spirit. And let His peace and mercy rule and reign in your heart as you move forward in His Word and guidance and instruction. When water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, ye will know that He has just clothed you in His righteousness.

Stand in the offering plat.