This is a republish of an earlier blog -- 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.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Whereof The Holy Ghost Also Is A Witness To Us; For After That He Had Said Before - Part 2389
"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." (Acts 2:33)
As early as David's writings in the Psalms, we begin to see prophecies about Jesus, who would save His people from their sins. For example, David writes, "According to Thy name, O God, so [is] Thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness." (Psalm 48:10)
In another place, Isaiah writes, "Fear thou not; for I AM with thee: be not dismayed; for I AM thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)
Again He said, "Therefore hear the Word of the Lord; I saw the Lord sitting upon His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and on His left." (II Chronicles 18:18)
"And He said, "Hear thou therefore the Word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right hand and on His left" (I Kings 22:18-20)
"And many other things blasphemously spake they against Him [Jesus]. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led Him into their council, saying, "Art Thou the Christ? tell us." And He said unto them, "If I tell you, ye will not believe: and if I also ask [you], ye will not answer Me, nor let [Me] go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." Then said they all, "Art Thou then the Son of God?" And He said unto them, "Ye say that I AM." (Luke 22:65-70)
"So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen." (Mark 16:19-20)
"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him." (Acts 5:30-32)
When Saul was responsible for having table-servant Stephen stoned, the scripture saith, "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord ..." (Acts 7:55-57)
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3)
"And every priest stands daily ministering and offering often times the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool. For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. [Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before," (Hebrews 10:11-15)
"The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him." (I Peter 3:21-22)
The remaining scriptures regarding the right hand of God are found in the New Testament.
In the promises, apostle Paul asks, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? [It is] God that justifies. Who is he that condemns? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Roans 8:33-35)
"The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him." (I Peter 3:21-22)
Indeed, Thy right hand is full of righteousness.
Stand in the offering plate.
When Ye Seek With All Your Heart, Ye Shall Find The Lord Of Glory! - Part 2388
"Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste." (Isaiah 28:9-16)
As we know, the Lord God revealed to us His salvation plan in His Word -- a plan of salvation that was decided before the foundation of the world was formed. For believers in the Lord Jesus by faith, the plan of salvation has become the greatest love story ever told. This is why we adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, standing faithfully upon the Rock which is Christ, and continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, praising the Lord God our Saviour Jesus the Christ.
In this context, we are called to search the scriptures for truth, and to do so with a determination so that we are NOT deceived by the falsehood(s) of those who deliberately make lies their refuge. (Acts 20:28; Acts 2:36-41; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; II John 1:9)
When we do, we will -- as Jesus said -- find the He who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) This same Jesus, who is the Head of the body of Christ church. This same Jesus who declares Himself to be the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Acts 2:36; Revelation 1:8) This same Jesus -- the Great I AM from the Old Testament who willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; Titus 2:13; Acts 20:28) This same Jesus -- the Great Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep.
Yes, for God so loved you and I! (John 3:16; I Timothy 5:19) "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) Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The same Rock which is Christ that followed the Israelites through the Red Sea. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)
It is for this reason that we "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
Apostle Paul wrote, "I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth." (II Corinthians 13:2-8)
Lots of good insights here -- if we would only seek Jesus through His Word. This same Jesus who said, "I Am the Bread of Life!'
Stand in the offering plate.
As we know, the Lord God revealed to us His salvation plan in His Word -- a plan of salvation that was decided before the foundation of the world was formed. For believers in the Lord Jesus by faith, the plan of salvation has become the greatest love story ever told. This is why we adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, standing faithfully upon the Rock which is Christ, and continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, praising the Lord God our Saviour Jesus the Christ.
In this context, we are called to search the scriptures for truth, and to do so with a determination so that we are NOT deceived by the falsehood(s) of those who deliberately make lies their refuge. (Acts 20:28; Acts 2:36-41; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; II John 1:9)
When we do, we will -- as Jesus said -- find the He who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) This same Jesus, who is the Head of the body of Christ church. This same Jesus who declares Himself to be the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Acts 2:36; Revelation 1:8) This same Jesus -- the Great I AM from the Old Testament who willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; Titus 2:13; Acts 20:28) This same Jesus -- the Great Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep.
Yes, for God so loved you and I! (John 3:16; I Timothy 5:19) "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) Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The same Rock which is Christ that followed the Israelites through the Red Sea. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)
It is for this reason that we "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
Apostle Paul wrote, "I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth." (II Corinthians 13:2-8)
Lots of good insights here -- if we would only seek Jesus through His Word. This same Jesus who said, "I Am the Bread of Life!'
Stand in the offering plate.
Behold, A Tried Stone, A Precious Corner Stone, A Sure Foundation, His Name JESUS -- The Lamb Of God! - Part 2387
Jesus said, "... for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say." (Luke 12:12)
On the Old Testament side, the Lord God through the prophet Isaiah asks two questions which still holds much relevance to believers this day. These are -- "Whom shall He teach knowledge? And whom shall He make to understand doctrine?"
Note that in this same scriptural passage, the Lord also gives us the answers. These are -- to "them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: for with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He [also] said, "This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing ..."
The times of refreshing found in that last sentence is notable because herein the Lord God declares to His people -- "this is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing -- the anointing that can only come from being filled with the Holy Ghost to overflowing -- the Spirit of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ dwelling within.
Remember, when Jesus walked on earth, He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)
On the Old Testament side, the Lord God through the prophet Isaiah asks two questions which still holds much relevance to believers this day. These are -- "Whom shall He teach knowledge? And whom shall He make to understand doctrine?"
Note that in this same scriptural passage, the Lord also gives us the answers. These are -- to "them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: for with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He [also] said, "This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing ..."
The times of refreshing found in that last sentence is notable because herein the Lord God declares to His people -- "this is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing -- the anointing that can only come from being filled with the Holy Ghost to overflowing -- the Spirit of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ dwelling within.
Remember, when Jesus walked on earth, He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)
Indeed, Jesus is the rest and refreshing which Isaiah was prophesying. And, as we know, at the appointed time, the angel of the Lord appeared, saying, "And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sin ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)
The scriptures further confirm that "this [JESUS] is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:11-13)
That this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
The scriptures further confirm that "this [JESUS] is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:11-13)
That this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
In part, these marvelled because of the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord that Peter and John displayed from spending time with Jesus. But also, because the Lord Jesus confirmed what He had earlier said through Isaiah, when He said He would speak to this people with stammering lips and another tongue. The prophet Joel alludes to this same occasion -- which came to fruition on the day of Pentecost -- the people from every nation hearing the people speaking in their own language. (Acts 2:1-47)
Yet, sadly, as this same scriptural scripture in Isaiah points out, there are those who would not hear. Their eyes and ears closed to the Word of the Lord. Their hearts shut tight against this same Jesus -- the Word made flesh -- who willingly shed His precious, holy blood so that you and I could have abundant life in Him. (John 1:1-14) For these latter, the prophecy in Isaiah continued -- "But the Word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken."
The Lord God continues, saying, "Hear the Word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves."
In both scriptural examples, the same Word of the Lord speaking through Isaiah. In both examples, the same precept upon precept and line upon line, here a little and there a little offered to one and all. But what do we see? This same good news gospel message that is life giving and everlasting also being rejected by others who would not hear the Lord our God's saving grace message. A similar example is cited in Hebrews 4:
"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as He said, "As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world."
For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all His works. And in this [place] again, "If they shall enter into My rest." Seeing therefore it remains that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: again, He limits a certain day, saying in David, "To day, after so long a time; as it is said, "To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.
For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4:1-11)
Therefore, we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, are encouraged to stand faithfully upon the Rock which is Christ, continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, praising the Lord God our Saviour Jesus the Christ in all things -- so that we do NOT become deceived by the falsehood(s) of those who deliberately make lies [the traditions of men] their refuge. (Acts 20:28; Acts 2:36-41; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; II John 1:9)
Knowing too that this same Jesus is both Lord and Christ; the Head of the body of Christ church. He is the Alpha and Omega; the first and the last; the beginning and the ending. (Acts 2:36; Revelation 1:8) And He -- the Great I Am who created us in the beginning has in this dispensation become our Saviour, so that we might receive His love and mercy in our hearts. (Titus 3:4-7; Titus 2:13; Acts 20:28) The mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the foundation of the world.
For God so loved you and I! (John 3:16; I Timothy 5:19)
Stand in the offering plate.
For God so loved you and I! (John 3:16; I Timothy 5:19)
Stand in the offering plate.
Give Ye Ear, And Hear My Voice; Hearken, And Hear My Speech - Part 2386
"All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ..." (II Timothy 3:16)
Jesus took this further when He asked the Sadducee's (whom as a sect do not believe in the resurrection) -- "Do ye not therefore err because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?" (Mark 12:24) Thus, if we understand the message Jesus is conveying to the Sadducees herein, we will come to know that when we know the scriptures -- the Word as it is written -- we will also come to experience the power of the living God, and how He works in our lives.
Jesus took this further when He asked the Sadducee's (whom as a sect do not believe in the resurrection) -- "Do ye not therefore err because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?" (Mark 12:24) Thus, if we understand the message Jesus is conveying to the Sadducees herein, we will come to know that when we know the scriptures -- the Word as it is written -- we will also come to experience the power of the living God, and how He works in our lives.
But sadly, too many, as Jesus pointed out, compromise in their faith, settling for doctrines the commandments of men. Specifically, Jesus said, "Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:7) We settle for the modern day religious traditions and institution gratifying sacraments (idol worship) rather than the scriptures which give instruction in righteousness.
Nevertheless, as Jesus conveyed to the eleven disciples in the same mountain where Jesus had appointed them to teach, He instructs "them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I AM with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20)
In this same passage of scripture, "all power is given unto Jesus in heaven and in earth." In fact, here was Jesus, just prior to ascending saying to the eleven to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever He has commanded them.
And because God is not the author of confusion, He clarifies this very same instruction from Matthew a second time in Mark so that we are not deceived or led astray by the whims of those who pretend to know the scriptures but do not.
From Mark 16:15-18: Jesus said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature; he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)
In whose name? In My Name -- said Jesus! This same Jesus who said, "Before Abraham was, I AM."
In that same scriptural account from Mark, we see that after the Lord had spoken to the eleven, He was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God" -- until all His enemies are put under His feet. From there, they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:19-20)
Acts 1 continues forward from Mark stating:
"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith He], ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)
But before He ascends, note what Jesus says to the eleven, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:8-11)
In this same passage of scripture, "all power is given unto Jesus in heaven and in earth." In fact, here was Jesus, just prior to ascending saying to the eleven to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever He has commanded them.
And because God is not the author of confusion, He clarifies this very same instruction from Matthew a second time in Mark so that we are not deceived or led astray by the whims of those who pretend to know the scriptures but do not.
From Mark 16:15-18: Jesus said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature; he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)
In whose name? In My Name -- said Jesus! This same Jesus who said, "Before Abraham was, I AM."
In that same scriptural account from Mark, we see that after the Lord had spoken to the eleven, He was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God" -- until all His enemies are put under His feet. From there, they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:19-20)
Acts 1 continues forward from Mark stating:
"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith He], ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)
And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:8-11)
Moving forward, we see a twelfth apostle chosen (Matthias) to replace Judas who had betrayed Jesus in the Garden. (Acts 1:23-26) When the 120 disciples in the upper room prayed in one accord, and said, "Thou Lord, which knows the hearts of all [men] shew whether of these two Thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:15-26)
You see, the early church did not worship a triad, three-headed triune g/God but the One and Only Living God who willingly became our Saviour -- His Name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace -- loving us enough to shed His precious, holy blood on a cross for our sins. (Acts 20:28; I Corinthians 5:19; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:10-11) He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. This is why who believe in Jesus by faith desire also to be water baptized in His precious, holy Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-41; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21) But I digress.
As Peter points out, Judas had been numbered with them, and had (according to scripture) obtained part of this ministry -- the Word made flesh that dwelt among us. But rather than continuing in the faith, Judas (as prophesied from afore) decided in his heart to settle for the trinkets of this world. To compromise. Indeed, in the end, Judas valued the thirty pieces of silver more than knowing the risen King of kings and Lord of lords personally. And the consequences of his decision to betray Jesus? To this very day his decision known by those both near and far.
"Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry." (Acts 1:15-17)
The lesson herein? Stay true to the Word, as it is written. Know that when Peter standing with the apostles on the day of Pentecost told those in attendance that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ, we are to be pricked in our heart also and to repent, being water baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, so that we too shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of the risen Lord Jesus dwelling within. (Acts 2:36-41)
And when we become clothed in His righteousness, we too will continue steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread from house to house and in prayers, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and dealing our meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising our Lord God and Saviour always.
There is more to come but the message -- don't compromise your faith. Press toward the mark which is Christ dwelling within, and He will be faithful to you in all things.
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, July 1, 2019
Give Ye Ear, And Hear My Voice, Saith The Lord, Hearken, And Hear My Speech - Part 2385
God is not the Author of confusion. Peter (and the rest of the apostles) understood the message that Jesus taught, and they carried these same instructions to fruition in Acts 2:36-41. The apostles did not act outside of Jesus' teachings, nor were they preaching another gospel to the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost.
Indeed, Peter told the people from every nation on the day of Pentecost that this same JESUS whom ye/they have crucified is both Lord and Christ. This same JESUS is the promised Messiah. This same JESUS is the prophesied Christ -- the same Rock which followed the Israelites through the Red Sea -- the Rock which was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)
This same JESUS -- the One and Only Lord God who loved us so much that He Himself would provide a way of salvation. His mercies abundant and everlasting. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:17; Acts 20:28)
And He has instructed us to repent, and to be water baptized in the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so that we could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Note that this instruction is given to every one of us. (Acts 2:38) Another example can be taken from Cornelius and his family. Peter did not stop preaching to Cornelius when he received the Holy Ghost but commanded them to be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.
Note that they did not ask to be water baptized! Still, Peter commanded them to be water baptized anyway. Why? So that the Holy Ghost salvation message could be extended to the Gentiles. From Acts 10:44-48:
"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" And he COMMANDED them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."
Don't let the modern day religious culture lead you astray. There is only one gospel message.
Stand in the offering plate.
Indeed, Peter told the people from every nation on the day of Pentecost that this same JESUS whom ye/they have crucified is both Lord and Christ. This same JESUS is the promised Messiah. This same JESUS is the prophesied Christ -- the same Rock which followed the Israelites through the Red Sea -- the Rock which was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)
This same JESUS -- the One and Only Lord God who loved us so much that He Himself would provide a way of salvation. His mercies abundant and everlasting. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:17; Acts 20:28)
And He has instructed us to repent, and to be water baptized in the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so that we could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Note that this instruction is given to every one of us. (Acts 2:38) Another example can be taken from Cornelius and his family. Peter did not stop preaching to Cornelius when he received the Holy Ghost but commanded them to be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.
Note that they did not ask to be water baptized! Still, Peter commanded them to be water baptized anyway. Why? So that the Holy Ghost salvation message could be extended to the Gentiles. From Acts 10:44-48:
"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" And he COMMANDED them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."
Don't let the modern day religious culture lead you astray. There is only one gospel message.
Stand in the offering plate.
Wait For The Promise Of The Father, Which Jesus Said, Ye Have Heard Of Me! - Part 2384
Ye must be born again!
This was the conversation Jesus was having with Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus is not speaking here about a natural birth. How do we know? Because when Nicodemus asks Jesus if being born again means entering into his mother's womb a second time, Jesus tells him no. In fact, the key message that Jesus is conveying is that being born again spiritually has nothing to do with being born of the flesh.
In the gospels, we learn of the great commission wherein we are called to repent and be baptized, and to disseminate this same message across the world. The religious community has dubbed these instructions the Great Commission -- albeit, these tend to focus on Matthew's account, and not the accounts written in the other gospels. Most certainly, the latter also ignores Acts 2 wherein Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost instructs the first 3,000 souls saved on the New Testament side to repent and be water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so they can receive the Holy Ghost, but I digress somewhat. (Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:44-48)
Jesus said in Matthew's account: "GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20)
And Jesus said, "GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE; he THAT BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; but he THAT BELIEVES NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)
In opening their understanding, Jesus did so that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day, AND THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED IN HIS NAME AMONG ALL NATIONS, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM. And YE ARE WITNESSES OF THESE THINGS. And, BEHOLD, I SEND THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER UPON YOU: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, UNTIL YE BE ENDURED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH. And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:47-53)
And from John's account -- "Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you." And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, WHEN THEY SAW THE LORD." Then SAID JESUS TO THEM AGAIN, "PEACE BE UNTO YOU: as MY FATHER HATH SENT ME, EVEN SO SEND I YOU."
And WHEN HE HAD SAID THIS, HE BREATHED ON THEM, AND SAITH UNTO THEM, "RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST: Whose soever sins YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED UNTO THEM; and whose soever sins YE RETAIN, THEY ARE RETAINED." (John 20:19-23)
Jesus said in Matthew's account: "GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20)
And Jesus said, "GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE; he THAT BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; but he THAT BELIEVES NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)
In opening their understanding, Jesus did so that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day, AND THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED IN HIS NAME AMONG ALL NATIONS, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM. And YE ARE WITNESSES OF THESE THINGS. And, BEHOLD, I SEND THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER UPON YOU: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, UNTIL YE BE ENDURED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH. And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:47-53)
And from John's account -- "Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you." And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, WHEN THEY SAW THE LORD." Then SAID JESUS TO THEM AGAIN, "PEACE BE UNTO YOU: as MY FATHER HATH SENT ME, EVEN SO SEND I YOU."
And WHEN HE HAD SAID THIS, HE BREATHED ON THEM, AND SAITH UNTO THEM, "RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST: Whose soever sins YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED UNTO THEM; and whose soever sins YE RETAIN, THEY ARE RETAINED." (John 20:19-23)
These scriptures take us straight to the book of Acts. From Acts 1:1-11:
"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, UNTIL THE DAY IN WHICH HE WAS TAKEN UP, AFTER THAT HE THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST HAD GIVEN COMMANDMENTS UNTO THE APOSTLES WHOM HE HAD CHOSEN: TO WHOM ALSO HE SHEWED HIMSELF ALIVE AFTER HIS PASSION by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, "BUT WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER, WHICH, "SAITH HE, "YE HAVE HEARD OF ME." For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" And He said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST IS COME UPON YOU: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, "BUT WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER, WHICH, "SAITH HE, "YE HAVE HEARD OF ME." For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" And He said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST IS COME UPON YOU: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:1-11)
All these things were prophesied by the prophets from afore. The Word Himself speaking by His holy prophet Isaiah who prophesied His spoken Word of truth -- the same Word that was with God and was God. (John 1:1-)
As the Lord God speaking through Isaiah said, "When ye come to appear before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread My courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates they are a trouble unto Me; I am weary to bear them.
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Come now, and let us reason together," saith the LORD, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it! (Isaiah 1:12-20)
As the Lord God speaking through Isaiah said, "When ye come to appear before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread My courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates they are a trouble unto Me; I am weary to bear them.
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Come now, and let us reason together," saith the LORD, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it! (Isaiah 1:12-20)
What are some examples of the truth - referred to herein? Acts 22:16 and Acts 2:36-41.
In the first, Saul, after learning and accepting who Jesus is asked, "WHAT SHALL I DO"? and in the second, those dwelling at the house of Israel (after hearing Peter preach) asked, "WHAT SHALL WE DO?"
In the first, Saul, after learning and accepting who Jesus is asked, "WHAT SHALL I DO"? and in the second, those dwelling at the house of Israel (after hearing Peter preach) asked, "WHAT SHALL WE DO?"
The One and Only truth. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.
In Saul's account -- And I said, "WHAT SHALL I DO, LORD? "And the Lord said unto me, "ARISE, and go into Damascus; and there IT SHALL BE TOLD THEE OF ALL THINGS WHICH ARE APPOINTED FOR THEE TO DO." And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, "Brother Saul, receive thy sight." And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest KNOW HIS WILL, and SEE that JUST ONE, and shouldest HEAR the VOICE of HIS mouth. For thou shalt be HIS WITNESS unto all men of what thou hast SEEN and HEARD.
And now why tarriest thou? ARISE, AND BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD." (Acts 22:10-16)
In Saul's account -- And I said, "WHAT SHALL I DO, LORD? "And the Lord said unto me, "ARISE, and go into Damascus; and there IT SHALL BE TOLD THEE OF ALL THINGS WHICH ARE APPOINTED FOR THEE TO DO." And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, "Brother Saul, receive thy sight." And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest KNOW HIS WILL, and SEE that JUST ONE, and shouldest HEAR the VOICE of HIS mouth. For thou shalt be HIS WITNESS unto all men of what thou hast SEEN and HEARD.
And now why tarriest thou? ARISE, AND BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD." (Acts 22:10-16)
Note the two things Saul was told to do. Be filled with the Holy Ghost after being baptized, Saul's sins washed away, calling on His Name -- the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus. This teaching is consistent with the words Jesus spoke to Nicodemus.
That is, Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus saith unto Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, he CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD." (John 3:1-5)
And then after Jesus was risen up, Peter (standing with the eleven said, "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)
That is, Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus saith unto Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, he CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD." (John 3:1-5)
And then after Jesus was risen up, Peter (standing with the eleven said, "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)
They that gladly received His Word. The Acts 2:38 message marking the beginning of the New Testament church. The key to the kingdom unlocked. You see, in Matthew 28:19 Jesus told His disciples WHAT TO DO! Jesus TOLD them TO DO THAT -- to spread the good news gospel to all the world in His Name! In Mark 16:15,16 Jesus told them WHY TO DO IT! Mark gave them two choices in that they could either "BE" AS TO "BE SAVED" OR TO "BE" AS TO BE DAMNED"
In Luke 24:47 Jesus told them WHERE TO DO IT! In John 3:3-7 Jesus told them WHO NEEDS TO DO IT! Now in Acts 2:38 Peter told the first 3,000 souls how to do it. The same message has not changed since the early church -- even though modern day religious culture tries to say so.
Therefore, we can clearly see the teachings of Jesus come together in the same one accord as we witness on the day of Pentecost. So the good news gospel message again ...
What should I do? Repent,
And then what? Be baptized
Who? Every one of you
How? In the Name of Jesus Christ
Why? For the remission of sins
And what will happen? Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost"
Matthew 28:19,20, Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24,47-53 are all the One and Same teaching that takes place on the Mount of Olives just prior to Jesus ascending into Heaven! God is not the Author of confusion. So my question -- who will you believe this day? The Word? or man-made traditions with no scriptural basis. You decide, but as for me and my house we are going to serve the Lord!
What should I do? Repent,
And then what? Be baptized
Who? Every one of you
How? In the Name of Jesus Christ
Why? For the remission of sins
And what will happen? Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost"
Matthew 28:19,20, Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24,47-53 are all the One and Same teaching that takes place on the Mount of Olives just prior to Jesus ascending into Heaven! God is not the Author of confusion. So my question -- who will you believe this day? The Word? or man-made traditions with no scriptural basis. You decide, but as for me and my house we are going to serve the Lord!
Stand in the offering plate.
Though The Giants Will Be There, The Lord Jesus Will Get The Victory! - Part 2383
"And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His shoulder; so He shall open, and none shall shut; and He shall shut, and none shall open." (Isaiah 22:22)
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; "These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; 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." (Revelation 3:8-9)
All these to say that when Jesus came to earth and shed His precious, holy on a cross at Calvary, He did so knowing that He would rise from the dead, ascend into heaven -- the full price for salvation for our sins now paid in full. This is the miracle of the cross -- when the veil was torn from heaven to earth so that you and I might have abundant life in Him.
This is the New Testament -- when the Dayspring from on high visited His people. This is the New Testament which is the Lord's doing. This is the New Testament wherein the Lord said He would do a new thing. A changing of the guard if you will -- wherein we can have abundant life.
The New Testament Gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record the life of Jesus Christ when He walked on this earth. "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)
The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. God manifest in the flesh so that we could/would behold His glory. As John the baptizer said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"
Sadly, however, there are far too many who don't understand who Jesus was, and is, or even why He came. Many don't know that when you have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father and know Him. (John 14:6-12; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)
Or, "to wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)
In fact, Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I AM?" The responses varied. Then Jesus asked a more revealing question, "Who do you say I AM?" Peter quickly responded, "Thou art The Christ, the Son of the Living God." Because of this answer, Peter was promised that God would build His church and that He would give him the keys to the kingdom. (Matthew 16:13-19)
Translated, what we are witnessing here is Peter being given authority BY GOD TO OPEN THE DOOR OF SALVATION TO All. You see, Peter received the Keys when he received the Gift of the Holy Ghost in Acts 2:1-4. Then Peter, having THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM used them for the first time (Acts 2:16-47) On The Day of Pentecost when he UNLOCKED AND OPENED WIDE THE DOOR OF SALVATION TO THE JEWS.
Peter, standing with the eleven in one accord, told the people that this same Jesus whom they had crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) When they were pricked in their hearts, they asked Peter, "What must we do?" Peter told them to "repent, and be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-41)
Later on, in Acts 8 the Samaritans had also been water baptized in the Name of Lord Jesus because (as the scripture states) these had not received yet the Gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:15) Peter and John were then sent to lay hands on those baptized and to pray for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. Note that only those that were water baptized received the gift of the Holy Ghost! Consequently, the door of salvation was unlocked and opened wide for the Samaritans also.
Peter then was sent and preached the Gospel unto the Gentiles, and while he was preaching the Word of God, the Holy Ghost fell upon them and they began to speak with other tongues. Peter then asked, "Can any man forbid water that have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:44-448) Then he commanded that they be water baptized in the Name of the Lord. The door again unlocked and opened wide for the Gentiles as well.
So, where did this wonderful salvation message begin? In John 3:1-7, when Jesus stopped to speak to Nicodemus, a man of the Pharisees, and a ruler of the Jews.
"The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, "Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with Him. Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT a man be "BORN AGAIN" he CANNOT SEE the kingdom of God."
Nicodemus then asks Jesus how someone can be born again (naturally by entering a mother's womb a second time). Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, "YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN."
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; "These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; 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." (Revelation 3:8-9)
All these to say that when Jesus came to earth and shed His precious, holy on a cross at Calvary, He did so knowing that He would rise from the dead, ascend into heaven -- the full price for salvation for our sins now paid in full. This is the miracle of the cross -- when the veil was torn from heaven to earth so that you and I might have abundant life in Him.
This is the New Testament -- when the Dayspring from on high visited His people. This is the New Testament which is the Lord's doing. This is the New Testament wherein the Lord said He would do a new thing. A changing of the guard if you will -- wherein we can have abundant life.
The New Testament Gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record the life of Jesus Christ when He walked on this earth. "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)
The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. God manifest in the flesh so that we could/would behold His glory. As John the baptizer said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"
Sadly, however, there are far too many who don't understand who Jesus was, and is, or even why He came. Many don't know that when you have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father and know Him. (John 14:6-12; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)
Or, "to wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)
In fact, Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I AM?" The responses varied. Then Jesus asked a more revealing question, "Who do you say I AM?" Peter quickly responded, "Thou art The Christ, the Son of the Living God." Because of this answer, Peter was promised that God would build His church and that He would give him the keys to the kingdom. (Matthew 16:13-19)
Translated, what we are witnessing here is Peter being given authority BY GOD TO OPEN THE DOOR OF SALVATION TO All. You see, Peter received the Keys when he received the Gift of the Holy Ghost in Acts 2:1-4. Then Peter, having THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM used them for the first time (Acts 2:16-47) On The Day of Pentecost when he UNLOCKED AND OPENED WIDE THE DOOR OF SALVATION TO THE JEWS.
Peter, standing with the eleven in one accord, told the people that this same Jesus whom they had crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) When they were pricked in their hearts, they asked Peter, "What must we do?" Peter told them to "repent, and be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-41)
Later on, in Acts 8 the Samaritans had also been water baptized in the Name of Lord Jesus because (as the scripture states) these had not received yet the Gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:15) Peter and John were then sent to lay hands on those baptized and to pray for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. Note that only those that were water baptized received the gift of the Holy Ghost! Consequently, the door of salvation was unlocked and opened wide for the Samaritans also.
Peter then was sent and preached the Gospel unto the Gentiles, and while he was preaching the Word of God, the Holy Ghost fell upon them and they began to speak with other tongues. Peter then asked, "Can any man forbid water that have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:44-448) Then he commanded that they be water baptized in the Name of the Lord. The door again unlocked and opened wide for the Gentiles as well.
So, where did this wonderful salvation message begin? In John 3:1-7, when Jesus stopped to speak to Nicodemus, a man of the Pharisees, and a ruler of the Jews.
"The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, "Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with Him. Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT a man be "BORN AGAIN" he CANNOT SEE the kingdom of God."
Nicodemus then asks Jesus how someone can be born again (naturally by entering a mother's womb a second time). Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, "YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN."
Clearly, Jesus is not speaking about a natural birth here. Moreover, Jesus teaching had nothing to do with being born again of the flesh. Indeed, Jesus was specifically teaching Nicodemus that he had to be born again. A spiritual birth.
Interesting thus far? There is more to come shortly. For now, meditate on these things.
Stand in the offering plate.
Let Thy Lovingkindness And Thy Truth Continually Preserve Me - Part 2382
"I have preached righteousness in the great congregation; lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. I have not hid Thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation: I have not concealed Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth from the great congregation.Withhold not thou Thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth continually preserve me." (Psalm 40:9-11)
"I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the Name of the Lord most high." (Psalm 7:17)
"I will declare Thy Name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Ye that fear the Lord, praise Him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him, all ye the seed of Israel. For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
neither hath He hid His face from him; but when he cried unto Him, He heard.
For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and He is the governor among the nations. All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before Him: and none can keep alive his own soul. A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done [this.]" (Psalm 22:22-30)
neither hath He hid His face from him; but when he cried unto Him, He heard.
My praise shall be of Thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him.
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live for ever. All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee.
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live for ever. All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee.
For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and He is the governor among the nations. All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before Him: and none can keep alive his own soul. A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done [this.]" (Psalm 22:22-30)
The psalmist David wrote the 23rd psalm -- The Lord is my Shepherd! Herein, are some other thoughts that David put to pen. Enjoy his many insights this day, knowing that the Lord does not conceal His lovingkindness or truth from His congregation.
Stand in the offering plate.
They Who Are In Jesus Are Called, And Chosen, And Faithful- Part 2381
"Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: and upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus ..." (Revelation 17:1-6)
The Lord Jesus gave us a clear timeline and description of the events leading up to His return. He made sure that those who believe in hIm by faith would know the times and seasons. Just like Jesus did when He walked this earth, the risen Jesus now takes away the blindness wherein we can see.
In the above scripture, John is on Patmos Island revealing what he is seeing in a vision for these last days. John is also showing us who the risen Jesus is -- King of kings, and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.
And to this very day, He is inviting us into His Kingdom.
Stand in the offering plate.
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