Behold, The Lord Is My God, In Him Will I Trust And Not Be Afraid - Part 2544

 Jesus said, "He that believes on Me," as the scripture hath said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)

Jesus said, " If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)

Jesus said, "“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me.” (John 5:46)

Jesus said, "... he that believes on Me," as the scripture hath said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, "Of a truth this is the prophet." (John 7:38-40)

 In reality, the Lord has already come ... for when we ask Jesus to come into our heart, and we worship Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, His Spirit dwells within us. Moreover, Jesus said that He would not leave His followers comfortless. As the scriptures point out, Jesus said "I will come to you!"

Indeed, Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you." (John 14:15-20)

Further, the scriptures declare that all those who have by faith come to believe upon Jesus, are now a new creation of God. While admittedly, each believer may externally look the same as they did prior to their expressed faith in Jesus, on the inside they have been changed. Or, as the scriptures refer to the salvation experience - believers have been reborn -- their minds renewed. They were not strapped to an operating table whilst someone rearranged their inners. Oh no. The inward change that occurs is a direct result of the promise of Jesus - that He would not leave those who believe in Him by faith comfortless. He will come to you.

In that moment, when people ask Jesus into their life, they are born again, or phrased another way, born of God. All of this internal change occurs in a moment of time. In fact, in a second of time even though in God's view, that is still too long. This may explain why the scriptures use the language "in the twinkling of an eye."

The most important message for us is that heaven is just a prayer away. Similarly, we need to recognize that God has stated, that even before we call, He will answer. Nothing separates a believer from the love of God that can be found only in Jesus. Because the Spirit of God who fills the heavens and the earth is no longer on the outside. He is the same Spirit that was in the man Jesus. And it is the same Jesus who has taken up residence within the heart of believers.

Still, in terms of the original point of this post - the day of the Lord will come upon us. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise to come again. There will be a second coming of God. In this context, and apart from a personal experience of rebirth, there is no redemption available to mankind after the second coming.

The lyrics from the O'Jays song "Love Train" pretty well says it all. Please do not miss this train at the station, for if you miss it we will be sorry ... yes, sorry for you. Don’t you know that it is time to get on board for this love train bearing the message of God is travelling on through? If you haven't reached out to Jesus as both your Lord and Christ, this would be the most opportune time. (Acts 2:36-41)

On a different note, there are those who repeatedly question why anyone should have the right to hear this message twice when some have never heard the gospel message once. There is a parable in the New Testament that refers to this. Recall the ten virgins, of whom five are categorized as being wise and the other five foolish?

The latter group all slumbered and slept, having become recipients of mans' foolish wisdom, and having swallowed satan’s bait -- hook, line and sinker. Thus, instead of preparing for the coming of their King, they believed that nothing had changed within the world. Everything would continue to be the same, even though all around them, unbelievers -- those who do not know Jesus as their personal Saviour -- are becoming increasingly alarmed at the surrounding chaos. In fact, Jesus said men's hearts would fail them for fear.

As a consequence of this worldly blindness that prevents these from seeing the truth, their collective belief in God has dissipated to the place that their lamps of belief had virtually gone out. Sadly, their light hidden under. a bushel.

Nevertheless, the parable speaks of a certain time when a voice was heard declaring, "Behold, the bridegroom is coming." This is when the virgins (upon hearing this news) arose and began to trim their lamps of belief. Unfortunately, the five foolish virgins recognized that they had no oil in their lamps (the oil symbolic of the Spirit of God dwelling within).  They hastily went to purchase oil. Upon their return to where the five wise virgins had been they were confronted with the fact that indeed the bridegroom had returned and they had missed the train.

This parable leads us to the all important question. With which group do you want to be found among the ten when we hear the news, "Behold, the bridegroom come"? Would you not want to be ready to meet Him? Like the five "wise" virgins?

This day is the day of salvation! Don't let this day pass without making your heart right with the Lord God Almighty who willingly chose to become our Saviour. The promised Christ wherein, as the angel declared, would save His people from their sins. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. His Name (in this current dispensation of grace) is JESUS! (Matthew 1:21-23)

No other name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The Name above every other name given by God to His people from the beginning of time. (Philippians 2:9) The SAME NAME OF JESUS whereby every knee will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.

And now, in these last days, Christ is inviting you to come and believe in the promised hope of the glory of eternal life. The message is simple. Only Jesus saves. He alone has the words of eternal life.

This is why Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

Please do not miss this message of the all important second coming of the Lord Jesus the Christ. It's your call - accept His invitation today. Continue onward, always looking upward, to repentance and water baptism in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost in your heart. Study His Word daily, so that you can be nourished from His Word.

Again, please do not delay. Rather, come to the Lord Jesus the Christ today for He is forever able to fill your heart with His love, His joy, His peace, and His wisdom and knowledge. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever BELIEVES IN HIM should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Make that "whosoever" your heart this day. Stand in the offering plate.

If Ye Continue In The Faith, Grounded And Settled, And Be Not Moved Away From The Hope Of The Gospel Which Ye Have Heard - Part 2543

"And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters ..." (Genesis 1:2)

From the very beginning of time as we know it, the scriptures tell us that God is Spirit. 

Jesus said to the woman at the well,  "But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)

But within the scriptures, we see God revealing Himself in different ways. In the beginning, God. Thus, as the Creator of heaven and earth and all that dwells within, we see God revealing Himself to us is as a Father. Indeed, God spoke the world into existence -- and God said; and God called; and God made; and God created; and God blessed; and God set; and God saw every thing that He had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:3, 5-11, 14, 15-17, 20-22, 31) 

By the time the Lord God formed Adam to become a living soul, breathing into His nostrils the breath of life, God envisioned within His creation plan, bringing forth a family. (Genesis 2:7) Up until this time, there had not yet been a man on earth to till the ground, but rather a mist that went up from the earth, to water the whole face of the ground. (Genesis 2:7) When the Lord God had made man -- becoming a Father in creation -- He put the man whom He had formed in a garden He had planted eastward in Eden. 

As we move forward in the scriptures, we see the Father emerging -- not only in the family figurehead of father within families, but also the Lord God as the Father in creation. Malachi writes, "Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us?" (Malachi 2:10)

The Lord God said to Moses, "I [am] the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob..." (Exodus 3:6)

"A Father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation." (Psalms 68:5)

In mentioning the lovingkindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the lord hath bestowed upon us, according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of the lovingkindness, Isaiah writes, "O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer; Thy name is from everlasting ... we are called by Thy Name. (Isaiah 63:16, 19) 

Apostle Paul writes, "But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him." (I Corinthians 8:6) 

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. 

God, who in sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days, spoken unto us by [His] Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom He made the worlds ..." (Hebrews 1:1-2) A good example of these sundry times and diverse manners is when the Lord appeared to Abraham in the tent. (Genesis 18:1)  

But in order for all of mankind to see Him visibly; for the Lord God to come forth as a mighty man; to bring us salvation, redeeming us as His people; this same Spirit needed a visible form. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)  It is in this context, that God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Indeed, in our weakness, we needed to touch Him and likewise, for Him to touch us. 

"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) 

It is for this reason, the Lord said, "This day have I begotten Thee!" (Psalm 2:7; Hebrews 1:5; Acts 13:33) It is herein that the Holy Ghost, this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing. (Hebrews 9:8) 

The same God who created the world became a Son so that we (His desired family) might have everlasting life. As a Son, He is known as our Redeemer, having came Himself to redeem His creation that He, as Father, had created in the beginning. 

The reason the scriptures state that He was sent as the only begotten Son is because He was sent from the womb of Mary to become our Redeemer. Speaking of Jesus Christ, apostle Paul states: "In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature..." (Colossians 1:14-15)

God Himself, willingly became God our Saviour. (Titus 2:13; Jude 1:25)

Please note that the Son is not a distinct person from the Father, but the image of God the Father--a visible image while He walked on the earth and stood among His Creation. He was Son here on earth. Again, God in these last days hath spoken unto us by [His] Son -- who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins ..." (Hebrews 1:1-3) 

"But unto the Son, He saith, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom." (Hebrews 1:8) 

While on earth, the same Spirit that was in Christ now dwells within the hearts of those who believe, or as Jesus said, "that I AM He." (II Corinthians 5:19; John 4:26; John 6:51; John 7:29; John 8:24, 28) 

Now that He is risen, the Spirit who created, the Spirit who has now redeemed, is now the same Spirit who regenerates the believer to become like Him. The Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and now the Holy Ghost in regenerating us back to our rightful place -- in Him. The Lord God Himself breathing His Spirit of life into our very being, so that we might know Him as the Lord who in the beginning laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens the works of Thine hands -- that this same He loved us so much that He would pay the ultimate price for our salvation. 

"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers, all things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things, He might have the preeminence ... for it pleased the Father that in Him should all the fullness dwell ..." (Colossians 1:15-20)

"In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:14; Acts 20:28) 

Yes, the Spirit is still our Father but He is also our Redeemer. And now, He is working in the hearts of believers to bring others to Him, so that they too might understand that peace of God which passes all understanding, keeping our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

"Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." (Romans 8:9) 

Note that the Spirit that is within us is not a distinct person or a member of a triad, three-headed God, but rather the One and Same Spirit that was in Christ. 

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19; I Corinthians 3:16; I Corinthians 6:19) 

The only begotten Son -- God robing Himself in flesh (yet without sin) so that we who believe in Him might know God our Saviour.  In this current dispensation of grace, the time in which we live right now, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sin ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved; he that believes on Him is not condemned but he that believes not in the Name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil ... but he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:16-21)

Stand in the offering plate.

Overcome Evil With Good, Heaping Coals On Our Enemies Head With The Lord's Everlasting Kindness - Part 2542

"God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?" (Hebrews 2:4)

Who is the gift giver? This same Jesus the high priest -- the Word made flesh -- the Good Shepherd who  willingly laid down His life for the sheep. Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11) 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. 

In Hebrews, we see the Godhead further explained. 

"For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things [pertaining] to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that He Himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof He ought, as for the people, so also for Himself, to offer for sins." (Hebrews 5:1-3) 

Since every high priest was ordained in the old testament side, to offer gifts and sacrifices, "wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law ..." (Hebrews 8:4-5) 

Although this might be somewhat complicated, we understand "... how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." (Hebrews 9:14-18) 

Thus, at the appointed time -- "this day have I begotten Thee!" -- the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she would bring forth a son. "The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing!" (Hebrews 9:8) This is why the new testament is not an add-on to the old testament but the Lord pitching the tent, becoming a mediator of the new testament -- so that we which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

To do so, He prepared for Himself a body that would be sacrificed -- for the redemption of the transgressions under the first testament. This is why we who believe can stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. (Galatians 5:1)

Because we were made in His image. Our hearts created to love one another as doth the Lord God who made us, and then willingly paid the ultimate price for us on a cross. And this same Lord our God continues to offer gifts -- no longer according to the law as they did in the old, but rather according to His abundant grace. 

How amazing! In Romans, apostle Paul elaborate:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, [being many], are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, [let us wait] on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shews mercy, with cheerfulness.

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." (Romans 12:1-15)

Do you see the pattern that is emerging? We who believe are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love one another -- as He indeed loved us. And when we do, we will receive gifts -- plural -- differing according to the grace that is given to us. In so doing, love without dissimulation. No pretence. No secret agenda. Instead, kindly affectioned one to another, in honour preferring one another -- and always serving the Lord. 

In fact, bless them which persecute you -- bless and curse not. As well, abhor that which is evil. Think soberly too, according as God hath dealt to every man (and woman) a measure of faith. 

Meditate upon these scriptures. Stand in the offering plate. 

For The Gifts And Calling Of God Are Without Repentance.- Part 2541

"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 the last couple of posts, the focus has been on the gifts of the Holy Ghost and in particular the gift of tongues. The blog today will expand on the other gifts that the Lord would have us desire -- so that we can understand how He wants give to us "severally" as He will. Most important, apostle Paul is stating that he would not have us who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith ignorant when it comes to spiritual things. Paul also recognizes that prior to our salvation, we were Gentiles carried away (led) by dumb idols. But then Paul shares that when we are speaking by the Spirit of God -- we would not call Jesus accursed. Similarly, Paul is clear -- that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost.

This should serve as a starting point for understanding -- that when we preach/teach the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ we do so by the Holy Ghost. The key point herein is Jesus -- that we don't call Jesus accursed but instead recognize that Jesus is the Lord, as Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost acknowledged. (Acts 2:36-41) In establishing the foundation here, it may appear that I'm digressing somewhat. Hopefully, by the end of this study, we will all have a more complete understanding of the gifts and calling of God that are without repentance. 

First of all, the word "gifts" is used 52 times in the scriptures - spanning between both the old and the new testaments. In some of these scriptures, we have an opportunity to witness those who are gladly giving gifts to the Lord Jesus. One such example is found in Matthew. There, the wise men fell down and worshipped Jesus when He was a young child, presenting Him with gifts. 

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11)

In another place, Jesus distinguishes between the hearts -- in those giving gifts in Luke 21. "For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had." And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, He said, "As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." (Luke 21:4-6) 

In other scriptures, Jesus refers to gifts (in both Matthew 7:11 and Luke 11:13) and how much more He shall give His holy Spirit to them that ask. From Matthew's writings --"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?" From Luke's writing -- "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"

Moreover, as Paul writes -- He saith, "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Ephesians 4:8) 

Note that He gave/gives gifts unto those who believe -- gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His own will. "God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?" (Hebrews 2:4) Thus, understanding the Lord's gifts to His people is critical. We see this in Romans 12:4-8 and I Corinthians 12-14. Paul offers further insight into we being many members within the body of Christ church.

"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, [let us wait] on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shews mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:4-8)

In reaffirming that we are members of the one body in Christ, Paul notes that we are also members of one another. For example, when Jesus summarized the old testament commandments, He said, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" He instructs us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and then from His love, to love one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

Interestingly, Paul emphasizes that the gifts we receive differ according to the grace that is given to us. Note the word -- differ. In the Miriam-Webster dictionary, differ is an "intransitive verb" and means: to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics (for example, the law of one state differs from that of another) or, to change from time to time or from one instance to another. This is why the gifts we receive individually differ -- but in the context of the many members of the body of Christ church, the gifts still fit together perfectly to the fulfilling of His purpose(s).

Whether prophecy, Paul instructs us to prophesy according to the proportion of faith or ministry. Indeed, Paul says to let us wait on our ministering -- if we do not have the proportion of faith necessary to minister effectively. [Paul gives excellent instructions in his first and second epistle to Timothy -- if you are interested in understanding more about the proportion of faith.]

But waiting does not just apply to ministering but also to preaching, teaching and exhortation. Does it stop there? Well, not according to apostle Paul, who states that when it comes to giving, we are to do so with simplicity. And those that rule? They are to do so with diligence, showing mercy with cheerfulness.

Continuing, Paul said to the brethren that he would not have them ignorant concerning spiritual gifts. (I Corinthians 13:1) So what are these gifts that we are to desire? The diversities of gifts given by the one and same Spirit?

"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. For the body is not one member, but many." (I Corinthians 12:4-14)

Paul clarifies these further in the end of I Corinthians 12. "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." (I Corinthians 12:28) These are the spiritual gifts we are to desire, but in all things, rather that we may prophesy -- preaching the gospel to one another in love, following after charity. (I Corinthians 12:28-31) 

Even so, our zeal of spiritual gifts is not to outweigh or dismiss an equal purpose in edifying the church.
"Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." (I Corinthians 14:12) In other words, edification to the other members of the body of Christ is important -- think of the commandment to love one another. 

Remember too the gift giver who freely gives to us (as we read above), giving the gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His own will.

"... which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make Him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience ..." (Hebrews 9:9)

There is so much more to come but for now, let's finish with Acts 20:28:

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood!"

Stand in the offering plate.

But Thanks Be To God, Who Gives The Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ - Part 2540

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)

Far too often, we are witnessing the theology interject understandings which are not scriptural! It's almost like the religious theology is intent on making everything into triad, tri-une. three modes -- rather than simply accepting that there are tongues of men and tongues of angels - as apostle Paul describes them. (I Corinthians 13:1) Today, we are further elaborating on the last post -- regarding the gifts of the Spirit. 

In this context, the diversities of tongues apostle Paul refers to is never defined in terms of kinds, types, or uses. (I Corinthians 12:10, 28) We do see apostle Paul refer to tongues as -- unknown, other, diverse, diversities -- and then from Acts 2, hearing them speak in their own language.

Tongues are a sign for "unbelievers" (I Corinthians 14:21) Prophecy (preaching the Word - Jesus) is the sign of a "believer"  Therefore, asking a new believer if they have spoken in tongues shows that the person asking is sadly erring on the side of an unbeliever. But I believe Paul's perspective herein is how much more constructive it would be to teach the new believer about Jesus -- as both Lord ad Christ, and reach souls for His kingdom.

As well, Jesus said, "... 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 16:16-18) These signs -- plural -- are not just speaking with new tongues ... as the religious culture would have us believe but also aligned with the other signs Jesus spoke of as well -- that should follow those who believe and are baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus. 

This is consistent with the gifts of the Holy Ghost outlined in 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 works 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)

Have all ... do all -- are interesting questions for sure -- that can't be dismissed by simply saying there are different uses of one particular gift (isolated from the other gifts, admins, helps, aides, operations, etc.) Does that mean there are 3 uses for healing, interpretation, etc.? Again, if we answer yes to even one question - do all speak with tongues, we would have to answer yes to all the others. 

Another way of looking at this is to take out the "added" words in I Corinthians 12:28-30. The scriptures would then say -- all apostles; all prophets; all teachers; all workers of miracles' all speak with tongues; all interpret. (I Corinthians 12:28-30) Either way -- whether we do speak in tongues, or we are all prophets, we who profess to believe have stopped short by demanding that people who say they believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and believe too that He is He, have spoken in tongues without referencing whether or not the believer has other gifts form the Lord. 

It also doesn't address Acts 2:1-4 when the people from all the nations heard them speaking in their own language. Here all of them were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

" ... Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:11) 

Apostle Paul further distinguishes the day of Pentecost (wherein some thought the men were drunk) -- by stating in I Corinthians 14 that he is referring to an unknown tongue - "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 14:18) 

Apostle Paul also refers to "other" tongues by saying, "In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear Me," saith the Lord." (I Corinthians 14:21) 

In the context of the assembling of the saints, apostle Paul indicates 2 or at the most 3 should speak in tongues but only if there is an interpreter -- but to be clear, each in turn - but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church, speaking rather to himself and to God. (I Corinthians 14:27-28) All things to be done for edification. 

What Peter (standing with the apostles) said in Acts 2:38 has equal relevance - "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." When this statement was made, it was meant that ye SHALL receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not might, or maybe but shall!

Personally, I think we've turned speaking in tongues into some religious marker/standard wherein we fall short in desiring spiritual gifts ourselves so we want to examine the faith of others, and ignore that the Lord gives to us -- "severally" as He will. 

"For by One Spirit are we all baptized into one body ..." (I Corinthians 12:13) 

The other point we need to remember is that the one who speaks in tongues edifies him/herself. (I Corinthians 14:6-10, 14) 

Finally, if we are to be zealous of spiritual gifts (plural) we should be seeking to abound for the edification of he church ... wherein it is equally important that someone is able to say the Amen when we are giving thanks (I Corinthians 14:16) There is so much more to share but let this suffice - for understanding that the Lord has so much more to give/bestow upon His people!

Stand in the offering plate.

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Jesus Came Not Into The World To Condemn The World But That The World Through Him Might Be Saved - Part 2539

"How is it then, brethren, when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying ..." (I Corinthians 14:26)

Apostle Paul is sharing herein how the body of Christ church should operate when the saints assemble. In I Corinthians 12-14, Paul further elaborates on how His church should come together -- ensuring that every one who believes has an opportunity to participate. And yes, let all things be done unto edifying.

In John 4, Jesus tells a man named Nicodemus -- a Pharisees and ruler of the Jews -- about salvation. Nicodemus had come to Jesus by night, and asks, "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." (John 3:1-2)

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. 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." The wind blows where it lists, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." (John 3:3-8)

Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "Art thou a master of Israel, and know not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:9-21)

Interestingly, Jesus had to reprove Nicodemus -- a ruler of the Jews -- "and ye know not these things? If I have told you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you [of] heavenly things?" This is a good question -- one that we should all take note of.

You see, Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world but rather that the world through Him might be saved. He told Nicodemus (and you and I too) that we need to be born again. And in so doing, we need to come to the Light -- Jesus is the Light that has come into the world -- and believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God. His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins.

Therefore, the first lesson herein is that we must be born again! If we read further, we see that we must be born of BOTH the water and the Spirit.

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." (John 3:5-7)

This is the same message Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) preached to the first 3,000 souls saved on the new testament side -- after the cross. That is, we must first repent and be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38; 2:36-41) We see this same message preached throughout the new testament. Everyone who repented and believed on Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords went onto be water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus -- becoming clothed in His righteousness. Not as works (as some religious would have us believe) but as an answer of a good conscience toward God. (I Peter 3:21) Buried with Him in death and arising out of the water with Him like unto the resurrection. (Romans 6:3-4)

"Marvel not that I say unto thee -- ye must be born again!"

By now, you may be wondering about the gift of the Holy Ghost? As Peter said, " ... and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!" (Acts 2:38) The Comforter that Jesus spoke of -- that could not come before Jesus ascended. (John 14:26; John 15:26; Acts 1:2-3)

On the Day of Pentecost, when the risen Jesus through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, we see the Holy Ghost poured out like a rushing wind. (Acts 1:2-3; Acts 2:1-4)

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4)

There came a sound like the rushing wind, just as Jesus had previously told Nicodemus. What was this sound? It was the Spirit of the Lord speaking through the believers in the upper room. Just like Jesus said would happen to everyone that is born of the Spirit. Just as the prophecy in Joel had earlier proclaimed would happen.

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions ..." (Joel 2:28-29)

When the day of Pentecost was fully come, the men heard them speaking in their own language ... as they began to speak with other tongues (Acts 2:4, 7-8, 11) Scripturally, this aligns with Acts 10:46 wherein those who believed and were water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus did speak with tongues AND magnify God and similarly, Acts 19:6 when they spake with tongues AND prophesied! Note the dual component -- which also occurred in Acts 2, when every man heard them preaching in their own language.

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:3-4)

Let's not stop here.

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, "What means this?" Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine." (Acts 2:5-13)

"And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"

Indeed, the men heard them preaching the wonderful works of God in their OWN language. Before continuing, it is important to note that apostle Paul writes of both tongues of men and of angels in I Corinthians 13 - the charity chapter. It is also critical to understand that these speaking in tongues also preached the good news -- again, consistent with those water baptized in Acts 10:44-48 and Acts 19:1-5.

Taking this further -- we understand from Paul’s writings in I Corinthians 12 - that he would not have us spiritually ignorant when it comes to the gifts of the Spirit, wherein the Lord gives "severally" as He will. (I Corinthians 12:11)

“... to another [diverse] kinds of tongues" -- which aligns with the tongues of men and of angels. (I Corinthians 13:1) And the confirming scripture -- “diversities of tongues" (I Corinthians 12:28)

But there are some who would have us believe that receiving the gift of tongues is the beginning and ending of our faith journey. That once we have spoken in a heavenly language, our salvation is secure and thus, there is no need to seek further the Lord's purpose for our life. In so doing, many who believe have sadly not moved forward in the Lord after receiving the gift of tongues. It is in this context and to offer clarity that we continue -- with the intent of stirring up the gift(s) that are within us.

First, it should be noted that if the Lord only intended for His people to speak in tongues, there would be no further guidance offered. But as we see from I Corinthians 12:30 - “Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” If we answer yes to the question, "do all speak in tongues?"- then should we not also answer yes to “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?” in I Corinthians 12:29?

But as the scriptures further state, we are to covet earnestly the “best” gifts (I Corinthians 12:31) In I Corinthians 14:5, apostle Paul states, “I would that ye all spake with tongues ...” From this scripture alone, is Paul suggesting that not everyone will speak in tongues? This is an question few want to explore because it would mean we would have to desire spiritual gifts - plural - so the Lord could give to us “dividing to every man “severally” as He will (I Corinthians 12:11)

Severally -- as in more than one.

Moreover, Paul says that he would rather we prophesied - for greater is he that prophesied than he that speaks with tongues (I Corinthians 14:5) In I Corinthians 14:21 Paul writes “with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people ...” - a study in and of itself aligning with the law plus the prophecy in Joel, and definitely a subject for another day. Notable too is that I Corinthians 14:18-19 refers to tongues as an unknown tongue.

And then finally the scripture that plays with all our taught theology- I Corinthians 14:22 wherein Paul states, “wherefore tongues are for a sign - NOT to them that believe, but to them that believe not ...”

In other words, the Lord Jesus has so many more to give us (re: gifts; operations; administrations; aides, helps, governments, etc. - I Corinthians 12:1-28) Desire spiritual gifts.

We should also know that as the Lord moves our status from that of His servants to His friends, we come to the understanding that while a day will come when prophecies, tongues and knowledge will cease, that charity (the flow through heart for others to be likewise saved) will never fail.

So much more to study and understand herein. Stand in the offering plate.

 them uttera

That Every One Which Sees The Son, And Believes On Him, May Have Everlasting Life - Part 2538

"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, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." (II Peter 2:6-8)

"Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone; as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:32-33)

Jesus said, "I AM -- the way, the truth and the life!" (John 14:6)

Jesus said, "I AM -- the bread of life!" (John 6:35)

And Jesus said unto them, "I AM the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

Why is this important to understand? Because Jesus is the Word made flesh who dwelt among us. Indeed, 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)

"For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world." (John 6:33)

For further clarity, let's understand what Jesus said, "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, comes unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:45-55)

Jesus is God manifest in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23) He willingly lay down His life for the sheep -- you and I -- so that we might experience abundant life in Him. What is His name in this current dispensation of grace? His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us.

Jesus- the Great I AM -- the I AM that I AM that is from everlasting to everlasting!

"And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life ..." (John 6:40)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Lord Came Forth As A Mighty Man - Part 2537

Jesus is the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter who leads and guides us into all truth.

Indeed, Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." (John 14:18)

We need to stop following the false traditions of men and "Come out from among them" (as Jesus invites us in Revelation) so we do not suffer their plagues. We need to understand that there is only ONE God and in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is Jesus.

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."

There is no getting around the scriptures that clearly state that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh and that He Himself prepared a body so that we might have salvation because of His holy blood shed on the cross. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) 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)

Yes, the same God who made this world in the beginning loved His people so much that even from afore He knew that He Himself would have to become our Saviour. He Himself wrote the greatest love story of all time, and now He is calling us back into His fold, inviting us to partake in the greatest feast ever known. Not as servants but as a member of His family.

"Hear ye Him!"

There is no "them" in His Word. There is no trinity or tri-une, triad or three headed God in the Bible.

God Himself became our Saviour. The Word which was with God and was God was 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; I Timothy 3:16)

Because of His abundance of love and mercy for His creation, He Himself became the promise so that we who believe in Jesus by faith, and are water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- can be heirs with our Lord God and Saviour, who willingly wrote His last will and testament on the cross. This is the greatest love story ever told! Don't be fooled by those who want to lead you down the garden path.

Open the scriptures for yourself and start reading. Learn the first commandment that transcends both the old and the new -- Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One Lord. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

Stand in the offering plate. 

The Righteousness of God Is By Faith Of Jesus Christ, Unto All Who Believe - Part 2536

 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in Him, but the just shall live by His faith." (Habakkuk 2:4) 

"For He whom God hath sent speaks the words of God; for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him" ... His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins. (John 3:34; Matthew 1:21-23)

This is why the Jews marvelled, saying about Jesus, "How knows this man letters, having never learned?"  Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory, but he that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you keeps the Law? Why go you about to kill Me?" (John 7:15-19)

You see, God 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) Indeed, He was the true Light which lights every man that comes into the world. He is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:13) 

"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21) 

His name is Jesus .. "for the Law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) 

In fact, "it was imputed unto Him for righteousness." (Romans 4:22; Genesis 15:5-6) 

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse ... because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful." (Romans 1:20-21)

This explains why Paul wrote in Romans, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes ... 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)

"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 3:22)

We who seek Jesus in all that we do and think live by faith. "And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" (Philippians 3:9) 

Therefore, glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ -- the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. Let him that has ears to hear, hear. Let us with eyes to see study His Word until we understand (without question) the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in the Lord Jesus -- the risen Lord Jesus who is once again the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Stand in the offering plate.

Stand Therefore, And Put On The Whole Armour Of God, That Ye May Withstand The Evil Day - Part 2535

"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits.Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." (II Timothy 2:1-7)

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." (Ephesians 6:10-20)

As the world around us sinks into further chaos and uncertainty, it is critical that we know in whom we serve ... and that the Lord Jesus has given us the tools to become equipped against the wiles of the devil. For the Lord has told us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. Combined, these would seem overwhelming in the day to day. But we are not to be disheartened because we know from whence comes our hope. In pursuing a personal relationship with Jesus (as both our Lord God and Saviour -- Acts 2:36-41) we know from whence comes our joy ... the peace that surpasses all human understanding.

Still, in order to be able to withstand in the evil day (having done all to stand) we need to put on the armour of God. To become fully clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus. This includes having our loins girt with truth -- the Word of God (the scriptures) hid deep in our heart -- having put on the breastplate of righteousness. The righteousness of Jesus -- wherein He wraps us in His cloak of righteousness when we repent and are water baptized in His precious, holy name -- the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41) 

It is here that we understand the helmet of salvation. It is at this point that we understand the sword of the Spirit -- which is the Word of God. The same Word which became flesh and dwelt among us. The same Word which spoke the world into existence in the beginning. The same Word which leads and guides us in the day to day, so that we can be an ambassador for Jesus, speaking boldly about the greatest love story ever told -- making known to one another the mystery of the gospel.

And when we are grounded in His Word, and led by His Spirit, we will also know that we can stand therefore, including standing against the evil day. So much more to learn but let these instructions serve as a starting point for this day. Similarly, may the Lord Jesus lead and guide you into all truth.

Stand in the offering plate.