Blessed Is He That Shall Eat Bread In The Kingdom Of God - Part 2771

"Give, and it shall be give unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38) 

"Jesus said, "Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath." (Mark 4:24)

"And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached Thee, O Lord." (Psalm 79:12)

Interestingly, Jesus speaks often about a flow-through heart. Sometimes, Jesus speaks in parables. Other times, Jesus shares real life examples with His apostles, who later then flow-through the Lord Jesus' love to others. Within the body of Christ church in this current dispensation of grace, the Lord teaches us to stand in the offering plate, in accordance with the first commandment. 

That is, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord. Love the Lord with all thy heart, all of thy soul, all of thy mind and all of thy strength." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) And from His love flowing through us, we are called to love one another.

Herein, we will look at two scriptural examples. The first highlights the young lad who offered Jesus all he had to feed the multitudes on the hillside. The latter looks at a couple who sold their possession and decidedly chose to tempt the Lord, by suggesting to the believing community that the monies they received for selling a property they owned was for less than they had actually sold it for. 

The contrast between the two is telling. The young lad gave his lunch to feed the multitudes -- his own sustenance to feed the multitudes. I'm sure he knew that his small lunch of five loaves and two fishes would not be enough to feed 5,000 men, plus women and children. However, his child-like faith in the Lord Jesus motivated him share everything -- all he had -- so that others would not be without. (Acts 3:36-47) 

In reading the account, one has to wonder why the lad was the only one in the crowd of people with food. Maybe the lad witnessed Jesus' compassion for the people, and he too was moved by a Master who loved. 

So, as Jesus went forth, He saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed the sick. And when it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, "This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals."  But Jesus said unto them, "They need not depart; give ye them to eat." 

But they say unto Him, "We have here but five loaves and two fishes." He said, "Bring them hither to Me."

And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children." (Matthew 14:15-21)

In the end, the disciples gathered up twelve baskets of food. A good example of how the Lord Jesus multiples in a way that is very different from the world's multiplication tables. 

In contrast, we see the couple determined to keep back some of the earnings from the sale of their land. It is important to note that they did not have to donate the proceeds from their land, but chose to de os in a manner where they profited themselves. The scriptures allude to the two tempting the Spirit of the Lord. A very different account from the heart of the lad who chose to give his all. 

"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife sold a possession and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostle's feet. But Peter said, "Ananias, why hath satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? And afterward it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine own heart? Thou hast not lied unto men but unto God." 

And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost and great fear came on all them that heard these things  And the young men arose, wound him up and carried him out and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife not knowing what was done. came in." (Acts 5:1-7) 

As we know, the same situation happened later with Sapharria his wife. with whom Ananias had agreed together tin their heart to tempt the Spirit of the Lord. The apostles made it clear -- through their questioning -- that the two had other plans in their heart, but still desired the glory that comes from giving. Had they given their all? It is clear from the above example that they did not.

Regardless of which path is chosen for our own lives, it's important to know that the Lord doesn't require our assets, but He does see the desires of our heart. 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another; envying one another." (Galatians 5:22-26)

And let us not be weary in well doing; for in the season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Because Of His Everlasting Kindness and Mercy, and Long-Suffering, Jesus Is Still Calling You Into His Fold Today! - Part 2770

Throughout the new testament gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus often speaks in parables, wherein He asks questions that force us to think outside of both current and historical societal norms. Interestingly, it is in this context that Jesus intentionally sets us apart from the world in our faith journey - so that we can increasingly become like that city on a hill for Him in everything that we do. 

In Luke 14, for example, Jesus is asking a number of questions to the lawyers and Pharisees, and when these could not respond, draws conclusions that should have changed their perspectives; transformed their minds and hearts. Indeed, toward the end of the chapter, Jesus says to them, "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 14:28-35)

But we are getting ahead of ourselves here. First, the context. Herein, Jesus has went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, and when He did, the lawyers and Pharisees watched Him. And behold there was a certain man before Him which had the dropsy. So Jesus asks the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?" But they did not respond.

Not surprisingly, Jesus heals the man, saying to the Pharisees, "Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?" Note that they did not have an answer to these things. (Luke 14:1-6) 

Jesus does not stop there. He then asks about those who are bidden to a wedding feast -- eventually concluding that whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. In this example, Jesus is offering an invitation that is outside the norm, and one that the Pharisees would not understand. That is, when ye make a dinner or supper, we are not to call upon our friends, or brethren, or kinsmen, or rich neighbour to attend -- because these all have the means to call you back and repay you for your kindness. To offer recompense for your kindness.

Instead,  Jesus is instructing those of us who believe in Him by faith, and have taken on His precious, holy Name in water baptism to be different. That when we make a feast, we should be calling the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and that, when we do, we shall be blessed. Let's read Jesus' instructions here again -- specifically from His Word.

Jesus said, "But when thou make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; and THOU SHALT BE BLESSED, for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:14) 

How many are now turning the page? How many have said that these instructions are just for the lawyers and Pharisees? Or for that particular moment in time -- when Jesus walked this earth? 

What happens next? 

"And when one of them sat at meat with Him heard these things, he said unto them, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." Then said He unto him, "A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent His servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, "Come, for all things are now ready;."

And they all with one consent began to make excuses. One said, "I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused." And the second, "I have bought five yoke of oxen and I go to prove them, I pray thee have me excused." And another, "I married a wife, and therefore I cannot come." (Luke 14:18-20)

The servant comes back and shows his Lord these things -- the people's excuses for not being able to attend. [Please note that the reason that I capitalize the L in Lord is because Jesus is speaking from His own perspective here.]

What does the Master of the house do? He asks His servant to go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, "Lord, it is done as Thou commanded, and yet there is room." And the Lord said unto the servant, "Go out into the highways and hedges, and COMPEL them to come in, that My house may be filled. For I say unto you -- that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper." (Luke 14:21-24)

Note what happens -- then drew unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him. All the while, the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." Jesus goes on to speak in numerous parables -- a good read -- about the parable of the lost sheep, the lost piece of silver, the lost son, and then the unrighteous steward. (Luke 14-15-16) 

Throughout the scriptures, we are encouraged to understand that no weapon formed against His anointed, His blessed body of Christ church -- can prosper. And that, also, this same Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and He will come again -- "and receive you unto Myself; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:3-4)

Don't ever lose that first love that we had for the Lord Jesus, when we first came to Him -- for He is still inviting those who are lost to come to His wedding feast -- even in the midst of such turmoil -- or as the world suggests -- living in unprecedented times -- but the Lord, well, He knows our hearts, and He is forever stretching out His hands so that we might find abundant life in Him. 

Stand in the offering plate.

 

The New Testament Is Not An Addendum To The Old Covenant - Part 2769

"I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh" saith the Lord, and as a consequence your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Similarly, your old men shall dream dreams and upon my servants and upon my handmaidens, I will pour out of My Spirit. So the question is this. Have you received the Holy Ghost since you exercised your faith towards the name of the Lord JESUS? [If you have not received the promised Holy Ghost according to the scriptures, then why not?]

This was a question the apostles asked in Acts 19:

"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John’s baptism." Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:1-5) 

Why? Because these disciples wanted to receive the truth with glad hearts. Thus, when Paul spoke to them about receiving the Holy Ghost, these desired more. It is for this reason they willingly were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, because they too wanted to be clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus. 

But there is more. These disciples already knew there is only One Lord! That there is only One Faith, and only One Baptism. This is the shortened version of confession of the faith that the scriptures render. In this context then, we (as did the disciples in the example above) ought to examine ourselves to see whether we are earnestly contending for this confession of faith. This confession of our faith that was once, and only once delivered from JESUS to us by His holy Spirit.

Moreover, the ministry of His Spirit declares that if any man has not the Spirit of JESUS the Christ then that person has not as yet accepted redemption nor has he or she obeyed the opening tongue spoken ministry of the Holy Ghost as recorded in Acts chapter two. Paul in Galatians declared, "Who has bewitched you that you not obey the truth?" Evidently you started out in looking at and believing in only JESUS alone! You were doing so well hungering for more of God with singleness of heart. What happened?

Well, in some cases you may have met a religious person who had church-ianity but had never experienced the free redemption that Christianity offers. What they did not tell you is that the Old Covenant is not the New Testament. Neither is the New Testament an addendum to the Old Covenant. The Old Testament is a covenant of works while the New Testament is intended to be a testament of love and grace neither of which are dependant on you.

Another way of looking at the differences is that in the old testament, the laws (commandments) were physical. In the new testament, the laws are written in our hearts. The law in the old physical circumcision. In the new testament, our relationship with the Lord Jesus if founded through circumcision of the heart.

Further, God in the New Testament redeems to Himself a people who previously were not a people at all. The New Testament was necessary because God walked away from the former Covenant when those He had covenanted with had walked out from the Old Covenant demands. But this New Covenant is a Covenant between God who is Spirit and God Himself as a Son. This New Covenant was a ‘God In Christ Covenant.' Most of all, it involved the death of the testator - JESUS.

We as believers then are the benefactors of all contained in that everlasting Covenant of God in Christ. We as believers do not have a Covenant. Rather, we are the recipients of all that JESUS was heir to. All of JESUS the Christ inheritance has been bequeathed to us as HIs LAST WILL and TESTAMENT. One does not work for an inheritance. No, an inheritance is considered a gift!

Is it any wonder that the Apostle Paul said to the Galatians, "My labour that I have bestowed upon you - was it all in vain?" You started out well, but now you are endeavouring to work for salvation. Let me remind you says Paul that Christ died for all of our sins. Christ died for yesterday's sin, today's sin and even tomorrow’s sin.

This is why JESUS was raised from the grave -- for our justification! When Jesus ascended to Heaven, JESUS SAT down. So why are you still working for your salvation? Admittedly, you may work because you have salvation, but we do NOT work to obtain salvation. Salvation is the free gift Of God!

If you've been led astray by a modern day religious culture, start afresh. Read Acts 2 and do as the Holy Ghost commanded. As for me and my house, we will by God’s grace serve none other than the God who loved us and gave Himself for us. 

Peace be on the ISRAEL of God! Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Said, Seek Me And Ye Shall Find The Treasure! - Part 2768

"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed [is] the man that hears Me, watching daily at the posts of My doors -- for whoso finds Me finds life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord ... teach a wise man and he will increase in learning." (Proverbs 8:32- Proverbs 9:9)

And it came to pass the day after Jesus had healed a certain centurion's servant that Jesus went into a city called Nain. We read that many of Jesus' disciples went with Him and much people as well. Now when Jesus came nigh to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out -- the only son of his mother, a widow. As it is in death, many people accompanied the woman.

But when Jesus saw the woman, He had compassion on her, saying, "Weep not." And He came and touched her and they that bare the dead man stood still. Jesus then said, "Young man, I say unto thee, arise." And he that was dead sat up and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all; and they glorified God, saying, "That a great prophet is risen among us, and, that God hath visited His people." And this rumour of Jesus went forth throughout all of Judaea and throughout all the region about.

And the disciples of John the baptist showed him of all these things. And John calling two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:19)

When the men were come unto Jesus they said, "John the baptist hath sent us unto Thee, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:20)And in that same hour, He cured many of [their] infirmities, and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind, He gave sight. Then Jesus answering, said, "Go your way and tell John what things ye have seen and heard: how the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he -- whomsoever shall not be offended in Me." (Luke 7:22-23)

Note that once John's messengers had departed, Jesus began to speak further unto the people concerning John the baptist.

"What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately are in king's courts. But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you and much more than a prophet. This is [he] of whom it is written, "Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before Thee." (Luke 7:24-27; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1)

Then Jesus said, "For I say unto you -- among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28)

And all the people that heard [Him] and the publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John but the Pharisees and lawyers ... the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the baptist. (Luke 7:30)

Apostle Paul later related after his conversion on the road to Damascus, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:27)

But is this not what is happening within both the societal and modern day religious culture today? To the poor the good news gospel of repentance and reformation of one's heart is preached and wholly accepted as taught in His Word. In fact, His Word accepted gladly into our hearts without question. But the Pharisees and lawyers? Those which are "gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts" -- these mock the commandments of God because their souls were/are not of God. The scriptures are clear on this point. The Pharisees and lawyers chose to turn a deaf ear, preferring instead to reject the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the Baptist.

"But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:30) Or, if we consider the more accurate rendering in the Greek -- "rejected for themselves the counsel of God."

However, note that the Pharisees and lawyers not only rejected John's baptism unto repentance but also Jesus the Christ who stood before them. The ultimate plan of salvation that was decided before the world was even formed -- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Christ so that we -- you and I -- could be reconciled unto Himself.

These "learned" men despised the commands of God, including the baptism of repentance which was ordained of God. In so doing, these revealed their aversion and abhorrence to the gospel of the kingdom of God and His righteousness, rejecting the very instructions of our Lord and Christ. Sadly, the salvation message of repentance and water baptism in Jesus name is still being rejected today.

Even when we know that Jesus, "through the Holy Ghost" had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, and that we are instructed to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, there are those learned -- gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts -- rejecting the counsel of God. (Acts 1:1-4; Acts 2:37-42) Even though we see the counsel of God displayed on the day of Pentecost and His church in which Jesus is the Head established, we reject the counsel of God by not aligning our teachings on repentance and baptism with those taught in the scriptures.

When the people pricked in their heart asked Peter, standing with the eleven -- "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 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." (Acts 2:37-38)

The good news gospel message of the new testament. His life giving message. His love for us shown on an old rugged cross for all the world to behold. His precious blood shed so that we might have life in Him, clothed in His righteousness, and baptized into His name. We either accept His counsel gladly or we become like those Pharisees and lawyers standing in the place of Jesus -- in the king's court /man-made religion -- rejecting the counsel of God.

This is why the Lord Jesus then told the Pharisees and lawyers that rejected the counsel of God against themselves -- “Where unto then shall I liken the men of this generation? And to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.” For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, “He hath a devil.” The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, “Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” (Luke 7:29-37)

Yes, wisdom is justified of all her children. He hath made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed [is] the man that hears Me, watching daily at the posts of My doors -- for whoso finds Me finds life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord." (Proverbs 8:32- Proverbs 9:9)

Stand in the offering plate.

For The Hope Which Is Laid Up For You; Which Ye Heard Before In The Word Of The Truth Of The Gospel - Part 2767

"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (I John 3:16)

Interestingly, the world is familiar with John 3:16 -- the message portrayed to those whom Jesus preached to when He walked on this world. As a reminder, John 3:16 states, "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)

When we compare these two scriptures, one might be inclined to say they are contradictory .. for the latter verse tells us that God laid down His life for us, while the former His Son. Is there a contradiction? Of course not! How do we know? Because God is not the author of confusion. (I Corinthians 14:33) So why the difference?

Well, in the gospels, God is manifest as a son. We see this declared in another new testament 3:16 -- "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16) 

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

"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) 

Indeed, when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary, it was so that she could bring forth a son -- the fetus called the "holy thing" by Luke the physician. This occurred only after the Holy Ghost declared, "This is My beloved Son, this day have I begotten Thee."  (Psalm 2:7; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; II Peter 1:17) And as we also know from Hebrews 9:8, the new testament could not be ushered in while the old covenant was still standing. 

"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)

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:14-18)

So, before the foundation of the world was formed, God had already decided His plan of salvation. It was in the beginning that the Lord God decided to leave His last will and testament for His beloved church. Herein, He knew that in the new testament, His fullness of glory would dwell bodily in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 2:9; 

"For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell ... and having made peace through the blood of the cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, I say, whether they be things inn earth or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:19-20

There was a reason Thomas called the risen Jesus "my Lord and my God!" 

And there is a reason why we too need to understand and receive Christ Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour, our all in all. (Colossians 2:6; Acts 2:36-41)

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature .. for by Him were all things created that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether 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. (Colossians 1:15-17) 

Yes, Jesus -- the One and Only Head of the body of Christ church. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

In This Was Manifested The Love Of God Toward Us - Part 2766

 "I, even I am, the Lord thy God and beside Me, there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) 

"O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation." (Psalm 149:5) 

"For the Lord is a great God and a Great King above all gods." (Psalm 95:5)

In the old testament, there was never any question that there was any god other than One and Only Living God. Most certainly, there was never a God with three heads, or a triad that would lead to a teaching that this One God was divided in three persons. In the first commandment, for example (and reaffirmed by Jesus in the new testament), we understand His command to us -- "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord. Love the Lord with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind and with all thy strength and love one another." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

Does this not explain why the Jews sought to kill Jesus -- because He not only had broken the sabbath but said also that God was His Father making Himself equal with God? (John 5:17) How does Jesus reply?

"My Father works hitherto, and I work ..." 

In other words, the timeline was established. The Father who created the world was now handing all authority over to Jesus ... when He said, "This day have I begotten Thee." Jesus said the same in Matthew 28:18 -- "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth .." 

All power! 

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

This is why Jesus (Head of the body of Christ church) could say, "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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) 

This is why Jesus said, "I am the bread of life."

Jesus said, " I am the light of the world." (John 8:12) 

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

Because Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. 

Moreover, as apostle Pauls states, "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory, which none of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (I Corinthians 2:7-8) 

This same Jesus that Peter (standing with the apostles on the day of Pentecost) declared, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Sadly, some stop seeking the truth upon hearing the term 'mystery' explaining that the Godhead is a mystery and therefore not intended to be understood. Clearly, these have not read I Timothy 3:16, wherein the mystery is fully explained. These have not read that Jesus Himself has said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Or that if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him. (John 14:6-12)

Nevertheless, the scriptures are clear. 

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

When was God manifest in the flesh? 

The answer? At that moment in time, when the Lord God specifically said, "Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee!" In the scriptures, this was prophesied in Psalm 2:7, and then later repeated (confirmed) in Acts 13:33, John 3:15-18, Hebrews 1:5, Hebrews 5:5, I John 4:9, I John 5:1, Revelation 1:5) 

"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)

Indeed, the same God who created the world willingly became our Saviour.  After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 9:6)

And to confirm, we are told -- "Lo, I come in the volume of the book it is written of Me." (Psalm 40:8; Luke 24:44) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Know Ye Not That The Spirit Of God Dwells In You? And Ye Are Christ's! - Part 2765

"Wherefore, my brethren, we also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ ..." (Romans 7:4)

"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh ..." (Romans 8:3)

"But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit and not in the newness of the letter." (Romans 7:6)

Throughout the new testament, apostle Paul continually laid the foundation -- the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, Paul desired that we that believe would become spiritually minded (life and peace) rather than carnally minded (death). (Romans 8:6) In this same message, Paul reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, which meant we are no longer enslaved under the law. 

"Wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." (Galatians 3:19)

Even then, within the early church Paul had to state that the law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. Even then, Paul had to confront the apostle Peter, for compelling the Gentiles to live as do the Jews. (Galatians 2:11-12; Acts 10:28) And as we see, Paul did so, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, we who believe in Jesus Christ are similarly justified by the faith of Christ. "Not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16; Psalm 143:2; Philippians 3:9) 

Paul was also quick to remind us that we are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so that His Spirit dwells within our hearts. (Romans 6:9) 

Paul even goes so far to ask, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (I Corinthians 3:16) And in another place, "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

You see, the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to Paul, who received his understanding by revelation. "For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:12)

But this same apostle warns us (as did the Lord Jesus when he walked on this earth) about those who would come in and try to preach another gospel, putting us back under the law. Herein, it is important to remember that faith came before the law. Galatians 3 expands on this them, when Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all the nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (Galatians 3:8-9)

Thus, as Paul reiterates, "no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith, but the man that does them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being, made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree ... that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:11-14)

Note then the covenant has been established when the Lord pitched the tent in the new testament, and if it be confirmed, no man can either disannul or add therein. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. (Hebrews 9:17) 

Therefore, as Paul so clearly stated to the saints in Corinth, "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon." (I Corinthians 3:10) 

But remember in building, the foundation -- which is based on the Rock which is Jesus (both Lord and Christ - Acts 2:36-41) does not change. So when we obtain the boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and having a high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water, let us hold fast the profession of our faith, without wavering -- knowing that He is faithful that promised. (Hebrews 10:19-23)

Indeed, Christ hath redeemed us from the law.  Stand in the offering plate. 

Blessed Are They Which Keep His Testimonies; And That Seek Him With The Whole Heart!- Part 2764

Because of the sacrifice of JESUS the Christ, who was indeed the only begotten child of the Holy Spirit of God or, as the scriptures state, God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son, we have an opportunity to be saved. Yes, God in the manifestation of JESUS (God with us) had a plan for all of His creation. This is why it is important to understand that in Jesus did ALL the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily.

If some of you require an analogy, think of a drop of water from the ocean. Even with only the one drop, you would still be in possession of all the elements found in the ocean waters. Still, there remains a vast body of water that is ocean. It is the same with God in Christ. All of the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus. All of the fullness of the Godhead.

This is why Jesus said to Philip, "If you have seen Me, then Philip you have seen the Father. I and my Father are One. He that has seen Me, the Son, has seen the Father." In other words, God has fathered All of His children in a Son’s body. Surely natural life as we see it displays this obvious fact. All of man’s offspring are fathered from a son’s body and after the child is born the son who provided the seed is recognized as a father.

JESUS then was conceived of the Holy Spirit - the Holy Spirit providing the new blood line. God Himself as a Son seeded us for it is written, "We are the SEED of JESUS the Christ." The SEED of JESUS the Christ is the WORD of God. For we have been born again NOT of corruptible seed BUT by incorruptible SEED which is the WORD of God.

JESUS being the very same WORD/WISDOM that indwelt God. Yes, one and the same. JESUS the WORD / the WISDOM of GOD coming forth from the innermost being of God, becoming for our sake God manifest in the flesh as a Son.

Stand in the offering plate.

For Thou Hast Delivered Our Souls From Death; Our Feet From Falling; That We May Walk Before God In The Light Of The Living! - Part 2763

 "Be merciful unto me, O God, for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresses me. Mine enemies would daily swallow me up; for they be many that fight against me, O Thou Most High."

In today's world, there are many believers being singled out and persecuted for their faith. We are seeing churches shut down and pastors arrested for helping the most vulnerable within society ... for essentially being the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus, wherein He has commanded us to love one another. So when we read the words of the psalmist above, we can feel his pain -- when his enemies plan daily to swallow him up.

But does David stay there, worrying about what will happen next? Of course not. In Psalm 56, we see the Lord's hand in all trials -- wherein He turns everything to good for those who love Him with all their heart, soul. mind and strength.  So reading forward, David the psalmist writes:

"What time I am afraid,  I will trust in Thee. In God I will praise His Word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Every day they wrest my words: all their thought are against me for evil." (Psalm 56:1-5)

This peace within even though David's enemies (and by extension, those of us who believe Jesus is still King of kings and Lord of lords in our current world) -- wrest his words every day. And even though all their thoughts are against us for evil. 

"They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul." (Psalm 56:6)

But they don't know Jesus the way we do! These are not privy to the One who loves us beyond measure -- as the apple of His eye! 

Thus, as David asks, "Shall they escape by iniquity?" 

No, Why is that? 

Because the Lord Jesus knows our wanderings. He has put my tears into His bottle. Are my tears not in His book too? All this to say that the Lord Jesus understands our struggles; our heartaches; our burdens when our enemies come against us. 

Continuing, David writes, "When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know: for God is for me. In God will I praise His Word. In the Lord will I praise His Word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me!" (Psalm 56:9-11) 

Moreover, we continually render praises unto Thee. Our eyes continually on the Lord, for He is able to deliver His people from those with wicked intentions. 

"For Thou hast delivered my soul from death; wilt not Thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?"  (Psalm 56:13)

indeed, as David writes in yet another place, "For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living." (Psalm 116:8-9) 

This is why we praise the Lord! This is why we give thanks unto the Lord. For He is good because His mercy endures for ever. Let them that fear the Lord say -- His mercy endures forever. For when we call upon the Lord in distress, the Lord answers us, and sets us in a large place -- the Lord is on our side so we do not have to fear. 

Because at the end of the day, what can man do unto me?  (Psalm 118:6)

The Lord is our strength and song and has become our salvation. The right hand of the Lord has done valiantly. And because of His kindness and love, He has opened to us the gates of righteousness -- this gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. Therefore continue to praise the Lord for His goodness and grace, His mercy which we might never understand, but are so thankful that He has heard our prayers. And know too, that this is the Lord's doing -- the stone which the builders refused to become the headstone of the corner. 

Indeed, the tent that the Lord is pitching -- it is His doing, and it should be marvellous in our eyes. Yes this is the day that the Lord hath made -- rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:22-24)

"For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise ye the Lord!" (Psalm 117:1-2)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Know Ye Not That Ye Are The Temple Of God, And That The Spirit Of God Dwells In You? - Part 2762

"Thou sent forth Thy Spirit, they are created, and Thou renews the face of the earth ...The glory of the Lord shall endure forever: the Lord shall rejoice in His works." (Psalm 140:30-31)

"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba Father," wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:6-7) 

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2) 

Such a range of scriptures when it comes to understanding that the Spirit of the Lord God dwells within us. It is He that renews our minds and quickens our spirits -- aligning His purpose in our heart -- so that we are no longer servants and sons, but instead heirs of God through His work on the cross -- when He said once and for all, "It is finished!" 

But there is much more. 

"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you." (Romans 8:9-11; I Corinthians 3:16; I Corinthians 6:19)

Did you see it -- He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you! How rejuvenating -- that the same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the waters in the beginning desires to commune with you and I. There is also a distinction. Note that if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, we do not belong to Him. This should be abundantly clear. Thus, in order to be saved, we must have the Spirit of Christ dwelling within.

How do we become saved? 

Peter, standing with the eleven made it abundantly clear. Indeed, the people asked Peter, "What must we do to be saved?" As we read in Acts 2:36-47, the people were pricked in their hearts, when Peter said, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36) Peter then informs the people that if they want to be saved, they must "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) 

This marks the beginning of the new testament church. Herein, the first 3,000 souls were saved, and we can be too -- if we follow the instructions given on the day of Pentecost. As an aside, when we are baptized into Christ, He clothes us in His righteousness. And His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- dwells within, now leading us and guiding us into all truth.

Yes, this same Jesus whom we all have crucified at one point or another willingly shed His holy precious blood on the cross so that you and me might have abundant life in Him. Don't let the day pass without asking Jesus to be King of kings and Lord of lords in your heart -- for this is the day that the Lord hath made for you to come to a place wherein you can commune with Him. 

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled faces beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3:17-18)

Yes, Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He is still on His throne, inviting you into His fold. Make a decision for Jesus today.

Stand in the offering plate.