Stand in the Offering Plate - Part 569

"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 dwelleth in you." (Romans 8:11)

The blood that Jesus shed on the cross and His subsequent resurrection is the reason that there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. That we are saved by the precious blood that Jesus shed on the cross. 

Paul in I Corinthians 15 declared that the gospel that he preached, and was received and wherein ye stand,  and have kept in memory how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Peter and the apostles, preaching to the first 3,000 believers confirmed the same message in Acts 2, That is, Jesus was raised to life and they were witnesses of this fact. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (I Corinthians 15:22)

I Corinthians 15 further elaborates on this point. Beginning in verse 41, "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon and another glory of the stars, for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

It is sown a natural body; it is raised in a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual but that which is natural and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.

As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy; and as is he heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption."

And then Paul wrote, "Behold brethren, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet, for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

Let those that have ears to hear, hear. Note also that the same God who restored Jesus to the throne wants to give you life also. When the first 3,000 in Acts 2 were pricked in their hearts, they asked Peter and the apostles, "What shall we do?"

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

Redemption Decided Before the World Was Framed - Part 568

It is for this cause Jesus 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. (Hebrews 9:15)  As a consequence, we are now justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is found in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.  (Romans 3:24) 

Jesus' precious blood was shed on the cross so that we -- you and I -- could be justified freely by the grace of Jesus.  Justified even though we were without merit. Justified even though none of us were deserving of His grace. The Bible states that we have all sinned -- each and every one of us -- and fallen short of the glory of God.

This is why God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1-14) So that our sins and transgressions could be covered with His blood as if we were righteous people capable of adhering to the strict ordinances contained in the Law under the old covenant. The promise of salvation decided before the world was framed. 

The shedding of Jesus own blood -- His sacrifice -- was the sufficient atonement necessary for our sins. As a consequence, we are no longer bound under the constraints and chains of the law. Jesus, at the moment of His death removed all the barriers that existed between God and man. The veil that up until this point had served as a barrier between God and man was rent from top to bottom. (Hebrews 4:14-16) 

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." (Matthew 27:50-51) 

And from the very moment the veil was torn, our Lord God and Saviour became our High Priest. He was making a way for you and I to enter into the Holy of Holies. Never again would our creator who loved us so much from the beginning of time dwell in a temple made with hands. (Acts 17:24, Luke 13:35, Hebrews 9:8-13) He wanted to dwell in our hearts. Indeed, Jesus was establishing a new covenant for His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Therefore, there is no other mediator between God and man, except Christ Jesus. In John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." 

Hebrews 10 expands on this point. "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore brethren, 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."

Therefore, be confident "in whom we have redemption -- through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7) Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever -- is faithful and just. Stand in the offering plate.

At the Name of Jesus, Every Knee Shall Bow - Part 567

In the scriptures, we are encouraged to shine in the world as lights for Jesus. Indeed, as the scriptures state,  "Fulfill ye my joy, that you be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord -- of one mind." Why? Because greater love hath no one than this -- that one lay down His life for His friends. (John 15:13)

So again under the new covenant -- the dispensation of grace that we live in today -- let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Indeed, He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

Wherefore God has highly exalted Him -- Jesus -- and given Him a name which is above every name in Heaven and in earth. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

This is why the apostles (and by extension you and I) should be thankful upon every remembrance, always in prayer making our requests with joy. Our fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He -- Jesus' holy spirit -- which has begun a good work in you and I will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 

The scriptures further encourage us by stating, "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Why? Because as we have alluded to in prior posts, living in His love is knowing Jesus.  

Having this confidence, we know that we shall abide in His joy of faith. Therefore be partakers of His grace.  Rejoice in the abundance that can only be found in Jesus Christ -- today and every day going forward. Remember, Jesus is our hope and salvation and this promise is to you and your family and to all those who are afar off. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus, I Give You My Heart - Part 566

In the scriptures, we read that the chief priests in consultation with the elders, scribes and the whole council at the time mocked Jesus. Indeed, on the cross where they had crucified Jesus, they had nailed a sign stating, "THE KING OF THE JEWS." (Mark 15:21) Collectively, they passed by Jesus hanging on the cross, railing on Him and wagging their heads saying, "Ah, thou that destroys the temple and buildest it in three days, save thyself and come down from the cross."

Further, the chief priests and scribes laughed among themselves saying, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Prior to this, Pilate had asked Jesus, "Art thou the King of the Jews?" At one point, Pilate who marveled at Jesus and thought Him blameless had even asked his advisers, "Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?"

But the chief priests -- full of envy of the miracles and healings that Jesus had performed -- cried out "Crucify Him." And so Pilate willing to content the people delivered Jesus to be crucified. And they clothed Him with purple and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, and began to salute Him, "Hail, King of the Jews." And thy smote Him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him and bowing their knees worshipped Him.

And when they had mocked Jesus enough, they took off the purple from Him and put His own clothes on Him and led Him out to crucify Him. They brought Jesus unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not. And when they had crucified Jesus, they parted His garments casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified Him.

Because Jesus was crucified at the same time as two thieves,one on the right and another on His left, the scripture from the old covenant was fulfilled. That is, "And He was numbered with the transgressors." (Mark 15:28) What is important to note is that throughout the accusations being made by the chief priests and scribes to Pilate, Jesus answered nothing other than to later say, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

Indeed, what the accusers -- the chief priests, the scribes, the elders, the council -- did not know is that this very moment -- whereby the King of kings and Lord of lords would shed His precious blood on Calvary for our sins -- was decided even before the world was framed. The gift of salvation whereby our Father -- the God who created this world -- and you and I too -- had destined that He Himself would become flesh and die on a cross so that we might be saved.

In the beginning God. (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God and the Word became flesh. (John 1:1-14) This is the miracle of grace, that our God who created us -- who we in our ignorance have rejected so often -- was still willing to let His humanity die on a cross so that we might experience life abundant in Him. The gift of salvation decided even before we were formed in our mother's womb.

It is no wonder Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God to come, craved the body of Jesus. It is no wonder that he brought fine linen and took Him down and wrapped Him in the linen and laid His body in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door. It is no wonder Mary Magedalene brought sweet spices to anoint Him and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where He lay. They knew that there is no greater love than the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.

Indeed, Jesus of Nazareth was the King of the Jews. At any point on the cross, Jesus could have destroyed the earth. But that would have defeated His predestined purpose and as a consequence, we would not be saved by His grace. Romans 10 states, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

This is why we worship Jesus. And honour Him. As we read in the scriptures, the destroyer of our souls -- the enemy spirits that determine to keep our hearts and souls entrenched in this earthly world, never saw it coming. The evil spirits could not understand why Jesus -- the King of the Jews -- did not get down from the cross. They did not understand that when Jesus shed His blood on the cross  for our sins, it was so that we could walk freely in Him. Experience the paradise that exists in Jesus and was intended for us from the beginning of time.

This is the promise of salvation. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39) Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus - the Resurrection and the Life - Part 565

Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant, makes you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

We are a privileged generation because we live under the new covenant -- the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus. He demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us. We can put all our faith in Jesus the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. (John 10:11) Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever believes in me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) Further, Jesus said, "I am the door. By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Unlike the prophets of old, we received His promise. That is, we -- you and I -- can be assured in our salvation through the blood of Jesus the Christ shed on the cross. Salvation that is free and available to each and every one of us. Through faith in Jesus, we can understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. And we can rest securely in the knowledge of Jesus knowing that if we believe in Him, we are not condemned. (John 3:18) Our faith in Jesus becomes the substance of things hoped for.

And if those of the old covenant who knew not Jesus could through faith subdue kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtain promises, stop the mouths of lions, quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, wax valiant in fight, turn to flight the armies of the aliens, how much more can we achieve knowing that we have obtained the better resurrection. We are able to know personally our Lord God and Saviour who only wants the best for His children -- you and I -- sons and daughters of the most high King.

Believe in Jesus today. Fix your eyes and heart on Jesus -- the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame. He is victorious. Stand firm in His promises. Stand in the offering plate. 

As Far As the Eye Can See, There is Jesus - Part 564

Think about this for a moment. The earth is the Lord's but not only the earth. The fulness thereof too. Moreover, the world and every living thing that dwell therein belongs to God Almighty. "For He hath founded it upon the seas and established it upon the floods." David in Psalms asks, "Who [then] shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessings of the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation."(Psalms 24:1-4)

As believers in Jesus, we are not perfect. The Bible states that all of us -- each and every one of us -- are sinners and fallen completely short of the grace of God. But God never intended for us to be far from Him. After all, God made man in His own image so that we could fully enjoy His blessings and goodness.

But we didn't understand the love that our Lord God and Creator had for us. Indeed, we could not even begin to comprehend the extent that our Father would go to bring us back to our intended place of peace -- resting in His goodness. So in order for this to happen, God had to put in place a plan of salvation whereby we could be fully forgiven by our Lord God and Saviour. And He did. What a plan it was.

Unlike the days where men were bound under the Law and Commandments, God made a way when there was no other way. A plan of salvation so that we could be free. That is, God became flesh and dwelt among us (we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full and grace and truth." (John 1:14)

It is this same God who loved us so much from the beginning of time, knowing us even before we were formed in our mother's womb who wants to bless us today with "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."

To give us an abundance of spiritual blessings that can only emerge from the goodness of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. The same God who created us wants us to experience His grace and goodness. The breadth and depth of our Saviour's love. And rejoice. Not just once in a while but every moment of every day.  How can we be assured of His love for us?

First, God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. It is Jesus who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our mighty words or intellect, or our seemingly good works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Similarly, the Word of God is not bound to the things of this earth. When Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross, He was victorious over death.  He who holds the universe in the palm of His hands abolished death, instead bringing forth life and immortality to those who believe in Jesus. The light of the world that shines brighter than the brightest light on earth through His good news message -- the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, be confident in whom we believe. Be persuaded that He is able to keep that which you and I commit unto Him against that day. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Continue in the things which you have learned and be assured knowing that it is Jesus that has opened your eyes and heart to receive His blessings. To Jesus be the glory -- Jesus -- the only Pontentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords.  Stand in the offering plate.

Rise and Shine With Jesus - Part 563

There are so many wonderful reasons to rise and shine each day with renewed hope in Jesus. He who has saved us by His grace has called us into a holy life. Not because of anything we have done because there is absolutely nothing that we could do to deserve the unprecedented abundance of love and grace that God our Saviour Jesus has bestowed on those who love and desire Him. Admittedly, we don't deserve His love and yet He loved us.

But regardless of our human failures, the Word -- Jesus -- God Almighty in the flesh -- shed His blood on the cross so that we might be saved. Because of His own purpose, we can be confident in His grace and mercy that was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, Our creator in the beginning devised a plan of salvation and victory for our lives even before the foundation of the world was formed. The scriptures state, "He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." 

Further to this point, there is a fragrance that comes from the knowledge of Jesus. A fragrance in acknowledging that God's plan of salvation was not by happenstance or an afterthought. Moreover, God\s plan to reconcile men and women unto Himself to become the chosen elect was not by accident. God knew that we could not keep the letter of the law and as such, God would have to become flesh and shed His precious blood on the cross.

But the good news of the gospel is that He did so willingly so that we could live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. As a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2) Note the peace in recognizing that as a consequence of our salvation, bought and paid for freely by our Lord God and Saviour on the cross, we become the aroma of Jesus. 

Therefore continually give thanks to our Lord God and Saviour who leads us in triumphal procession in Christ. Why? Because through us Jesus spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. So as we rise and shine in this brand new day, walk in love as Jesus the Christ hath loved us and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2) Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Blood Shed For You and I - Part 562

"Follow Me" Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

Jesus never just "passes by" in the scriptures. Indeed, Jesus has an impact. In Matthew chapter four, we read that beyond the multiplicity of miracles and healings that were performed, those individuals which had previously sat in darkness -- completely empty and broken without any hope or joy in this world -- saw in Jesus a great light. In fact, for those individuals and families which had previously sat in darkness, Jesus' abundant light was springing up in their hearts. Bubbling with happiness and joy. It is no wonder the multitudes of people, as Matthew 4 explains, wanted more of Jesus.

Here they were discovering that the more they desired Jesus -- the more that they pressed closer to the King of kings and Lord of lords - the more their individual lives were being transformed. All Jesus had to say was "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." As we see from the examples cited, Jesus did not have to ask twice.

Jesus had been preaching, encouraging the crowds of people who followed Him to repent, "for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." When Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw two brethren fishing. The first was Simon called Peter and the second Andrew his brother. When Jesus happened their way, the two were casting their net into the sea. Jesus said unto them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." And the two fishers straight way left their nets and followed Jesus. Simon called Peter and Andrew were not the only ones to follow Jesus.

Going on from thence, Jesus saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee and John His brother repairing nets in a ship with their father. And Jesus called unto them. They too immediately left their ship and followed Him. Immediately and straight way. Followed Jesus without hesitation. Follow Jeus - the one who holds the keys to the kingdom. Follow me, He said so that you too can delight in His Word, His mercies and abundant grace.

But the goodness of Jesus did not stop there. While His fame went throughout all Syria. Jesus continued teaching in the synagogues in Galilee  and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, He was also healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people. "Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven."

And as Jesus preached the gospel, the people brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with diverse diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils and those which were lunatick and those that had the palsy and Jesus healed them. Jesus healed each and every one of them. And there followed Jesus great multitudes of people who recognized that their hope and joy was in Jesus. That there is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved. Jesus -- the only mediator between God and man.

The multitudes of people recognized Jesus as the Messiah. That Jesus was the Christ prophesied by the prophets under the old covenant. David said in Psalms 23:6, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." It is no wonder the people were determined to follow Him. To dwell in the house of the Lord Jesus forever. Jesus said, "If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serves me, him will my Father honour." (John 12:26)

You see, God loved us so much that He prepared a way of salvation even before the foundations of the world were formed.  God's Word -- the very Word of God -- became flesh so that the whole world could return to the place where we who were made in the image of God could become all that we were intended to be. Perfected in Jesus. God was making a way when there was no way for us to be saved. He knew that we could not meet the letter of the law, and as such we were doomed. But God wasn't going to let that happen. Because His love for us is abundant. He wants to draw us closer to understanding His will through Christ, our Lord God and Saviour.

This is why Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me." Rejoice in Jesus today. His love and mercy. Remember too that Jesus wants to give you and I -- believers in Jesus that desire and love Him -- the kingdom. Stand in the offering plate.

Joy Unspeakable in Jesus - Part 561

Today is the day that the Lord Jesus hath made. Rejoice in Him. Rejoice in the abundant mercies and grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord God and Saviour. It is He who has begotten us again unto a lively hope by His own resurrection. This is why our lively hope is in Jesus. The same Jesus who arose from the dead. The same Jesus who shed His precious blood on an old rugged cross, as a lamb without blemish and spot so that we might know His abundant love and grace. The same Jesus, who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but manifest in these last times for you and I.

In the first chapter of I Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ named Peter is preaching to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. Herein, the strangers the  "Elect according through the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus."

Peter wanted these people to know that the trial of their faith, our faith, being much more precious than gold -- even though our faith may be tried with fire -- that we would be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Rejoicing in our Father who loved us so much that He Himself would choose to become a living sacrifice for you and I. Those of us who have not seen the miracles and healings that Jesus performed while on earth and yet, we love Jesus in whom, though now we see Him not, still believe and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Those of us who were once strangers to the gospel of Jesus but now receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls because of Jesus. "Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you [in these latter times]. Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow."

It is unto us that the love of Jesus was revealed. Not unto themselves writes Peter but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you and I by them that have preached the gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. 

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot ... who by Him do believe in God that raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently. Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever." (I Peter 1:18-22)

Rejoice in our Lord and Saviour Jesus today. The Lily of the Valley. The Father that desires to give us -- once strangers to the gospel -- everlasting peace in an inheritance that is not only reserved in heaven for us but a peace that is incorruptible and undefiled on this earth today. Established as Peter wrote, to those who believe in Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour -- and thus "are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time." Grace be unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Stand in the offering plate. 

Transformed Forever in Jesus the Christ - Part 560

Thy kingdom come -- thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Amen!

In Matthew 13, Jesus is sharing parables about the kingdom with His followers -- the masses of people who could not get enough of His Word. Beginning at verse 44, Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven unto treasure hid in a field. This treasure which a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he has and buys that field. Jesus gives more examples. He proceeds saying, "the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man; seeking godly pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." As if these examples were not enough, Jesus again likens the kingdom of heaven to a net that was cast into the sea that gathered fish of every kind which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered of the good into vessels but cast the bad away.

But then Jesus asks, "Have you understood all these things?" Have you understood what Jesus has in store for those who love Him? Often, in our traditions, we repeat what is formally recognized as the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6 without acknowledging that the message contained therein is intended for us today -- on earth. Thy kingdom come -- thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. This is what our Father wants us to understand. That in His name -- Jesus -- we are blessed. .

This is why neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:11-12)

Once we have accepted Jesus into our hearts, the intent is not to stay stationed. Jesus is saying there is so much more that I want to give to those who desire Me. Therefore seek Jesus -- press into the Lord of lords and King of kings who holds the depth of the riches of this earth as well as the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord God our Saviour.

So read His Word -- beginning in the New Testament -- the new covenant for these times. Why? Because whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. "Who is he that overcometh the world but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (I John 5:5)

For everyone that asks receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth and to him that knocketh shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son asks for bread will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? Jesus said, "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? "

These things have I written unto you, John writes in I John 5, that you believe on the name of Jesus that you may know that you have eternal life and that ye may believe on His name. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.

This is the kingdom that Jesus wants us to seek on earth -- the same kingdom on earth that is in heaven. Heaven on earth. Continued blessings and mercy for those of us who believe in Jesus. A cathedral of joy in every place that we venture into because we seek Jesus -- the Father who created us in the beginning and loved us enough to become flesh and die on the cross for our sins..

Believe in the grace of Jesus that covers a multitude of sins. Behold the goodness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. Most of all, be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rejoice today. Stand in the offering plate.