Jesus Is Risen - Part 670

How can we neglect such a great salvation -- knowing that Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour shed His precious blood for us. The same God who descended is the same God who is now ascending to His throne -- from whence He had descended. God Himself, becoming all things to all men so that He might gain you and I. In other words, God's plan of salvation was to rescue fallen man by means of free redemption.

Thus, in so doing, God could renew and ensure the uninterrupted fellowship with Jesus -- the Saviour and Redeemer that was intended from the beginning of time. So that God could restore each and every one of us to our original purpose through faith in the redeeming grace of God Almighty at Calvary. Redeemed and translated into the Kingdom through the shedding of blood on the cross.

Jesus, housed in a prone to sin flesh body was received whilst still in the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. His flesh, as we read in the scriptures was capable of being tempted in all points even as all of Adam’s offspring. But as we also know, inside that flesh body did dwell the Holy Spirit of God. The seeds of life issuing from the Holy Spirit. As it is written, Jesus, the only "begotten" son of God.

Yes, Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit which is why in Jesus' veins did flow the life-giving blood of the Holy Spirit. It is written that “God was in the man Jesus the Christ, endeavouring to reconcile sinful man to Himself.”

Still, as recorded in the scriptures, Jesus' Spirit suffered. He was tempted and tried by the devil, and likewise many others who were entrenched and delighted in the pleasure of sin. Then Jesus was judged by the then present judicial system, who found in Jesus no fault. In effect, Jesus was pardoned. Free to go. But in response to the crowds, the Judge washed His hands as if to say, "I played my part ... now let's go home."

Pilate the Judge then delivers Jesus into the hands of a frenzied religious mob who demanded that Jesus be crucified. Jesus was whipped, spat upon and stripped, and a crown of thorns placed upon His head. In the midst, His beard was torn. He was mocked and scorned, all of this occurring prior to Jesus being led away to a place called Calvary!

Jesus was also responsible for bearing the cross on which He was about to be crucified. Jesus now being physically weakened stumbled with the burden of the cross. He was assisted by a young man, arriving at the place called the place of a Skull. There, the condemning crowd nailed Jesus' hands and feet to a cross. The cruel mocking continued with the eventual plunge of a sword into His side. From this wound poured blood and water. Indeed, as the scriptures reveal, Jesus' flesh was more marred than any other person!

Within this retelling of events, what we must recognize is that the body of Jesus, being the body in which the Holy Spirit dwelt, was the point upon which the fury and wrath of sinful men expended all their religious/sinful animosity. In reality, the body by itself cannot feel. Rather, the pain is felt by the spirit in the body (For the body without the Spirit is dead)

In retrospect, whatever was said and done to Jesus' body was factually absorbed by His Spirit -- the inward man -- the Holy Spirit. In today's terms, yes indeed, it was our sinful nature that killed His body. Still, the good news of salvation is that we could not kill His Spirit.

The other good news is that all that transpired was not forgotten as soon as the sun went down. For what we did to Jesus, we did to the Holy Spirit body too. Therefore, the crucifixion and all active deeds pertaining to the demise of the life of the Son of God are as relevant today as they were at that time! In the end, Heaven watched as the greatest love for anyone unfolded for one and all to see. If Jesus upon the cross had called for deliverance, we would not be reading this good news message. Further, when Jesus was nailed to the cross, the earth trembled and the sun darkened. For it is declared, that “truly this WAS the Son of God."

God was in the man Jesus and it was His Spirit that suffered through it all so that we had a way to escape. Amazing grace -- how great Thou art. Stand in the offering plate.

He Who Has Blessed Us With Spiritual Blessings - Part 669

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:

Having pre-destinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;

Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence. Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself ... that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being pre-destinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will:

That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.

In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.

And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised him from the dead, and set Him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church,which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all.

Forgiven Once and For All - Part 668

The greatest love story ever told. That is, God laid down His life for us. Jesus' sweat as if drops of blood whilst in prayer in Gethsemane -- every one of those tears so that we could know our heavenly Father intimately. (Mark 14:32) So that we could be forgiven of our transgressions - each and every one of us. Forgiven for our sins once and for all because He paid the price -- through His precious blood shed on the cross.

Even while the battle raged internally - Jesus' flesh hoping to find another way whereby man could be saved - He instinctively knew there was no other way. (John 17) No other sacrifice was worthy enough to pay the price. The plan of salvation had been decided even before the world was formed. God knew that His human flesh would have to die on a cross -- on a tree that He originally created. Yes, at the end of the day, Jesus was and is the only way whereby man can be redeemed. No other name under heaven was worthy enough. 

Acts 4:12 states: "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Further, I Timothy 2:5 states, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." 

The prophets testified about His coming beforehand. That through His name everyone who believes in Him would receive forgiveness of sins. (Acts 10:43) John, who had preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel behold Jesus coming, said, "Behold, there comes one after me whose shoes of His feet I am not worthy to loose. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fears God, "to you is the Word of this salvation sent." (Acts 13:26-27)

John's message was consistent up until the appointed time. Prior to Jesus' reign here on earth, God spoke to His people through the mouths of the prophets. We can find these prophesies written in the Old Testament of the Bible. But in this current generation -- known by many as the dispensation of grace -- God speaks to us through Jesus. Moreover, He spoke only that which was the Word of God - now being delivered to man in an earthly language. 

This is why Mary the mother of Jesus was instructed to give Him the name Jesus "because He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) Jesus is the Word. (I John 5:7) The same Word of God that spoke the foundation of the world into existence. But now He speaks to us through the "only" mediator between God and man -- His son Jesus who is the only "begotten" son of the Seed of the Holy Spirit. For in that Seed did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. The Bible repeatedly states He who hath the Son also has the Father. 

Jesus said, "If you have seen me Phillip, you have seen the Father. So why are you asking me [still] to show you the Father?" Phillip walked with Jesus regularly and yet Phillip really did not know Jesus. (John 14:7-9) Doubting Thomas the same revelation. Thomas saying, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28)

Indeed, God was in Jesus the Christ! Why is this important? Because this is God‘s final plan to redeem man from the house of bondage - satan's last stronghold on you and I and the world at large. While the anti-Christ preachers preach a social gospel - a make you feel good gospel - the gospel of Jesus the Christ - this glorious gospel cannot be ignored. 

Why? Because the gospel of Jesus the Christ was not only delivered in Word. This gospel cost God’s life as a Son. For it was God Himself as a Son who was nailed to a Roman cross. This is the true cost of redemption. And why -- two thousand years -- God's love and mercy for His people still constitutes the greatest love story ever told. Ask Jesus into your life today. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Being God in the Flesh- Part 667

The Bible is very clear. In Matthew chapter seven, the scriptures state: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit." (Matthew 7:15-24)

As Jesus points out to believers, "wherefore by their fruits you shall know them." Many will come to Jesus saying to me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works?" Jesus responds to the query saying, "And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you. [Indeed] depart from me you that work iniquity."

For many, reading the Word has not been a daily endeavour, and unfortunately, as a consequence, we are being misled big time. This should not come as a shock. The Bible states that in the last days there would be false prophets. "But there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." (II Peter 2:1) Matthew 24:11 makes a similar statement about these latter times. That is, "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." 

This is why reading the Bible is so important in our journey of faith. First of all, we learn that "there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." That name is Jesus -- the prophesied Christ. Second, we know that when persecution came in Jesus' time, it was because everything that the apostles did (in both word and deed -- including baptism re: Acts 2:38) was in the name of Jesus.

In the same context, there are doctrinal foundations that we should know. For example, Thomas, when he identified Jesus said,  "My Lord and my God." Mary, the mother of Jesus shared a similar experience. She said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." 

You see, this same Jesus who is the Second Adam is also the Lord Himself - Jesus. The very same God who had visited the first Adam in the cool of the evening. However, earth was not the second Adam’s residence. For as the scriptures indicate, Heaven is His throne and earth His footstool. Indeed, in this context then, God Himself is the second Adam -- our holy Redeemer, who we have only known as JESUS the Son of God whose blood reconciled us. 

Why is this? Because God is Spirit. And even though we have been redeemed, we cannot go into the spiritual realm unless we are born again. The New Testament speaks of Jesus and Nicodemus and the need to be born again. In fact, Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to be saved, one had to be born again. The reason for this is that flesh is flesh and that which is Spirit is Spirit. This is why Jesus said not to marvel because I say to you that you must be born again. 

Up until this point, the disciples had witnessed all that had come to pass, beginning with the Passover supper on through to the resurrection. Jesus appeared and disappeared, going in and out among them for a period of 40 days and 40 nights, after which Jesus ascended up into Heaven. The work of redemption was complete. At this time, Jesus told the disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait there until they received power.

Interpreted, Jesus was referring to the power of His Spirit that would come upon them so that they could become His witnesses throughout the world. The gift of the promised Holy Spirit had as yet not been given. (Why not? Because Jesus was not yet glorified!) As we read in the Bible, the disciples did as they were bid and stayed there 10 more days (120 persons) until that time which is known as the day of Pentecost was fully come! (Acts Chapter 1 and Leviticus Chapter 23) 

Jesus being man’s only high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Jesus was appointed of God to be a high priest (not after the order of Aaron). Jesus is a faithful and compassionate high priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. Jesus sacrificed His pure, holy, sinless life as a once and for all offering. Yes, Jesus offered up Himself. Jesus being God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Leviticus 23. Fifty days after the sacrificial offering of Himself, once again offers, and again the offering is accepted, and the Holy Spirit of God in man begins. No longer Jesus externally with us, but Jesus now dwelling within us. 

This is why the council in Acts 17 conferred among themselves, saying, "What shall we do to these men? For that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name."

But as we know, nothing can hold down or restrain a born again believer who has the Lord God and Saviour -- who holds the universe in His hands -- on their side. Because their mind and heart are on a totally different page. No longer conforming to this world. Love Jesus today. Praise Him for His peace that passes all understanding. Stand in the offering plate/ 

In Jesus, We Become A New Creature - Part 666

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5) When we ask Jesus into our heart and believe on Him, we become new creatures -- the sons and daughters of the Most High King -- renewed in knowledge and wisdom after the image of Him that created us. Therefore, whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Further, let the Word of Christ -- Jesus -- dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Rejoice in His love and peace that passes all understanding. 

Share the greatest love story ever told. As Mary the mother of Jesus did when she proclaimed, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47) Or when Thomas did when he finally realized who Jesus was and said, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28)

David the psalmist wrote, "The glory of the Lord shall endure forever. The Lord shall rejoice in His works. He looks at the earth and it trembles. He touches the hills and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of Him shall be sweet. I will be glad in the Lord." (Psalm 104:31-34)

Therefore, as the elect of God -- holy and beloved for the King of Kings and Lord of lords -- put on the bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another. As Jesus Christ forgave you. And above all these things put on charity/love, which is the bond of perfectness. (Colossians 3:10-17)

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body. The body of Christ where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free. Where Jesus 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. (Colossians 1:18) Indeed, our Lord God and Saviour -- God in the flesh -- the Christ that IS all, and IN all. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. Stand in the offering plate.

We Are His Handiwork - Part 665

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. It is He that hath raised us up together and made us sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6) Because in Christ Jesus those of us who were once far away, have now been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)

Moreover, we have been justified through His blood. We have been raised from the death of sin to a brand new life in Jesus. We can now partake of His glory in heavenly places. Once dead in trespasses, Jesus -- through the shedding of His blood on the cross -- has made us whole. Restored us to the original spiritual place where we were intended to be from the beginning. Raised to a life of righteousness. Walking hand in hand daily with our Lord God and Saviour who loved us enough to shed His holy blood.

When we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins, we become renewed. God's handiwork newly created in Christ Jesus. We are risen as new creatures to walk with Jesus -- the risen Christ -- with our minds on heavenly things. (Colossians 3:1) A regenerated sinner restored to a new being -- new in Christ Jesus.

All because Almighty God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death. In reality, at the end of the day, it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. (Ephesians 1:20) Because there is no greater love than our heavenly Father -- the fullness of the Godhead bodily -- hanging on a cross so that we -- you and I -- might get to know Him personally. This is how much our Lord God and Saviour loves us. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16) And yet, still, He was willing to pay the ultimate price.

And then, as if His mercy and grace was not quite enough, Jesus encourages us to "labour to enter into His rest." (Hebrews 4:11) In other words, come out from the world and rest in the love and peace that passes all understanding. Thank you Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

This Has Never Ever Happened Before - Part 664

Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. There was a time in each and every one of our lives when we were without Christ. In this context, the scriptures state that we were "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise."(Ephesians 2:12) During this time, we had no hope. We certainly did not know our Lord God and Saviour. Ephesians chapter two states that we, in times past were "Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by those which is called the circumcision in the flesh by hands." (Ephesians 2:11)

But now because of Christ Jesus, those of us who were far off are now made near by the precious blood of Jesus -- for He is our peace and joy. (Ephesians 2:13) He hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition that separated man from his beloved Saviour. God in the flesh becoming our intermediary because of the breadth and depth of His love for you and I. As the scriptures state, there is only one mediator between God and man -- Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 2:5) 

When Jesus shed His blood, He abolished in His own flesh the enemy that plagues our souls. He did so once and for all. Jesus fulfilled the law of commandments contained in ordinance for those who believe through His grace and mercy. (Ephesians 2:14-15) As well, Jesus blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us -- the long list of transgressions that made us sinners -- and the written Law which was contrary to us from the very beginning, Yes, Jesus blotted our sins into oblivion, nailing them to the cross. (Colossians 2:14) 

Why? Because from the beginning our Creator loved His creation. And because of His grace we can be complete in Jesus -- who is the head of all principality and power. In whom we -- as a consequence of asking Jesus to become our Saviour -- are circumcised with the circumcision that is without hands. (Colossians 2:11) The sins of the flesh -- covered once and for all by the circumcision of Christ. 

Indeed, the ultimate sacrifice -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus shedding His precious blood on the cross for us. In Him -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) Now in responding to Jesus' love, we are buried with Him in baptism, wherein also we are risen with Him through faith in the operational God - who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being once dead in your sins and the "uncircumcision of your flesh" hath He quickened together with Him having forgiven you of all trespasses. Raising us up and seating us with Him in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:6) 

Blotting out every one of our sins through His blood. "I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." (Isaiah 43:25)  The miracle of the grace did not end there. The cross did so much more. Indeed, having spoiled principalities and powers on that day, Jesus made a show of them openly - triumphing over the evil of the world for your salvation. 

Why? So that we might be reconciled unto God in one body because of the cross. "And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20) And He did so for one reason. So that our Lord God and Saviour who loved us so much that He would go so far as to hang from a wooden cross  for His beloved could say: "My grace is sufficient for thee - for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (II Corinthians 12:9) 

Therefore, as you start a new white page this day be victorious in Jesus. Believe and stand upon His promises. Praise Him for His goodness. Thank Jesus for His love that surpasses all human understanding. When you do, you will soon discover that the grace of Jesus is more than sufficient -- every moment in every day. Stand in the offering plate.

Victorious in Jesus - Part 663

The prevailing question of the day is this. How long will we continue to believe what we are told by those in authority positions without researching the subject in depth for ourselves? Indeed, the apostles repeatedly instructed us not to believe every spirit. Instead, we are instructed to "test the spirits, whether they are of God." Why? Because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (I John 1:1-4)

Moreover, the scriptures show us how to recognize and know the Spirit of God -- the Spirit of truth. John wrote: "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. It seems very straightforward -- the latter being the spirit of the Antichrist which you have heard was coming and as the scriptures proclaim -- is now already in the world. 

But the scriptures also state that as a believer we are not of this world. Indeed, you are of God, little children and have overcome them --- because He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world. But those who do not have Jesus are of the world. Therefore, they speak as of the world and the world hears them. However, we are of God. He who knows God hears us."  (I John 4:1-6) Further, when the issue at hand pertains to the written Word, we need to discern between the scriptures and prevailing teachings that are not consistent with the scriptures. The Bible states that we cannot both love Jesus and reject His Word. For indeed, the Word of God is embodied in Jesus -- who is the Word of God manifest in flesh. 


Admittedly, we know that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. In fact, all bodies are sin prone, commencing from the time that Adam and Eve rejected God’s instructions. However, when the two were banished from the Eden Garden, the two entered into an unknown -- an untamed natural world. But our heavenly Father knew that the only way that we could be saved would be if He Himself -- God in the flesh -- His name Jesus -- would dwell in such a sin prone body capable of sinning even as we are but never sinning. The difference being that inside Jesus dwelt the Holy Spirit. Therefore, even though tempted by sin, Jesus did not sin. God’s pure and holy spiritual humanity indwelt Jesus

You see, Jesus did not come to dazzle us. Rather, Jesus came to save us from ourselves. Jesus came to save us from the strong delusion of unbelief that Adam and Eve experienced. The delusion of unbelief and ignorance that we have fallen into, professing ourselves to be wise and instead becoming as fools. And in our ignorance declaring that dumb matter brought forth intelligent life. 

Is it any wonder that God winks at such ignorance on our part? Indeed, who is it that has bewitched us to this extent that we should embrace such foolishness? We ought to save ourselves from such dark nonsensical unbelief. When Jesus empowered His disciples to go into the harvest field of the world, commissioning them to heal the sick and to cast out demonic spirits in His name -- the name of Jesus -- He did so in order for you and I to return to Jesus. Why? Because Jesus loves us. Wow -- does Jesus love us!

Indeed, He loved us enough to endure the shame of the cross. To shed His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I. Ask Jesus into your life today. Read the scriptures and find out for yourselves how good Jesus really is. And enter into His grace -- His peace -- His love -- His rest that passes all human understanding. Stand in the offering plate. 

What a Difference Jesus Makes in Our Lives - Part 662

The Centurion is a perfect example of an individual experiencing the wonder of faith in his life. Here he was -- a man of considerable status and authority in the Roman army -- who commanded many under him -- concerned about a young servant who was in ill health. Somewhere in his travels, the Centurion had heard the good news gospel about Jesus. 


Note also that the Centurion was a Gentile. Still, the Centurion recognized that Jesus had the power and authority to heal the man of his illness. He may have also had an inkling that Jesus was the same prophesied Christ of the Old Testament.  If this was the case (admittedly, an assumption at best) the Centurion might have recognized that Jesus was (and is still) able to deliver each and every one of us from our "destructions." (Psalm 107:20)  

For those who may not be aware, there are two scriptural references in the Bible about the Centurion -- Matthew 8 and Luke 7. Both authors differ somewhat in the telling of the events. However, what is certain is that when the Centurion beseeched Jesus saying, "Lord, my servant lies at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented"  he was not asking Jesus to heal the servant. He was merely informing Jesus of the illness that tormented him grievously. 

How did Jesus respond? With an abundance of love. Jesus stated that He would come heal the servant. You see Jesus has a way of coming through when we give our hearts completely to Him. When we believe by faith that Jesus is the absolute -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- our lives change for the better. 

But like so many of us, the Centurion in his humility said, "Lord I am not worthy that thou should come under my roof. [Instead, Lord just] speak the Word only and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority having soldiers under me; and I say to this man, "Go" and he goes, and to another "Come" and he comes and to my servant "Do this" and he doeth it." 

The Centurion understood authority.  But the Centurion also recognized that even with all the authority and status/social standing and material wealth in the world, there was no one within his worldly circles that could heal the young servant. At some point, this material world in which we so willingly participate would pass away, and that, at the end of the day, all that matters is our spiritual status.

Although the Centurion was in the world, and had obviously been successful in his endeavours -- at least from a worldly perspective, the Centurion's heart was focused on the spiritual. Even as a Gentile, his heart was focusing on the Kingdom of God. And thus, because of the Centurion's faith, Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." (Matthew 8:5-10) Not one among all the Jews had faith like the Centurion. 

The same good news gospel message that the Centurion realized then is equally pertinent for you and I today. That is,

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But My salvation will last forever. My righteousness will never fail." (Isaiah 51:6) 

“Now 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 hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15). Trust in Jesus today. Let His love -- His peace -- His abundant grace set you free from the enslavement of this world. Stand in the offering plate.

It is no wonder that when Jesus heard the Centurion's response, Jesus marveled. Imagine the scene. Our Lord God -- soon to become our Saviour -- marveling in awe at the breadth and depth of the Centurion's faith. Indeed, Jesus looked beyond the Centurion's physical appearance and reputable status within society -- all the things that this world desires -- and looked into the Centurion's heart. 

God Inhabits the Praises of His People - Part 661

God inhabits the praises of His people. He marvels at our faith. So much so that when He gave His Word -- His only begotten -- Jesus -- to redeem us and save us from our transgressions, His desire was to also give us the Kingdom -- His Kingdom here on earth. "Thy Kingdom come -- Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6:10) 

This same Jesus -- who forgives and justifies us of all our sins -- past, present and future -- through the blood He shed on the cross -- also willingly redeemed our life from the pit. Indeed, when we ask our Lord God and Saviour into our lives, He immediately delivers us from the sting of death.  He saves our feet from stumbling -- so that we may walk before our Almighty God in the light of life. (Psalm 56:13) 

How does this happen, one asks. The scriptures explain that our Saviour redeems His people from their sin and heals them of disease when His people -- you and I -- are willing to cry to the Lord in our time of trouble. When we believe that the same God who created us was bruised for our iniquities, then does He save us from our distress. Then will He crown us with His love and compassion. For it was He who was wounded for our transgressions. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed. 

Unfortunately, however, we are often like "newborn babies" in our walk with the Lord. We understand that we have been saved as a consequence of Jesus' precious blood shed on the cross. But our downfall is that this is where we tend to stay -- giving God a little bit of our lives here and there. And then we wonder -- sometimes aloud -- why we become sick and weak in our bodies.

There is an answer. In fact, the Bible encourages us to "crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." (I Peter 2:2) In other words, we need to crave the Word. The Word -- Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour. Almighty God in the flesh. (John 1:1-18. I John 5:7)  So that when the Comforter comes -- the Spirit of Truth -- He can guide us into all truth. 

Jesus said, "And when He [the Comforter] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement. Of sin, because they believe not on me [Jesus]. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father and ye see me no more. Of judgement, because the prince of this world is judged." (John 16:7-12)

Jesus said, "In that day, ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you, Hitherto have you asked nothing in my name. Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full." 

These things, Jesus continued, "have I spoken unto you in proverbs. But the time comes when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs. [Rather] I shall show you plainly of the Father. At that day, ye shall ask in My name and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you. For the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I -- [Jesus] -- came out from God. I came forth from the Father and am come into the world -- again, I leave the world and go to the Father." (John 16:23-28)

Therefore, believe on His promises contained within the Word. Jesus never fails. Indeed, the Word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (I Peter 1:25) Jesus is the Word. For there are three that bear witness in earth -- the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost -- and these three ARE one. (I John 5:7)

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when you receive the Word of God -- Jesus -- which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth -- the Word of God which effectually works also in you that believe. (I Thessalonians 2:13) Praise our Lord God and Saviour Jesus today. Trust in Him -- the Word. Stand in the offering plate.