Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom - Part 715

In contrast to the ultimate salvation message of our Lord God and Saviour, the spirits of this world continually work – ever zealously -- to create a world full of division and chaos, whereby Jesus’ teachings are often misinterpreted by the status quo religious of this day. Indeed, even our Lord God and Saviour Jesus faced this same type of situation when the Pharisees heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than his forerunner, John the Baptist. 

However, as we read in John chapter four, the Lord already knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John the Baptist. Still, had the Pharisees searched their scriptural premises, these would have recognized that Jesus Himself had not baptized anyone. Rather, according to John chapter four, Jesus’ disciples baptized people. (John 4:1-4)

This raises an interesting point. Certainly, if Jesus’ disciples were responsible for baptizing those who believed while Jesus walked on earth, then these same disciples would have understood the principles and teachings associated with water baptism. These would have aligned their actions with the Master’s teachings.

For example, when Peter, standing with the eleven in Acts chapter two said to the three thousand on the Day of Pentecost, “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” the disciples would have already been acting in accordance with the teachings of Jesus. After all, Jesus had instructed them that in whatsoever they do in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus.

Further, as we know from Matthew chapter 28, Jesus confirmed His teachings when He spoke with His disciples on the mountain. Jesus said, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore baptizing them “in the name” of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Mark chapter sixteen elaborates further on this point, Therein, Jesus appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed that Jesus had risen, as they had been informed by Mary Madgalene. 

Herein, Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues, they shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them, they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

As we know also, the disciples went forth, “preaching the good news gospel message of Jesus everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following.” (Mark 16:15-20)  Preaching the good news gospel of the Kingdom – His Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Throughout the book of Acts, the disciples baptized people in the name of the Lord Jesus. In fact, there are no examples of baptism written in the book of Acts whereby a person (or persons) were baptized using any reference other than the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus.

So why then do so many churches today baptize parishioners and people within their congregations using any other reference than the name of Jesus? The same Christ who people said, “Never man spake like this man.” (John 7:46) The same Jesus whereby the scriptures record as the “only name” under heaven given among men whereby we can be saved. Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords whose footstool is earth itself. The same God in the flesh who commands the winds to stop.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He that follows Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) “I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) “I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25) “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes on Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46) Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38)

Like the disciples, we need to align our hearts and actions with the Word, doing all things that we do in word or deed – in the name of Jesus. (John 1:1-18) This includes water baptism – because at the end of the day, our focus should be to “willingly do His will” conforming not to the spirits of this world, and the divisions and havoc that result.

Ask Jesus for wisdom and knowledge to do the things that are righteous and just in His eyes. Stand in the offering plate.

Declared Righteous By His Grace - Part 714

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) Why? Because He who knew no sin became sin for us. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21)


As believers in Jesus, we are instructed to be "doers of the Word, and not hearers only." (James 1:22) Indeed, the scriptures state that when we are "hearers" of the Word only, we are actually deceiving ourselves. The rationale for this stance is that when we are only hearers of the Word, and not a doer, we become "like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass" -- beholding himself and going his own way "straightway forgetting what manner of man he was."

But for those who look into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein -- he being not a forgetful hearer AND a doer of the work -- this man shall be blessed in his deed. What is being stated here is that those who look to Jesus for salvation and as a consequence continue in His Word, they will be set free. By His grace, we are saved. 

This was the initial purpose in God becoming flesh so that we might have salvation. Christ fulfilled the old covenant when He shed His precious blood on the cross. In so doing, He set us free giving us true liberty. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) 
For "if the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)

When we take this initial step of trusting Jesus further, we begin a new relationship with our Most High King. Jesus said to the Jews that believed on Him -- "if you continue in my Word, then you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." 

Unlike the Jews who answered Jesus saying, "We be Abraham's seed and were never in bondage to any man -- how say you, You shall be made free?" (John 8:30-34) Likewise, very different from the law under the old covenant that dictated how we should live according to endless laws and commandments. Or the man who seemed religious and bridled not his tongue -- deceiving his own heart -- and as the scriptures state, his religion being in vain. 

Rather, reading HIs Word daily gives us knowledge and wisdom. For "the law was given through Moses, grace and truth through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) We all have a choice. My choice is to willingly desire to His will. I hope your heart's desire is the same. Stand in the offering plate. 

I Can Do All Things Through Jesus Christ Who Strengthens Me.- Part 713

Rejoice in the Lord always. Likewise, "be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ... and the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Unfortunately, we live during a time when many voices cry out in defiance of the original good news salvation message delivered to humanity personally by our Lord God and Saviour Jesus. This same defiance is not new. In the old testament, Hosea wrote that "people would be destroyed from a lack of knowledge." Moreover, the prophet wrote, "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as My priests, because you have ignored the law of your God. [Indeed,] the more priests there were, the more they sinned against Me. They exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful. They feed on the sins of My people and relish their wickedness." (Hosea 3:4-5)

What is sad is that we see this same tendency in many religious institutions today. Instead of focusing on the ultimate salvation message that gives people from all walks of life an opportunity to experience true peace and freedom, the tendency by institutions is to promote some form of legalism as the norm, encouraging members of congregations and parishioners alike to become subject to the Law and Ten Commandments that was prevalent under the Old Covenant. 

The idea that as believers "we are victorious through our Lord Jesus Christ" is rarely mentioned. Neither is Romans 8:2 which states that "through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set [us] free from the law of sin and death." The salvation message that states when we believe in Jesus, we are "made free from sin ... we become the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:18) 

Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:16-18) He is the only mediator 

This is why we as believers should read the Word daily -- and willingly desiring to do His will in our lives -- so that we will know the truth -- the truth that will set us free. (John 8:32) And as a consequence, we can understand the importance of embracing the new covenant -- His salvation message that includes abundant grace, mercy and love that passes all human understanding.

You see, death was swallowed up in victory when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God -- who gave us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."(I Corinthians 15:54-57) 

It is here that we were set free from sin once and for all. No more weekly confessions to priests and their institution appointed representatives but rather given a direct connection to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- our heavenly Father who became flesh so that you and I might have life -- and have life more abundantly. Remember, we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. 

Or, as Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) This is why we take hold of His promises that were intended from the beginning of time. And God's plan of salvation decided before humanity was ever made -- so that we can become sons and daughters of the Most High King -- Jesus -- the Word in the flesh -- our Lord God and Saviour.

Therefore, be ye steadfast, un-moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Stand in the offering plate.

I Am The Good Shepherd, Saith the Lord Jesus Christ - Part 712

The Jews answered Jesus, saying, "For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest thyself God." (John 10:33)

Unfortunately, there are those who attempt to obtain their salvation by climbing up some other way rather than asking forgiveness through the precious blood of Jesus -- shed on a cross for you and I. In fact, they deny the authority and Kingship of Jesus. Rather than believe that Jesus is the Word -- God Almighty in the flesh -- they create a list of options for salvation without any scriptural reference. 

But Jesus said of these latter -- "the same is a thief and a robber." (John 3:1) These same thieves and robbers "eat up the sin of My people, and they set their heart on their iniquity." (Hosea 4:8-9) They are not interested in ordinary people learning about the abundant grace and mercy of our Saviour. Nor do they encourage their parishioners to discover the love of a heavenly Father that would willingly become our Saviour. Instead, their purposes are self-serving and deceitful. 

But Jesus set the record straight -- if only we would be willing to listen. Indeed, repeatedly Jesus stated, "He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold but climbs up some other way -- the same is a thief and a robber." (John 3:1) "All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:" (John 3:8-10)

Quite the opposite, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He responded to the Jews stating, "He that enters in by the door is the Shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter opens, and the sheep hear His voice, and He calls His sheep. And when He puts forth His own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him for they know His voice." He told them that a Good Shepherd even knows us by name -- "He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out." (John 3:1-4) Leads believers in Him out from the bondage of sin that keeps most of the populace today captive to -- and in -- the world.

This was what the Jews of the day were accustomed to doing then. Today, there are still who twist the scriptures to suit their own purposes. These strangers -- earlier referred to as thieves and robbers -- will not entice true believers. Why? Because as Jesus stated -- believers will not follow a voice that does not align with the Word. "He that is an hireling and not the Shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees, and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. The hireling flees because he is an hireling and cares not for the sheep." (John 3:12-13)

But Jesus does care about us. His love is constantly reaching out to us, "I am the Good Shepherd and know My sheep, and am known of Mine." (John 3:14) 

Rather than be enticed by those in authority that refuse to align with the scriptures, Jesus said we are to flee from these false teachers. Anyone who teaches that there is any other mediator between God and man -- other than Jesus Himself. For there is only one door -- Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the door of the sheep. I am the door, by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

Remember, Jesus came to give us life, and that we might have life more abundantly. "I am the Good Shepherd," Jesus said, "the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. As the Father knows Me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold, them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice, and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd." (John 3:15-17)

Come to Jesus today. Discover His Word. Stand on His promises forever. Stand in the offering plate. 

Looking For That Blessed Hope - Part 711

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. In so doing, let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:13-15)

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ wrote to those who have obtained a "precious faith ... through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" -- that grace and peace be multiplied even further through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. This grace and peace multiplied accordingly as His divine power hath given unto us -- you and I -- all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. (II Peter 1:1-8)

This is why we read His Word daily. Indeed, where else would we learn about our Lord God and Saviour -- and His unique plan for our life if we don't read His Word?

-)

Moreover, the scriptures state, "Whereby [we] are given exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye/we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (II Peter 1:10-11) 

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." In fact, "an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:9-15) Stand in the offering plate. 

The Earth Is His Footstool - Part 710

He that comes from above is above all. Indeed, He that comes from heaven is above all. Thus, according to Isaiah, the Lord saith, "The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where is the house that ye build unto Me? And where is the place of My rest? (Isaiah 66:1) 

Yet, this same Lord God willingly became our Saviour. Jude wrote, "To the only wise God our Saviour -- be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever." (Jude 1:25)

Therefore, when John wrote, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" we should be paying attention. Certainly, "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world  -- [you and I] -- through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

"He that believes on Him -- [who? The "only begotten" - Jesus the Christ] is not condemned but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the "name" of the "only begotten" Son of God. Did you catch it? Condemnation is no longer an option for those who believe that our Lord God became our Saviour. That the only name under heaven whereby men and women today can be saved is Jesus. The Lord of lords and King of kings who left His throne in glory to shed His Holy Spirit blood on the cross for you and I. 

Conversely, John writes, this is the condemnation -- that light is come into the world but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. Indeed, He that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.

But he that doeth truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. And what he hath seen and heard about the good news gospel message -- that he testifies, even when seemingly no man receives his testimony. 

However for you and I, the good news is that for those who do receive this testimony has set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. 

Moreover, we are encouraged to become like Jesus -- in whom the Father who loved the Son hath given all things into His hand. Likewise, He that believes on the Son hath everlasting life. Our sins are forgiven once and for all. Past, present and future transgressions. 

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that those who do not believe are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Romans 1:20-21)

The choice is yours, Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Besides Our Lord and Saviour, Who Is Jesus? - Part 709

Many people today have been misled when it comes to the true identity of Jesus. This incorrect teaching -- promoted through religious traditions, doctrines and creeds -- has, unfortunately, resulted in a state of confusion -- not only for believers but for unbelievers as well. What is worse is that those who are in a position of authority have -- as a collective -- decided not to correct the error of their teachings that have led to this confusion. This stance, even when the scriptures - both the old and new covenants -- contradict their message. 

Certainly, it does not make sense to pray if one does not know "to whom" they are praying. It is in this context that this message is written. So that the truth of the gospel -- the good news of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- can be proclaimed to the uttermost parts of the earth. So that every man, woman, and child can understand how much their heavenly Father loves them, and did so, even before the foundations of the world were formed. 

Clearly then, Jesus was not just the "Son of God" as most institutions would have us believe. In fact, Jesus is the eternal life which was in the innermost being of God. The only begotten of the Father.  The same God who is Spirit (invisible) - the same God that was manifest in the flesh and spoke of within the Bible. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. (John 1:1-18)

Further, as it is written, God was manifest in the flesh. Jesus, conceived of the Holy Spirit who of Himself provided both Seeds (one male and one female Seed) whereby both of these Seeds when brought together would be God Himself. The Seeds in themselves contained all the fullness of the Godhead’s spiritual humanity. Therefore, Jesus is not just a Son but the only begotten Son of the Holy Spirit whose Seeds were conceived into the womb of a willing surrogate named Mary who herself expressed that her spirit rejoiced in God, her Saviour. 

These Seeds were not another God. These Seeds were the Seeds of the one and only God. In God dwelt pure humanity. Just like the scriptures state, the original intent of Adam and Eve was to be a visible created form in the image of God. Unfortunately, the devil showed up and created havoc. But the good news is that this was not an unknown to God. How do we know this? It is written that Jesus - the lamb slain before the foundation of the earth - would at an appointed time be manifest in the flesh -- purposely to destroy the work of the devil.

And just as God is not three distinct and separate persons, neither are you and I. We are spirit beings veiled in flesh, born as a male or female from two seeds. These two seeds are thus brought together in one individual - a spiritual individual who during his or her lifetime is capable of manifesting their individuality in three expressive ways - as a son/daughter, as a father/mother and as a spirit/friend. Indeed, there is a reason we are created in the image of God. So that we can become sons and daughters of the Most High. 

The life of God was manifested in the flesh so that we might be saved through the blood shed on the cross for you and I. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the "name" of the only begotten Son of God. Stand in the offering plate.

Rejoice in Your Salvation - Part 708

This is the day that the Lord hath made -- we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24) Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I say rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Moreover, allow our soul to wait for the Lord. Let our Lord God and Saviour Jesus be our help and our shield. Our refuge in times of trouble. Let our heart rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. (Psalms 33:20) Indeed, rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thessalonians 5:16-24)

Further, let your moderation be known unto all men. Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. In so doing, may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, for faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.

In all things, let the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) Let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice. Let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them. Let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee. (Psalms 5:11)  

It is particularly important -- in attending to our daily life obligations -- that we let the Spirit of God work within us. The scriptures state that we should not quench the Spirit. And, similarly, despise not prophesyings. Instead, prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil, in order that the very God of peace can sanctify you wholly. Most of all, rejoice in the knowledge that the Lord Jesus is good. 

Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Stand in the offering plate.

Without Excuse, Saith the Scriptures -- Part 707

When will our hearts be steadfast with Him? Likewise, when will we become faithful in His covenant? Moreover, how often will we venture in our day to day journey -- sustained by our Lord God in terms of necessities -- but in the long run, deny the power and joy of the Lord in our lives? 

Admittedly, as believers in Jesus, we readily acknowledge that the heavens openly declare the glory of God. We admire that the skies proclaim the work of His hands, and that the law of nature -- in all its beauty -- is written everywhere for our eyes to behold. As the scriptures state, "He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." (Acts 14:17) 

Similarly, we understand that throughout the Biblical record, we see God's goodness and mercy displayed. In this context, how many times did Jesus heal those that had been sick from birth? Or, those that were afflicted with incurable infirmities? Even though we have willingly sinned against Him, God's love for His people is unconditional. He is not a respecter of persons. Neither does our Lord God and Saviour return good for good and evil for evil. The sunshine that fills the sky (in essence, the miracle of nature) are displayed for both the just and the unjust equally. Therefore, as the scriptures state, it is difficult to ignore His handiwork -- the intricacies that point directly to our Creator.

David, the psalmist wrote, "For their heart was not steadfast with Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath; for He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again." (Psalms 78:37-39)

And our heavenly Father does so time and time again. Not just for the Israelites but for you and I too. His beloved -- whom He loved from the beginning. 

"How oft did they provoke Him in the wilderness, and grieve Him in the desert. Yea, they turned back and tempted God and "limited" the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not His hand, nor the day when He delivered them from the  enemy. How He had wrought His signs in Egypt, and His wonders in the field of Zoan. And had turned their rivers into blood, and their floods that they could not drink. He sent diverse sorts of flies among them, which devoured them, and frogs, which destroyed them. He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, and their labour unto the locust. He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. He gave up their cattle also to the anthill and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. He cast upon them the fierceness of His anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. He made a way to His anger. He spared not their soul from death but gave their life over to the pestilence. And smote all the firstborn in Egypt, the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham. But made His own people to go forth like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And He led them on safely, so that they feared not, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. And He brought them to the border of His sanctuary, even to this mountain, which His right hand had purchased." (Psalms 78:42-54)

Since the establishment of the new covenant -- when Jesus shed His holy blood on the cross for our sins -- we have been given an opportunity to worship Him in spirit and in truth. An opportunity to take hold of the same God who created the heavens in the beginning -- and yet loved us enough to die on a cross that He ultimately created. In this context, we really are without excuse if we refuse to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of our Lord God and Saviour. 

Remember that while we were like sheep going astray, our Shepherd and overseer of our souls had already decided to give Himself as a sacrifice. (I Peter 2:25)

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were [they] thankful; but [rather, they] became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." (Romans 1:20)

Let us then not limit our Lord God and Saviour in our lives today. Instead, let us take hold of His promises. Worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Acknowledge Him in all our ways. Acquire an inward desire to become more like Him. Read His Word. Stand in the offering plate. 

Walk Worthy in His Vocation - Part 706

Even when our day to day circumstances are challenged, we can trust Jesus to carry our burdens. We can see this in the testimony of individuals within the scriptures. One such example is Paul, whose claim to fame was persecuting and sentencing to death any person who admitted that they had accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour.  

However, after Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his motivations changed. His life was transformed. Indeed, Paul loved the Lord with all his heart, his soul and mind. So much so that he considered himself to be a "prisoner of the Lord." 

When Paul's heart was renewed, his sole intent was to preach the gospel to unbelievers. In fact, Paul's desire was to willingly do the will of His Lord God and Saviour. Not just in the beginning but every day of his life. Why? Because Paul recognized the price that was paid so that he could receive the gift of salvation -- Jesus blood shed on the cross. And for Paul, there was no turning back. 

There was no other mission for his life than to become a "fisher of men." Sharing the good news gospel of Jesus to one and all. 

Further, like Paul, every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. This is why we read the Word daily -- so that our relationship with Jesus can become one in the body of Christ -- in order that we can similarly produce good fruit. 

So that we can henceforth be no more like children -- tossed to and fro -- and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. 

Rather, in a spirit of grace, whereby we can speak the truth in love, and grow up into Him in all things which is the head, even Christ. So that in this latter point, we can know without a doubt that Jesus is the Head of the Church. The Chief Cornerstone. The only mediator between God and man. Yes, He is the great I AM. The Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. 

This is why we can rest in the assurance that Jesus is the ultimate mender of our souls. The healer of our bodies -- till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. 

Therefore, heed Paul's message when he beseeches us to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3)

A prisoner of the Lord -- like Paul who knew firsthand that there is no better mission than walking with the King of kings each day. Certainly, this is the day that the Lord hath made. Stand in the offering plate.