Bless His Holy Name - Part 797

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases; who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies." (Psalm 103:2-4)

Although David lived under the old covenant (which meant he was governed by the written law) and not the new covenant under grace through faith (in which we live today), the psalmist had a talent for reminding us of the goodness of the Lord. Herein, Psalms 103 serves as an added reminder to those that seek Jesus and His kingdom with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, that the cross was the turning point. He who knew no sin shed His precious blood on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all. And that, under this new covenant, "all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:32-34) 

"For if by one man's offence, death reigned by one; [how] much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)

Indeed, bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name! 

Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits 

Who forgives all your iniquities

Who heals all your diseases

Who redeems your life from destruction

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies

Who satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His act to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. 

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear [and love] Him. As far as east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who [love] Him ... for He knows our frame. He remembers that we are dust. 

As for man, his days are like grass. As a flower of the field, so he flourishes, for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.

The Lord has established His throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all. 

Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His Word, heeding the voice of His Word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure, bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul. Bless His holy name. 

And Ye Are Complete in Him, Which Is the Head of All Principality and Power - Part 796

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:17-18)

"For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. [Why? Because] the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (Romans 16:19-20)

In the last days, there will come many false prophets who will preach a gospel message that is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever." (Romans 1:25) 

This is why it is particularly important that we as believers search the scriptures diligently (and daily), seeking His wisdom, knowledge and righteousness. So that we are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

But note that "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9) Not only did He love us from our mother's womb, but this same heavenly Father who created us in the beginning was willing to shed His precious holy blood on the cross so that we might be saved. 

"But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He might have the pre-eminence."" (Colossians 1:16-18) 

"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." (Ephesians 1:20-22)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ who preached to the Gentiles -- us -- said it this way.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

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." (Romans 1:16-19)

Later in Romans, Paul continues his message to the Gentiles. 

"For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.

For Moses described the righteousness which is of the law, 

"That the man which doeth those things shall live by them ... but the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, 

"Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above: or, who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

"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. For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:3-13)

Let him who hath an ear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Our Lord God and Saviour Getting Bad Wrap- Part 795

“For You formed my inward parts. You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works … that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You. When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth, Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.” (Psalms 139:12-18)

Sadly, many people refer to calamities as acts of God. Others say that personal tragedies follow along the same line. This line of thinking convinces believers and non-believers alike that bad things can happen because ‘it must be God’s will.” The argument is evidenced with comments like “seeing that God knows all things and didn’t prevent the tragedy from occurring, He must know best.”

I say hogwash! There is absolutely no scriptural basis for this type of thinking. in the New Testament. Indeed, this is a FALSE teaching that has been allowed to fester among the religious community without anyone stating that this teaching is wrong. So, if you haven’t heard this before, please let me be first to proclaim that this teaching is false.

How can I say this? Because our Lord God and Saviour wants only the very best for His people, and He proved His love when He paid the price once and for all on the cross. “No greater love hath no man than this – that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Ephesians 1:11 confirms God’s absolute and never ending love for His people. This verse states: 

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will.”

In whom we have obtained an inheritance. 
In whom we have eternal life. 
In whom we no longer have condemnation, freed from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2-4) 
In whom we have righteousness -- "the righteous requirement of the law that might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:4) 
In whom we can experience love, joy and peace. (Romans 8:5-6) 
In whom we have life because of righteousness. (Romans 8:10)

Because we seek Jesus and His righteousness, we ARE the children of God. (Romans 8:14)

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again, rather the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.

And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. (Romans 8:14-17)

The new covenant scriptures radiate hope. This same Word reveals that as believers we are no longer dictated by the constructs of the old covenant (or old testament) “wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster.” (Galatians 3:24-25)

This shows that in Jesus, we have obtained an inheritance because our Saviour willingly endured the cross. No longer is the focus on our transgressions. Rather, God has chosen us to become His sons and daughters because He saw our hearts. Not because of our good works because they are as filthy rags. The Bible states that we have all fallen short of the glory of God -- yes -- but not so that we would remain downtrodden in our transgressions.

The Lord said: “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight. I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron [so] I can give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou may know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” (Isaiah 45:1-3)

Our God is so good that He hath surnamed us, even before we knew Him. (Isaiah 45:4)Moreover, the Lord saith, “Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it.” (Isaiah 45:8)

This is why -- by adoption -- we have obtained an inheritance that we didn’t deserve. There was nothing we could do. Only He that knew no sin could become sin for you and I. And as a consequence, our Lord God and Saviour has a plan for each of our lives. In this dispensation of grace, He wants only the best for us. Yes, there are bad things that happen on earth that we don’t understand.

But it isn’t God who is causing these tragedies. In the beginning men and women were given authority over the earth, and in the years since, we have made a mockery of His creation.

Still, things happen that we don’t understand, and perhaps, the only way we are ever going to get an answer for these is when we die. I don’t have those answers and I cannot even begin to fathom where any good comes from any of these things. But I do know that the Lord is not the author of calamity this side of the cross. 

Jesus never fails and this is why in this dispensation of grace, we as believers in Jesus have obtained His favour. We can trust His promises of peace and joy because of His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. This is why I trust my Lord God and Saviour. It is He that sets the parameters of my life. It is He that is the Author – the First and the Last, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Me?  

I am such a miniscule part of a book that is still in progress. But I know He loves me. I know His love is enough to carry me through any trial or tribulation that comes my way. I know that even in my deepest hour, I can turn to Jesus and He will guide me in spirit and in truth. 

I Corinthians 8:5-6 (KJV) offers a refreshing explanation: “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.”  

The Bible tells us that God works ALL things after the counsel of His own will. (Ephesians 1:11) There is only one God through whom ALL things came and that it is through Him that we have obtained our inheritance.  Therefore, God knows our heart’s desire because He made all things. He made you and I according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will.  

I cannot tell you why unexplained things happen in our lives, but He can.  I cannot tell you if (or when) the pain will stop hurting, but I know that He can heal you from all hurts.  I also cannot tell you that you will never feel this way again because, well, I can’t. What I can tell you to do is to take heart knowing that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Most of all, I can tell you from my own personal journey God is able to make good things happen even when calamity occurs in this fallen, sinful world. His will for you and I is always good. He only wants good things for His children. Therefore, trust Him with all your heart because His purposes for our life and His plans go far beyond what our minds could ever comprehend. 

“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:13)

Read the rest of Romans 8 when you have a moment. Stand in the offering plate.

Show Us the Father and It Sufficeth Us - Part 794

For many shall come in My name, saying, "I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:5) 

Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, 'Lord, Lord'  shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works?" Then will I profess unto them, "I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:22-23) 

"Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20:30)

Jesus said, "I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not. If another shall come in his own name, Him ye will receive." (John 5:43)

If these verses of warning don't constitute an informed rationale for reading and thinking on the Word daily, then please, allow me to offer additional scriptures that will encourage us to think about God's grace and mercy, and His perfect sacrifice for us so that we might be saved.  

First, so that we henceforth be no more 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;" (Ephesians 4:14) 

Second, so that we will personally know our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ and follow His commandments. Third, for edification and seeking the truth. Fourth, we read so that we can obtain His knowledge and wisdom for when we are in the world.

It is in this context that I point to the following verses from John 14:5-31. I believe they will be inspiring as well as edifying to you and yours. When you are finished reading, spend some time thinking about the promises of our Saviour. Don't forget to stand in the offering plate. 

"Thomas saith unto him, "Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?" Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." 

Philip saith unto Him -- [Jesus], "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us."

Jesus saith unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father." How sayest thou then, "Show us the Father?" "Believest Thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works."

"Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep my commandments, and I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever."

That is, "even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

"Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day, ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him."

Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, "Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?"

Jesus answered and said unto Him, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto Him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the Word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you."

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

Peace I leave with you. My peace, I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, "I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, 'I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I."

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence."

Silver and Gold Have I None - Part 793

Have you noticed? Churches today acknowledge that there is a place for Jesus in the salvation message but the authority of Jesus and using His name in EVERY THING that we do -- in both word or in deed -- are being quickly diluted. In fact, lots of people are willing to talk about God. Sadly, many of these do not search the scriptures to know who God is. Neither are these seeking Jesus and His righteousness so that they can be empowered by the authority that is in His powerful name. The last book of the Bible -- the Revelation of Jesus Christ -- warns the churches (and believers therein) about the importance of enduring for His name's sake in the latter days. 

John records what he hears: "I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false ... [but] you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake and have not grown weary." (Revelation 2:2-3)

Indeed, we are to persevere -- and endure for His name's sake -- indeed, the precious name of Jesus and not grow weary. Jesus said, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it." (John 14:13-14) 

So what does this mean? For starters, we should always ask/pray in Jesus' name. 

Jesus said, "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 loved you because you have loved Me -- and have believed that I came out from God." (John 16:26-27) 

Look at the example in Acts 3. Herein, Peter and John were going up into the temple for it was the hour of prayer. A certain man who needed to be carried to the temple was laid at the door, asking for alms. His situation was that he could not walk from his mother's womb.   The man sits, expecting to receive alms from the duo. 

Peter said to him, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 

And Peter took him by the right hand, and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Needless to say, the people who knew the man from birth were shocked. Seeing their reaction, Peter asks the men of Israel:

"Why marvel ye at this? Or, why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you. And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."

Peter and John knew by faith the authority that they had in Jesus' name. 
"And His Name through faith in His Name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16)

This man was made whole because these two disciples prayed for the man in Jesus' name. Jesus -- neither is there salvation in any other. (Acts 4:12) Jesus -- the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved. Jesus -- "in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7) "But now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13)

But praying in Jesus' name for healing and miracles is only the beginning. The apostles also cast out demons in Jesus' name. In the book of Mark, John answered Jesus, saying, "Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us." Jesus said, "Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part." (Mark 9:38-40)


Similarly, we preach remission of sins in Jesus' name. "To Him give all the prophets witness -- that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43) 

We are also justified / glorified in His name. Luke writes that Jesus opened their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. He said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:45-48)


There are other scriptural examples as well. In Matthew 10, we are instructed to give a glass of cold water in His name. We are also to receive little children in His name. In other words, we trust in Jesus' name. 

So why then, when it comes to water baptism by immersion do churches move away from Jesus' name, even when every single person who was baptized in the Bible was baptized in the name of Jesus. Indeed, the first 3,000 people to be saved on the Day of Pentecost, asked Peter, who was standing with the eleven, "What must we do to be saved?"

His answer was clear. These had to be baptized in the name. His name. The name of Jesus who the apostles knew firsthand was the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus was God in the flesh. This is why 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." (Acts 2:38)

You see, when Jesus said, "Whatsoever you do in both word and deed," it was not intended that we stop at prayer. Rather, whatsoever we do included water baptism in Jesus' name too. In these last days, we need to return to our first love, and endure His name for His sake. Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Beside Me, There Is No Saviour - Part 792

"Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10) 

This verse (and others) are critical to understanding our Lord God and Saviour. Further, as Christians who seek His righteousness by faith, it is important to know that this same God -- our heavenly Father who in the beginning created the earth -- then willingly became our Saviour, shedding His precious blood for you and I on a cross so that we might be saved. How do we know this? 

Colossians 2:9 states: "In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." 

In Jesus dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. The Lord has repeatedly stated, particularly in the book of Isaiah that He is the first and the last. "... and beside Me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6) "I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) 

"I am the LORD, and there is none else -- there is no God beside Me. I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me, that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else. " (Isaiah 45:5-6) 

The New Testament further confirms that the same God who created the earth and all its inhabitants in the beginning, took our place on the cross. He that knew no sin became sin for us. He was Father in creation, Son in redemption and is now our Comforter. 

"In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made ... the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18)

Indeed, from cover to cover, the Lord proclaims that He is One God. Even the first commandment (under old covenant Law and reaffirmed in the new covenant) states: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22:37) Not two gods. Not three gods or a tri-une god as many religious cultures teach today but One God. 

The same "God Himself that formed the earth and made it, He hath established it. He created it not in vain. He formed it to be inhabited." And He said Himself, "I am the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:18)  

Again, in verses 21-22, God said: "Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together; who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me. Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:21-22)

Only One God who loved us enough to later become our Saviour. "And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16) 

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5) So, what is our Lord God's name? Jesus. As the scriptures state, there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved. This is why we have been commanded to do everything -- both word or deed -- in the name of Jesus. Let Him that hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

For the Grace of God Bringeth Salvation -- Part 791

We regularly read the scripture "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) Two questions immediately come to mind. First, have we noticed the word MUST when referring to our own personal salvation and faith journey, and secondly, do we know the name? The two here go hand in hand. 

However, on this latter point, there appears to be more and more confusion about the name. More and more translations and easy-to-read Bibles are changing the name of our Lord God and Saviour throughout the scriptures. As a result, the name and authority of the absolute -- Jesus -- is being diluted. One such publication has even arbitrarily replaced the name Jesus with Jehovah on a whim. Is this a case of the blind leading the blind? Either way, there is no scriptural foundation for making these changes. Indeed, the Bible warns repeatedly of false prophets and how they would fool the elect if they could. 

Jesus said, "There [are] false prophets also 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) "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

In fact, Jesus told those that questioned His authority, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it." (John 8:44)

He did so because these had forgotten the name -- His name -- the precious name of Jesus. Why is His name so important? Because this is the name given to us in the last days whereby we must be saved. There is no other name. "At the name of Jesus every knee should [and will] bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." (Philippians 2:10) 

This last point is even more relevant when we read this same verse in context.  "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

Given Him a name that is ABOVE every other name. Not Jehovah, one of many names God gave to His people under the old covenant but Jesus -- the ONLY name given unto men in this new covenant of grace -- whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) There are other verses that confirm Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour.

"I have sworn by Myself, the Word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, "That unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." (Isaiah 45:23) What Word? The Word in the beginning that was with God and WAS God and later became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18) 

The same Jesus that states: "I am He that liveth, and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:18) Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

"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) 

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will." (Ephesians 1:11) "All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made." (John 1:3) 

"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:36) "And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world." (I John 2:2)

Yes, God was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him is no sin. (I John 3:5) "And we know that the Son of God is come -- God as a Son -- the only begotten of the Father -- "of whom are all things and we in Him" -- one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom ARE all things and we by Him. (I Corinthians 8:6)

This is why we look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13) Not in another name. Jesus the ONLY name. This is why we confess our sins to Jesus, because "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

Moreover, "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9)

Do not be deceived by the false prophets and false teachers of this day. Stand in the truth of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. "For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world, but now once in the end of the world, hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26) Stand in the offering plate.

The Prize? Christ Jesus My Lord - Part 790

"And His Name through faith in His Name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea, the faith which is by Him, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16)

Jesus never fails. Indeed, "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord -- for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ." (Philippians 3:8-9) 

It is for this reason that when we believe in Jesus by faith, and seek His righteousness, that our conversation is focused on heaven. 

We seek our Saviour -- the same God who willingly took on sin prone flesh so that through His sacrifice of love, we could know Him personally. We could walk in the cool of the day with Him, praising Him for His goodness and grace.

It is this same He who is coming back to this earth soon to change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. (Philippians 3:19-21)

Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The first and the last. Almighty God in the flesh. Emmanuel - God with us. In Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Yes, He who knew no sin becoming sin for you and I, shedding His precious blood on the cross so that we could experience His abundance of love, mercy and grace. 

The first chapter of Colossians tells us more: 

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. 

Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. 

In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. 

All things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell. 

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."

This is why I want to be found desiring my Lord God and Saviour Jesus, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith .. that I may know Him personally and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.

If by any means I might attain the resurrection of the dead, not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after .. that I may apprehend that for which also I am of Christ Jesus.

Most of all, this one thing may I do -- forgetting those things which are behind me, and reaching forth unto those things which are in the days ahead -- let me "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:8-14) There is NOTHING in this world that is more precious. Stand in the offering plate.

Righteousness He Has So Fulfilled - Part 789

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and [those believers in Jesus] which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4) 

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, "I know him" and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.

He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the Word which ye have heard from the beginning.

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in Him.

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him [that is] from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. [Therefore,] love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledges the Son hath the Father also]. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that He hath promised us, [even] eternal life.

These [things] have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.

And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him. (I John 2:1-29)

Jesus is His Name - Part 788

Throughout the scriptures, we are continually directed to His name. This is a critical point in understanding the scriptures. It is also necessary to know who God is so that we can be faithful to Him in our own personal faith journey. 

Today, however, many churches are moving away from "His name" -- a move that should concern ALL believers in Jesus Christ and the good news gospel message of His Kingdom. These churches are replacing the Godhead -- as specified in the Bible -- with a false doctrine promoting the trinity or a tri-une God. These same religious organizations know that God is One but refuse to accept that this same God became our Saviour.

In addressing the churches in the end times, John writes in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, "I know thy works; behold, I have set thee an open door and no man can shut it, for thou hast a little strength, and has kept my Word, and hast not denied My name." (Revelation 3:7) This is the same "He [that] hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:16) The same He who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The same Word that was with God and was God that later became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18)

Jesus -- the ONLY name under heaven whereby we must be saved. Jesus -- the ONLY mediator between God and man. 

The Bible states: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ 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." (Colossians 3:15-16)

The scriptures continue, stating: "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17) 

Not just using Jesus' name for healing, or in worship services, but in water baptism too according to Acts 2:38-42. What does Peter say here, when asked by the first 3,000 to be saved -- what must we do?

Peter (standing with the eleven) 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." 

The apostles knew the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit when they acted upon Jesus' instructions in Matthew 28:19. This is why EVERY person baptized in the book of Acts was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. We need to do the same.

Read the written Word for yourself and remember, "If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)

Stand in the offering plate.