Jesus Who Redeems Us From Destruction - Part 824

Jesus never fails! Sometimes, within the busy-ness of life, we tend to forget the many blessings that Jesus bestows on us, each and every day. Indeed, when we consider that the very same God who commands the universe -- the very same God who created man and woman, and all of the earth's inhabitants in the beginning -- loved us enough to become sin (He that hath no sin) -- we have so much to be thankful for. 

This is why those who believe in Jesus by faith sing the praises of our Lord God and Saviour. This is why there is a skip in our walk, and a twinkle in our eye. Because He has filled those of us who believe in Him by faith with His joy and peace that passes all human understanding. And, if this is still not enough to make your soul glad, we need to remember that Jesus does not call us to be His servants (as it was in the old covenant), but rather, to become His friends. 

Jesus said, "This is my commandment -- That ye love one another as I [Jesus] have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth, I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. That whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another." (John 15:12-17)

This is why we praise the name of Jesus from the rooftops. This is why we boldly proclaim the good news gospel of Jesus the Christ to everyone and anyone who will listen. Our Lord God shed His precious holy blood on the cross as a Son so that our sins would be forgiven once and for all. There was nothing we could do to earn salvation. It is a gift from the Most Highest.

All we have to do is ask Jesus to become Lord in our life. To believe in Him and seek His righteousness through the Word. To be thankful for all of the blessings that He bestows upon us without us ever having to ask. 

"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 thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103:1-5)

Why? So that ye beloved can "build up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:21-22)

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy ... to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:21-25)

Stand in the offering plate!

Let Your Soul Delight - Part 823

Sometimes, we just need a pick me up! To that end, seeking Jesus -- the Word -- in everything that we do in word or deed, is certainly worth taking hold of. The Bible tells us to "be not conformed to this world, but [to] be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) Be richly blessed as you read other verses that will edify your soul ...

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

"Ho, every one that thirsts, come ye to the waters and he that hath no money, come ye buy, and eat, yea , come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfies not? Hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto Me; hear, and your soul shall live and I will make you an everlasting covenant with you … seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near …” (Isaiah 55:1-11)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, I will be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after – that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:1-4)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof …” (Matthew 6:33-34)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; 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.” … Because that which may be known of God may be manifest in them for God hath showed 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 – 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; professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:16-20).

Every Good and Perfect Gift Is From Above! - Part 822

James wrote, "Do not err, my beloved .... because every good gift and every perfect gift is from our Lord God and Saviour above." (James 1:12-22)

James is warning believers here not to err in our understanding of Jesus' teachings. Nor His sacrifice. Instead, James is telling us to get His teachings right. The message? Our Lord God and Saviour does not cause bad things to happen to us on earth. Neither does He create calamity -- or orchestrate bad things happening to us -- as it was under the old covenant and the law. 

Admittedly, there are differences between the two dispensations -- the old covenant under the law and this current new covenant under grace -- but I would digress if I was to write about these now.

Rather, let me just say that we live today in the dispensation of grace --whereby our Lord God willingly became our Saviour. He shed His precious blood for us on a cross, and in so doing, tore the veil from top to bottom so that we would have a personal relationship with Him. He died for us even before we knew Him. He who knew no sin becoming sin for you and I. 

It is for this reason that we can be wholly confident that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above."

"Do not err my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of His own will, begat He us with the Word of truth -- that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. Wherefore, lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word [Jesus] which is able to save your souls." (James 1:12-22)

Jesus never fails! Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Made Us Victorious - Part 821

"And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able to perform. And therefore, it was imputed to Him for righteousness. Now it was not written for His sake alone, that it was imputed to Him but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed -- if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead - who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:21-25)

The following blog was written by Holy Spirit Ministries Canada founder William McKendrick. It is repeated here today because a reminder of the gospel truth is always good 8)

For we know in whom we have believed and we are fully persuaded that our God is able to keep us from falling into the depths and deceptiveness of sin. It is He that shall present us faultless before His majesty with exceeding great joy.

The ghostly presence of the Spirit of God persuades us that we are sitting together with Him in Heavenly places, and we understand that sitting identifies that the work of our redemptive salvation is totally complete. For we were not delivered from the dark night of sin by works of righteousness which we have done. For truly, we of our own selves were lost, walking down that road called Broadway -- the road well recognized and yet well worn pathway to sin.

But JESUS our Creator came to our rescue. God has at different times and in various manners endeavoured to speak to us through the prophets. Sadly, for the most part these prophecies went unheeded. So then God added the Law [and ten commandments]. The Law was intended to awaken us from the darkness of sin. But similarly, over time, the Law eventually also became unheeded. 

It is important to note that the Law in and of itself WAS perfect but we who dwell in prone to sin bodies found ways and means to negate the Law. Indeed, we dressed up sin in fashion in order that sin would not appear as sin but rather, would become something to be sought after and desired.

Further, the Law was a covenant between two parties -- God and man. And being a covenant, it contained demands. But again, because the demands were not adhered to, God simply walked out. Even today, the other party known as Jews have not come to the realization that God has walked out.

Finally, as a last resort and because He loved us, God made a conscious decision to come as a man so that we might be saved. This God did! However, as before, we rebelled on JESUS -- as we had previously done to the afore running prophets. 

This unexpected reaction even though JESUS worked miracles, and performed signs and wonders in their midst as had never before been seen. Picture this. Here was JESUS -- the light of the world -- shining the light of God in their midst, and yet man hated the light. Why? Because a shining light would expose their sin for what it was. And they loved darkness much more than light. 

So what did they decide to do? They crucified JESUS who was God Almighty manifest in the flesh as a Son. In unison, we read that JESUS' accusers cried out, "Crucify Him, crucify Him. We will not have this man rule over us."

Still, as we read in the gospel according to Luke, JESUS was conceived of the Holy Spirit -- being "God with us." In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh. (John 1:1-18)

So, throughout the centuries, who has loved His creation with an everlasting love? Jesus. Yes, Jesus, the promised Messiah. The Christ. 

Do you recall when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and they hid among the bushes? God, upon visiting the garden seemingly could not find them. Then, upon being discovered, God exclaimed, "What have you done?" And from that moment on, God set in motion plans to redeem man and woman from a world of sin and rebellion. At the same time, the devil who had earlier been cast out of heaven ruled the world to which Adam and Eve through adherence to the devil's deceptive words had become captives.

But the good news gospel is that we were never left stranded. He never left us alone. JESUS being the Word of God, which Word declared that the SEED of a woman would bruise the serpent or devil's head -- this same JESUS did just that. Jesus bruised the devil’s head. In so doing, JESUS exposed man’s real enemy. In fact, He made an open display, casting demonic spirits out of individual lives and healing all that came to Him. Read the scriptures for yourself. Believe that Jesus is today, and seek His righteousness. Stand in the offering plate.

When The Fulness of the Time Was Come -- Part 820

"Thou wilt show me the path of life -- in Thy presence is fullness of joy. At Thy right hand, there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalms 16:11)

 Let me say this. I do not want to be part of a 'worldly' club. Indeed, through numerous experiences in my own life, I have discovered that the things of this world are not enough to satisfy me. There is no promise from the world that when I am weary, that there is a viable option for renewing my strength. Nor does the world promise that when I am spent (from running to and fro at its every command) that we can mount up with eagles and fly -- and not be weary. Neither does the worldly club guarantee that by faith in the things of this earth, we can walk boldly and never faint. 

Moreover, the worldly culture teaches us to fear on every level. What will happen if I lose my job? Or get sick? Or something terrible happens to my family? Or .... ??? You fill in the blanks. Whatever the potential worry or burden might be, the world does not steer me in a direction that suggests there is a way to overcome. The world does not allow me to trust its motives with innocent faith, because there are so many who went before me and failed miserably. 

Indeed, regardless of what worldly club I join, the earthly mission statements are most often closed to a higher calling that sets us apart to live victoriously in liberty. Instead, these are generally rooted in a worldly mindset and culture that does not gravitate to peace and joy and liberty within their respective memberships. 

Even though some organizations offer extensive support systems that are known to propel one's well-being in society (and in some cases, even professional careers) by virtue of memberships and exclusive participation, none of these can fill our being like the treasure of knowing the Lord's distinguished plan for our life, and His abundance of love that fills our soul with joy.  

And yet, even though these worldly organizations -- individually or collectively -- do not hold the power to sustain the universe -- to place the stars one by one in the sky -- or to keep our earth turning on its course, as it should -- we are somehow led to these social places of belonging. Oh foolish Galatians -- as Paul would say -- "When will you learn?"

 When will we learn to "delight [our]self in the LORD; and He shall give [you] the desires of thine heart?" (Psalms 37:4) When will we learn that we "can do all things through Christ which strengthens [us]?" (Philippians 4:13)

Sadly, even in the days of the apostles, it didn't take long for an inextricably intertwined 'world-like religious culture' to take root in the places where the gospel was preached. We read this in Paul's letter to the Galatians. Paul, an apostle (not by man which means man did not bestow that title upon him) but rather by Jesus Christ and God the Father who had raised Him from the dead writes the following:

"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you -- Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law? Or, by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:1-5) 

In other words, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. He has redeemed us from the bondage when the veil was ripped from top to bottom. For it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; "that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14) "

You see, because our Lord Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross, we can be blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places. 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 predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself -- according to the good pleasure of His will." (Ephesians 1:1-5) 

Therefore, "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." (Ephesians 1:1-9)

"Therefore, stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1) Stand fast "in whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will --- that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ." (Ephesians 1:9-14)

And if you must take on a mindset, be it not the one of this world. Instead, let Christ dwell in your hearts by faith; "that ye, being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 

Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be the glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:17-21)

Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us? - Part 819

Verse: "For ye are bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Corinthians 6:20) 

Have you ever started copying a passage of the Bible (without noting the man-made chapter and verse interruptions) only to have misgivings about the best place to stop in the text? Well, today was one of those days. I was excited in the Lord. As I typed and typed some more, I realized that I did not want to stop reading and sharing the Word. There are several reasons for this.

First, I have so much to be thankful for. We truly do serve an awesome God. David wrote in the book of Psalms, "Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord upholds all that fall, and raises up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou gives them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them. The Lord preserves all them that love Him." (Psalm 145:13-20)

Second, lowly me -- according to the scriptures -- has been declared a child of the Most High King, even though there was nothing that I could do to earn His love or grace. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves -- it IS the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Third, I am redeemed from my transgressions because of His willingness to shed His precious blood on the cross -- the precious blood of Jesus the Christ -- the lamb who is without blemish and without spot, who was foreordained before the foundation of the world, and manifest in these last times. Again, for who? You guessed it! God became flesh for you and I so that we might have life everlasting. "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ..." (Ephesians 1:7

Fourth, I have peace and joy in my heart that passes all human understanding. I am not fearful of what is to come because He loved me from the womb. As such, I can have complete confidence in the Word of God which lives and abides in me forever. We are born again by the incorruptible -- He who knew no sin becoming sin for you and I. (I Peter 1:18-25) 

Most of all, I can only begin to cherish the idea of "me" being so loved by Almighty God that He would  "willingly" pay the price for my sin on a cross (with two sentenced criminals hanging on either side of Him). This is not only good news but the gospel message that each and every one of us should take hold of -- and without question, be excited about. 

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

But if these promises are not good enough for you to turn your heart to the best news ever -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ -- then check out even more of His promises -- taken from Romans chapter eight. These include:

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

"To be spiritually minded is life and peace."

"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you."

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

"Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, "Abba, Father" ..."

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together."

"For we are saved by hope ..."

"... the Spirit also helps our infirmities."

"And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

"Whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified."

"If God be for us, who can be against us ..." And He definitely proved that we are His chosen people ... "And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth -- unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." (Revelation 1:5)

Therefore, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)

In closing, let me add this message from I Peter chapter one. That is: 

"Grace unto you, and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time -- wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations; that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it may be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ ... whom having not seen, ye love, in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory; receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls ..." (I Peter 1:1-4)

It is no wonder we are excited! And this is only the beginning. Praise you Jesus! Stand in the offering plate.

We Are Now the People of Our Lord God and Saviour! -- Jesus- Part 818

 Today's Verse: "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared -- not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us; by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)

This same Lord God who later became our Saviour Jesus the Christ said, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and [yet] harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16) 

In the past, we have written about 'wolves in sheep's clothing' and 'false prophets' that creep into our church communities unawares. Jesus warned us that in the last days, there would be false prophets. II Peter 2:1 adds his voice to this claim. Peter wrote, “But there were 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.”

But what are we supposed to do? We are instructed to become grounded in His Word. We are to study the Word to show ourselves approved. To seek His righteousness on a daily basis.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord," (I Corinthians 15:58) “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end …” (Hebrews 3:14)

The question is this. How do we remain true to the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom if the church community in which we regularly subscribe refuses to believe the Word that was given? 

John wrote, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1) This scripture aligns perfectly with Genesis 1:1 -- "In the beginning, God." If we stop there and accept the standard creed or statement of faith that is proclaimed in the broader church community today – and subsequently accept church doctrine as the standard and not the Word of God -- we miss the entire point of salvation.

That is, the same God who created us in the beginning loved us so much that He Himself -- He who knew no sin became sin -- shed His precious blood on the cross so that you and I could walk in the cool of the day with Him.

But what happens when we accept church creeds to be the standard and not the Word? Jesus said that we become blinded to the truth. Jesus makes this point to the disciples in Matthew 13. Herein, Jesus is sharing parables with the multitudes, speaking many things to those who had gathered on the shore to listen to Him.

Jesus is finishing the parable when He said, "He who that ears to hear, let him hear." Upon hearing this last statement, the disciples came and said unto Jesus, "Why speakest Thou unto them in parables?"

Jesus answered, saying unto them. "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."

Read that again. Jesus said, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."

Continuing, Jesus clarifies His point. "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance, but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables; because they seeing, see not; and hearing, they hear not, neither do they understand." (Matthew 13:9-13)

Quoting next from an old covenant prophecy in Esaias (Isaiah) Jesus states: "By hearing, ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. For this people's heart is waxed gross and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest at any time, they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them ..." (Matthew 13:14-15)

“But blessed are YOUR eyes, for they see: and YOUR ears for they hear.”

"For verily I say unto you," said Jesus, "That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the parables of the sower." (Matthew 13:17-18)

But here is the punch line, if you are still in need of one. "When any one heareth the Word of the kingdom and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart -- that is he which received the seed by the wayside." (Matthew 13:19)

Who is the Word of the kingdom? The Word is Jesus. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word WAS God ... And the Word became flesh." “I am the Lord thy God and beside Me, there is no Saviour.” (Isaiah 43:11) Jesus said, “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30-33) Jesus said, “Have I been so long time with you Philip and yet you still say, Show us the Father?” (John 14:8-9)

So how do we remain steadfast in the Word so that we can understand the teachings of Jesus? He said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

In other words, we need to focus our hearts, our souls, our minds and our strength on seeking Jesus and His kingdom. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, [becoming] a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) And similarly, be diligent in sharing the Word so that we can become truly effectual in our communications. (Philemon 1:6)

Why is this important? Because Jesus wants to give us every good and perfect thing – the riches of His kingdom. (James 1:17) In this context, an old covenant prophecy (repeated in Romans chapter nine) comes to mind. Speaking about the Israelites and the Gentiles, verse 25-26 states:

“I will call them My people, which were not My people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them. “Ye are not My people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.”

A similar passage can be found in the teachings from the new covenant – this current dispensation of grace. I Peter 2:2-10 states:

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby: if so be [that] you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious. You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, “Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”

“But ye [yes, that means you and I] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light …”

Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (I Peter 2:2-10)

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (I Peter 2:21-25)

Note the word used in this last verse is “were” – for we were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

Isn’t our Lord God and Saviour truly awesome? Thank you Jesus! “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared …" (Titus 3:4)

Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

The Glorious Gospel of Christ Who Is the Image of God - Part 817

In Romans chapter eleven, we read that Israel had not obtained the promise which was sought, at least not at that time. Instead, God had given the Israelites a "spirit of slumber." Even so, the scriptures acknowledge that there were seven thousand men, who had not bowed the knee to the image of Ba-al. These God said, “He had reserved unto Himself.” (Romans 11:3-4) But the scripture also notes that the rest were blinded.

According, as it is written, "God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this day." (Romans 11:8) 

The scriptures explain their spiritual blindness this way. "Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid; but rather "through their fall, salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness?" (Romans 11:14)  

Paul is acknowledging here that because of the Israelites refusal to believe that  Jesus is the promised Messiah, prophesied of as their Lord God and Saviour throughout the ages, the Gentiles -- you and I -- have been given an opportunity to experience God's grace and mercy and goodness by adoption. 

This is good news. We do not need to be in a spiritual slumber. "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost." (Matthew 18:11; Luke 19:10) Who did Jesus come to save? Yes, you and I who -- even from birth -- had already fallen short of the glory of God. But He doesn't leave us there. Jesus came so that we might see. He shed His precious blood on the cross so that we might have life -- and life "more" abundantly. 

In the book of John, Jesus said, "For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not -- might see." (John 9:39) 

But again, Jesus did not stop there. Throughout His time on earth, Jesus showed us how "they that are whole have no need of the physician but [rather] they that are sick." And as such, Jesus said, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Mark 2:17) In other words, Jesus came so that you and I could know Him personally and experience His divine plan for our lives. 

So, for those who seek Jesus and His righteousness, there is hope. We have not been left in darkness. Rather, when we believe in Jesus by faith, and seek His righteousness, we become the "children of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others ... and let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation." (I Thessalonians 5:4-8)

Moreover, become confident knowing that "God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep [on that blessed day when Jesus returns] we should live together with Him." (I Thessalonians 5:9-10)

And, in the interim? Follow that which is good among yourselves and to all men. "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying. Prove all things -- hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearances of evil. And [may] the very God of peace sanctify you wholly [so] your whole spirit and soul and body [is] preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 5:15-23)

Similarly faint not in the preaching of the gospel of our Lord God and Saviour and His kingdom. Be effectual in all our communications. Why? Because the same God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)

Pray also that we "might be [continually] filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and understanding. That [we] 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 longsuffering with joyfulness ... giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." (Colossians 1:9-12)

And remember, never lose our first love because Jesus first loved us.  "What manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God ... Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (I John 3:1-2)

Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

How Much More Shall the Blood of Christ? - Part 816

In the written Word, there are two covenants -- the old covenant under law and a new covenant under grace. We live in the dispensation of grace. Those who do not recognize that there is a significant difference between the two often fall between the cracks, with one foot trying to obey old testament commandments and Leviticus law, while the other noddingly agrees that Jesus shed His precious blood for our sins and as a consequence, there is nothing we could do to earn salvation. But as good as this might sound in theory, it does not work in practice. 

Why? Because each covenant represents a different period in God's plan of salvation. Reading from the latter part of Hebrews chapter eight, we can understand that the first covenant was not without fault.  Had it been faultless, there would not have been any need for a second.

"For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, He saith, behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt because they continued not in My covenant, and I regarded them not," saith the Lord. (Hebrews 8:7-9)

But there will be a new covenant, saith the Lord.

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people. And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord: for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8:10-12)

"A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13)

The message about these two covenants did not stop there. The same Lord God who later became our Saviour wants us to understand why there were two covenants. He wanted us to know why it was necessary for He that knew no sin to become sin for us. Most of all, He would not have us ignorant. Paul wrote:

"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God ... which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit ..." (Ephesians 3:1-11)

Hebrews nine elaborates on this point, beginning with the old covenant (the old testament):

"Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly." (Hebrews 9:1-5)

"Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people." (Hebrews 9:6-7)

"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience, which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation." (Hebrews 9:8-10)

The old covenant because the holiest of all was not yet made manifest. He who knew no sin becoming sin for us.

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:11-12)

"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:13-14)

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:15) 

Who is the He that is the mediator? The foretold Christ. The Word that was God who later became flesh. Our Lord God who is One |God, who willingly shed His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I. (John 1:1-18)

"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you." (Hebrews 9:19-20)

"Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these." (Hebrews 9:21-23)

But herein is the good news, the introduction of this dispensation of grace.

"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us ... nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 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 9:24-26)

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27-28)

There is much more on the covenants that believers need to know but for now know that the law was given as a schoolmaster -- so that we would recognize our transgressions -- and as Paul points out in Hebrews a shadow of all those good things that were still to come. (Hebrews 10:1)

"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 3:9)

Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

My Heart Rejoices and My Tongue Glad - Part 815

Reading the gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John -- is inspiring in that these share the very good news message of Jesus and His kingdom. These detail His life on earth -- He who knew no sin becoming sin for us -- providing us with insights into what we should believe, and about His gift of salvation. These four accounts of the life of Jesus collectively share as a narrative of the greatest love story ever told. If you are new to believing in Jesus by faith, and seeking His righteousness, I would highly recommend reading these for your personal edification. 

However, don't stop reading once you are finished the four gospels because there is so much more that we need to know. The book of Acts, for example, shows us how Jesus' disciples shared their knowledge of Jesus, and His kingdom in practice, proclaiming His good news message to all that would listen. Acts also reveals how the disciples were led by the Holy Ghost to apply the truths that they had learned from walking daily with Jesus -- essentially taking Jesus' teachings and putting them into practice. 

"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." (John 14:26)

When we seek Jesus and His righteousness, we are seeking His wisdom and knowledge. This is why it is critical that we read and understand the book of Acts.

Therein, we read that Jesus commanded the disciples to "not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:4-5)

Indeed, Jesus told the apostles that He had chosen -- that they "shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Yes, Jesus ministry, as Peter alluded to in the first chapter of Acts, "beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection" did not end at the cross. (Acts 1:22) In fact, the cross -- where the veil between God and man was torn from top to bottom -- was only the beginning. 

We see this on the day of Pentecost. Judas had already been replaced with Matthias, and now, "numbered with the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:26) The scriptures state also that on the day of Pentecost "they were all with one accord in one place." (Acts 2:1) And what happens? 

"And suddenly, there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting, and there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" (Acts 2:1-11)

What did these hear? They heard about the wonderful works of God. As expected, these were amazed because they heard about our Lord God and Saviour in their own language from people who would have had no prior ability to speak in other languages. Why do you think it happened this way?

Well, had it been any other way, God would not have received the glory. Even though some mocked, thinking the apostles had been drinking  -- even though it was only the third hour of the day -- one thing was for sure. Only God could give them an ability to speak in the language(s) of those around them. As stated in Joel, "Ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else." (Joel 2:27)

Peter, standing with the eleven clarifies to the that these men are not drunk. He then states: 

"And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and on my servants and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come; and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:17-21, Joel 2:27-32)

God wanted to let "all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God that made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

Peter continues, saying, "Ye men of Israel, hear these words, Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know; Him being delivered by the determinant counsel and foreknowledge of God -- ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain -- whom God hath raised up, and loosed the pains of death; because it was not possible that He should be holden of it. For David speaketh [earlier] concerning Him:

"I foresaw the Lord, always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore, did my heart rejoice and my tongue was glad; moreover, also my flesh shall rest in hope ... because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known in me the ways of life. Thou shalt make me full of joy with Thy countenance." 

Then Peter began to speak freely about the patriarch David -- that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day, "Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens, but He saith Himself, " The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool." (Acts 2:29-35; Psalm 16:8-11; John 13:31-32; Psalm 110:1)

What happened next? Those that heard this message were pricked in their heart. Convicted, they asked, "Men and brethren, what must we do?"

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, for the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:38)

Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized and the same day there was added unto them about 3,000 souls. 

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42) Colossians 1:28 states: "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Whom we preach warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." In other words, like the day of Pentecost when the day was fully come, the day has come that we can receive -- in this covenant of grace -- His gift of salvation bought by the shedding of the precious blood of Jesus on the cross.

As an aside, note that earlier in Luke, Jesus rejoiced in spirit, saying, "I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to Me of My Father; and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him."  My glory rejoices!

Turning then to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." (Luke 10:21-22)

Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.