I Will Write My Laws in Their Hearts - Part 856

Just like adding two and two, the gospel does not create confusion. Indeed, our Lord God and Saviour is not the author of confusion. The gospel is simple and straightforward if we would only seek Jesus for our wisdom and knowledge. 

Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)

But the good news of Jesus' kingdom does not stop there. From Hebrews chapter eight: "Now of the things which we have spoken, THIS IS THE SUM. 

"We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the Law: who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, "See," saith He, "that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."

But we are no longer under the Law but under the new covenant of grace. Jesus became the mediator with regard to His last will and testament -- the new testament whereby He has ripped the veil from top to bottom -- so that we can experience His fullness of joy.

"Now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second." (Hebrews 8:6) 

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.

"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."

[But] I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that He saith, "A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:1-13)

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

And Who is My Neighbour? - Part 855

On a certain occasion, a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. Tempting Him, the lawyer asked, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  

Jesus said unto the man, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”

The man answering, said, “Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.’’

And Jesus answered unto him, “You have answered right. Do this and you shalt live." Most of us would have stopped there, thankful for the blessing and promise that includes eternal life.

However, the lawyer wanted to justify himself so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:25-29) This is where Jesus begins to share the parable about the good Samaritan.

But the parable is not the point here. Instead, think about Jesus and the words that were being said. How it must have been wearing on Jesus to answer questions which Jesus already knew the questioner was not interested in learning an answer. That in fact, the lawyer only posed these questions to test Jesus, hoping to trip Him up. 

Note the response. Jesus patiently provides a simple answer -- one that even a child would understand and yet this expert in law clearly misses the point. That is, the whole point of eternal life.

Let’s begin again at the top and look at the lawyer's original question. 

“What must I do to inherit eternal life?" The question is straightforward enough. In Acts chapter two, the first 3,000 believers asked Peter, standing with the eleven the very same question. 

But this time, the question is framed in a different context. In the world, we commonly understand that when someone dies, he or she leaves an estate for those children who will come after them. These are referred to as the inheritors of an estate -- normally those children within a family unit who were the consequence of a marital relationship preordained by Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. These children were known by the Lord even from the mother's womb -- the seed planted so that they could become witnesses of the good news gospel of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, even to suggest that an inheritor must die first in order to inherit something, would be considered ridiculous.  Yet, this ridiculous notion has been the understanding of most believers in their faith journey.  Tragically, this misunderstanding has kept most believers from fully enjoying their inheritance now in Christ Jesus -- thinking that the inheritance -- His promises of blessing to us -- will be in the sweet by and by. This is why -- sadly -- for now, we struggle through life without any understanding of how much Jesus loved us.

But the lawyer failed to understand this. Instead, he questioned Jesus hoping to find fault with His teachings. Instead of understanding who Jesus really was -- that He (according to John 1:1-18) commands the universe -- he was plotting against the author of life -- who loved us so much that He through His precious blood would purchase us from the slavery of sin and death. 

For Jesus death and resurrection cleared the way for you and me to receive our amazing inheritance through faith in Him.  "And His name through faith in His name ..." (Acts 3:16)

Because of His abundance of grace, we should be rejoicing knowing that we have an inheritance that surpasses silver and gold.  That He who commands the universe can raise us up to be conquerors in Him. "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (I John 4:4)

Therefore, I encourage you to press into Jesus. Study to show thyself approved, as a workman. Learn of the last will and testament of Jesus and begin to understand what rightfully belongs to us through the grace of Jesus. Most of all, receive your rightful inheritance here and now through faith in Jesus.

The expert in the law stated the answer to his own question. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, love your neighbor as yourself.’’ 

The gospel is so simple that even a child understands. And yet, we as adults subscribe to the tragic distortions of a religious culture that doesn't align with the Word. Unfortunately, as a consequence, we end up missing out on the most beautiful relationship available to mankind. That is, being married in our spirit to the Lord Jesus -- the body and bride of Christ. 

Jesus was saying to the lawyer, “Do this and you will live.” He did not say (as many religious are encouraged to believe today), “Do this and you will not die.” 

Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) 

Come to Jesus today. Invite Him into your heart. Make Jesus Lord of your day to day. Receive His promises. (Romans 8:1-39) Stand in the offering plate.

"And this is life eternal that you might know Thee -- the only true God and Jesus Christ -- whom Thou has sent." (John 17:3)

For the Life Was Manifested So Your Joy May Be Full - Part 854

"Rejoice in the Lord always: [and] again I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us ..." (I John 1:4)

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which the apostles had heard of Him, and then declared unto you and I.

"For God so loved the world...that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

Further, in the first chapter of Acts, Jesus told the apostles to tarry in Jerusalem. "And being assembled together, commanded them that they should 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)

What does this mean? Jesus was telling the apostles that they "shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon [them]: and [that they] shall be witnesses unto Me -- [Jesus] both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:4-5) This conversation is critical because it happened just before Jesus was taken up into the clouds. (Acts 1:2-9)

As instructed, the apostles headed to the upper room. Three thousand people were gathered there for the Day of Pentecost. Peter, standing with the eleven began to preach, saying, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall 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." And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation."

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:37-47)

Earlier in the gospels, Jesus had instructed us on salvation. He said, "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." (John 15:10-12)

Further, Jesus said, "And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time comes, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father." (John 16:23-25)

When we first seek Jesus and His righteousness, we are renewed in His Spirit, "rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer ..." (Romans 12:12)

Moreover, "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." (I Peter 1:8)

Therefore, "great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation." (II Corinthians 7:4)

So, let "the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)

"Rejoice evermore." (I Thessalonians 5:16) Stand in the offering plate.

Come Boldly Unto the Throne of Grace - Part 853

"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain. [Therefore,] it is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows ... for so He gives His beloved -- sleep." (Psalm 127:1-2)

When we have asked Jesus to be Lord in our life, we no longer have to fear, because we can be assured that He who loved us from the very beginning journeys with us in whatever we do. 

Indeed, because of the love that our Lord God bestowed upon us -- when He became our Saviour on the cross -- we are instructed to labour to enter into His rest. Hebrews chapter four elaborates on this point, but the writer here discerns between the "rest" spoken of in the old covenant and the rest later in the new. This is important to understanding the difference between the two covenants. 

The first -- known as the old testament -- was a covenant of Law. This covenant changed when our Lord God and Saviour shed His precious holy blood on the cross, renting the veil in two from top to bottom. This is why we live in this dispensation called grace.

Therefore, from the time of the cross going forward, we can now enter into a personal relationship with our Lord God directly because of the sacrifice He willingly made on the cross.  He who knew no sin became sin for us. A sacrifice that was decided even before the world was formed. The greatest love story ever told. 

But in order for us to enter into His rest, we -- as believers in Jesus by faith -- need to seek His righteousness with all our hearts, souls, mind and strength. We need to study the Word to show ourselves approved, as a workman should -- so that we can know Jesus as our personal Saviour, and become learned in His truth.

"There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4:1-8)

Why is this critical? 

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15)

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

Give Not That Which is Holy Unto Dogs - Part 852

I have a red letter version Bible which makes it easier to understand the totality of Jesus' teachings within the new testament. Not the divisions in scripture and chapters that man later inserted, (and sadly, we as a consequence have bought into) but rather the meat and drink that satisfies all the desires of our heart, when we willingly seek Jesus and His righteousness.

As I considered the idea of only "reading the red" on this wonderful day that the Lord has made, I began reading Matthew 5. Jesus is teaching His disciples on the mountain side, a teaching that continues to the end of Matthew chapter 7.

Therein, Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21) 

Later, in the same chapter, Jesus encourages us to, "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." (Matthew 6:32-34)

Also, in this same place is the prayer we recognize today as the Lord's Prayer, in which Jesus teaches us to pray after this manner -- "Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)

And again, in this same teaching, Jesus shares ..."Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)

Throughout, there is a unifying thread in this teaching that is often missed, because we stop reading Jesus' teachings at the chapter's end. We don't understand that by seeking Jesus, He will reveal His glory to us. That when we press into Jesus as our all in all, He will in fact give us the kingdom. 

Moreover, when we read Jesus' teaching from beginning to end -- studying the scriptures to show ourselves approved -- we begin to understand how much our Lord God loved us to willingly become our Saviour. Indeed, Jesus reveals Himself to us, ministering in our spirit in the same way that He taught the disciples on the mountain side -- instructing us as believers in Jesus by faith to seek His righteousness with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. (Matthew 22:37) But note that Jesus does not stop there.

Jesus continues His teachings, stating that we as believers "are the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world." (Matthew 5:13-14) "A city that is set on an hill which cannot be hid." (Matthew 5:14) Read that again -- a city that is set on a hill -- that cannot be hid.

This means that we are to become His faithful witnesses throughout the earth, preaching the good news gospel of His kingdom as the disciples did, becoming effectual in our communications, and sensitive to the needs of others.

Moreover, we are to become as wise men, building our house upon the only Rock wherein we can find salvation -- Jesus -- so that when the wind and rain comes (as it surely will), our faith will stand firm. We will not be moved by the whims and cares of the world. And in these latter days, what did Jesus instruct us to do? 

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself." 

So, why then are so many believers struggling with the things of this world? We struggle with finances, our jobs, our relationships, and ironically, the day to day of simple survival. But is that the life that the Lord who commands the universe expects us to live? Are we not overcomers, by faith in the same Lord who commands the universe? Did Jesus not say that we would reign -- here on earth? 

According to Jesus' teachings then, our earth focussed struggles are unnecessary. These exist because we are too busy trying to pursue and/or deal with the things that are earthly, instead of trusting completely in Jesus for our day to day. In other words, as sad as it is, believers are trying to trust the gospel while one foot is still stuck in the world. 

This means that we have not fully taken up our cross to follow Jesus in our hearts because if we had, we would be joyful and at peace. Nothing would phase us. In fact, we would glory in the gospel that sets us free. We would rightfully become sons and daughters of the Most High King with two feet wholly in the Word that redeemed us -- and renews our mind and hearts in His liberty.

Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you ... for everyone that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-11)

How do we know this to be true? Because Jesus promises never fail. If we remain true to Him, and seek Jesus and His righteousness in everything that we do -- in both word and deed, including baptism -- He is faithful and true. 

"By Him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15) Most of all, let the God of hope fill you with "all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

Press into Jesus today. Read His Word. Be baptized in the precious name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38) Stand in the offering plate.

My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge - Part 851

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge ..." (Hosea 4:6) 

In the old covenant, people had a responsibility to align their beliefs and actions with God's commandments and Law. When these did not, the world that they knew around them changed. 

However, in contrast, the new testament is a period of grace, contingent upon our Lord God and Saviour shedding His precious blood on a cross -- so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all. "For by grace are [we] saved through faith; and that not of [ourselves]: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

Thus, herein these latter times -- now -- we who believe in Jesus by faith are destined to become world changers -- fishers of men -- grounded in the knowledge that "we love Him, because He first loved us." (I John 4:19) 

"Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren." (I John 3:16) 

Indeed, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore, the world knows us not, because it knew Him not." (I John 3:1)

But this does not mean that once we believe, we continue aimlessly in our former life? Of course not. When we ask Jesus into our life, our minds and hearts are renewed. We are transformed. We willingly decide to become like our Saviour, desiring His destined plan for our life.

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes 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 ... 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." (John 14:12-23)

What does this mean?  It means that when we believe in Jesus by faith, and seek His righteousness, we are to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22:37) This same statement is repeated in the book of Mark. "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment." (Mark 12:30)

Jesus told us that after He ascended into heaven ... "the Comforter [would come], 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 14:6) He will lead you into all truth. 

"Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in His fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His son's name, if thou canst tell?" (Proverbs 30:4)

Not only do we need to know in whom we worship but Jesus elaborates on our faith. Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ... and thy neighbour as thyself." (Luke 10:27) Indeed, Jesus was so adamant about this point that He told His disciples, "A new commandment I give unto you, "That ye love one another; as I have loved you," that ye also love one another." (John 13:34)

What will this achieve? "By this shall all [men] know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35) "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." (I John 3:18) 

Moreover, "love works no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the Law." (Romans 13:10) "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the Law." (Romans 13:8) 

Why? "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)

Therefore, hearken, my beloved brethren, "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" (James 2:5)

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world." (I John 4:4) So be constant in your faith, knowing that the same Lord God who created the world in the beginning loved us enough to die for us. He who knew no sin became sin for us. John wrote it this way.

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins." (I John 4:10)

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous." (I John 5:3)

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (I Corinthians 12:13)

Be confident then in your faith, and be "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 8:38-39)

Stand in the offering plate.

Stand Fast in One Spirit with One Mind Striving Together for the Faith- Part 850

When we read Paul's teachings, we are privy to the insights from a man who knew the intricacies of faith. Indeed, Paul -- formerly Saul -- knew firsthand in whom he believed, and his desire was for all of us to become equally privileged possessing an in-depth knowledge of Jesus too. But when we read Paul's teachings and begin to understand how Jesus revealed Himself to him, we begin to discover that there is so much more to our faith journey. 

Like Paul, we need to seek Jesus and all His righteousness if we are to know the truth. He is to become our "all in all." Therefore, it is in this context that we need to become "fishers of men." Note however that I did not say "church planters." There is a reason for this, but we will leave that topic for another day. 

For now, let's suffice by reading what Paul wrote in the first chapter of Philippians. It is therein that we might begin to understand how important it is for us in this current dispensation of grace to study the Word and show ourselves approved. (II Timothy 2:15) 

"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace." (Philippians 1:1-7)

Paul went on to say --"For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:8-11) 

"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel, so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear.

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.

What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; that your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me." (Philippians 1:1-30)

Indeed, stand fast in the supply of the Spirit of Jesus with one mind striving together for the faith. (Philippians 1:19) Stand in the offering plate.

The Supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ - Part 849

Scripture: "For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:18-21)

I heard the same question again today. That is, who is God? On the face of it, the question appears odd, particularly when asked by those who call themselves believers. But when we begin to consider how many preachers/priests in the pulpit today refer to their Saviour as God, and only God without ever identifying Him by name, it only seems fair to conclude that many in their congregations may not know God by name either.

The difficulty in accepting this premise is that it admits that we as partakers in the body of Christ have not effectively done our job. This is not to suggest that we do not praise God, or thank Him continually for His goodness and grace. I am sure we do. And similarly, I am sure that we pray for others making our requests with joy.  It is not in either of these actions that we fail.

What it does mean, however, is that too often, we fail to equip new believers with the Word. We fail to provide them with the full armor of the Word so that when they are asked the question by their peers, "who is God" they are fully capable of responding. But even more important, we should desire to know His name if we honestly love Him with all our hearts, souls, mind and strength.

So, who is God? In Genesis, we read "In the beginning -- God." (Genesis 1:1) Throughout the old covenant we know God by different names. The most popular name appears to be Jehovah, primarily because we sing gospel songs that include the name Jehovah. But in this current dispensation of grace, which was extended to you and I as Gentiles, Jehovah would be incorrect. Why? 

Because God has a specific name for this time period -- the "only" name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. The same name that we use when we come to Him with all our hearts. The same name in which we do "everything in word or deed." The same name that we use for healing and prayer. And yes, the same name in which we are commanded to be baptized, each and every one of us. (Acts 2:38-42)

In John we read, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Later, in the chapter, we read, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:1-18) This was when God became our Saviour, shedding His holy spirit blood on the cross so that you and I could be forgiven for our sins once and for all.

How many times did God state: "I am the Lord thy God and there is no other beside Me?" or "Yet, I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt; therefore thou shalt know no God other than Me, nor any other Saviour but Me." (Hosea 13:4; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 44:24-28) The first commandment in both the old and new testaments state: "Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." 

Does that mean God is three persons, or a triune God, as many churches today teach? Of course not. God is One, and that same One became flesh so that we could know Him personally. The greatest love story ever told -- and one that God had decided even before the world began. So why don't we know this? Because we don't diligently search the Word for ourselves. We run on the coattails of others, hoping that by virtue of their position within traditional churches, or institutionalized religion, that these actually know the truth. Unfortunately, as a consequence, we become misled by those who are very charismatic in their teachings but fall very short on the Word. 

The Lord said that when the Comforter shall come, He will lead us into truth. He will reveal to us the knowledge of His kingdom. The supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ will be in us, sharing with us His Word. (Galatians 1:18-21) But this is not in isolation. The foundation of knowledge and wisdom comes from reading His Word, and desiring to know more about the Lord. In other words, we have to do our part too.  

So, who is God? His name is Jesus! The Jehovah in the old covenant is Jesus in the new covenant. The one and only God who would ever love us enough to die for us. Hallowed be Thy name -- Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. The name that churches will forget in the last days according to the message John recorded in the book of Revelation. The last book of the Bible that reveals Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. 

Desire Jesus today. Read His Word and share in the delights that He has in store for those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Stand in the offering plate. 

Awake Those Who Sleep And Christ Will Give You Light -- Part 848

"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)

The Word instructs us to let no man deceive with vain words. There is a reason for this. As Ephesians 5:6 states: "Because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." But for those who believe in Jesus by faith, and continually seek His righteousness, there is a better way mapped out for our life. 

Indeed, even before we were born, the Lord knew us. "I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knows right well." (Psalms 139:6) This explains why we who trust in Jesus do not desire to be partakers with those of the world who are set on destruction.

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: [therefore,] walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

[Further,] have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them ... for it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore He saith, "Awake thou that sleeps, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess ... 

but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord ... giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!" (Ephesians 5:6-22)

Stand in the offering plate.

He Rescues Us From Our Enemies - Part 847

More and more, I seem to be using the phrase "Jesus NEVER fails!" Initially, the phrase was a response to friends who seemed to be struggling from the burden of life issues. But lately, the same heavy load that is weighing on non-believers seems to be a problem even for those who do believe. This is a problem that cannot continue.

Why? Because our Lord God and Saviour fully expects us to reign -- not only in the next life but here on earth too. And He has equipped us to do the same. Indeed, His desire is for us to become "world changers" like the apostles, turning the world upside down with the good news gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom. 

In that context, today's message comes from Psalms. David wrote the psalm prior to God becoming flesh so God's name -- beyond Lord -- is not specifically mentioned. However, the content in David's message remains relevant today. The only difference is that in this current dispensation of grace, we know who our Lord God and Saviour by name --- Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

Read on ... from Psalms 136:

"Praise the Lord! He is good! God’s love never fails. Praise the God of all gods. God’s love never fails. Praise the Lord of lords. God’s love never fails. Only God works great miracles. God’s love never fails. With wisdom He made the sky. God’s love never fails. 

The Lord stretched the earth over the ocean. God’s love never fails. He made the bright lights in the sky. God’s love never fails. He lets the sun rule each day. God’s love never fails. He lets the moon and the stars rule each night. God’s love never fails ... 

God used His great strength and His powerful arm. God’s love never fails. He split the Red Sea apart. God’s love never fails.The Lord brought Israel safely through the sea. God’s love never fails. He destroyed the Egyptian king and his army there. God’s love never fails.The Lord led His people through the desert. God’s love never fails. Our God defeated mighty kings. God’s love never fails. And He killed famous kings. God’s love never fails. 

One of them was Sihon, king of the Amorites. God’s love never fails. Another was King Og of Bashan. God’s love never fails. God took away their land. God’s love never fails. He gave their land to Israel the people who serve Him. God’s love never fails. God saw the trouble we were in. God’s love never fails. He rescued us from our enemies. God’s love never fails. He gives food to all who live. God’s love never fails. Praise God in heaven. God’s love never fails.

So the next time you aren't sure what is happening in your life, take hold of God's promise that still stands true today. That is, Jesus love for you and I never fails. Stand in the offering plate.