There Was a Certain Rich Man Which Had a Steward - Part 922

Jesus' sermon that begins in Luke chapter 15 and continues to the first part of Luke chapter 17 should be a must read for all believers seeking Jesus. 

Therein, Jesus is sharing a parable with the multitudes of people who were following Him. The scribes and Pharisees are present. So are the disciples. If one looks to theological experts for an explanation, they are often told that this parable is notorious for its difficulty primarily because the dishonest person in the parable is praised. (Shelley, 2014) As a consequence, most times there isn't a reasonable explanation for these scriptures so Jesus' sermon is often passed over. But that won't be the case today. Let's begin with Luke chapter 16.

Essentially, the parable points to a dishonest steward who — in managing an estate — was accused of wasting and squandering the lord’s goods. By definition, steward means “one who manages another’s property, finances or other affairs,” or “one who is in charge of household affairs.”

“And He [Jesus] said unto His disciples, “There was a certain rich man which had a steward, and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.” (Luke 16:1-2)

In today’s terms, this situation would be akin to a manager calling into question an employee’s conduct, before firing this same employee. The steward here is now concerned because he is going to be — if we use the analogy above — out of a job. Clearly, the steward has a problem.

The steward said within himself, “What shall I do? For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig [and] to beg I am ashamed.” (Luke 1:3)

So the steward begins to seek options using his worldly wisdom. But the steward must act quickly because if he doesn’t, his plight will be found out within the community, and most particularly among the lord’s friends. So the steward cleverly devises a plan that will keep him gainfully employed. The steward states, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

Thinking quickly, the steward hurriedly turns the rich man’s debtors into his friends. In his haste to remain employed, he calls every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, asking, “How much owest thou unto my lord?”

The first said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And the steward said, “Take thy bill and sit down quickly and write fifty.”

Then the steward said to another, “And how much owest thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And the steward said unto him, “Take thy bill and write fourscore.” (Luke 16:5-7)

What the steward is doing here is changing the terms of the relationship between the debtor and the lord. On the surface, the steward who in his job was previously responsible for collecting all outstanding debts is now turning the rich man's debtors into his friends by forgiving some of the debt.

Jesus cited two examples in the parable. In one, the account holder's debt was forgiven by half. But the steward's negotiating did not just stop at two debtors. In fact, according to the scriptures, the steward called “every single one” of the lord’s debtors. Not one person was missed in the steward’s determination to negotiate a new debt with one and all. As a consequence, the total cost — if we were only looking at monetary terms — would be significant. But obviously, we are not only looking at monetary matters here.

When the lord discovered what the steward was doing, he commended the unjust steward for using worldly ways to justify his continued existence. It is here that the real message of the parable begins to unfold. No longer is the parable focused solely on the steward wasting the lord’s estate — for which the steward was fired. 

“The lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:8-9)

Herein, the lord is commenting on how the unjust steward found a way — albeit using evil cunning and deviousness — to increase his reputation among the fold. From the unjust steward’s perspective, he was able to retain some form of credence within the community as a whole by arranging a better deal for the debtors. Can you hear them saying, “Well, he can’t be all bad.”

From the debtor’s perspective, they would be most grateful for a portion of their debts being forgiven. Normally, for a debt to be forgiven (if you use the agricultural example that would have been prominent in Biblical times) there would have to be extenuating circumstances in the farming sector that precipitated making a special request. But note here that forgiveness of the debt came about without any solicitation by the debtors to the lord. The debts were seemingly freely given — without a list of conditions — from the debtor’s point of view. (More on this point later)

However, it is also critical to notice that in acknowledging the steward’s deal to the debtors, the lord was not commending the steward’s dishonesty or behaviour. What the unjust steward did to further his own self-preservation was still wrong on every level.

Still, the unjust steward knew enough about the lord to recognize that the lord would not go back and collect the difference in the debts owing from the debtors – regardless of the amount. Why? Because the steward knew the lord was gracious. The steward also knew that the lord had already forgiven the debt in full. He had come to fulfill the law, thereby bringing the law to fruition. It was this acknowledgement — the ability of even the steward to recognize the ultimate generosity of the lord that the lord commended.

So what does all this mean? First, the key to understanding this parable is recognizing the true identity of the characters. The rich man is our Lord God and Saviour, satan is the steward/manager and the accuser of the brethren, and the debtors represent all humanity — you and I.

Second, as we know from Genesis, satan gained authority and rule over the earth when Adam and Eve fell in the garden. There and then, satan became the prince of this world working through mankind — evil in every aspect. His objective was to seek and devour everyone that he could, always luring people to do his bidding. In essence, satan was always seeking ways to repress God’s people -- and if he couldn't, at least get them to settle into the established traditions of men. In this situation, however, he made them debtors. Debtors again to the Law and the old covenant that was prevalent in the old testament. The same Law that our Lord God brought to an end when He died on the cross.

But what satan did not count on was this. The generosity of our Lord extended from His abundant love for His creation. So when our Lord God — who created man and woman in the beginning — willingly became our Saviour, satan lost his stronghold. Indeed, when Jesus’ precious holy blood was shed on the cross for you and I, the prince of this world stood condemned. (John 16:11)

Fired.

Why? Because when Jesus blood was shed, the Law was satisfied once and for all. When Jesus died and rose again, we were forgiven of our sins when we chose to believe in Him by faith ... and seek His righteousness. This meant that satan could no longer misuse the Law in order to repress God’s chosen people.

Neither could the prince of this world accuse those who seek Jesus and all His righteousness because in salvation -- which God gave us as a gift -- we are totally forgiven by His grace and mercy. 100% forgiven of our past, present and future sins -- covered by the precious blood of Jesus -- so although our sins were crimson, they are now white as snow.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves — it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As a consequence, satan — like the unjust steward in the parable — recognized that in order to retain his worldly status, he would have to act quickly. Call in IOU’s — even if one has to make them up, and thus, lure us through deceitful negotiation into making a deal. A different deal for every person. A varying discount depending on the spiritual situation. 

Nevertheless, the ultimate objective being to make one and all debtors.
This is why he said, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

The intent then was for satan to ensure that we remain as debtors — with at least one foot in the world. Half-hearted in our love for Jesus. Giving only a little bit of our life to being free in Jesus — with one foot in the Law, citing the ten commandments as critical in our daily living, while only half-heartedly acknowledging God's grace and mercy that set us free -- standing in His liberty. Sprinkling the gospel in our life while immersing ourselves in the labour of this world. Going to church just enough to show the Lord that we are willing to participate — at least to some extent but never really experiencing His awesome freedom and grace. Conforming to the traditions of men, rather than worshipping our Lord.

As a consequence, we end up serving two masters rather than wholeheartedly seeking the absolute — the one and only — Jesus the Christ — the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

The same Jesus who said that we “are bought with a price” and therefore the reason why we should “glorify God in our body, and in our spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:20)

Contemplate on this part of the revelation because this is only the beginning. Indeed, there’s much more to come in the posts ahead. In the interim, put "yourself" in His offering plate because Jesus doesn't want your money. He wants your heart!

Seek the Lord If Haply They Might Feel After Him and Find Him - Part 921

"Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them  ... shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12:9)

Interestingly, the corresponding scripture takes us back to the book of Job. Therein, Job answers and says: "No doubt but you are the people, and wisdom shall die with you but I have understanding as well as you .... ask now the beasts and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee; or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?" (Job 12:1-13)

Why is this important? Because for those who believe in Jesus, and seek His righteousness, we need to understand that if our Lord God and Saviour would shed His precious blood on the cross for us -- while we were yet sinners, how much more does He want to bless us now that we are His friends.

"For in Him we live, and move and have our being, as certain also of your own poets have said, "For we are also His offspring." Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device." (Acts 17:27-29)

In fact, in "times of this ignorance, God winked." (Acts 17:30) For those who have not yet asked Jesus to be Lord in your life, repent -- "but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent because He hath appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man in that He hath raised Him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31)

As Jesus said, come and be fishers of men, telling everyone you meet about the wonderful blessings of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Praise Jesus that we can be in subjection unto Him -- the Father of spirits -- and live. (Hebrews 12:9) Stand in the offering plate.

And of His Fullness Have All We Received - Part 920

"Behold, His soul which is lifted up is not upright in Him, but the just shall live by His faith." (Habakkuk 2:4) "For He whom God hath sent speaks the words of God; for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him" ... Jesus. (John 3:34)

This is why the Jews marveled, saying about Jesus, "How knows this man letters, having never learned?"  Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory, but he that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you keeps the Law? Why go you about to kill Me?" (John 7:15-19)

You see, God was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) Indeed, He was the true Light which lights every man that comes into the world. He is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:13) 

"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21) His name is Jesus .. "for the Law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) 

In fact, "it was imputed unto Him for righteousness." (Romans 4:22; Genesis 15:5-6) "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." (Romans 1:20-21)

This explains why Paul wrote in Romans, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes ... for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." (Romans 1:16-17)

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:" (Romans 3:22)
We who seek Jesus in all that we do and think live by faith. "And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" (Philippians 3:9) 

Therefore, glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ -- the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all  and upon all them that believe. Let him that has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

How Much Then Is A Man Better Than a Sheep? - Part 919

But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto Jesus, "Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day." (Matthew 12:2)

But Jesus said unto them, "Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; how he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?" (Matthew 12:3; Luke 6:3-4)

But I say unto you, "That in this place is One greater than the temple."

How often do we go through life trying to resolve our issues, without consulting the one within our midst -- who IS greater than the temple? Indeed, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ keeps the earth turning repeatedly on its axle -- in perfect precision -- for both those who are good and those that are evil, and yet we can't bring ourselves to have faith such as a little child.

Furthermore, He feeds the birds day in and day out. The daisies awaken each spring without toil. The seasons come and the seasons go like clockwork. And as well, our human bodies come with a miraculous ability to heal. All of these signs and wonders, and more, are the handiwork of our Lord and Saviour. And yet, here we are -- like the Pharisees in the time that Jesus walked the earth -- trying to muddle our way through life without acknowledging that there is "One" that is greater than the temple. There is a God who loved us enough that He Himself would become flesh, shedding His holy blood for our transgressions.

But since the Pharisees did not recognize Him for who He was, Jesus continues ...

"But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." (Matthew 12:7-8) Luke records the same event this way: "And Jesus said unto them, "That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." (Luke 6:5)

Mark wrote even more: "And [Jesus] entered again into the synagogue ad there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched Him [Jesus] whether He would heal him on the sabbath day -- that they might accuse Him. And He said unto the man which had the withered hand -- "Stand forth." And He said unto them [the Pharisees] "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill?" (Mark 3:1-5)

Note that they held their peace. And when Jesus looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He said unto the man, "Stretch forth thine hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored like the other. (Mark 3:1-5)

Matthew elaborated further on what happened in the temple. "And when He was departed thence, He went into their synagogue. And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days?" that they might accuse Him. And Jesus said unto them, "What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?" How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days."

Then saith Jesus to the man, "Stretch forth thine hand." And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other." (Matthew 12:2-13)

What an awesome Lord we serve. In fact, this is yet another example of how much the Lord loves us, and wants to bestow His goodness upon those who love Him, and seek His righteousness. Trust Jesus today -- and know that the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. Stand in the offering plate.

For Christ Is the End of the Law for Righteousness - Part 918

"For the Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) "For Christ is the END of the Law for righteousness, which is of the Law ... for Moses describes the righteousness which is of the Law -- "That the man which doeth those things shall live by them." (Romans 10:4)

"Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith .. but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)

Sadly, many representatives in today's religious culture subscribe to the Law -- that we as believers who believe in Jesus and seek His righteousness must (even in this dispensation of grace) be subservient to old covenant law. This stance, even when Jesus proclaims that He will set us free through His precious blood shed on the cross. 

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

But don't let the religious hinder you so that you would not obey the truth. "This persuasion cometh not of Him that called you." (Galatians 5:7-8) Rather, know that "all the law is fulfilled in one Word, even in this -- "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:15) 

Why? Because we have been called unto liberty. His liberty. The liberty that allows us to walk and live in the Spirit -- and in His grace -- and to do good unto all men -- especially them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

For other scriptures confirming Christ is the end of the Law -- the same Christ in whom we have obtained an inheritance -- that we should be to the praise of His glory, read on:

"But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, "Say not in thine heart, who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above;) Or, who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it?" (Romans 10:1-8)

"The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the Word of faith, which we preach -- that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith: "Whosoever believes on Him shall be saved." (Romans 10:8-13)

"Wherefore then the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made -- ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." (Galatians 3:19)

Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled." Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I say unto you, "That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-20)

"Now we know that what things soever the Law saith - it saith to them who are under the Law; that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the Law, there shall be no flesh be justified in His sight; for by the Law is the knowledge of sin ... but now the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference ... for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God ... being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood -- to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness; that He might be just, and the justifier for Him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:19-26)

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. For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His only begotten Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh ... that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4)

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus ... for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26-29)

"And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses." (Acts 13:39) 

In other words, Jesus came to redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the adoption of sons -- and because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:4-5) Stand in the offering plate. 

We Have Been Set Free Through Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ - Part 917

Certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved." 

These determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. On their way, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, causing great joy unto all the brethren. They were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, "That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said, "Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:1-11)

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon has declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up ... that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My name is called," saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God, but that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren. And they wrote letters by them after this manner; 

"The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, "Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul -- men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." (Acts 15:12-29)

God Was Manifest in the Flesh - Part 916

Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid for the Lord is my strength and my song. He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. The scriptures state that in that day shall we say, “Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted.” 

Isaiah 9:6 states, “For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”

Yes, Jesus is God in the flesh. The same Word that was with God in the beginning is God in these latter times. Jesus is the last name given among men whereby we can be saved. It was His sacrifice on the cross, His blood shed for you and I that opened the door so that we might have salvation. So that we might abide fully in His grace.

Yes, the same God who created this world loved us enough that He Himself would become flesh. His humanity dying on the cross for us. "God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world and received up into glory.” (I Timothy 3:16) All this so that you and I might know our Lord God our Saviour. The greatest love story ever told. Stand in the offering plate!

Jesus! The Author and Finisher of Our Faith - Part 915

"Looking unto Jesus -- the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus said to the Jews who were seeking to kill Him, "Search the scriptures for in them, ye think you have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me --[but[ you will not come to Me that you might have life. I receive not honour from men but I know you, that you have not the love of God in you." (John 5:39-42)

At the time, the Jews wanted to kill Jesus because He had not only broken the Sabbath (for healing a man who had an infirmity for 38 years) but because Jesus said that God was His Father. When He said this, the Jews accused Jesus of making Himself equal with God." (John 5:18) 

But Jesus did not leave them without a response. Indeed, Jesus followed by sharing many insights into who He was, and why His salvation message of the Kingdom was one that every person needs to take hold of.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for what things soever He does, these also does the Son likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that Himself does, and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickens them; even so the Son quickens whom He will. For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment unto the Son, that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honours not the Son honours not the Father which has sent Him.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself ... AND hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man." (John 5:21-27)

Jesus then said, "Marvel not at this for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of Mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." (John 5:28-30)

If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another that bears witness of Me; and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me. And the Father Himself, which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

And ye have not His word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not." (John 5:31-45) 

This is why we are encouraged to search the scriptures because as Jesus said -- they testify of Me. Believe in Jesus today. Believe His words for your sustenance. He is the author and finisher of our faith. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Stand in the offering plate.

For a Testament is of Force After Men Are Dead - Part 914

Only when one begins to study the scriptures -- as a workman might do to show himself or herself approved to a superior -- is it possible to see how the Word is being changed to say something that was never intended. A prime example can be found in Colossians 2:9.

The King James version states: "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" referring to Him "who has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son in whom we have redemption through His blood  even the forgiveness of sins -- who is the image of invisible God the firstborn of every creature -- for by Him were all things created." (Colossians 1:13-16)

Note that the scriptures here are singular, confirming that Jesus is Almighty God in the flesh.  God Himself had become as one of us. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Jesus repeatedly states that He and His Father are one. Indeed, the scribes and Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus for blasphemy - declaring that He was the great I AM. They knew who Jesus was. Who else could heal the brokenhearted, the blind, and the lame? Who else could feed the 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes? 

His name is Jesus -- meaning God with us. (Matthew 1:21) The "only" name given under heaven whereby we can be saved. The very name that we are instructed to do everything that we do in word or deed -- in the name of Jesus. This is why every one who was baptized in the Bible was baptized in the name of Jesus. This is why healing is performed in the name of Jesus ... because simply put --- there is no other. God Himself became flesh so that we might be have life eternal. He paid the price for our sin once and for all.

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 9:28)

But the authors of the NIV renders the same scripture as if the Father and Son were separate persons. The revision states: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form." (Colossians 1:26 NIV). Like the word trinity, deity does not exist in the scriptures. Never is the Godhead referred to as a deity or trinity. The religious culture of this day has sadly bought into the Roman Catholic revision of Matthew 28:19.

Thank the Lord that we do not have to do the same.  We don't have to accept anything that does not align with the scriptures. God is not the author of confusion. "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 enters 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 9:26)

Search the scriptures for yourself. Let His Spirit guide you and direct you into all truth and wisdom. Stand in the offering plate.

Wherein We Greatly Rejoice - Part 913

We have so much to be thankful for. Peter elaborates on the many blessings that we can enjoy because we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord God and Saviour. From the first chapter of I Peter:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has 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 [and I], 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 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.

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot -- who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you -- who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away ... but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (I Peter 1:1-25)

Stand in the offering plate.