Precept Upon Precept, Line Upon Line, Here a Little, And There a Little -- Part 949

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

Oddly, in these last days, the religious culture is targeting those who point out errors in the teachings of the gospel as "causing division" within the religious organization, rather than conforming their respective institutional teachings to the doctrine(s) which they have learned from His Word.  In some cases, the scripture from above is cited as justification for their actions.

Therefore, it is within this context that I write ... "and this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words." (Colossians 2:4) Because I too, "count all things loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings ..." (Philippians 3:8-10)

This is why preserving His Word and the apostolic doctrine and teachings therein is so critical to those of us who love Jesus. We have received Christ Jesus the Lord into our hearts and lives, and willingly desire to walk in Him "rooted and built up in Him and stablished in the faith, as [we] have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7)

Not rooted in a religious culture that has forgotten to proclaim His precious name far and wide. Not built up in a religious culture that proclaims faith, but is so entrenched in long standing traditions that ironically ignore Jesus as the Head of the body of Christ. Not stablished in a religious culture that prefers to tickle the ears of congregations, rather than seek the glory and peace and joy that can only be found in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.  

This is why we as believers in Jesus are encouraged to walk worthy of God who has called us unto His kingdom and glory. "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when we received the Word of God which ye heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth -- the Word of God -- which effectually works also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Beloved of the Lord, remember that God "hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or by epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God -- even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given everlasting consolation and good hope comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and work." (II Thessalonians 2:13-17)

Give thanks to our Lord and King for His mercies. Stand in His offering plate.

That They May Receive Forgiveness of Sin and Inheritance Among Them - Part 948

"To whom coming -- a living stone disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an 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 [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light ..." (I Peter 2:4-9)

Just like Jesus called Saul out of darkness into His marvellous light. (Acts 26:19)

"And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." And I said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise and stand upon thy feet, for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, and unto whom now I send thee to open their eyes, and to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of satan unto God, "that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them, which are sanctified by faith that is in me." (Acts 26:14-18)

And as we read, Saul/Paul was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. Neither should we be disobedient in following our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Trust Him today. Study His Word. Rejoice in His free gift of salvation to those who love Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Stand in His offering plate.

But in Vain They Do Worship Me, Teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of Men. - Part 947

"My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass." (Deuteronomy 32:2)

Jesus instructs us to study His Word to "show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth". (II Timothy 2:15) Indeed, as we know, "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (I Timothy 3:16)  

Similarly, Jesus said, "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of Myself." (John 7:17)

In fact, Jesus showed us by example. "And they were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one that had authority and not as the scribes." (Mark 1:22) In another incident, "they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying: "What thing is this? What new doctrine this? For with authority commands He, even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him." (Mark 1:27)

Many times, this knowledge of the doctrines created such a division that when the scribes and chief priests heard Him speak, they sought how they might destroy Him (because they feared Him). (Mark 11:18) 

Sadly, a pursuit of doctrine that aligns with His Word is rarely found within the body of Christ. Today, many of the preachers and teachers within religious circles discount "doctrine(s)" stating that these are no longer necessary. Others suggest that doctrine(s) only cause division within the church, so beyond a posted statement of faith on behalf of a religious organization, doctrine is rarely discussed. 

But what does the Word say?

First, we are praised -- "If [we] put the brethren in remembrance of these things ... thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." (I Timothy 4:6)

Second, we are to thank our Lord God and Saviour that once "ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." (Romans 6:17)

Third, we are to include doctrine in our preaching and teaching so that believers around us can profit. "Now brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you? Except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?" (I Corinthians 14:6)

Fourth, doctrine has a distinguished place when believers meet. "How is it then brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying." (I Corinthians 14:24)

Fifth, from this point forward, we are to be learned so that we "be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they will lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4:14) 

Sixth, we are instructed to "speak thou the things which become sound doctrine ... in all things showing thyself a pattern of good works, in doctrine uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned." (Titus 2:1-8)

Seventh, "whatsoever we do in word or deed, we are to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17)

And even, "though [we] have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus" Paul wrote, "I have begotten you through the gospel, wherefore, I beseech you -- [who said,] be ye followers of Me." (I Corinthians 4:15)

One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One God and Father of all, who above all, and through all, and in you all -- but unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4:4-7)

And then just when we think we fully understand doctrine and are moving on to the meat of the scriptures, note what the Word states in Hebrews. We need to be truly humbled with the following scripture being a wake-up call to all those who believe in Jesus.

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat ... for every one that uses milk is unskilful in the Word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age -- those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go unto perfection: not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement." (Hebrews 5:12-14; 6:1-2)

Therefore, before we can even begin to mature in our relationship with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, we need to know what the Word instructs concerning repentance from dead works, faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgement. Only then can we begin to move forward to perfection and strong meat. 

Did you catch that? In today's religious culture, we have only begun to skim the surface of all the good things that our Lord and Saviour has intended for us, because we have not pursued with diligence an understanding of the most very basic doctrines and oracles of God. 

How does the Word put it? The Word says that we are in need of teachers again. 

But we do not have to wander in darkness. Read His Word today. Study to show thyself approved, as a workman does. "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) It is within this context that our Christian faith journey takes hold, so that we can become skilfull in the Word of righteousness.

Stand in the offering plate.

Trusting Jesus Is Good News -- Part 946

JESUS said that if He were to be lifted up (crucified) He would draw all men and women to Himself! There are choruses such as the one that follows that further elaborates on this point.

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride
Forbid it, Lord that I should boast. Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most. I sacrifice them to His blood
See from His head, His hands, His feet. Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'r such love and sorrow meet or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine that were an offering far to small
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!

Just as the chorus suggests, the redemption of all mankind is not dependant upon fallen man’s capability to redeem him or herself, although in their respective sin prone mind they might think they can. But man’s life is likened in the scriptures to a boat without a rudder. Adrift in an ocean, and totally at the mercy of tides and wind -- which of themselves can be merciless! Maintaining a stiff upper lip, while noteworthy is in such cases similar to burying one's head in sand. The reality is that apart from the intervention of another, all things will inadvertently remain constant. But this is where the good news begins.

With God’s intervention there is hope eternal. How do we know? Even the winds and the sea obey His voice! The question is this. How can one believe in God if they have not heard of God? And even supposed they were to believe that there was a God, how would that change their personal circumstances, for even the devil believes that there is one God.

Further, religion talks about God as if religious institutions were beacons of light. As we all see, religions erect buildings and some of them fill these buildings with their vain imaginations. This is what the scriptures say. They fill their buildings with images and relics, dead lifeless things that are totally useless! Indeed, they are as useless as a straw is to a drowning person who in desperation grabs at the straw. God has said, "Heaven is my throne and earth my footstool and you are building a house for me. Are you yet without understanding?" God does not live in buildings made with man’s hands.

Rather, God who is one Spirit has revealed His pure spiritual humanity in the face of the man JESUS. This same Jesus who is the Lord Himself declared that all of these efforts to build buildings and religious institutions are nothing more than sinking sand. When JESUS speaks, it is His Holy Spirit message being spoken through the vocal cords of the man JESUS. How do we know? Well, JESUS equals God’s Word. These are not the Words of another.

The Holy Spirit declares that men are worshiping Him in vain! They are deceivers, asserting that they know Jesus but they do not. Men who have discarded His Word, substituting their own version of erroneous false teachings in its place. Indeed, many practice a form of worship patterned after man’s wisdom -- which wisdom in God’s eyes is foolishness! In this same context, many of the same foolish pagan religions that date back to 300/400 AD can be likened to the Roman soldiers at the cross dividing JESUS' garment amongst themselves. Still, the Word of the LORD went forth from Jerusalem. Keep that thought! And receive God's Word today!

Until Christ Be Formed In You - Part 945

"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." (Galatians 4:19)

Often, Jesus told parables to the multitudes so that those with "ears to hear" could acquire the inherent treasures that can only be realized by giving one's total heart, mind, soul and strength to Jesus. It was within this context that I, while reading the parable of the sower and the seed, was struck by the word "choked" -- as in "choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, [bringing] no fruit to perfection." (Luke 8:14)

How many of us have been there before -- "choked" by the earthly cares of this world, and wondering where to turn? Herein, Jesus shares a timely parable that is recorded in three of the four gospels. It is a message that should be near and dear to all believers, particularly those of us living in these latter days.

Jesus begins the parable, "Behold, a sower went forth to sow, and when he sowed, some [seeds] fell by the wayside -- and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth. And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns and the thorns sprung up and choked them. But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." (Matthew 13:3-9)

Luke offers a somewhat different take on the parable: "And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, [Jesus] spake by a parable. "A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, He cried, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 8:4-8)

Mark writes: Jesus taught them many things by parables, "and said unto them in His doctrine, "Hearken. Behold, there went out a sower to sow: and it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred." (Mark 4:2-8)

Upon hearing the parable, the disciples -- (followers of Jesus who walked with Him daily) -- asked Him, "Why speak Thou unto them in parables?" And Jesus answered, saying, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 13:11)

Jesus said "unto you" -- those who follow Him in both Word and deed in everything they do. How do we know this? Because Jesus said that He no longer calls us "servants" because a servant does not know his Master's business. Instead, He calls us "friends" because it is given unto us who believe in Him by faith to KNOW the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus said, "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what His Lord does: 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." (John 15:15-17)

In other words, the lesson here is that we ARE to know and understand our Father's business. Even more so now in these last days, because He has given us His Spirit -- the Comforter -- who will lead us into all knowledge and truth. (Acts 2:37-47)

Let me repeat the same teaching again from the book of Mark: Jesus said, "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables -- that "seeing, they may see, and not perceive; and hearing, they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted and their sins should be forgiven them." (Mark 4:10-12)

Still, the disciples did not understand the parable of the sower and the seed. "Know ye not this parable?" Jesus asked, "And how then will ye know all parables?" This is certainly a good question. How can we as believers in Jesus Christ by faith, conduct our heavenly Father's business -- His business of the kingdom -- if we don't understand what our Father's business is about?

"Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them."

As Jesus soon explained, "The sower soweth the Word" continuing steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine. (Mark 4:2, 13-14; Mark 12:38; Acts 2:42) And "teaching [all nations] to observe all things whatsoever [Jesus] commanded." (Matthew 28:20) But Jesus did not stop there.

"And these are they by the wayside, where the Word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan comes immediately, and takes away the Word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the Word, immediately receive it with gladness ... and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the Word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the Word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the Word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred." (Mark 4:15-20; Luke 8:11-15)

The latter being those believers who willingly step out in faith, giving themselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:4)

As Jesus said unto them, "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." (Mark 4:22-23)

And He further said unto them, "Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete. It shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken -- even that which he hath."

He said, "So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground, and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knows not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come." (Mark 4:24-29)

Then Jesus said, "Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? [It is] like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: but when it is sown, it grows up, and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it." (Mark 4:30-32)

Don't be choked among the thorns -- with the cares and riches and pleasures of this world. (Luke 8:11-15) Instead, clothe yourself with His Word -- and let it fall on the good ground, with an honest and good heart, having heard the Word keep it, bringing forth fruit with patience -- until Christ be formed in you. (Luke 8:11-15)

Most of all, know that it is given to you and I to know the business of His kingdom. Therefore, trust Jesus daily for His goodness and mercy and grace. Read His Word. Meditate on His many promises to the faithful. Stand in the offering plate.

Redeeming the Time Because the Days Are Evil - Part 944

"Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17) And, "what if God, willing to show wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction ... that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory." (Romans 9:22-23)

This is why -- "of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." (I Thessalonians 5:1-2)

"The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (II Peter 3:10-11)

Indeed, Jesus told the disciples (and us too -- when the disciples came unto Him privately) asking, "Tell us, when shall these things be? And what [shall be] the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (Matthew 24:1-3) 

What did Jesus say? "Take heed that no man deceive you for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars, and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places. All these [are] the beginning of sorrows." (Matthew 24:4-8)

Furthermore, when the powers that be shall say, "Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." But we are not of the night, nor of darkness that that day should overtake us as a thief. (I Thessalonians 5:1-3, 8)

"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day, therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night." (I Thessalonians 5:4-7; Ephesians 5:8)

Let us also (who are of the day), be sober and "vigilant, because your adversary, the devil as a roaring lion walks about, seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5:8) We are also advised to watch too, praying always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, knowing that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. (Luke 21:31-36)

What does all this mean? We are to focus our heart, mind, soul and strength on the Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- for He is our refuge in times of trouble. Similarly, don't be choked by the cares of this world because at the end of the day, these will not matter. (Mark 4:19) 

Rather, in being both sober and vigilant, put "on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation ... for 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) we should live together with Him." (I Thessalonians 5:4-10)

"Comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves ... warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 

Moreover, rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. [And] quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it." (I Thessalonians 5:11-28)

And know always, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that "if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-19)

Therefore, be willing and joyful ambassadors for Christ. In so doing, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Stand in the offering plate. 

Truth Is Always Truth; To Whom Then Will Ye Liken God? - Part 943

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)
To whom then will ye liken -- "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or, who hath been His counsellor? Or, who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:34-36) The same questions but expressed differently -- "to whom then will ye liken God? Or, what likeness will ye compare unto Him?" (Isaiah 40:18)

In the world, "the workman melts a graven image, and the goldsmith spreads it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. He that is so impoverished that He hath no oblation chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeketh unto Him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image that shall not be moved." (Isaiah 40:1-20)

Or, "they lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he makes it a god, and they fall down, yea, they worship. They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove" yea, one shall cry unto him, yet he cannot answer, nor save him out of his trouble." (Isaiah 46:6-7)

But the Lord says: "Have ye not known? Have ye not heard? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?" (Isaiah 40:21)

In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) One God who is both our Lord and Saviour. It is He that has formed the world in which we live, and all creation. It is He who separated the light from the darkness. The waters divided to allow the dry land to appear. The earth bringing forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding seed after his kind, whose seed in itself, upon the earth. And God saw that His creation was good. (Genesis 1:1-12)

"For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens. God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it. He created it not in vain. He formed it to be inhabited. I am the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:18)

In fact, "it is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof as grasshoppers, that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in. That brings the princes to nothing, and makes the judges of the earth as vanity. Yea, they shall not be planted: yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and He shall also blow upon them and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble." (Isaiah 40:22-24)

Again, "to whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal?" saith the holy One. (Isaiah 40:25; Isaiah 46:5) Because "I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me." (Isaiah 45:5) The same God who created us in the beginning loved you and I enough to also became our Saviour. (Isaiah 45:15)

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

This is why we "lift up [our] eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number. He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for He is strong in power [and] not one faileth." (Isaiah 40:26)

Indeed, "behold the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry in His bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are young -- who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance." (Isaiah 40:12)

Again, "who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or His counsellor hath taught Him? -- with whom took He counsel and instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of judgment, and taught Him knowledge and showed to Him the way of understanding?" (Isaiah 40:14)

No other Saviour but God Himself. It is He who loves us beyond any worldly measure. This is why Jesus instructed us to worship Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength -- and not the handcrafted idols of this world.

"Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not. They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not. They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them [and] so is every one that trusteth in them." (Psalms 115:4-8)

Trust in Jesus today. Only He can give you the peace you seek. Stand in the offering plate.

Walk In His Footsteps Recognizing that Jesus IS God in the Flesh - Part 942

"Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses (law) and one for Elias (prophets). (Matthew 17:4; Mark 9:5, 33)

Well, if you recall from the scriptures, that pronounced thought received an immediate reaction from heaven. In this case, it was not just "forgive them Father for they know not what they do" but rather "forgive them for they do not understand the intensity of what they have just spoken."

This is not to suggest that Moses (representative of the law) and Elias (representative of the prophets) was not important. Indeed, Moses and Elias were instrumental in the plan of God’s salvation. However, what we need to note here is that the directive from God came to them. These Words of God did not originate in them. There is a difference. Moses and Elias were, so to speak, faithful servants ministering only the message which was committed to them.

But JESUS was and is Himself the LORD of Glory manifest in the flesh. Manifest as a Son over His own household! JESUS -- being God Himself who was formerly unseen is now God with us. This means in the simplest terms that JESUS is the source of all Word. As it is written, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

Yes! The Word spoken through the mouth of the man JESUS was God’s own Word! This is why the people pressed toward JESUS -- to hear the Word of God -- for JESUS' Word was spoken with power. In other words, JESUS is the same God who spoke the worlds into existence. For it is written, that without JESUS there is nothing made that is made. All things exist by JESUS and for JESUS. (John 1:1-18)

Therefore, JESUS is the unseen Spirit of God seen. In looking for God, it was Jesus who turned up. God then is not three distinct and separate persons or co-equals one with another -- as some religious folks (and others) like to suggest. That revised falsification of the scriptures did not come from God but of man, appearing first around 300 AD by the so-called church fathers.

For it is written ... even though being found in fashion as a man, JESUS thought it not robbery to be equal with God. When JESUS speaks, it is God who is speaking through Him. It is the Spirit of God within that veil of flesh speaking. How often did JESUS say in the scriptures that it was not Him/ME (in the flesh) that speaks and does these things but rather, it was/is His/My father within Me, it is He that does these things.

This is why JESUS must have the pre-eminence in all things. Down through the ages it was the Spirit of the Christ within persons that caused them to delight in the Lord. This delight did not come about of themselves.

And the reason why this message is so important? Well, when people speak about King David or Solomon, there is, at times a tendency to exalt them to sainthood. They do so even when they know that both David and Solomon were very bad dudes. Remember, David would become a condemned convict for premeditated murder, a planner and schemer of evil, and even an adulterer. In terms of Solomon, how many women's lives did he waste in his endeavour to satisfy the cravings of his flesh? Evil flourished within them. And such were some of us until JESUS appeared in our lives.

JESUS on the other hand came and preached peace. He preached the beatitudes and about love, mercy and compassion. Never before upon this earth had a man lived and spoke as JESUS did. For JESUS was the Life of God Himself, manifest in the flesh as a Son. This explains why we ought to endeavour to walk in His footsteps recognizing that it was the Spirit of the humanity of Christ within persons that caused them to bring forth the psalms, the hymns and spiritual songs. It was also this same Spirit of the humanity of Christ that causes men to speak His Word of wisdom.

For in the beginning was the Word - JESUS! Come to Jesus today! Let Him show you the power of love that transcends all understanding!

You Will Know the Truth and the Truth Shall Set You Free - Part 941

Interestingly, the scriptures state: "Then cried Jesus in the temple as He taught." (John 7:28-29) As we know from the scriptures, this is not the first time that Jesus wept. In another scripture, "When He [Jesus] was come near, He beheld the city and "wept" over it." (Luke 19:41) And another, "But when He [Jesus] saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)

Similarly, on another occasion, "Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed the sick." (Matthew 14:14) In fact, in His Word, there are no shortage of examples of our Lord's heart being moved because of our circumstance. Thus, I wondered what circumstances would be necessary in order for our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- the prophesied Christ -- to weep for us. I already knew the smallest verse in the Bible (at least the smallest verse to my knowledge) was "Jesus wept." (John 11:35)

I was also aware that in this latter example, a certain man named Lazarus had become deathly sick. His sisters Mary (who you may remember had anointed the Lord with ointment) and Martha had sent Jesus a message to inform Him of their brother's condition. When Jesus heard the news about Lazarus, He told those around Him at the time that "this sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." (John 11:1-6)

Of course, there is much more to the tale of Lazarus. After being dead for four days already, Jesus tells him to come out from the grave and He did. It should have been the miracle of all time. The people who witnessed Lazarus being raised from the dead should have been excited. All of them. And yes, some were but others in the crowd went back to tell the scribes and Pharisees what all Jesus had done.

At the end of the day, the miraculous revival of Lazarus being raised from the dead -- four days after he died -- failed to impress everyone that watched. Note that some of these were Jews who had originally come to comfort Mary and Martha in their loss, and yet, when that was no longer an issue (because Lazarus was alive), their hearts were still found wanting. 

As I pondered this miraculous event further, I realized that the words used here -- "Jesus wept" and "Jesus had compassion on the multitudes" were wholly insufficient to explain why the same God who created us in the very beginning would love us enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I. But He did so because He loved us beyond measure.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid for the LORD God is my strength and my song. He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." (Isaiah 12:2-3)

In fact, Jesus said, "Whoever believes in Me, as scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38)

All we have to do is believe in Jesus, and allow Him to clothe us in His righteousness -- through His Word. Yes, the gospel is that simple and yet, sadly, like the Jews in Jesus' day, there are those who would rather do anything else but accept His free gift of salvation. 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

"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." (Romans 3-23-25)

When I think of the ultimate price that He paid for our sins, I understand now why Jesus wept. He groaned within Himself because of our inability (as His beloved creation) to reach out and touch the hem of His garment -- like the woman with the issue of blood. In fact, until we are willing to believe, we are like herds of sheep wandering aimlessly without a shepherd. Lost without any understanding that the Giver of Life wants to give us life everlasting.

And all we have to do is "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, for the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world ... [and look] for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:10-14)

Jesus told 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 8:30-32)

These same promises remain true today. Ask Jesus into your heart. Seek His righteousness by reading His Word daily so that you too shall know the truth that will make you free. Stand in His offering plate.

Water Baptism In Jesus' Name Still Essential Today - Part 940

Jesus Christ -- the same yesterday, and today and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)

But if Jesus is the Word (according to John 1:1-18), and we are to study the Word to show ourselves approved, then why are there so many church organizations today trying to reduce 'water baptism' to a non-essential. Admittedly, for decades the modern day religious culture has struggled between the Roman Catholic revised version of Matthew 28:19 (baptism in the titles) and the apostles' doctrine that points specifically to Acts 2:38 (baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ). What muddies the requirement of water baptism further is that Peter, standing with the apostles, instructed "everyone to be baptized in the name of Jesus." And as a consequence, the first 3,000 people to be saved on the day of Pentecost were baptized in Jesus' name.

Today, however, the majority of church organizations are baptizing using the titles -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (which is Holy Ghost in the original revised text). Some of these baptize by full water immersion and some through sprinkling. Some baptize adults only after they have received some form of confirmation -- not necessarily repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord in their life -- and others as infants in order to belong to an organized religion.

For as long as I can remember, different denominations argued that baptizing in the titles were Jesus' own instructions and as such, it was an acceptable practice to baptize in the titles. But then, as more and more believers in Jesus began seeking the truth through His Word, these discovered that every single person in the Bible was water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Therefore, the question needs to be asked. Is religious tradition and/or religious culture sufficient reason to not align with His Word? Or, as it is in this case, eliminate water baptism from one's statement of faith?

Regardless of the response, more and more within the religious culture of this day are promoting salvation as accepting Christ as one's Saviour directly to receipt of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. The name of Jesus the Christ -- who is the promised Messiah -- is being pushed aside as prophesied in the book of Revelation.

Given that we are in the last days, we shouldn't be surprised. Acts 4:25-27 states: "Who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, "Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ ... For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed."

But this is not an isolated incident. How many times did the rulers and religious leaders of the day try to kill Jesus as He healed people? In fact, from His very birth Herod wanted Him stopped. And, in order to do so declared a decree that would kill all males under the age of two. "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men." (Matthew 2:16)

Other examples of the same desire to kill Jesus include: "The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto Jesus, "Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee." (Luke 13:31) "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for He would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill Him." (John 7:1) "His disciples say unto Him, "Master, the Jews of late sought to stone Thee; and goest Thou thither again?" (John 11:8)

And then, of course, there is the cross, whereby Jesus shed His precious blood so that our sins could be washed clean once and for all. From the very first appearance of Jesus, the enemy of truth did everything possible to deceive believers from believing His Word. If he could not be successful with deception, he caused mass confusion among the people. Remember a certain man named Demetrius, "a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana" bringing no small gain unto the craftsmen? (Acts 19:24)

But God is NOT the author of confusion. Truth is ALWAYS truth. This is why we are exhorted continually to hold fast, remaining steadfast to the apostles' doctrine, as these taught us in the new testament. This includes water baptism by immersion.

When the people on the day of Pentecost asked Peter, standing with the apostles, what should they do? Peter said, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42)

Why Jesus? Because "there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-13) "Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Colossians 3:17) Moreover, "for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?" (Romans 6:3)

For more examples, read the book of Acts so that you too will believe that baptism in the name of Jesus is the proper process for water baptism, and that this is what the apostles did in response to what Jesus commanded. Peter and John baptized and so did Paul according to Jesus' command. And for the record, this is the ONLY way water baptism was performed in the early church for the first two centuries after Jesus was crucified.

Finally, if "God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is ABOVE every name: that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father," then we probably should too. (Philippians 2:9-11)

Stand in His offering plate. You won't be disappointed!