"To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in Heaven and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect ... and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel. See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape] if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven." (Hebrews 12:23-29)
Apostle Paul was always encouraging believers in Jesus by faith to stand fat in the Lord. (Philippians 4:1) To be "confident of this very thing -- that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)
"And to 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, that [we] may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." (Philippians 3:9-10)
Who is the author and finisher of our faith? None other than Jesus. No other name under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) No other name whereby we can be water baptized. (Acts 2:37-42) No other name can we have written in our hearts.
And yet, as Paul noted, there would be those who would try to lead us astray. In fact, Paul instructed us to "mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample (for many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end destruction, whose God [their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things." (Philippians 3:17-19)
But our hope is in Jesus the Christ. Thus, our conversation is in heaven -- "from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)
"Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." (James 1:18)
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him -- and He is before all things and by Him all things consist, and He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all, He might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:14-18)
"For this cause He is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance .. for where a testament [is] there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament [is] of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
The last will and testament written in His holy blood shed on the cross. His gift of salvation to you and I.
And this [Word], "Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken as of things that are made that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear -- for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:23-29)
"Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] glory for ever and ever, Amen." (Hebrews 13:21)
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Saturday, February 7, 2015
They Sung A New Song ... For Thou Hast Redeemed Us By Thy Blood - Part 1048
"Having his Father's name written in their foreheads .... " (Revelation 14:4)
Indeed, Paul wrote "For I am jealous over you with godly jealously, for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ -- for if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him]." (II Corinthians 11:2-3)
Indeed, Paul wrote "For I am jealous over you with godly jealously, for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ -- for if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him]." (II Corinthians 11:2-3)
"Why is it so important to seek Jesus first? Because He is drawing unto Him a group of people -- His Church -- that will worship Him in spirit and in truth.
"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whither soever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men [being ] the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God." (Revelation 14:4-5)
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us ... 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 12:1-2)
Note that these are those believers in Jesus by faith which have not defiled their garments -- or permitted another name in their foreheads. Instead, they walk with Jesus day in and day out becoming worthy of the vocation to which they have been called. (Ephesians 4:1) Not of their own doing or good works but because these believe that Jesus is the Lord of lords and King of kings.
But there is more. While spiritual wickedness in high places becomes the norm, we are able to stand against the wiles of the devil -- because we have been clothed in His righteousness. (Ephesians 6:11-12) He who knew no sin became sin for us.
As a consequence, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? "Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." (Romans 8:35-39)
"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His angels." (Revelation 3:4-5)
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
Let him that hath ears to hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, February 6, 2015
When Ye Have Done All Those Things Which Are Commanded, What Will You Say? - Part 1047
And the Lord Jesus said, "If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, "Be thou plucked up by the root and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, "Go and sit down to meat?"
And will not rather say unto him, "Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?" Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not."
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, "We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do." (Luke 17:6-10)
Jesus asked a similar question when the disciples could not cast the evil spirit out of a young child. Therein, Jesus said, "If thou canst believe, ALL things ARE possible to him that believeth." (Mark 9:23)
At the time, there was a great multitude about, "and the scribes questioning with them." (Mark 9:14) Straightway, the people beheld Him, greatly amazed and running to Him saluted Jesus. And He asked the scribes, "What question ye with them?" And one of the multitude answered, and said, "Master, I have brought unto Thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever he taketh, he teareth him; and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away; and I spake to Thy disciples that they should cast him out, and they could not." (Mark 9:15-18)
Jesus answered, saying, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me." (Mark 9:19) In other words, Jesus was telling the multitude that "unless ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe." (John 4:48)
When they brought the child unto Jesus and "when He saw him, straightway the spirit tare him, and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked His father, "How long is it ago since this came unto him?" And the father told Jesus that this had been the case since he was a child. "And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire and into the waters, to destroy him; but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us." (Mark 9:20-22)
Jesus said unto him, "If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth."
What happened? Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief." When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, "Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him." (Mark 9:24-25)
And [the spirit] cried and rent him sore, and came out of him, and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, "He is dead." But Jesus took the child by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could not we cast [him] out?" (Mark 9:26-27)
And Jesus said unto them, "This kind can come forth by nothing. but by prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:29)
In the scriptures, this latter statement is often linked with James 5:16 which states: "... the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." This scriptural passage goes on to discuss Elias who "was a man subject to like passions as we are ..." but my point is this. (James 5:17)
Even the apostles who walked with Jesus day in and day out needed to ask why the dumb and deaf spirit that plagued the child from birth would not come out. It is for situations just like this that we -- believers in Jesus the Christ by faith -- need to read His Word, learn His teachings while similarly studying to show ourselves approved, such as a workman.
Why? Because it is from knowing Jesus personally and walking with Him day in and day out that the wisdom that is from above -- the wisdom that is pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" becomes in us the fruit of righteousness -- sown in peace to them that make peace within the body of Christ. (James 3:17-18)
But our place in the Lord does not end there. There is more.
"For after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness -- but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, the power of God and the wisdom of God -- because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men ... but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not -- to bring to nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in His presence ...
But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that, according as it is written, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:21-31)
So where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world?
Draw close to Jesus for the answer. Stand firm in His goodness, mercy and grace. Indeed, stand in the offering plate with the King of kings and Lord of lords.
And will not rather say unto him, "Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?" Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not."
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, "We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do." (Luke 17:6-10)
Jesus asked a similar question when the disciples could not cast the evil spirit out of a young child. Therein, Jesus said, "If thou canst believe, ALL things ARE possible to him that believeth." (Mark 9:23)
At the time, there was a great multitude about, "and the scribes questioning with them." (Mark 9:14) Straightway, the people beheld Him, greatly amazed and running to Him saluted Jesus. And He asked the scribes, "What question ye with them?" And one of the multitude answered, and said, "Master, I have brought unto Thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever he taketh, he teareth him; and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away; and I spake to Thy disciples that they should cast him out, and they could not." (Mark 9:15-18)
Jesus answered, saying, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me." (Mark 9:19) In other words, Jesus was telling the multitude that "unless ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe." (John 4:48)
When they brought the child unto Jesus and "when He saw him, straightway the spirit tare him, and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked His father, "How long is it ago since this came unto him?" And the father told Jesus that this had been the case since he was a child. "And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire and into the waters, to destroy him; but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us." (Mark 9:20-22)
Jesus said unto him, "If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth."
What happened? Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief." When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, "Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him." (Mark 9:24-25)
And [the spirit] cried and rent him sore, and came out of him, and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, "He is dead." But Jesus took the child by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could not we cast [him] out?" (Mark 9:26-27)
And Jesus said unto them, "This kind can come forth by nothing. but by prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:29)
In the scriptures, this latter statement is often linked with James 5:16 which states: "... the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." This scriptural passage goes on to discuss Elias who "was a man subject to like passions as we are ..." but my point is this. (James 5:17)
Even the apostles who walked with Jesus day in and day out needed to ask why the dumb and deaf spirit that plagued the child from birth would not come out. It is for situations just like this that we -- believers in Jesus the Christ by faith -- need to read His Word, learn His teachings while similarly studying to show ourselves approved, such as a workman.
Why? Because it is from knowing Jesus personally and walking with Him day in and day out that the wisdom that is from above -- the wisdom that is pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" becomes in us the fruit of righteousness -- sown in peace to them that make peace within the body of Christ. (James 3:17-18)
But our place in the Lord does not end there. There is more.
"For after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness -- but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, the power of God and the wisdom of God -- because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men ... but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not -- to bring to nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in His presence ...
But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that, according as it is written, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:21-31)
So where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world?
Draw close to Jesus for the answer. Stand firm in His goodness, mercy and grace. Indeed, stand in the offering plate with the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Jesus Is the Bread of Life - Part 1046
WHOSOEVER EATS THIS BREAD AND DRINKS THIS CUP OF THE LORD UNWORTHILY EATS AND DRINKS DAMNATION TO HIMSELF!
That surely is a serious warning. Indeed it should be a cause for self examination. The scripture teaches that whatever goes in a man’s mouth does not defile a man but rather what comes out of a man’s mouth that defiles him. This may be encroaching upon a much deeper thought pattern than one initially might have considered engaging in.
Still, the Bread embraces the Life of JESUS the Christ who is in fact the Bread of Life. Labour not for the meat (bread) that perishes, but labour for the meat (bread) that endures right throughout eternity! Whereas the cup presents the suffering, the whipping, the thorny crown, the mocking, the scourging, and the spitting upon, the crucifixion, the death , the grave leads to life eternal for those who believe in Jesus by faith.
All of this was predetermined to happen by the counsel of God (with Himself) -- and had to happen if sin was to be eradicated from sin prone cursed men and women. What a price to pay. Until this point, there was not to be found in Heaven or earth anyone that could redeem man from his banishment from God Almighty. Death ruled and reigned. And until then, all hope was lost.
Yes, we were all doomed. Or as the saying goes - down the creek without a paddle. Some might suggest that the human race was going down for the last time. Until ... Until a voice was heard saying, we have seen His star in the east. They followed that star -- a morning Star promising the dawn of a new day. Shepherds heard heaven singing. Peace on earth, Goodwill toward all men! A good news broadcaster's voice saying, "For unto you is born this day a Saviour, who is none other than Christ the LORD!
That declared message sent the demonic world into a tail spin. The hunt was on. Where is He that is born to be a King? As the scriptures relate, massacres took place and innocent children were the recipients of Satanic inspired rulers who liked their power. They enjoyed the lust life styles. In no way were they going to step aside without a fight.
But as we are so aware, God steps in with the Sword of His Spirit which is His Word! Talk about coming out of Egypt. That paled in comparison to the deliverance that God had in store for the human race. The Bread and the Cup of a promise of a New Creation -- all to be found in God's Ark of Covenant who is none other than God Himself out of Heaven as a lamb of sacrifice.
So when everything else fails, fear not for you are of more value than many sparrows. God spared not His own Son ship sacrificing Himself to ransom us. Now if your back is against the wall, call on Jesus the Christ who is the same God who laid down His life as a Son for us. GOD LOVES YOU! Do not mix the wine of God with water! COME to Me -- Jesus said, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST.
STAND in the OFFERING Plate and OFFER YOURSELF! Peace in Jesus!
(Originally written by Bill)
That surely is a serious warning. Indeed it should be a cause for self examination. The scripture teaches that whatever goes in a man’s mouth does not defile a man but rather what comes out of a man’s mouth that defiles him. This may be encroaching upon a much deeper thought pattern than one initially might have considered engaging in.
Still, the Bread embraces the Life of JESUS the Christ who is in fact the Bread of Life. Labour not for the meat (bread) that perishes, but labour for the meat (bread) that endures right throughout eternity! Whereas the cup presents the suffering, the whipping, the thorny crown, the mocking, the scourging, and the spitting upon, the crucifixion, the death , the grave leads to life eternal for those who believe in Jesus by faith.
All of this was predetermined to happen by the counsel of God (with Himself) -- and had to happen if sin was to be eradicated from sin prone cursed men and women. What a price to pay. Until this point, there was not to be found in Heaven or earth anyone that could redeem man from his banishment from God Almighty. Death ruled and reigned. And until then, all hope was lost.
Yes, we were all doomed. Or as the saying goes - down the creek without a paddle. Some might suggest that the human race was going down for the last time. Until ... Until a voice was heard saying, we have seen His star in the east. They followed that star -- a morning Star promising the dawn of a new day. Shepherds heard heaven singing. Peace on earth, Goodwill toward all men! A good news broadcaster's voice saying, "For unto you is born this day a Saviour, who is none other than Christ the LORD!
That declared message sent the demonic world into a tail spin. The hunt was on. Where is He that is born to be a King? As the scriptures relate, massacres took place and innocent children were the recipients of Satanic inspired rulers who liked their power. They enjoyed the lust life styles. In no way were they going to step aside without a fight.
But as we are so aware, God steps in with the Sword of His Spirit which is His Word! Talk about coming out of Egypt. That paled in comparison to the deliverance that God had in store for the human race. The Bread and the Cup of a promise of a New Creation -- all to be found in God's Ark of Covenant who is none other than God Himself out of Heaven as a lamb of sacrifice.
So when everything else fails, fear not for you are of more value than many sparrows. God spared not His own Son ship sacrificing Himself to ransom us. Now if your back is against the wall, call on Jesus the Christ who is the same God who laid down His life as a Son for us. GOD LOVES YOU! Do not mix the wine of God with water! COME to Me -- Jesus said, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST.
STAND in the OFFERING Plate and OFFER YOURSELF! Peace in Jesus!
(Originally written by Bill)
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Whom Jesus Calls, Them He Also Justified, and Whom He Justified, Them He Also Glorified - Part 1045
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
This is a wonderful scripture because it offers hope beyond measure -- not only for this life but for the next life too. But John G. Lake made a different observation here -- one that is definitely worth noting. He wrote:
"Oh, listen, there is a divine secret in Christ's salvation. It is Christ in fact in you by the Holy Ghost, dwelling in you, speaking in you, living in you, blazing in you, flashing from you, bless God." (Lake, 411)
In the beginning, we are empowered with the joy and peace that is inherent in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know without a shadow of a doubt that we are loved by our Lord God and Saviour. Sadly, over time, "our eyes become clouded and our soul dimmed with the earthy things that we see around us, and it is only once in a while that our spirit rises above it into the light of heaven" that we see God's righteousness reaching out to you and I.
But it doesn't have to be this way. Reading from Romans 8:
"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God, and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, "For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:24-39)
Respond to Jesus' invitation today. Be persuaded that nothing shall separate us from the love of God which IS in Christ Jesus our Lord.
"To His feet I call you. To His heart I ask you to join your soul and without that, you will never know the abundance of His salvation." (Lake, 412) Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
This is a wonderful scripture because it offers hope beyond measure -- not only for this life but for the next life too. But John G. Lake made a different observation here -- one that is definitely worth noting. He wrote:
"Oh, listen, there is a divine secret in Christ's salvation. It is Christ in fact in you by the Holy Ghost, dwelling in you, speaking in you, living in you, blazing in you, flashing from you, bless God." (Lake, 411)
In the beginning, we are empowered with the joy and peace that is inherent in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know without a shadow of a doubt that we are loved by our Lord God and Saviour. Sadly, over time, "our eyes become clouded and our soul dimmed with the earthy things that we see around us, and it is only once in a while that our spirit rises above it into the light of heaven" that we see God's righteousness reaching out to you and I.
But it doesn't have to be this way. Reading from Romans 8:
"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God, and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, "For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:24-39)
Respond to Jesus' invitation today. Be persuaded that nothing shall separate us from the love of God which IS in Christ Jesus our Lord.
"To His feet I call you. To His heart I ask you to join your soul and without that, you will never know the abundance of His salvation." (Lake, 412) Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
Jesus Said, "If Ye Loved Me Ye Would Rejoice" - Part 1044
"No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared [Him]." (John 1:18)
Jesus said, "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I." (John 14:28)
"I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me." (Isaiah 45:5)
"In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise ..." (Ephesians 1:13)
And of His Spirit, the fruit of the promised SEED, have all believers in the promised SEED of God received. God planned and put in motion all things, as predetermined by the counsel of His own will. Therefore, this plan is entirely God’s plan.
No one was His counsellor. Rather, God purposefully prepared Himself a body in which God could appear as a Son brought forth from a willing surrogate mother named Mary. (John 1:1-18) This meant that Mary herself lived her life in a prone to sin body inasmuch as she also was one of Adam’s fallen race.
In Jesus then, Jesus being the Son of God, a new bloodline began. A bloodline that did not descend from Adam. Within this new bloodline, JESUS is the SEED of the Spirit of God. The embryo, the bones, and the blood, were of the Spirit of God. Similarly, the embryo was clothed with Adamic prone to sin flesh whilst in the womb of His surrogate mother Mary.
JESUS, whilst in that body was tempted, and tried in all points - just like as we are - but without succumbing to sin. In other words, if man were ever to be redeemed, it would require a sinless man willing to die. For it is written in the scriptures that the wages of sin is eternal death.
But in deciding the plan of salvation, God searched and concluded that there was no man found that was holy, righteous, or undefiled. Therefore, it is written, a body have you prepared me. For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY Begotten Son to die at Calvary so that men and women could be set free. (John 3:16-17)
And looking back, this plan of salvation is exactly what God has done. For JESUS was conceived of the holy Spirit of God. Therefore, He who was brought forth was God in the flesh. Pure, holy, undefiled, and separate from sinners. It was God who purposed to lay down His sinless life. God Himself as a Son becoming the only means of eternal salvation. By the sacrifice of His life, we in turn are called sons and daughters of God.
Therefore, we cannot nor ought we to dismiss the Word/Wisdom of God. Instead, we must be born again. This includes no longer embracing another SEED. Instead, arise and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. He is our Lord God and Saviour. (Acts 2:37-42) He sets you free, clothing those of us who believe in His righteousness and mercy.
"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations ..." (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Stand in the offering plate.
Jesus said, "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I." (John 14:28)
"I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me." (Isaiah 45:5)
"In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise ..." (Ephesians 1:13)
And of His Spirit, the fruit of the promised SEED, have all believers in the promised SEED of God received. God planned and put in motion all things, as predetermined by the counsel of His own will. Therefore, this plan is entirely God’s plan.
No one was His counsellor. Rather, God purposefully prepared Himself a body in which God could appear as a Son brought forth from a willing surrogate mother named Mary. (John 1:1-18) This meant that Mary herself lived her life in a prone to sin body inasmuch as she also was one of Adam’s fallen race.
In Jesus then, Jesus being the Son of God, a new bloodline began. A bloodline that did not descend from Adam. Within this new bloodline, JESUS is the SEED of the Spirit of God. The embryo, the bones, and the blood, were of the Spirit of God. Similarly, the embryo was clothed with Adamic prone to sin flesh whilst in the womb of His surrogate mother Mary.
JESUS, whilst in that body was tempted, and tried in all points - just like as we are - but without succumbing to sin. In other words, if man were ever to be redeemed, it would require a sinless man willing to die. For it is written in the scriptures that the wages of sin is eternal death.
But in deciding the plan of salvation, God searched and concluded that there was no man found that was holy, righteous, or undefiled. Therefore, it is written, a body have you prepared me. For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY Begotten Son to die at Calvary so that men and women could be set free. (John 3:16-17)
And looking back, this plan of salvation is exactly what God has done. For JESUS was conceived of the holy Spirit of God. Therefore, He who was brought forth was God in the flesh. Pure, holy, undefiled, and separate from sinners. It was God who purposed to lay down His sinless life. God Himself as a Son becoming the only means of eternal salvation. By the sacrifice of His life, we in turn are called sons and daughters of God.
Therefore, we cannot nor ought we to dismiss the Word/Wisdom of God. Instead, we must be born again. This includes no longer embracing another SEED. Instead, arise and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. He is our Lord God and Saviour. (Acts 2:37-42) He sets you free, clothing those of us who believe in His righteousness and mercy.
"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations ..." (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Proclaiming the Simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - Part 1043
"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 5:19)
"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:11)
The gospel of Jesus Christ -- so simple and straightforward. When those that were pricked in their heart asked Peter, standing with the apostles on the day of Pentecost, what must they do to be saved, 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." (Acts 2:38)
Why? Because when we believe in Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we become "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that [we] should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)
But Jesus also knew that false prophets would creep in unawares. He warned us to "take heed that no man deceive you." (Matthew 24:4) Those dissenters and disputers whose sole inward desire is to invalidate the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus the Christ. To take you away from His Word, and insert another gospel that does not align with His Word. Jesus Himself referred to them as wolves in sheep's clothing, saying, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
The example in Acts 15 expands on this point. But that is not all. It goes AGAINST the argument for "religious unity" that a selection of ministers and priests are promoting in the international community today -- that sadly, has become a "pursued dogma: within the modern day church, whereby one man in Rome is given the ultimate authority to "enjoy, by divine institution supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls." (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Note that these who adorn themselves in the "religious cloak" of this day do not give Jesus the ultimate authority as the Head and Chief Cornerstone of the body of Christ. Neither are they recognizing that our Lord God and Creator willingly became our Saviour, shedding His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I. Indeed, these do not give "thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who IS the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of every creature:
For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:12-20)
Rather, like the example in Acts 15, these want to add to the gospel, putting a yoke around the neck of disciples who follow Jesus Christ. Reading from the King James version:
Therein, there were certain men which came down from Judaea to teach the brethren. These said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." (Acts 15:1)
"When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done unto 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." (Acts 15:2-5)
The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.
"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Men, brethren, ye 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?" (Acts 15:6-10)
Interesting question. But Acts 15 is not the only example whereby false brethren were brought in unawares to privily spy out the liberty which the early church believers had in Christ Jesus. They did so in order to bring those who had been set free through Jesus Christ back into bondage. (James 2:1-21) In some ways, their sole motivation. Reading on:
"Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also, and I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage -- to whom we gave place by subjection? -- no, not for an hour -- that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me ... but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;(For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed ... for before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, "If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" (James 2:14)
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain." (James 2:21)
Thus, receive the Word with all readiness of mind, and search the scriptures daily to see whether those things that are being taught in the modern religious community is true. (Acts 17:11)
As for the proliferation of man-made religions and self-proclaimed prophets and teachers who give another man the ultimate authority to "enjoy, by divine institution supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls" remember what Jesus said.
Herein, Jesus warned the multitudes AND His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works, for they say and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders, but [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men; they make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets and to be called of men, "Rabbi, Rabbi." (Matthew 23:4-7)
Thus, if Jesus is not the Head and worthy to be praised in your church, and His precious Word -- Jesus -- is not first and foremost in all that we do in both word and deed, shake the dust off your feet and don't ever look back ... for Jesus is the only one that saves. He alone is worthy of our praise. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Stand in the offering plate.
The gospel of Jesus Christ -- so simple and straightforward. When those that were pricked in their heart asked Peter, standing with the apostles on the day of Pentecost, what must they do to be saved, 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." (Acts 2:38)
Why? Because when we believe in Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we become "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that [we] should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)
But Jesus also knew that false prophets would creep in unawares. He warned us to "take heed that no man deceive you." (Matthew 24:4) Those dissenters and disputers whose sole inward desire is to invalidate the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus the Christ. To take you away from His Word, and insert another gospel that does not align with His Word. Jesus Himself referred to them as wolves in sheep's clothing, saying, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
The example in Acts 15 expands on this point. But that is not all. It goes AGAINST the argument for "religious unity" that a selection of ministers and priests are promoting in the international community today -- that sadly, has become a "pursued dogma: within the modern day church, whereby one man in Rome is given the ultimate authority to "enjoy, by divine institution supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls." (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Note that these who adorn themselves in the "religious cloak" of this day do not give Jesus the ultimate authority as the Head and Chief Cornerstone of the body of Christ. Neither are they recognizing that our Lord God and Creator willingly became our Saviour, shedding His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I. Indeed, these do not give "thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who IS the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of every creature:
For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:12-20)
Rather, like the example in Acts 15, these want to add to the gospel, putting a yoke around the neck of disciples who follow Jesus Christ. Reading from the King James version:
Therein, there were certain men which came down from Judaea to teach the brethren. These said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." (Acts 15:1)
"When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done unto 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." (Acts 15:2-5)
The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.
"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Men, brethren, ye 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?" (Acts 15:6-10)
Interesting question. But Acts 15 is not the only example whereby false brethren were brought in unawares to privily spy out the liberty which the early church believers had in Christ Jesus. They did so in order to bring those who had been set free through Jesus Christ back into bondage. (James 2:1-21) In some ways, their sole motivation. Reading on:
"Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also, and I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage -- to whom we gave place by subjection? -- no, not for an hour -- that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me ... but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;(For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed ... for before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, "If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" (James 2:14)
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain." (James 2:21)
Thus, receive the Word with all readiness of mind, and search the scriptures daily to see whether those things that are being taught in the modern religious community is true. (Acts 17:11)
As for the proliferation of man-made religions and self-proclaimed prophets and teachers who give another man the ultimate authority to "enjoy, by divine institution supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls" remember what Jesus said.
Herein, Jesus warned the multitudes AND His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works, for they say and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders, but [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men; they make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets and to be called of men, "Rabbi, Rabbi." (Matthew 23:4-7)
Thus, if Jesus is not the Head and worthy to be praised in your church, and His precious Word -- Jesus -- is not first and foremost in all that we do in both word and deed, shake the dust off your feet and don't ever look back ... for Jesus is the only one that saves. He alone is worthy of our praise. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, January 26, 2015
In Whom We Have Redemption Through His Blood, the Forgiveness of Sins According to the Riches of His Grace - Part 1042
JESUS -- It is He that will make known "the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you -- the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)
JESUS -- "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)
Jesus taught the gospel by example so that we too -- like the apostles -- would respond favourably to His open invitation to become fishers of men.
"And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day [Jesus] entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at His doctrine for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." (Mark 1:21)
But "there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, "Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him." And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And [those who watched] were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commanded [Jesus] even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him." (Mark 1:22-27)
Similar to the above example, there are those with unclean spirits in our modern day temple(s) who make the table of the Lord contemptible. (Malachi 1:1-8) These do not want to acknowledge Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Neither will they recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the Holy One - Almighty God in the flesh. (John 1:1-18)
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13) Immanuel, being interpreted meaning, "God with us." (Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 9:6)
This is why Jesus warned believers, saying, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
"Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (John 6:56)
Thankfully, this same Jesus makes known "the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory." (Romans 9:23) "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand" so that we too can rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)
Jesus -- the same God which causes us to triumph in the prophesied Christ, "and makes manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place." (II Corinthians 2:14)
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)
"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 show 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, and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ."(I John 1:4)
He who knew no sin becoming sin so that we could access the holiest of holiest.
Therefore, "be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass ... for he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was ... but whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth [therein] he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:22-25)
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." (Romans 11:33) Stand in the offering plate.
JESUS -- "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)
Jesus taught the gospel by example so that we too -- like the apostles -- would respond favourably to His open invitation to become fishers of men.
"And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day [Jesus] entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at His doctrine for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." (Mark 1:21)
But "there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, "Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him." And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And [those who watched] were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commanded [Jesus] even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him." (Mark 1:22-27)
Similar to the above example, there are those with unclean spirits in our modern day temple(s) who make the table of the Lord contemptible. (Malachi 1:1-8) These do not want to acknowledge Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Neither will they recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the Holy One - Almighty God in the flesh. (John 1:1-18)
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13) Immanuel, being interpreted meaning, "God with us." (Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 9:6)
This is why Jesus warned believers, saying, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
"Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (John 6:56)
Thankfully, this same Jesus makes known "the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory." (Romans 9:23) "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand" so that we too can rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)
Jesus -- the same God which causes us to triumph in the prophesied Christ, "and makes manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place." (II Corinthians 2:14)
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)
"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 show 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, and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ."(I John 1:4)
He who knew no sin becoming sin so that we could access the holiest of holiest.
Therefore, "be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass ... for he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was ... but whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth [therein] he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:22-25)
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." (Romans 11:33) Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
But Ye Shall Receive Power, After That the Holy Ghost Is Come Upon You - Part 1041
It is He that will make known "the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you -- the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)
And when Jesus had said this, He breathed on His disciples and said unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22)
He said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." (Acts 19:2)
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." (Ephesians 1:13)
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)
Sadly, there is much confusion between the use of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost in the scriptures. The dilemma becomes even more complicated by the false teaching of the trinity in modern day churches. Still, the scriptures are clear on this point, and as we have declared before, God is NOT the author of confusion.
"For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)
JESUS was God Spirit veiled in an Adamic sin prone body coming forth out of Heaven to seek and to save His creation from an otherwise lost eternity. JESUS did not come to condemn the world. That was not His purpose. His purpose was for all of Adam’s fallen offspring to receive redemption which He by Himself was going to secure as a gift. The gift of redemption whereby all persons through faith would be granted an opportunity to be saved from sin.
In fact, when JESUS said to His disciples that He was going to leave and they would see Him no more (in the flesh). He also added that He would not leave them comfortless. This is why JESUS breathed upon them saying prophetically that they would receive of His breath -- whose breath is the breath of the Holy Ghost.
Then He opened their understanding that they might more accurately comprehend the scriptures. In Acts chapters 1-2, the first 3,000 believers all received the Holy Ghost.
Up until this moment, the Holy Ghost had never been imparted to anyone. This is because the Holy Ghost was not as yet given, because JESUS was not yet glorified. (Acts 1:1-8) With the outpouring of the Spirit was the pronouncement that JESUS was and is now glorified! God glorified His Son JESUS, thus declaring, that JESUS both LORD and the CHRIST!
Paul the last of the apostles, chosen of JESUS to bear His Name [JESUS] to the Gentiles could say the following concerning the gospel. That which he preached was not of man and neither was it taught by man, Moreover, neither did he [Paul] receive the gospel message of man but rather through the Holy Ghost revelations of JESUS the Christ!
Remember, after Jesus ascended, He commanded the apostles THROUGH the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:8)
Moreover, JESUS said when we receive His holy Spirit, then His indwelling Spirit shall lead and guide believers into all truth. His Spirit indwelling within believers "shall glorify Me - JESUS - and shall bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you!"
Take the time to study His Word. In so doing, grow in the grace and knowledge of God our Saviour through His Word. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
And when Jesus had said this, He breathed on His disciples and said unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22)
He said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." (Acts 19:2)
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." (Ephesians 1:13)
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27)
Sadly, there is much confusion between the use of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost in the scriptures. The dilemma becomes even more complicated by the false teaching of the trinity in modern day churches. Still, the scriptures are clear on this point, and as we have declared before, God is NOT the author of confusion.
"For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)
JESUS was God Spirit veiled in an Adamic sin prone body coming forth out of Heaven to seek and to save His creation from an otherwise lost eternity. JESUS did not come to condemn the world. That was not His purpose. His purpose was for all of Adam’s fallen offspring to receive redemption which He by Himself was going to secure as a gift. The gift of redemption whereby all persons through faith would be granted an opportunity to be saved from sin.
In fact, when JESUS said to His disciples that He was going to leave and they would see Him no more (in the flesh). He also added that He would not leave them comfortless. This is why JESUS breathed upon them saying prophetically that they would receive of His breath -- whose breath is the breath of the Holy Ghost.
Then He opened their understanding that they might more accurately comprehend the scriptures. In Acts chapters 1-2, the first 3,000 believers all received the Holy Ghost.
Up until this moment, the Holy Ghost had never been imparted to anyone. This is because the Holy Ghost was not as yet given, because JESUS was not yet glorified. (Acts 1:1-8) With the outpouring of the Spirit was the pronouncement that JESUS was and is now glorified! God glorified His Son JESUS, thus declaring, that JESUS both LORD and the CHRIST!
Paul the last of the apostles, chosen of JESUS to bear His Name [JESUS] to the Gentiles could say the following concerning the gospel. That which he preached was not of man and neither was it taught by man, Moreover, neither did he [Paul] receive the gospel message of man but rather through the Holy Ghost revelations of JESUS the Christ!
Remember, after Jesus ascended, He commanded the apostles THROUGH the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:8)
Moreover, JESUS said when we receive His holy Spirit, then His indwelling Spirit shall lead and guide believers into all truth. His Spirit indwelling within believers "shall glorify Me - JESUS - and shall bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you!"
Take the time to study His Word. In so doing, grow in the grace and knowledge of God our Saviour through His Word. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!
Saturday, January 24, 2015
For In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being - Part 1040
"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)
"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who THROUGH the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14)
"Have we not all ONE Father? Hath not ONE God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by "profaning" the covenant of our fathers?" (Malachi 2:10)
The first commandment -- "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] ONE LORD. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
Right from the start, the scriptures point to one God -- "In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1) Simple and straightforward -- something that should be easy to understand. Sadly, however, many in the current religious culture attempt to insert yet an expanded gospel - or as the apostles would state -- another gospel to their professed theology. (Galatians 1:6-9)
But regardless of modern day church-anity, the scriptures must remain true if His Word is to be our foundation. "The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, and God said, "Let there be light and there was light." (Genesis 1:2-3)
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
"I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11)
And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord." (Mark 12:29)
While the religious community remains intent on reducing the King of kings and Lord of lords -- the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and last -- to a human level, the Word does not lie. Moreover, God is not the author of confusion.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17)
"And so it is written -- the first Adam was made a living soul, the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit ... the first man is of the earth, the second man is the Lord from heaven." (I Corinthians 15:45-47)
The same Jesus that was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made ... 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 ..." (John 1:1-18)
God is not the author of confusion. And there are no contradictions in His Word. When we take the time to seek Jesus and His righteousness through His Word, we begin to understand His desire to reveal the mystery of the Godhead (that was hidden in the bosom of the Father from the beginning).
Andrew Murray wrote it this way: "To many Christians this has been a dead article of their faith, held fast and proved out of the scriptures but without any living influence on the soul. To the true believer, it is one of the deepest and most precious truths for the nourishment of the inner life. Christ is God. The soul worships Him as the Almighty One, able to do a divine work in the power of divine omnipotence." (Murray, 37)
"And of the angels, He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits and His ministers of flame of fire. But unto the Son, He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath annointed Thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." (Psalm 14:7-8)
"For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, "For we are 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. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent -- because He hath appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness [by that] man whom He hath ordained; [whereof] He hath given assurance unto all [men], in that He hath raised Him form the dead." (Acts 17:28-31)
"But to us [there is but] one God the Father of whom [are] all things and we in Him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom [are] all things and we by Him. Howbeit [there is] not knowledge; for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol, and their conscience being weak is defiled." (I Corinthians 8:2)
This is why Jesus commanded the apostles THROUGH the Holy Ghost after He ascended. (Acts 1:1-8) It also explains why Jesus had to ascend before the Comforter could come. (John 16:7)
Yes, the same Almighty God who created the world in the beginning loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that we might be saved. Search the scriptures, Jesus said, because they speak "of Me."
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God; therefore, the world knoweth us not because it knew Him not ..." (I John 3:1)
Don't accept the premise that man-made religion has a more insightful understanding of the scriptures. Instead, study the scriptures to show thyself approved, and in so doing, understand too that God is one. It may require standing apart from the religious dogma of this day but I can guarantee that when you do, our Lord will not fail you. Stand in the offering plate.
"Have we not all ONE Father? Hath not ONE God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by "profaning" the covenant of our fathers?" (Malachi 2:10)
The first commandment -- "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] ONE LORD. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
Right from the start, the scriptures point to one God -- "In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1) Simple and straightforward -- something that should be easy to understand. Sadly, however, many in the current religious culture attempt to insert yet an expanded gospel - or as the apostles would state -- another gospel to their professed theology. (Galatians 1:6-9)
But regardless of modern day church-anity, the scriptures must remain true if His Word is to be our foundation. "The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, and God said, "Let there be light and there was light." (Genesis 1:2-3)
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
"I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11)
And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord." (Mark 12:29)
While the religious community remains intent on reducing the King of kings and Lord of lords -- the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and last -- to a human level, the Word does not lie. Moreover, God is not the author of confusion.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17)
"And so it is written -- the first Adam was made a living soul, the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit ... the first man is of the earth, the second man is the Lord from heaven." (I Corinthians 15:45-47)
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
Jesus told us to "search the scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39)
Jesus told us to "search the scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39)
So, if God is the Spirit that created the world in the beginning, then why do so many people claim to believe in a tri-une God or God in three persons -- and therefore reducing our Lord God and Saviour to a human? Part of the issue is the revision made to Matthew 28:19 in the early days by the roman catholic church. Sadly, as a consequence, man-made religion has made this scripture the cornerstone for their statement(s) of faith.
But again, what does the Word say? That Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone of our faith. "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)
But again, what does the Word say? That Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone of our faith. "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)
The same Jesus that was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made ... 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 ..." (John 1:1-18)
God is not the author of confusion. And there are no contradictions in His Word. When we take the time to seek Jesus and His righteousness through His Word, we begin to understand His desire to reveal the mystery of the Godhead (that was hidden in the bosom of the Father from the beginning).
Andrew Murray wrote it this way: "To many Christians this has been a dead article of their faith, held fast and proved out of the scriptures but without any living influence on the soul. To the true believer, it is one of the deepest and most precious truths for the nourishment of the inner life. Christ is God. The soul worships Him as the Almighty One, able to do a divine work in the power of divine omnipotence." (Murray, 37)
"And of the angels, He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits and His ministers of flame of fire. But unto the Son, He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath annointed Thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." (Psalm 14:7-8)
"For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, "For we are 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. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent -- because He hath appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness [by that] man whom He hath ordained; [whereof] He hath given assurance unto all [men], in that He hath raised Him form the dead." (Acts 17:28-31)
"But to us [there is but] one God the Father of whom [are] all things and we in Him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom [are] all things and we by Him. Howbeit [there is] not knowledge; for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol, and their conscience being weak is defiled." (I Corinthians 8:2)
This is why Jesus commanded the apostles THROUGH the Holy Ghost after He ascended. (Acts 1:1-8) It also explains why Jesus had to ascend before the Comforter could come. (John 16:7)
Yes, the same Almighty God who created the world in the beginning loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that we might be saved. Search the scriptures, Jesus said, because they speak "of Me."
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God; therefore, the world knoweth us not because it knew Him not ..." (I John 3:1)
Don't accept the premise that man-made religion has a more insightful understanding of the scriptures. Instead, study the scriptures to show thyself approved, and in so doing, understand too that God is one. It may require standing apart from the religious dogma of this day but I can guarantee that when you do, our Lord will not fail you. Stand in the offering plate.
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