For Unto You Is Born This Day a Saviour, Which Is Christ the Lord - Part 1367

"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, Christ 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." (I Corinthians 1:23-25)

Sim Kay Tee phrased the point this way: "Paul speaks of different responses to the cross: The Jews expected a mighty deliverer and stumbled over the idea of Christ being crucified. The Greeks laughed at the absurdity of a dead man giving everlasting life. (I Corinthians 1:23) But to all who believe, the cross is the power and wisdom of God that saves. (I Corinthians 1:21, 24)

In other words, for those who know the Most High God as their Redeemer -- Jesus being the Rock -- the good news gospel message of salvation brings life. (Psalm 78:35) Indeed, right from the beginning, man knew that there must be a Shepherd, the Stone of Israel. (Genesis 49:24) The Rock of our salvation whose desire was to fill us with His joy and peace, so that our cup runneth over. (Deuteronomy 32:15)

So that (as the scripture declares) we would have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, and gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute. (Isaiah 30:29) His grace and mercy brimming over in our verybeing.

Sadly, however, there are many in today's world who have not experienced the Lords gladness in their heart, the Holy Ghost within their soul comforting and leading them in the day to day. Inside, their hearts still asking, "Who is God?"

Well, let me tell you about Almighty God.

"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. In Him was life and the life was the light of men, and the light shines in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-18)

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. 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 ... but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons and daughters of God -- to them that believe on His name. (John 1:10-14)

His name? JESUS. Jesus is the Word. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me. In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin Thou hast had no pleasure." Then said I, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God." Above when He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second." (Hebrews 10:5-9)

So "who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?" (II Samuel 22:32)

JESUS!

Again, "who is God save the Lord? Or, who is a rock save our God?" (Psalm 18:31)

JESUS!

Indeed, "there is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside Thee: neither is there any rock like our God." (I Samuel 2:2)

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

No other name than JESUS!

This is why Peter (standing with the eleven) declared JESUS to be BOTH Lord and Christ on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36) This is why we are water baptized in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:37-38) 

Jesus said, opening the disciples understanding, so that they might understand the scriptures -- "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you, but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:45-49)

The promise of the Holy Ghost. His name is Jesus. The very reason why 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, Christ 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." (I Corinthians 1:23-25)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. 

Therefore, fear ye not and neither be afraid. "Have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? Ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside Me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any." (Isaiah 44:8)

Stand in the offering plate.

For The Law Having A Shadow of Good Things To Come - Part 1366

Herein, we have spoken of the two covenants before but I sense that there needs to be more clarity within the faith community. To that end, believers in Jesus by faith need to understand that there is a significant difference between the old testament and the new testament. There needs to be an understanding that the second -- this current dispensation of grace -- could not take place while the first tabernacle was yet standing. 

Or, that the first tabernacle -- "it was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect as pertaining to the conscience, which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances imposed on them until the time of the reformation." (Hebrews 9:9-10)

Why is this critical? Because it is important that believers in Jesus by faith understand that their is more than a white blank page between the old testament and the new testament. And that the "Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while the as the first tabernacle was yet standing." (Hebrews 9:8)

The Lord of glory Himself coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force AFTER men are dead." (Hebrews 9:16-17)

Jesus' had to die on the cross (shedding His precious blood for you) in order for the testament to come of force. Just like a last will and testament, the person leaving the will has to die. But the difference here is that the Lord of Glory considered it necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these but that is not all. The Lord of Glory willingly understood that the heavenly things themselves were better sacrifices than these.

"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Nor yet that He should offer Himself often -- as the high priest did when he entered into the holy place every year with blood of others, but rather Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 

You see, the law was only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of those things can never with those sacrifices, which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect -- for then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins, but in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. (Hebrews 10:1-4)

This is why "a body hast Thou prepared Me" so that He could take away the first and establish the second, "by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:9-10)

Jesus paid the price once and for all. He offered the perfect sacrifice by a new and living way, "which He hath consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh." (Hebrews 10:20)

Thus, where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin, having therefore brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. He endured such contradiction of sinner against Himself. And for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Look unto Jesus -- the author and finisher of your faith -- today. Pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore. And continually study His Word as doth a workman unto God, for therein ye shall find life everlasting. Stand in the offering plate.

Hebrews 9:

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shew bread; which is called the sanctuary.

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

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

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

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

And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 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 lives.

Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you."

Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry, and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer himself often, as the high priest entered into the holy place every year with blood of others. For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Therefore Mine Own Arm Brought Salvation Unto Me, Saith the Lord - Part 1365

"And the year of My redeemed is come." (Isaiah 63:4)

"And I looked, and there was none to help, and I wondered that there was none to uphold; therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me, and My fury, it upheld Me. And I will tread down the people in Mine anger, and make them drunk in My fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. I will mention of the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His loving kindnesses. For He said, "Surely they are My people, children that will not lie; so He was their Saviour." (Isaiah 63:5-8)

These words were spoken by the Lord in a vision to Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken. I have nourished and brought up children and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib; but Israel does not know, My people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters; they have forsaken the Lord. They have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger. They are gone away backward ..." (Isaiah 1:1-4)

Even so, the King of kings and Lord of lords who loved His creation from the beginning did not want to see us lost. This is why -- even while we were His enemies -- the Lord God who made man from the dust of the earth (and woman from the man's rib) decided to offer the perfect sacrifice so that we could know His love and mercies personally. Thus, the Lord willingly became our Saviour.

"Therefore, Mine own right arm brought salvation!" (Isaiah 63:5)

And a child was born and unto us a son given, "and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

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. (John 1:10-11)

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

The Lord Himself coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots, and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth, and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked.

And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins ... [and then] the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall like down with the kid ... [because] the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day, there shall be a root of Jesse (which shall stand for an ensign of the people) to it shall the Gentiles seek and His rest shall be glorious." (Isaiah 11:1-10)

But the Lord Himself 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, and we nailed His humanity to a cross. We rejected the Lord of hosts, the precious cornerstone that brings life.

"To whom coming, as unto a living stone disallowed [or has been rejected] of men, but chosen of God and 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 ZION A CHIEF CORNERSTONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS; AND HE THAT BELIEVES 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 [REJECTED], 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, where unto also they were appointed.

But ye [those who believe on Jesus and are water baptized in His name] 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 marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2:4-10)

Jesus is the Light of the world, which lights every man that comes into the world. (John 1:9)

His name is Jesus for He alone will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

God Himself came forth as a mighty man to open the eyes of those who are blind, and to "turn them from darkness to the light, and from the power of the enemy unto God, that they might receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:18)

Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

In Whom We Have Redemption Through His Blood, The Forgiveness of Sins - Part 1364

IF the people which are called by MY NAME will ...!

Who declared this promise? Of course, it was the Lord God. But as we discussed in earlier posts, God is not a name. God is a descriptive title. But what happens when some people suggest that both name and descriptive title are one and the same? That both terms really mean the same thing? The only legitimate response would be that it could only be the same because these folks want it to be.

And why would anyone want to adhere to such a belief? Well, perhaps to console themselves from their own misdirection. Rather than admit that the traditional beliefs of men (that they have adhered to) might be wrong, they prefer to keep on deceiving themselves (and sadly, others too). Indeed, what would people think if ministers of the gospel suddenly began to recant their original position? Even when historically people (and likewise institutions) have changed their positions from time to time?

Still, and in spite of the earthly traditions of men, the Word of God is true. Thy Word is truth. Thus, His Word (and not church dogma) should be much more precious than silver and gold. Early believers were known to seek after the truth within the Word of God to the point that the Word of God became more important than their necessary sustenance. I’m sure most believers understand the depth and breadth of the Christian born again experience.

This is why in response to the question, "What is the name of the church you attend?" I can happily reply that wherever "the assembling of the JESUS people may be ..."

In fact, is there anything else? The scriptures make the question of "who" Jesus is abundantly clear. For example, when Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" they replied saying, some say this and some say that. Jesus then said to His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter was first out the gate saying to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus then replied, "Peter, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father which is in Heaven has revealed this to you."

Yes, Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, God manifest in the flesh as a Son. God with us. Conceived of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. So all of these, Jesus assuredly was. But still, what was His name? This is the ultimate question.

JESUS is the name.

And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin. Other scriptures in both the old and the new testaments confirm this fact. This means that there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby mankind can be saved. (Acts 4:12) His Name? JESUS! Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. What is the Name? JESUS! Believe on the LORD JESUS the Christ and you shall be saved. Look to Me all you people, even to the ends of the earth and be saved. Why?

Because as the Lord Himself declared, "I AM GOD and beside Me there is no Saviour. I AM the good Shepherd, the same good Shepherd that gives His life for His sheep." Tell me again - who was the Good Shepherd? There is only One good Shepherd and His name is JESUS.

The Name of JESUS is ABOVE every other name in Heaven and Earth. God (eternal Spirit) has glorified His Son JESUS, declaring that JESUS is both LORD and CHRIST. (Acts 2:36)

And let ALL the Angels of GOD WORSHIP HIM! And you shall WORSHIP the LORD your GOD and HIM only shall you serve! And further, what do the scriptures state? Yes, that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus the Christ is Lord. The scriptures also state that repentance and remission of sin should be preached among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Therefore, repent, and be baptized into the Name of JESUS for the remission of sin so that you shall receive the gift of His holy Spirit -- the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

And receive His precious garment of righteousness -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7)

Stand in the offering plate.

I, Even I, Saith the Lord of Glory, And There Is No God With Me - Part 1363

"For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves [being] judges .... for the Lord shall judge His people and repent Himself for His servants, when He sees that [their] power is gone, and [their] power is gone, and [there] is none shut up, or left. And He shall say, "Where [are] their gods, [their] rock in whom they trusted, which did eat of the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. See now that I, [even] I, am He and there is no god with Me. I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; neither [is there] any that can deliver out of My hand. For I lift up My hand to heaven, and say, "I live forever." (Deuteronomy 32:31-40)

"And they remembered that God was their Rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer." (Psalm 78:35)

"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. He tells the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names.

Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the meek: He casts the wicked down to the ground. Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: who covers the heaven with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow upon the mountains.

He gives to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delights not in the strength of the horse: He takes not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.

For He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates. He hath blessed thy children within thee, He makes peace in thy borders, and fills thee with the finest of the wheat. He sends forth His commandment upon earth: His Word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool. He scatters the hoarfrost like ashes. He cast forth His ice like morsels; who can stand before His cold?

He sends out His Word, and melts them. He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for His judgments, they have not known them.

Praise ye the Lord." (Psalms 147:1-20)

In the new testament, what is written? Note that the Jew referred to here is also recognized as the circumcision. The oracles are the sayings of God. Deuteronomy 4:5-8 elaborates on this point.

"What advantage then hath the Jew? Or, what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect. God forbid: yea, let God be true and every man a liar, as it is written, "That thou might be justified in thy sayings, and might overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:1-4; Hebrews 4:2; II Timothy 2:13; John 3:33; Psalm 62:9; Psalm 51:4)

"But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance? (I speak as a man). God forbid. For then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto His glory, why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and, as some affirm that we say,) "Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just." (Romans 3:5-8; Galatians 3:15; Genesis 18:25; Romans 5:20)

"What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise, for we have before proved Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin. As it is written ... 

"There is none righteous, no, not one. There is none that understands, there is none that seek after God. They are all gone out of the way. They are together become profitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit, the poisons of asps is under their lips; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:9-18; Galatians 3:22; Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 5:9; Psalm 140:3; Proverbs 1:16; Isaiah 59:7-8; Psalm 36:1)

Now we know that what things the law saith to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:19-20; John 10:34; Job 5:16; Galatians 2:16)

But now ...

But now in this current dispensation of grace, whereby we live, "the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believer: for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-24; Acts 15:11; John 5:46; I Peter 1:10; Colossians 3:11)

"Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare, [I say] at this time His righteousness, that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believes in Jesus.

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay, but by the law of faith.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith, do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:25-31)

In other words, to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5) How do we know? "For the promise that He should be heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect. Because the law works wrath, for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore, it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is father of us all ... who against hope believed in hope, that he might be the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken -- So shall thy seed be." (Romans 4:6-18)

"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1) 

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Stand in the offering plate.

The Spirit of God Hath Made Me, And the Breath of the Almighty Hath Given Me Lifee- Part 1362

And so it is written, "The first Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam a quickening Spirit." (I Corinthians 15:45)

Most people can identify the first Adam, that came about as a consequence of our Lord God forming man of the dust of the earth.

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into His nostrils the breath of life: and man became a living soul. And the Lord god planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads [river heads]." (Genesis 2:7-10)

We also know, the serpent was more subtil [cunning] than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made, and he said unto the woman, "Yea, hath God said, "Ye shall not eat of every tree in the garden?" When Eve replied, the serpent said, "Ye shall not surely die, for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as gods [God], knowing good and evil." And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew they were naked ..." (Genesis 3:1-7)

Because the serpent had done this, the Lord God said unto him, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field, upon thy belly shalt thou go and dust shalt thou eat all the days of the thy life; and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:14-15)

And this brings us to the second Adam. The old covenant points to the coming of our Saviour. As Isaiah prophesied -- "Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall He eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good." (Isaiah 7:14-15)

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Isaiah prophesied of the day when the Lord would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) "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." (John 1:10-11)

The Lord Himself taking on a sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) so that He -- as a second Adam could offer us His gift of salvation.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins ... God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (1 Peter 3:18)

"And you [hath] He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins ..." (Ephesians 2:1)

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses ..." (Colossians 2:13)

But the Lord knew the questions that would emerge?

"But some man will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?" Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die, and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: but God gives it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed His own body.

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differs from another star in glory.

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory, It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

And so it is written, "The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: THE SECOND MAN IS THE LORD FROM HEAVEN. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. "Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:35-57)

As we see, the first Adam is the very first man God created in His image in the beginning. The second Adam is the Lord of glory from heaven, who personally brought us salvation by shedding His precious blood on the cross. His name is Jesus.

The first Adam transgressed unto death, but the second Adam offers abundant life. This is why Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No man comes unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:6-7)

To be clear, Jesus also said, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30) Philip even went so far as to ask -- Philip saith unto Jesus, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffices us." What did Jesus say? "Jesus said unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father." ... and how say thou then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:8-9)

The second man is the Lord from heaven. This is why Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) said concerning Jesus, that "He is BOTH Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) 

Because of His perfect sacrifice on the cross, that tore the vail from top to bottom -- Heaven to earth -- He hath quickened us who were dead in trespasses and sin. 

"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)." (Ephesians 2:1-5)

When we ask Jesus the Christ to be Lord in our life, and are water baptized in His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus -- we take on His name, His garment of righteousness, and His mercy unto eternal life. 

But this does not explain the last Adam a quickening Spirit, particularly when most within the modern day religious community still consider Jesus to resemble a man, made of the earthy. These have not searched the scriptures to see that after Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles that He had chosen. (Acts 1:2) 

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

If it were any other way, when did the last Adam become a quickening Spirit. 

Yes, "by the washing of regeneration AND renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5)

Search the scripture for truth. And in the interim, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keeping yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life ... to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever, amen." (Jude 1:20-25) 

Stand in the offering plate.

The Assembling of the Saints, Whereby Jesus Is the Head - Part 1361

In I Corinthians 14:26, apostle Paul outlines a pattern for orderly conduct that would serve as a guide for believers when they congregate together. Therein, everyone is an equal -- having been chosen and ordained of God. Moreover, as an assembling of the saints, there should be a recognition by one and all that the presiding officer is Almighty God. The same God who is the Father in creation, the Son in redemption and now the indwelling Spirit. 

What does I Corinthians 14:26 say?

"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."

Therefore, when God’s redeemed children gather together, these should be in one accord. As one in unity of faith and spirit, purposely expressing with singleness of heart an offering of sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to their Lord God and Saviour. In other words, thanking God personally for loving them enough to become their Saviour and Redeemer. God being none other than the Lord Jesus the Christ.

In many ways, our faith journey should remember our starting point, when we were akin to our first love. As this chorus states ... "Take me back, Lord. Take me back, dear Lord to the place where I first received you. Take me back, oh Lord, to the place where I first believed!"

At Corinth then, the believers were going to let the world know that what they experienced was the real thing. It did not come from the dregs of the genie in the bottle. Neither did it come from substances or turning oneself into a pin cushion. Rather, this high on life is something that the world could never give, and even better is the news that the world cannot take it away either.

Why? Because with Jesus, we are sitting in heavenly. In a place where our hearts are filled to overflowing, and then running over with joy unspeakable.  This is why many of us are glad for the Holy Ghost gift of tongues. Because with tongues, our spirit can give thanks to God Almighty in a way that language and words cannot effectively express. Yes, even with groaning that just could not be uttered. But I digress.

At this point, making fixed rules as or a schedule for worship is difficult. For example, if one were to stringently impose a form, then at which point would stringent order surmount spiritually desired worship. This is a question that I'm sure the apostles asked as well. So, what recourse is necessary for believers to follow? 

Well, first of all, Acts 20:28 shows Paul addressing the elders. He says, "take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has made you (the elders) as overseers -- to feed the church of God, the same church or body of Christ that He purchased with His own blood."

How does that look in practice? With elders acting as overseers -- appointed by the Holy Ghost -- they must instruct Christian believers that God is not the author of confusion. Rather, God is the author of peace. The Holy Ghost being the Author that defined the conduct for all the assemblies of Jesus people. 

How do we know this? In Acts 1:2, Jesus through the Holy Ghost commands the apostles whom He had chosen.

Therein, we also see that the gifts of the Holy Ghost and appointed gift administrations, operations and ministries are recognized as being the desired effectual worship. Within this gathering, each believer adorns themselves with the garment of praise, being clothed in His righteousness. Note here that the assembling together of the saints is not about seeking preeminence in the congregation but rather, that each member of the body of Christ can seek the edification of all members by allowing the prompting of the Holy Ghost to lead.

For it is written in the scriptures that Spirit of Jesus the Christ (the man) in the midst of His own Body (church) sings praises to the Spirit of God. It is the indwelling of His holy Spirit, which is the well of living water within us that enables and causes the believers to worship and adore Jesus.

It is Jesus who the scriptures state must have the preeminence in all things. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)

Hopefully; now we are ready to lift our voice with one accord, saying, "Lord you are God alone, the God which has made the heavens and the earth, and all that is contained within. We praise you Lord for your goodness and grace."

And then, stand in the offering plate while the Lord make each and every one of us into a new creation. Be blessed!

That The Communication of Thy Faith May Become Effectual - Part 1360

Of the times and the seasons, ye have no need that I write unto you, for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. "For when they shall say, "Peace and safety" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. But ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overcome you as a thief." (I Thessalonians 5:1-4)

Why? Because as believers in Jesus by faith, and baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are all the children of light and the children of the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness.

"Therefore, let us not sleep as do others, 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, but let us, who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; 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.

Wherefore, 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." (I Thessalonians 5:6-13)

How do we do this?

Warn them that are unruly. Comfort the feeble minded. Support the weak. Be patient toward all. See that none render evil for evil unto any. Ever follow that which is good -- both among yourselves, and to all. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not the prophesyings. Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And let the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 5:14-23)

And throughout, be sure that others hear of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of EVERY GOOD THING which is in you in Christ Jesus. (Philemon 1:6)

Stand in the offering plate.

But After That, The Kindness and Love of God our Saviour Toward Man Appear - Part 1359

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

"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, looking 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. These things speak, and exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:11-15)

As believers in Jesus by faith, who have been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus, received the gift of the Holy Ghost, as did the first 3,000 believers on the day of Pentecost, we should not give heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men that turn from the truth. Rather, we need to be thankful that the Lord of glory loved us enough to take on a sin-prone flesh so that we could be saved through the blood He shed on the cross for you and I.

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgression [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 lives ..." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

But Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands [which are] the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us, nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world ... but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, and as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:24-28)

Let those who have ears to hear, hear.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "Ought Not Christ To Have Suffered These Things, And To Enter Into His Glory?" - Part 1358

Jesus said, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove [convict] the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement. Of sin because they believe not on Me. Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more. Of judgement because the prince of this world is judged." (John 16:7-12)

Jesus repeatedly told His disciples (and by extension you and I) what would happen after He was crucified. And that after He was taken up, He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost would give commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) But note, after Jesus died on the cross and His lifeless body placed in the tomb for three days and three nights, Jesus rose again. And between rising from the dead and His ascension, it is important to know that Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples multiple times. (Acts 1:2; I Corinthians 15:1-8)

Moreover, during this time, Jesus appeared to different groups of people including Mary Magdalene and other women at the tomb, Peter in Jerusalem, His disciples behind closed doors, the two travelers on the road, Jesus' brother James, the disciples with Thomas, and seven disciples while fishing, eleven disciples on the mountain, a crowd of five hundred, and then -- last of all, apostle Paul. Yes, Paul was the last to see Jesus.

"And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that man not meet to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (I Corinthians 15:8-10)

Indeed, Paul declared unto us the gospel, which also ye have received and wherein ye stand, "by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures." (I Corinthians 15:1-4)

But Paul was not the only one to see Jesus for the last time. (I Corinthians 9:1; I Corinthians 15:8)

"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome" had come to the sepulcher where Jesus was buried. It was early on the first [day] of the week, and indeed, yet dark. By this time, the earthquake had caused the stone to roll away. Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, "out of whom He had cast seven devils." And she went and told them that had been with Him as they mourned and wept. (Mark 16:1-11; John 20:11-18)

"But Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down and looked into the sepulcher. And sees two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, "Woman, why weep thou?" She saith unto them, "Because they have taken away my Lord and I know not where they have laid Him." And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus said unto her, "Woman, why weep thou? Whom seek thou?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, "Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him and I will take Him away." Jesus said unto her, "Mary." She turned herself, and saith unto Him, "Rabboni" which is to say, "Master."

Jesus said unto her, "Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father, and to My God, and your God." (John 20:1-18)

In Matthew's account, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the sepulchre, and the angel of the Lord said unto the women, "Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and, behold, He goes before you into Galilee. There shall ye see Him. Lo, I have told you." (Matthew 28:1-8) But as they departed quickly, Jesus met them saying, "All hail." And they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, "Be not afraid. Go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee and there they shall see Me." (Matthew 28:9-10)

Luke includes Joanna, and other women with them which told these things unto the apostles. (Luke 24:10)

Peter was one of those apostles told, and although the women's words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not, Peter still ran unto the sepulcher. And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem. While they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. And He said unto them, "What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?"

And the one of them (whose name was Cleopas) answering said unto Him, "Art Thou a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?" And He said unto them, "What things?" And they said unto Him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him. But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel; and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done." (Luke 24:20)

"After that He [Jesus] appeared in another form unto TWO of them, as they walked, and went into the country, and they went and told unto the residue; neither believed they them. Afterward He appeared unto the ELEVEN as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen." (Mark 16:12-14)

"And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself spake and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you." But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit, and He said unto them, "Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see Me have. And when He had thus spoken, He showed them [His} hands and [His] feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, "Have ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. And He took and did eat before them ..." (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-25)

The Lord is risen indeed and hath appeared to SIMON. (Luke 24:34)

"And after eight days again, His disciples were within, and Thomas with them, [then] came Jesus the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be unto you." Then saith He to Thomas" who had not been with the disciples earlier, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into My side, and be not faithless, but believing." And Thomas answered and said unto Him, "My Lord and my God." Jesus saith unto Him, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me thou hast believed. Blessed they that have not seen and [yet] have believed." (John 20:26-29)

Seven disciples were fishing -- Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of His disciples. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. This is where Jesus tells them to cast the net on the right side of the ship and they shall find. (John 21:1-14)

Eleven disciples were on the mountain, where Jesus had appointed them, "and when they saw Him they worshiped Him. Note that some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth ..." (Matthew 28:16-20)

A crowd of 500 and James the brother of Jesus (I Corinthians 15:6-7)

Those who watched Jesus ascend to heaven in Acts 1:2-8) "And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James," where these all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brethren." (Acts 1:1-14)

And to summarize, Paul clarifies who was last to see Jesus again in I Corinthians 15:1-8:

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles, and last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:1-8)

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