God In Christ Reconciling the World Unto Him; It Is Finished - Part 1504

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Jesus said, "It is not Me that is doing the work but rather the Father who dwells within Me, He is doing the work." Even as a young child, we see Jesus saying, "I must be about My Father’s business."

In previous posts, we endeavoured to express that the bones of the fetus of the holy Spirit child were not to be broken inasmuch as the fetus was without sin. [The "holy thing" as the physician Luke referred to Jesus. (Luke 1:35)] Similarly, the blood that indwelt the fetus was likewise exempt. For in the fetus veins, dwelt the life giving blood of God’s own holy Spirit. He who knew no sin became sin for you and I so that we might be saved. This is why the precious innocent blood was poured onto the earth, fulfilling the scriptural demands.

Without the shedding of blood, there was to be no remission of sin. The only remedial atoning blood was that Holy undefiled blood of the Holy Ghost that was sacrificed freely, and yet, with agonizing torture, administered by the hands of fallen, unbelieving and religious fanatics. In their ignorance, and intent on crucifying the Lord of glory, the judicial system, at the conclusion of their proceeding had issued a verdict that stated, "I find no fault in Him." 

The judge of that day then proceeds to wash his hands as if soap and water were capable of removing him from any awareness of conscious guilt. Passing his authoritative power into the hands of a premeditative murderous multitude, who were more than willing to rid the earth of an alternative way of life, and, exposing their yokes of bondage. Being imposed by religious leaders upon men, the so-called shepherds feeding themselves, not caring for the sheep.

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

Today, the so-called shepherds, responsible for administering the gospel of Jesus Christ are fleecing the flock. Unfortunately, the sheep seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are being milked into poverty. That is the reason the Lord Himself carries us into His sheepfold. We were totally lost. But the good news is that He found us and gave to us the gift of eternal life. It is up to us to accept the gift that God has so graciously provided. How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

This salvation, being purchased not with silver or gold, but rather by one who is called the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood poured forth from the veins of the Holy Spirit on earth. In this case, the earth being the womb of mankind. This redemptive blood is the remedy for all sin, offered freely to everyone, including those sinning willfully in ignorance. 

It is for this reason that whosoever will call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved. The "whosoever" can receive redemption now! Whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The name of JESUS. You will recall that the angel declared that the child’s name was to be JESUS.

"For He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) The Name of JESUS is above every other name in heaven and on earth. (Philippians 2:9; Acts 4:12) 

Many descriptive title names have been advanced as if they were actual names. Such is not the case, because the are not names but rather descriptive titles. In this context, it does not matter how beautifully rendered they may be, they are still not names.

Jacob of old wrestled all night with an angel. In so doing, Jacob was determined to obtain the angel's name. He stated, "I will not let you go until you bless me. Tell me your Name." If one is desirous to be blessed from the top of your head to the soles of your feet, I urge you to embrace the Name of Jesus. Your heart will burn within you as He talks to you and guides you into the path of righteousness.

Yes, the Lord of Glory's name is Jesus! (Acts 2:36) He is both Lord and Christ. He introduced Himself as being Jesus, just like the angel did in Joseph's dream. And ye shall call His Name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

The early believers went everywhere preaching Jesus. Unlike today. where YHWH with its inserted vowels are advanced as being God’s so called name, whereas in fact it is nothing other than the incommunicable name of a Hebrew God. If it be incommunicable, then why are so many running everywhere endeavouring to communicate that which is inconceivable. Good question!

Peace be in Jesus name! Stand in the offering plate.

Sanctify Them Through Thy Truth: Thy Word Is Truth - Part 1503

"Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, "[Thy] sins be forgiven thee" or to say, "Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?" (Mark 2:9)

Good question. Because nothing is too difficult for the Lord of glory. And in the scriptures, we see numerous examples of the Lord healing those who were sick in the physical and similarly void in the spiritual. Indeed, His purpose was to restore people to completeness in Him through His Name.

As the angel of the Lord declared, when he appeared unto Joseph in a dream, "she shall bring forth a son and THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)

So, how do we find that completeness? His purpose that was placed in our heart whilst we were still in our mother's womb?

By asking Jesus to become Lord and Christ in our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and being water baptized (immersed) in His Name -- the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Buried with Him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4)

It is herein that we become clothed in His garment of righteousness, taking on His Name in repentance and water baptism, and from there in everything that we do. The born again experience - which Jesus shared with Nicodemus in John 3 -- is similar to a bride who takes on her husband's name in marriage. When we come to Jesus, we as members of His body -- the body of Christ -- His bride -- take on His Name in water baptism. (Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:40-44; I Peter 3:21-22)

"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)

Jesus answered them, "I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in My Father's Name, they bear witness of Me." (John 10:25)

As a consequence, we become complete in Him. The SAME He who created the world in the beginning was in the world, drawing all people unto Him. (John 1:10-11) His Word made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18)

"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 1:3-4)

"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 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 pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell; and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him." (Colossians 1:1-29. 2:9)

Jesus. The only Name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) And when we believe on Him and are water baptized in His Name, we become complete. We die to self when we become clothed in His righteousness. Our hearts and minds are transformed when we continue in the faith, grounded and settled, moving not away from the hope of the gospel. Does this mean we become perfect? Of course not. We are still clothed in human flesh. What it does mean that in the eyes of the Lord, we are precious. We have been buried with Him in baptism wherein also we are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised Him from the dead, 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 2:6-15)

And as a consequence, "ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:10-15)

It is Jesus who blotted out the handwriting of ordinances (under the law and old covenant) so that we could be saved. He prepared Himself a body so that we as members of His body might have life. God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) And now, in this current dispensation of grace, we have the opportunity to experience God our Saviour in us. (Titus 3:4-7; John 14:26; I Corinthians 12:1-31)

His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost that overshadowed Mary once again regenerated, leading and guiding us into all truth. (Luke 1:35; Ephesians 4:15)

Jesus said, "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine, therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see Me, and again, a little while and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father .... I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world and go to the Father." (John 16:13-33)

Jesus told His disciples, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

When Jesus saw the man by the pool of Bethseda and knew how very long the man had waited for restoration, Jesus asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" The impotent man answered Jesus, saying, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled to put me into the pool, but while I am coming, another steps down before me." What did Jesus say to the man? "Rise, take up thy bed and walk." And immediately the man did as Jesus said and was made whole, taking up his bed to walk.

As believers in Jesus, we need to understand that the humanity of Christ Jesus "manifested Thy Name" in all the world. (John 17:6) Jesus said, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy Name those that Thou gavest Me I have kept ..." (John 17:12)

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears My Word, and believes on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life; and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life."

This is why Jesus "declared unto them Thy Name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them." (John 17:26)

In this dispensation of grace, it is all about Jesus. God manifest in the flesh so that we might have life more abundantly. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6)

Stand in the offering plate.

For He Hath Made Him To Be Sin For Us, Who Knew No Sin That We Might Be Made the Righteousness of God In Him - Part 1502

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

God was in Christ. This is the ministry of reconciliation that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. "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 1:20)

After His kindness, God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) The Lord came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) "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) All the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily .... (Colossians 2:9) Or, as Mary the mother of Jesus said when meeting with Elizabeth, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47)

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (John 14:56)

Jesus said, "I am the living Bread which came down from heaven." (John 6:35, 41, 48. 51)

Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world." (John 9:25)

Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, (Revelation 1:8,11)

The same God who created the world was in the world and yet the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11) He clothed Himself in flesh so that our sins could be forgiven. The mystery of godliness wherein He prepared for Himself a body. The Word made flesh. (John 1:1-18) Not another but the One and the Same God.

The same spiritual Rock that was Christ in Moses' time is the same spiritual Rock from which we drink today. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

It is for this reason that Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20) 

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you!" (John 7:7; Luke 11:9)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all who personally delivered to us the greatest love story of all time. Ask Jesus to be Lord in your life today.

Stand in the offering plate.

The Time Is Fulfilled, The Kingdom of God Is At Hand, Repent Ye, And Believe the Gospel - Part 1501

Simon Peter said unto them, "I go a fishing." They said unto him, "We also go with thee." They (being Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of His disciples) entered into a ship immediately, and that night they caught nothing. At the time, Jesus had just been crucified, and not knowing what to do, these disciples of Jesus decidedly returned to fishing -- the place where Jesus originally found them. In this example, the "risen Christ" was about to shew Himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias -- as explained in John 21:1-15.

But what I would like to focus on this day is the transition herein. The stark contrast that was taking place from the time the Lord first called these fishers to follow Him, and their return to fishing after Jesus gave up the ghost on the cross. The change that occurred in these disciples' hearts from when the Lord Jesus first came preaching the Kingdom of God, saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ye, and believe the gospel" to their latter response. (Mark 1:15)

And also the "nothing" that once again was in their nets.

Both Mark and Luke share how Jesus initially called these very same fishers to follow Him. Therein, as we read and meditate,  we understand that these straightway forsook their nets to follow Him. There was no hesitation on their part in making this decision. Indeed, some even left their father with the hired servants in order to follow Jesus. 

Mark's account: "After being tempted of satan in the wilderness forty days, Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." As Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, "Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." And straightway they forsook their nets and followed Him. And whence He had gone a little farther, thence, He saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after Him ..." (Mark 1:1-20)

Luke's account: "And it came to pass that as the people pressed upon Him [Jesus] to hear the Word of God, by the lake of Gennesaret, there were two ships standing nearby. The fishermen were gone out of them and were washing nets. And Jesus entered one of the ships, which was Simon's and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when He had left speaking, Jesus said unto Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught." And Simon answering unto Him, "Master, we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing; nevertheless, at Thy word will I let down the net." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes to the point that the net broke.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw what was happening, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

For he was astonished, and all that were with him at the draught of the fishes which they had taken. And so also was James and John (the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon). And Jesus said unto Simon, "Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men." And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him." (Luke 5:1-11)

In Matthew, Jesus said to them, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men." And they straightway left their nets and followed Him. (Matthew 4:17-23)

Why? Because as did so many others, these wanted to hear the Word of God.

"... came almost the whole city together to hear the Word of God." (Acts 13:44)

"And early in the morning, He came again into the temple and all the people came unto Him and He sat down and taught them." (John 8:1-2)

And, as Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people, His disciples were continually astonished and amazed at the miracles Jesus did. (Mark 5:42; Mark 7:37; Mark 6:51; Mark 1:27)

In fact, these said, "We never saw it on this fashion." (Mark 2:12)

"And they were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." (Mark 1:22)

In other passages, we read that these same disciples were "exceedingly amazed." (Matthew 19:25)

Just like David the psalmist wrote, "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spake and it was done; He commanded and it stood fast. The Lord brings the counsel of the heathen to nought; He makes the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance." (Psalm 33:8-12)

So what happened to their "first love" along the way? After all, these disciples had forsaken all for Jesus. These had followed Jesus when He first called them to become fishers of men. Peter so much as said so to Jesus in Matthew 19:27.

Peter said to Jesus, "Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?"

These same disciples who after Jesus' death on the cross returned to the world of "nothings" -- yielding once again "no fish" in their nets; these same disciples who had never before seen a holy One such as Jesus -- to the point that these were "exceedingly amazed" at the miracles and His doctrine exchanged the heavenly for the earthly when it seemed to them that they had lost their friend; these same disciples who (like the two blind men sitting by the wayside) needed their eyes to be opened to the things of God turned back to their old way of life; these same disciples with so willing hearts at one point in their lives -- who immediately followed Jesus forsaking all when He called them -- were now asking the Lord, "What shall we have therefore?"

What did Jesus say?

"Verily, I say unto you. That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life ..." (Matthew 19:27-30)

These disciples had a purpose that the Lord placed in their hearts whilst they were still in their mother's womb, and herein, the Lord was reminding them of His higher calling. To reach for the heavenly in their endeavours, forsaking the world of nothings. In the full circle of this text, we see that returning to the world for their sustenance only resulted in more nothings because at the end of the day, all the world has is nothings.

But when we lift Jesus up, He will draw all men unto Him. The same Lord who gives us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness -- He is our hope. The living God wherein the vanities and passions of this world no longer hold meaning because He has placed His purpose in our heart. He will lift us into the heavenly when we focus on Him.

"There comes One after me, whose shoes of His feet, I am not worthy to loose." (Acts 13:25)

The Lord Himself coming forth as a mighty man to bring us salvation. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23) His Name in this current dispensation of grace is Jesus. (Acts 4:12) Therefore, like these same disciples discovered when the scales had fallen from their eyes, don't let the nothings of this world entice you into a place whereby your nets will never be full.

Rather, "be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things .... those things which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you." (Philippians 4:6-8)

And rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Don't let the nothing of this world take away the blessing that our Lord God and Saviour has set aside just for you. Instead, step into the purpose that the Lord Jesus has given you. Advance His Kingdom through the preaching of His Name in everything that you do. Stand in the offering plate.

And Ye Shall Be Hated Of All Nations For My Name’s Sake - Part 1500

These things understood not His disciples at the first, but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of Him and that they had done these things unto Him." (John 12:16)

At that time the people had come to meet Jesus (when they heard He was coming to Jerusalem), taking branches of palm trees, crying, "Hosanna; Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the Name of the Lord." And Jesus, when He had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Sion, behold, thy King cometh sitting on an ass's colt." (John 12:12-15; Matthew 21:4-9; Psalm 118:25-26; Isaiah 40:9; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:7)

Who is it that came in the Name of the Lord? The Name whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace?

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)

Yes, 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)

But the mystery that Jesus was not just any king (or one of many earthly kings) did not sink in until Jesus was glorified. Then did the apostles understand (like Thomas) that Jesus was both Lord and Christ. Thomas, upon thrusting his hand in Jesus' side acknowledged that this same Jesus whom was crucified was indeed his "Lord and my God." (John 20:28)

Jesus being the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11)

Not another, as far too many churches teach, but the One and the Same God who created us in the beginning becoming our Saviour. This is why John the baptist said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." (Matthew 3:1-17) Because John being full of the Holy Ghost from birth knew that Jesus was the prophesied Christ, the promise that would save the world from their sin. And in so doing, He gave us His Name.

"For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left His house ..." (Mark13:34)

Mary acknowledged the same when she proclaimed, "... my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His Name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with His arm ..." (Luke 1:41-55)

However, it is important to note that there will be persecution and trials because we have taken on the Name of Jesus in repentance and water baptism, and received His gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Christ dwelling within. (Acts 2:36-38) And, as a consequence, the spirit of this world will come against us. Similarly, as it was when Jesus walked the earth and the scribes and the Pharisees wanted Jesus dead, these will kick us out of the temple, because these do not desire Jesus as their Lord and King.

We see the totality of this understanding when Jesus spoke privately with His disciples. Jesus said, “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye, for it is not ye that speak but the Holy Ghost … and ye shall be hated for My Name’s sake but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Mark 12:9-13)

At this point, Jesus had just left the temple. His teaching refers to the coming last days, and what we as believers in Jesus Christ by faith should expect from the world before Jesus returns. Inserted in brackets in the passage from Mark are the words – “let him that readeth understand.” (Mark 12:14)

But in order to understand, we need to know what the Word of the Lord is saying to us each and every day. "Give us this day our daily bread!" Not once a week but every day. And, as a consequence, we need to hide His Word in our hearts.

This may explain why each and every believer in Jesus Christ by faith (and taken on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ through water baptism) is encouraged to study the scriptures as a workman does unto the Lord – so that we are not led astray into error by those who do not understand the intricate nature of the body ministry, which is in Christ. (I Timothy 2:15)

“Trust ye not in a friend. Put ye not confidence in a guide. Keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lies in thy bosom,” states the Word of the Lord to Micah the Morasthite, “Therefore, I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” (Micah 7:5-7)

So, from whence came our salvation? After His kindness and love, God Himself became our Lord and Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) The Lord coming forth as a mighty man (Isaiah 42:13) The everlasting Father. (Isaiah 9:6) He who knew no sin became the perfect sacrifice on the cross so that you and I might become everything that we were intended to be, when the Lord placed His purpose in our hearts while we were still in our mother's womb.

His desire is that we understand the greatest love story ever told. That we understand the cost associated with the Lord of glory travelling to that far away land to pay for our sin with His precious blood on that cross.

Yes, 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 2:16) This is why Jesus said, “I and My Father are one.”  

His Name is Jesus, for He alone can save you from your sins. Stand on His truth this day. Don’t be confused or influenced by your church peers in a modern day religious culture that denies His Name.  

Stand in the offering plate.

Ye Men of Galilee, Why Stand Ye Gazing Up Into Heaven? - Part 1499

"And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

"Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen; to whom He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible roofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2)

"Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

Sadly, the false modern day religious culture errs in its understanding of the Godhead and/or the doctrine of Christ. (Hebrews 6:1-2) In part, these rely on the long standing traditions of men, but there is also a determination of sorts to highlight a few verses to support their belief in a false tri-une God. In so doing, far too many are being led astray, unaware of how far the Lord God would go to redeem us because of His abundant love for His beloved creation.

As background, the Levitical sacrifices of the old covenant were intended to teach men about sin and the cost of forgiveness. Therein, there was ordinances and sacrifices intended to cover the sins of the people. In the new testament, God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, "whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ." (Colossians 1:27-29)

Between the two, a contrast emerges between the ordinances of old and the shadow of the heavenly things to come. (Hebrews 8:5) The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiness 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 sacrifice perfect, as pertaining to the conscience. (Hebrews 9:1-13)

"But Christ being come as high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of the 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." (Hebrews 9:11-18)

"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." (Hebrews 9:15-19)

Who is the He spoken of here? God Almighty coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) God offered Himself, becoming the perfect sacrifice once at the end of the ages for the purpose of putting away sin once and for all.

"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 9:24-26).

"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7)

This is why Jesus said, "If ye don't believe that I am He, ye will die in your sins." (John 8:24)

Because if we reject the Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, and His sacrifice on the cross, we deny the goodness and mercy and love of the Lord. We reject His plan of salvation that He Himself personally delivered so that we might be saved. Thus, as a believer, we need to seek the Lord of glory through His Word (so that the Spirit and the Word agree -- John 3), so that we do not stumble (too!) when it comes to understanding who Jesus was, and how He before the foundation of the world had decided in this last time to become as one of us in the world.

"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)

And, as Isaiah had prophesied afore "I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me." But to Israel He saith, "All day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." (Romans 10:20-21; Isaiah 65:1-2)

Does this mean that God has cast away His people which He foreknew? Of course not. Even now in this present time, there is a remnant according to the election of grace, and if by grace, then it is no more of works; otherwise, grace is no more grace." (Romans 11:1-6)

But because of the fall of Israel and their refusal to accept Jesus as both Lord and Christ, salvation is come unto us -- the Gentiles. (Acts 2:36)

"For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief. Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief that He might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out!

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things; to whom be glory forever, Amen." (Romans 11:30-36)

One Lord who personally delivered His plan of salvation so that you and I could experience His love in our hearts. His glory shining in our hearts. His peace and joy that surpasses all human understanding.

"And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ ... that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3:17-22)

The Word that was with God and was God in the beginning 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. The SAME was in the beginning with God. Not another G/god as the false trinity doctrine teaches. The same ONE Lord who created us in the beginning -- He prepared Himself a body - so that He could become the perfect sacrifice for you and I. (John 1:1-2, 14; Ephesians 4:5-6; Hebrews 10:5-7)

"Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou would 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." (Hebrews 10:5-7)

"But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed His own body." (I Corinthians 15:38)

"For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:9-10)

"All things were made by Him and without Him was not any thing 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 1:1-4)

How do we know? When the stone was rolled away from the tomb, the angel of the Lord descended from heaven to announce that the Jesus they/we seek which was crucified is no longer in the tomb. "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 28:1-7)

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, and let Him reveal to you the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. The mystery of God becoming our Saviour so that we might have life in Him. Don't let the cornerstone become your stumbling block and stop believing that the traditions of men supersedes the Word of God.

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."

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I Am the Light Of the World!" - Part 1498

ONE LORD - ONE FAITH - ONE BAPTISM

JESUS said that except you believe that I AM, you shall die in your sin. Through the historical record of events that have transpired in Biblical times and then further substantiated in the contents contained within the scriptures, we are privileged to have an opportunity to find out who Jesus really was. Certainly, the scriptures reveal who JESUS Himself professed to be, by the very deeds, signs, wonders, and miracles He performed. Indeed, He was who He said He was.

JESUS said, "I AM the way."

"I AM the door."

At the same time, JESUS forewarned us that many would come in His name saying that they were the messiah or God’s chosen prophet and that many would be deceived by their words.

Still, Jesus did not have to pay the price for our sin. Jesus did not have to suffer death on the cross. What did Jesus say? He said that no man takes His life from Him. Rather, Jesus said, I lay down my life for my sheep!

Well, who were these sheep? Certainly, Adam was a son of God. And we are Adam‘s off spring. Therefore we, like Adam, are fallen sons of God. And yes, while it is true that Adam transgressed, we all pay the price for our ancestral father’s transgression. As a consequence, Adam's race was alienated from having fellowship with God - notwithstanding Adam was, as is recorded, originally a created Son of God!

But JESUS was a also a Son of God, by birth. JESUS is the only begotten Son of God. In JESUS' veins flowed the blood of the Holy Spirit of God. Indeed, JESUS is the head of a new creation. A spiritual creation. Like Adam whose earthly image we bear, we are also made partakers of the free gift of redemption, purchased on our behalf by God at Calvary.

We are a purchased possession of God. A redeemed people. A people who were not a people. Redeemed of course means that we were bought back from bondage -- the required debt of our redemption being paid in full by our redeemer. So even though we were captives to an evil and abusive master into whose grip we were born, (resulting from our ancestral father's disobedience, which caused us to be go into captivity and slavery) we entered into a household of faith -- a house of peace, love, mercy and compassion. Therefore, we are redeemed.

A door has now been opened whereby we can return to fellowship with God. God Himself paid the price in full for our obtainable redemption. We no longer have to be alienated from God. We can now enjoy the same status of fellowship with God as Adam enjoyed. The unfortunate part is that we still inhabit the same prone to sin body - which is appointed once to die - as a result of the ancestral curse!

Before the Garden of Eden, however, it is important to note that God had before creation predetermined to have a people. A chosen people. A peculiar people. A people who were not a people. A nation of believers. A spiritual people. A people whose features express the image of Himself. A people not as a temporary tabernacle but rather a new people who would be His temple -- a temple where God would be pleased to inhabit.

This is why God continually blesses those who have been redeemed in His Name -- clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- receiving His Spirit within us.

Stand in the offering plate.

Know His Way of Peace Because The Lord's Hand Is Not Shortened, That It Cannot Save. Neither His Ear Heavy That It Cannot Hear -- Part 1497

"The righteous perishes and no man lays it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come." (Isaiah 57:1)

In both the old and the new, we become privy to the Word of the Lord, and how to seek His counsel in all matters. In the new testament, we see the greatest love story ever told unveiled in Jesus, when the Lord of glory Himself ripped the veil from top to bottom -- heaven declaring peace and good will to all on the cross. The Word that was God was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13; 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)

Yes, the same God who created the world in the beginning, prepared for Himself a body and personally delivered His plan of salvation. God became our Saviour. Herein, the Lord Jesus said that he who believes and is baptized shall be saved. He Himself set the example of water baptism when He was baptized by John in the river Jordan. John pointed to Jesus, saying, "Behold, the Lamb of God." And Jesus did so in order for us to be clothed in His righteousness when we believe in Jesus by faith, and are subsequently water baptized in His Name -- the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48; I Peter 3:21-22; I Corinthians 10:1-4)

"And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38)

The same Holy Ghost who overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. (Luke 1:35) This same Holy Ghost spoke through the prophets in the old covenant, warning us of these very days in which we live, so that we would not be ignorant of the knowledge or Word of the Lord. And that we would know that the Lord would come forth out of His place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth. (Micah 1:1-3) The Lord coming forth as a mighty man (Isaiah 42:13; Micah 1:1-3)

"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)

In the volume of the book, Jesus said, it is written of Me. Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the (Revelation 1:8, 11) In no other Name can one be saved in this current dispensation of grace. (Acts 4:12)

Why? Because in Jesus, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. (Colossians 2:9) He who was without sin became the perfect sacrifice through the blood He shed on the cross.

"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." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

But in the old, 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. (Hebrews 9:8)

This is why the Lord spoke His Word through the prophets in the old covenant, warning of the times which would come when the truth of His love and grace would be compromised by the traditions of men. For example, speaking through the prophet Hosea, the Lord spoke of those priests in the temples who would move us away from the Word of the Lord and His abundance of blessings in favour of the error of their own ways. Their own words, making profit from those who sinned. That in the last day, there would be teachers and prophets who would willingly compromise the Word of the Lord, in favour of their own fine sounding teachings.

Indeed, the Lord said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge ..." (Hosea 4:6)

Note that Hosea was not the only prophet that the Lord chose. The Word of the Lord also came to Micah, the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (kings of Judah) which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. "Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple, for behold the Lord cometh forth out of His place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth ..." (Micah 1:1-3)

God is not the author of confusion. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and so too His message wherein we are to turn to Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:28-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) But I digress, somewhat.

The Lord through Micah said, "Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that make their people err, that bite with their teeth and cry, "Peace" and He that puts not into their mouths, they even prepare war against Him. Therefore, night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision, and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer of God.

But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of judgement, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgement and pervert all equity, they build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money, yet will they lean upon the Lord and say, "Is not the Lord among us? None evil can come upon us?" Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest." (Micah 3:1-12)

Why is this prophecy instructive? Because as the Lord Jesus similarly pointed out in Revelation, we are to come out from amongst them, so that we too do not suffer their plagues. In other words, the Word of the Lord is truth, and in His Word are we sanctified. Who is the Word? Jesus, who after He was taken up, now gives His commandments and instruction through the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:2-3)! In both the old and the new, He gives the same warning about those who teach in error. That is, "Arise ye and depart, for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you even with a sore destruction." (Micah 2:10)

But for those who are His, and have taken on His Name in all that they do, in that day will He make up His jewels, "and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him." (Malachi 3:16-17)

We have so much to be thankful for, because even in our human despair, surrounded by the chaos of a world gone array, the Lord Jesus has chosen for us a much better fast. It is herein that the Lord God came forth as a mighty man, to show those who will listen to His Word what is right and just and true. This is why the Lord hath said beforehand, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry? And that thou bring to the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"

Because God Himself became the dayspring of our salvation. And when we believe in the Name that He has given to us for this day, then shall Thy light -- this same Jesus who said He was the light of the world break forth as morning, shining brightly in our hearts.

" ... and thine health shall bring forth speadily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward ... and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day, and the Lord shall guide you continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones, and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of Thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, "The repairer of the breach. The restorer of paths to dwell in."

If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shall honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasures, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 58:1-14; Luke 4:18-19)

This is why we cry aloud, and spare not, lifting up our voice like a trumpet, to "show My people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins -- and preach to one and all He who willingly became our Saviour. In Jesus is our hope. And to those who put our faith in Him ... "He that puts his trust in Me," saith the Lord, "shall possess the land, and shall inherit My holy mountain."

Stand in the offering plate with the Lord God our Saviour Jesus the Christ today.

"I Speak As To Wise Men; Judge Ye What I Say."- Part 1496

God is not the Author of confusion. And His Word regarding His plan of salvation in this current dispensation of grace is clear -- and unchanging over time. In fact, the message preached by Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost is the same gospel that we need to adhere to this day. (Acts 2:1-47) That is, we need to repent, and be baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus:36-38) Christ for remission of sins so that we can receive His Spirit -- the Spirit of Christ within. (Acts

Apostle Paul made a similar point when he said to the saints at Corinth, "I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say." (I Corinthians 10:15)

In other words, the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is consistent. This is why we are to remain steadfast in the apostles' doctrine, and to not waver according to every whim of doctrine (or tradition of men) that comes our way. How do we know this? Because the same message preached by the disciples who walked with Jesus for three plus years is the very same message preached by apostle Paul who received his wisdom and knowledge by revelation directly from the Lord.

Still, apostle Paul (formerly Saul) heeded the instructions of the Lord, in the same way as did the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost, when Peter (standing with the eleven) preached that ye must repent, and be [water] baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that ye/we could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)

So, what happened with Saul -- for those who may not know? He was blinded by the Lord while enroute to Damascus. Therein, he decidedly imprisoned those believers who named Jesus as both their Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) He did evil to the saints in Jerusalem, plus he had authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on the Name of Jesus. (Acts 9:13-14) Indeed, as Saul, he was known for making havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women, committing them to prison. (Acts 8:3)

As a consequence, Saul's reputation for persecuting disciples of Jesus was widely known. "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest and desired of him letters to Damascus in the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem." (Acts 9:1-2)

However, when the light of the Lord shone all around him, he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying unto him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" And Saul said, "Who art Thou Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (Acts 9:4-5)

This encounter with the Lord resulted in Saul experiencing a change of heart. And, as we see from Saul's response, no one had to tell him that Jesus was both Lord and Christ. When the light shone all around Saul, he knew who Jesus was. He even professed this revelation from his mouth in the midst of the company of men that were with him. But was Saul's change of heart enough to clothe him in the righteousness of Jesus?

Let's look at this. We know from Jesus' words to Ananias that Saul had prayed. We know too that Saul had seen Ananias putting his hand on him and restoring his sight in a vision. Both of these would be outward signs or evidence considered consistent with being a believer in Jesus Christ. But the question is whether these signs (in collaboration with Saul's outward profession of faith) are sufficient to be saved. After all, Stephen who was stoned to death under Saul's watch was full of the Holy Ghost, performing many signs and wonders -- even as a table servant. But I digress.

The Lord Jesus further instructed Saul to go into the city of Damascus and wait, saying that he would receive more instructions there. During this time, it is important to note that Saul could not see but had to be guided by someone holding his hand. Saul had no sight, and neither did he eat nor drink. (Acts 9:1-12) 

But the Lord knew what He was doing, Jesus said unto Ananias (when the latter expressed fear about going to see Saul) to "go thy way for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel, for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16)

As foretold in the vision, when Ananias laid his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou came hath sent me, that thou might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." And immediately, there fell from his eyes, as it had been scales and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened." (Acts 9:13-20)

And as Saul increased in strength, he confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving repeatedly that Jesus (whom they had crucified) was both Lord and Christ. How did Saul increase in strength? He spent time with the disciples, learning and understanding the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord, and expounding in the Word. The apostolic doctrine as preached on the day of Pentecost. We know this from Saul/Paul's testimony to King Agrippa in Acts 26.

"And I said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecute. But rise and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose: To make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of the those things in the which I will appear unto thee, delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee. To open their eyes, and to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:13-18)

The man who thought with himself that he ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, was now testifying of the wondrous works of the Lord Jesus and His mercy to anyone and everyone who listened. (Acts 26:6-12) He was encouraging them to desire the sincere milk of the Word, that we too might grow "if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (I Peter 2:2-3)

To recap then, our desire to remain steadfast in the apostolic doctrine should mimic Saul's personal conversion. We need to have faith, believing that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) We need to be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sins and as an answer of a good conscience toward the Lord, just as apostle Paul was baptized. (Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21-22)

And as a consequence, we will be clothed in His righteousness, receiving His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost that will fill us with His peace and joy. And we need to receive meat -- the Word of God so that we too can be strengthened, and become disciples of the King of kings. Why?

Because when the Lord Jesus shone His light around us, He made us a member of His body -- the body of Christ. And, as such, we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye/we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called us 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 2:9-10) And glorify God in the day of visitation, when He Himself counted us worthy for His chosen people, even before the world as we know it was formed.

Thus, whether we receive the gospel of Jesus Christ from the Word or by revelation, the Spirit and the Word must agree. This is why the apostles were in one accord, because these recognized that Jesus is the ONLY way, the truth and the life, and salvation is only through His perfect sacrifice on the cross for you and I. And in His wisdom and knowledge, He is inviting us to the most elaborate wedding feast ever.

Praise Jesus today for His goodness and grace, and stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said -- Whatsoever Ye Ask The Father In My Name, He Will Give It To You. - Part 1495

Jesus said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abides in Me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me, ye can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Indeed, if ye abide in Jesus and His words abide in you, the scriptures promise that "you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you." Why? Because as Jesus indicated, "herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit. So shall ye be My disciples. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in My love." (John 15:7)

Imagine, Jesus spoke these truths so that we could experience His joy, in order "that our joy might be full." (John 15:11) He said, "Your heart shall rejoice and this joy, no man taketh from you." (John 16:22)

In John 15:16, we begin to learn the extent of our Lord God and Saviour's love wherein we were loved even before being formed in our mother's wombs. Herein, the scriptures state, "Ye have not chosen Me but I have chosen you ... and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. That whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you."

Jesus knew the consequences of taking up His cross and becoming a disciple. He knew that the world would hate us because the world had already hated Jesus first -- even before it hated us. Still, Jesus encouraged us to "Remember the Word." In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God .. and the Word became flesh. (John 1:1-14)

Further, Jesus taught, "Thy servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." (John 15:19-20) But then Jesus said, "But all these things will they do unto you for My name's sake because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin, but now they have no cloak for their sin ... If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin; but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father." (John 15:25)

As in many of Jesus' teachings, this came to pass in order that the Word in the old covenant might be fulfilled. The Word that is written in their law. That is, the scriptures that state, "They hated Me without a cause." (John 15:25, Psalm 69:4)

But the real message here is that we don't need to fret. Jesus assured believers that "when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me. And ye also shall bear witness because ye have been with Me from the beginning." (John 15:21-27)

So if they put you out of the synagogues, Jesus said not to be offended. He also said not to let sorrow fill our hearts. Because Jesus knew that when He went "My way to Him that sent Me" the Comforter would come. Jesus knew that when "the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth for He shall not speak of Himself but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak and He will show you things to come."  (John 16:1-14)

In fact, Jesus told His disciples that "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 the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement."

Of sin, Jesus said, because they believe not on Me.

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see Me no more.

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Judged when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross so that we could be forgiven once and for all. The Comforter, Jesus said, "shall glorify Me for He shall receive of Mine and shall show it unto you." Yes, the Comforter shall testify of Jesus. "Verily, verily I say unto you. Whatsoever ye ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you." In the name of Jesus. The King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed, Jesus is the name manifested unto the men "which Thou gavest Me out of the world." The only name whereby salvation could ever be ours.

Jesus then said, "And now I am no more in the world, and I come to thee, Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name, those that Thou gavest Me. I have kept and none of them is lost ..."

Therefore, be glad and rejoice. Be sanctified through the scriptural truths that Jesus taught. Be comforted in His love. His immeasurable grace. Know too that the glory which the Father extended to the Sonship while on earth -- God in the flesh in a Son's body --- has been given to you and I so that we may be one even as Jesus and the Father are one. (John 17:22)

Stand in the offering plate.