Jesus Is The Light of the Worl - Part 1546

"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 any thing made that was made. In Him was live; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5)

Note that the scripture does NOT say "He" was in the beginning with God but that the "same" was in the beginning with God. And all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

What could these scriptural passages say to the reader? The one point we know the scriptures do not do here is point to a second person -- one that was co-equal, co-existent, and co-eternal from the very beginning. Indeed, Genesis begins with "In the beginning, God ..." (Genesis 1:1) One God that came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 43:12; Isaiah 9:6)

The Word that was with God and was God (as outlined in John 1:!) comes from the Greek word meaning "expression of thought."  The Word that was with God is further described in this very same verse as the Word that WAS God. The Word was the Lord God Himself being revealed. The Word being the visible image of the invisible God. (Hebrews 1:1-12) In Him, dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) This is why Jesus could say, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30. Because  the Word was inseparable from the God who created both the heavens and the earth, and you and I as well.

Just as we are one, even when we speak, so was the Lord God Almighty. The difference being that the Lord prepared for Himself a body so that we could experience His love and mercy. The prophets not only testified of the Son which was to come, but similarly, Jesus confirmed the prophecy in His journey her on earth.

The point being that the Son was yet to come -- And she shall bring forth a Son and ye shall call His Name Jesus for He shall save you from your sins ... Emmanuel, meaning God with us, (Matthew 1:21-23)

Moreover, as C. Criss points out, the Bible tells us that He sent His Word, and healed them, thus delivering them from their own destruction. (Psalm 107:20) 

"So shall My Word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11). 

As noted, God did not send another to do His divine will. His Word was God Himself clothed in human flesh, and yet always without sin. He who knew no sin became the perfect sacrifice. "I, even I, am the Lord God your Saviour, and beside Me, there is none else."

For far too long now, the religious traditions of men have pointed to a three-headed god. And because many do not know His Name, these refuse to speak about Jesus, even though Jesus told them that He was "the Way, the truth, and the Life." (John 14:6) Shortly after, Philip asks Jesus to show him the Father, and that would suffice. What was Jesus response? "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. (John 14:7-12)

But again it is worth noting that the Son which was prophesied from afore and only lived from when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary never included an "eternal Son" present with the Father. How do we know? "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1) He was the Father of all creation. Other scriptures?

"But to us there is but ONE God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him..." (I Corinthians 8:6) 

"One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:6)

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24)

In His humanity, Jesus called out in prayer to His Father and addressed Him as the one and only God. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. What is the Name? Jesus. And Jesus, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God..." (John 17:3). 

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..." (1 Timothy 3:16)

When Jesus spoke to His disciples, He said concerning salvation: "Believe thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwells in Me, He does the works" (John 14:10). 

"If ye had known e, ye should have known y Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him" (John 14:7). 

"...he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father..." (John 14:9). It was only through the humanity of Jesus, through the shell of visible flesh, could His disciples clearly "see" the invisible God the Father who dwelt in Him. 

There is only one God, who is Spirit, who is the Father that dwelt within the body of Jesus. "There is one body, and one Spirit..." (Ephesians 4:4) We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). 

The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world  The plan of redemption was in the mind of God--this is what was with Him from the beginning. He always knew that fallen man would one day need a Saviour so God Himself already had a way out for His fallen mankind. Before the foundation of the world, He had a plan. And He brought everything and one to fruition so that we -- you and I could find forgiveness in His shedding of precious blood.

So that we could find healing and restoration in Himself through faith. Yes, He was manifest in flesh. He expressed Himself in the form of a man and since the Word is God Himself, He became flesh. "God was manifest in flesh." The body that God inhabited was "made of a woman, made under the law..." (Galatians 4:4). The genealogy made available for one and all to see. The Son of God (humanity of God) did not exist prior to the manifestation because it was made "under the law"....not prior to the law. The Father was in the man Christ Jesus reconciling the world unto Himself.

"After His kindness and love, God became our Saviour." (Titus 3:4-7)

Stand in the offering plate.

He Hath Dispersed Abroad; He Hath Given To the Poor; His Righteousness Remains Forever - Part 1545

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you." (Hosea 11:12)

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord, His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain upon the earth." (Hosea 6:3)

Often in the scriptures, apostle Paul would provide insights into his own transitions to the gospel so that we can understand the new testament gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. A perfect example of these are found throughout II Corinthians. In one place, Paul declares himself base among you, but being absent am bold toward you. Indeed, he beseeches us, that he may not be bold when he is present with that confidence, "wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh." (II Corinthians 10:1-2)

In another place, Paul had just finished a teaching on "he that ministers the seed to the sower both minister bread for your food and multiply your seed sown, and [thus] increase the fruits of your righteousness. Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God." (II Corinthians 9:10-11; Isaiah 55:10; Hosea 10:12)

Why does Paul believe this to be important?

"For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; whiles by the experiment of this ministration, they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men]; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you." (II Corinthians 9:12-15; II Corinthians 8:1)

"But by an equality ..." (II Corinthians 8:14)

We are to let our light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) We are by Jesus Christ (who is the same yesterday, and today, and for ever) to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually; that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name. And doing good and forgetting not to communicate our faith, for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:8-16)

Because those who believe know beyond a shadow of a doubt that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures. (James 1:17-18)

We see this particular example linked back to the day of Pentecost, when the first 3,000 souls to repent and gladly receive the Word, were water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, thus receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Note that therein, those who pressed into Jesus sold their possessions so that none of them would be without. Not one. (Acts 2:36-47)

In saying this, note that Paul does not mean that other men be eased; and ye be burdened." (II Corinthians 8:13)

Rather, Paul here is giving advice, saying how this is expedient for you, who have begun for you not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. After all, when a certain poor widow threw in two mites, which make a farthing, Jesus called His disciples and said, "Verily I say unto you that this poor widow hath cast more in than all they which have cast into the treasury: for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in ALL that she had, even ALL her living." (Mark 12:43-44)

Continuing, Paul writes: "Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality." (II Corinthians 8:11-14)

"As it is written: He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack." (II Corinthians 8:15; Exodus 16:18)

Here is Paul making known the grace of God bestowed to the churches of Macedonia -- "how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality, for to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints .. and this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God." (II Corinthians 8:1-5; Mark 12:44; Ephesians 6:6-8)

Yes, herein these stood in the offering plate, first giving their own selves to the Lord. Readiness to will so that the performance comes out of that which we have -- and not according to that he hath not. But the one thing we can all do (without any burden whatsoever) is sing praises and thanksgiving unto our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

"Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also." (II Corinthians 8:7)

"And if God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work!" (II Corinthians 9:8)

"That in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you." (I Corinthians 1:5)

And God Is Able to Make All Grace Abound Toward You, That Ye, Always Having All Sufficiency In All Things May Abound To Every Good Work - Part 1544

When Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ to all the saint in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons extended grace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, it was to send a very different message from the epistle to believers in Galatia whereby the famous question - "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?" was ascribed. (Galatians 3:1) 

Rather, here in the epistle to the Philippians, it was obvious that Paul had them in his heart, and that he was equally confident that He which begun a good work in them will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Indeed, many of us rely on the scripture that states: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) 

Jesus makes this point clearer when telling His disciples about the true vine. 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)

You see, we are not to consider ourselves sufficient to even think that any thing is of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God, who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of His countenance; which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in that respect, by reason of the glory that excels.

For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious, seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech, and not as Moses which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished, but their minds were blinded; for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

But even unto this day when Moses is read, the vail is upon the heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:5-17)

It is for this reason that Paul's epistle to the Philippians offers hope and joy in Christ Jesus, wherein we can be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Paul goes on to elaborate, saying that while some preach Christ of envy and strife; and some of good will; and others of contention and not sincerely, supposing to add affliction for those who love the Lord; the point is that Christ is being preached.

"For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified ... for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:11-21)

So as Paul tells his brethren -- "dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord, and I intreat thee also, true yoke fellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life."

Moreover, "rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 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." (Philippians 4:4-8) 

What things you ask? "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 4:9)

So simple. So straightforward, What Paul is saying is those things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in him, these things do. Because when you do these things, the God of peace shall be with you. 

For the record, these things include repentance and accepting that this same Jesus whom was crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) These things include being water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 9:17-18; Acts 3:37-38; Acts 10:40-44; I Peter 3:21) Also, these things include studying the scriptures to show oneself approved unto God, as doth a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth is critical, and likewise being filled with the Holy Ghost. (II Timothy 2:16; Acts 9:17; Acts 2:1-47)

These things also include being renewed in the spirit of one's mind, putting off the former conversation of the old man which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts, and instead, putting on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24) 

Abstaining from all appearances of evil so that the very God of peace can sanctify us wholly, proving all things, holding fast to that which is good, quenching not the Spirit, and in every thing we do, giving thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thessalonians 5:16-23)

As well, when we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, the charity He gives to us suffers long ... and is kind; His charity envies not; His charity vaunts not itself and is not puffed up. Therefore, when we are clothed in His righteousness, the righteousness of Jesus in water baptism, the charity that we take on does not behave itself unseemly, and seeks not her own. That charity is not easily provoked and thinks no evil. Instead, that charity rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in truth. Charity bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. (I Corinthians 13:4-7)

Those things which you have both learned, and received, and heard and seen in apostle Paul, we are to do the same. Paul continues onward so that we can be in one accord, teaching:

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only, for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Philippians 4:10-23)

Stand in the offering plate.

Don't Be Duped Any Longer! Instead, Search the Word Yourself and Allow the Lord of Glory to Lead and Guide - Part 1543

The parable entitled "the unjust steward" might be more appropriately named the "Greatest Deception Known to the Human Race!" There are several reasons for this.

Beginning with Luke 16:2, the Lord said, “So He called him (satan) in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management because you cannot be manager any longer.”

In the parable of the unjust steward, satan was fired from his job as the accuser of the people. Indeed, what Jesus was proclaiming here was the condemnation of satan. “And in regard to judgement … the prince of this world now stands condemned.” (John 16:11) Up until then, satan had control of the world through people who were willing to cooperate. But as we learn here, in this capacity, satan was actually a hostage taker -- misusing the Law to accuse people.

But let’s backtrack for a moment. Since the beginning, satan has held all of humanity as a hostage because Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Originally, in the Garden, man and woman were given control over the earth. But when the two sinned, they desired to become like their Creator. As a consequence, Adam and Eve were cast out of paradise into the now fallen world that we now know. In their hearts, God wrote the knowledge of right and wrong. But satan, fully aware that God would not renege on His promise to give the world over to men and women, similarly knew that he could – from that point forward -- rule the world through men and women who were willing to cooperate with him.

However, the scriptures state that the wages of sin is death. Therefore, the Master in the parable -- the righteous God -- was legally able to condemn (or fire) satan without further condemning mankind. Indeed, this became the turning point in time whereby the Lord God provided salvation – through the shedding of His blood on the cross – so that we can now receive salvation through faith in Him. Thank You Jesus!

Luke 16:3 “The manager (satan) said to himself, ‘What shall I do now?’ My Master (God) is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg …” Herein, we get a glimpse of how alarmed he is becoming. He urgently begins to wonder what to do. The very law (from the old covenant) that he was using to accuse and repress people has now been rendered useless to him. In fact, satan now stands alone with his demons – forever condemned. Notice that satan doesn’t want to work and likewise, too ashamed to beg (meaning, he is too proud to work and begging for mercy was definitely below his pride filled demeanour).

Luke 16:4 “I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.”

So satan had to quickly develop a plan. Up until this point, satan was able to use the Law to make people feel guilty and ashamed. His profession -- to keep people burdened, discouraged and feeling hopeless all the time. But if he lost his job, then satan could no longer do this. This is why fighting for his right to occupy people’s hearts, minds and souls became so critically important. Indeed, urgent. He had to devise a plan whereby people [would] welcome [him] into their houses [their bodily temples]. Legally, satan needed someone to co-operate with him. Because earth had previously been given to mankind, satan had no authority of his own.

The only chance satan had was through deceiving "those who have" -- a community of people like you and I who were set free from being God’s debtors once and for all. The debt that was paid in full by Jesus' blood shed on the cross so that He -- our Lord God and Saviour -- could become our resting place.

Luke 16:5 “So he called in each one of his Master’s debtors [all of humanity]. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

Making an offer to each individual, satan sets out to implement his plan of deception using various means. As we learn from the parable, even his question to the debtor is part of this deception -- for we owe nothing in Christ Jesus. Salvation is a gift. But as we read, satan asks: “How much do you owe my master?” … meaning: “What do you think it takes for your soul to be right with your conscious?” This is a question that runs deep in the hearts and souls of men and satan knows this.

You see, our heavenly Father created a homing device in our hearts. It is similar to a lifesaving smoke alarm with a low battery. It makes annoying peeps till you finally change the battery. In the same context, satan is quick to provide an answer for our searching hearts through the world around us. When satan asks individuals “What do you owe my Master?” he wants to know your price – how much sin you are burdened by -- and then give you a discount.

Luke 16:6-7 “Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?” [The response] “A thousand bushels of wheat,” he replied.

What is happening here is that the prince of this world – satan – is trying to divert you from the good news gospel message of Jesus and His kingdom. How? By sending any and every distraction in his limited power your way, and is seeking any opening or opportunity to inflict illness (if it is possible). In other words, satan is attempting to keep you from reading and meditating on His Word that elaborates on the goodness and grace of God. Note here that satan does not have the direct authority to rule over us so instead he attempts to get us to negotiate our faith. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.”

In so doing, satan is ensuring that we – as believers -- don’t truly trust that we have been set free from worldly bondage – free solely because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. And to make his plan successful, satan has to ensure that the law (that has subsequently made people feel guilty throughout history) remains a factor in our thinking. This is where satan’s negotiations with the debtors becomes critical. The prince of this world wants us to feel indebted.

So, to that end, what does satan do? For those who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, negotiating is easy – enticing these people to become lured lock stock and barrel into worldly endeavours. For example, if you are seeking answers in the world, he will just let you succeed (or, conversely, fail on your own accord). Why? Because to satan, you are not of any strategic importance to him. In fact, you are actually his fodder because satan can manifest through you -- whether you know it or not. In other words, you are already deceived.

However, for believers in Jesus, or those seeking the truth and His righteousness, satan develops a particular plan of deception. This is where negotiating a price becomes the ultimate objective. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Herein, satan actually condones believers who wish to pursue the gospel -- that is, to a degree. For example, believers can model their lives after the example of those who represent the "worldly standard" of Christianity rather than worship the only mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus. If one insists on going to church, satan tries to lead them to congregations that excel on “form and culture” but ignore the power and the authority of the Word. Indeed, satan does not even mind you becoming active participants in the church as long as your involvement is part of that pre-negotiated price.

The result? Half-heartedness. People who believe that they are still responsible to the law and good works as part of their salvation package and as such, have not accepted God’s gift of salvation – the blood of Jesus shed on the cross -- that truly sets us free. Instead, there is a part of us that still honours the law – and when we fail, we feel guilty and burdened all over again. Not free as our Lord God and Saviour wanted us to become.

Others believe that salvation comes from the good works we do, again negating God’s sacrifice on the cross for you and I. Thus, satan has been successful in creating half-hearted Christians – with half of us still believing that we are under the law. One foot in the old covenant and it's legal teachings.

Luke 16:8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.”

Here, the master (God) commends the dishonest manager (satan) for turning certain defeat into a feat. The Lord has recognized the devil’s conniving and how his deception has been able to keep people burdened and busy by the cares of this world, rather than accepting the many blessings of our Lord. With sadness, the Lord observes how people pursue worldly things with relentless shrewdness while people of the light -- who have true riches and the Most High King at their disposal – would allow satan to remain as prince of this world.

The deception then is this. As believers in Jesus, we have been given authority over all the things of this world. Remember, Jesus in the boat? The disciples awakened Him from His sleep when the storm hit. Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” And the wind ceased and there was great calm. Jesus then said to His disciples, “And why are you so fearful. Why is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40) In this example, Jesus fully expected that His disciples would calm the sea, by the power and authority given to them. (Yes, Jesus expects the same from us today).

Unfortunately, it is this deception -- our half-heartedness in our faith journey -- that has rendered the power and authority that Jesus gives to those who seek Him and His righteousness to be of no effect … and in so doing, have actually allowed satan to regain and retain control of this world.

Jesus said, "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." (Luke 16:9 KJV)

The NIV states: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

The Lord is sharing several messages here. First, He is instructing us – the children of light who know Jesus -- to become as shrewd and cunning as the unjust steward -- encouraging believers to use worldly endeavours to increase His kingdom. For instance, using our worldly wealth to reach out in love to those who do not know the good news gospel of Jesus. Forgiving debtors of their debt. By giving all of ourselves -- 100% of our time and labour -- to building the kingdom. Standing in the offering plate. In so doing, we will receive many friends who will in time welcome us into eternal dwellings.

But more importantly, the Lord is saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom” … meaning that we cannot pay our way into heaven. The price for our sins and transgressions (the law) were paid in full once and for all on the cross. Therefore, we need to take hold of our freely given salvation, believing in His grace and mercy. No negotiating for a price. And no half-heartedness. Why?

Luke 16:13 Because ... “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Here is the overarching message of the parable of the unjust steward and one of the greatest lessons within the Bible. That is, as expressed by Jesus: “No one can serve two masters.” What Jesus is saying here is simply that He cannot manifest through individuals who do not willingly serve the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and King.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind."

This means that when we accept satan’s proposed discount (negotiating a half-hearted devotion to Jesus), we render the Word of God (the power and authority of God) ineffective.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead - to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away -- reserved in heaven for you -- who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:3-5)

[More on “What is half-heartedness?” to come in the days ahead.]

In the interim, here we are, 2000 years later, from the day that Jesus set us all free from condemnation, yet we still see a majority of mankind living lives of quiet desperation -- often poor, sick, confused and feeling hopeless. My friend, do not settle for man’s traditional standard of what your faith walk should look like. Stand in the offering plate, pressing into Jesus with all your mind, heart and soul. From this relationship flows everlasting life that will leave everything else in the dust.

Thou Hast Made the Lord, Which Is My Refuge, Even the Most High -- My God; In Him Will I Trust - Part 1542

The psalmist David wrote this -- the 91st psalm.  The message therein provides so many insights into His abundance of love for us. So much so, that the greatest love story ever told to humankind -- that God would clothe Himself in flesh so that we might have life everlasting in Him becomes powerfully evident. His Name in this current dispensation of grace is Jesus. No other Name is sufficient. (Acts 4:12) So when people speak about God or one of the hundred plus names the Lord God used in the old testament, remind them that the ONLY name that every single person will confess is Jesus. The scriptures are very clear on this point.

Why? Because Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. The King of king and Lord of lords.

As background, David speaks of the secret place in Psalm 91, and how the Lord is our refuge and fortress, confirming for one and all to see that His love never fails. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life!"

As you read through the psalm below, take hold of His message for you today, remembering too that Jesus never fails. He has given you a purpose to fulfill, which means you are loved and have value beyond measure. Indeed, Jesus is the best news going!

"He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. because Thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.  Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because He hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My Name. He shall call on Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation."

Stand in the offering plate.

He That Dwells In the Secret Place of the Most High Shall Abide Under the Shadow of the Almighty.- Part 1541

JESUS went in and out among His disciples for a period of forty days and nights showing Himself alive by many infallible proofs. At the same time, Jesus spoke of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. After this time, Jesus ascended during which time He continued to communicate with His disciples through the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:2-3)

But as we read in the scriptures, JESUS, prior to His ascent commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem. In fact, He told His disciples to tarry/wait there at Jerusalem until they receive the promised baptism of the Spirit of God!

Similarly, JESUS said to them John (the Baptist) truly baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost!

JESUS further stated that they would be endued with power, resulting from the Holy Ghost coming upon them/you. It will be at this point that they/you shall be His witnesses here and beyond - even to the very uttermost parts of the earth.

So the disciples as instructed by their Lord waited at Jerusalem. 10 days they waited. Then, all of a sudden they heard a sound like a strong rushing wind. The sound seemed to be everywhere. As they sat there, tongues began to move uncontrollably as if the people were on fire. As recorded in Acts 2, this uncontrollable experience happened to 120 persons who were gathered together.

What was happening? The 120 persons were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit moved upon them. Indeed, they just kept speaking in tongues. All of this was in order to fulfill the prophetic scriptures in Joel which states, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." (Joel 2:28) Yes, even upon those who are servants and upon handmaids will I will pour out My Spirit causing them to prophesy - saith the Lord.

Even more so, He said that He will show wonders in the heavens and signs in the earth. Strange happenings will occur - blood, fire, and vapour of smoke. At this time, the sun shall be darkened and the moon turned into blood. All of these wonders appearing before the great and notable day of the Lord's coming!

In these days, saith the scriptures, it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved! Don't delay because today is the day of salvation. Today is the day that the Lord hath made for you.

Please read Acts chapter 2. Commit your life to the Lord so that God can pour out of His Spirit upon you too! Stand in the Offering Plate.

We Have Been Entrusted To Remain Stedfast In the Apostles Doctrine - Part 1540

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST

God who at sundry times and in various manners has spoken by the prophets has in these last days spoken to us in His son. God sent His only begotten son, conceived by the Holy Ghost (the only begotten) to bring to man a message concerning His own pure spiritual humanity.

And the angel answered and said unto [Mary], "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)

In order to expedite this mission to an outpost of God’s creation it would require a messenger. This is why God who is Spirit clothed Himself in flesh and became the Apostle to the world. For God so loved the world! Indeed, for God so loved the world that once the plan of salvation was created,  there would be no stopping God’s mission until all things necessary for mankind's redemption was fulfilled.

That is why at Calvary Jesus said, "IT IS FINISHED." The price paid in full by God Himself. Once and for all. But the cost was enormous and for many of us, really beyond our capacity to even slightly comprehend. God’s work as a son completed redemption even though still incomplete as far as God’s ordained plan for man was concerned. 

God no longer has a body like we have, for He had sacrificed His body as the price of our ransom from sin. So what did Jesus do? He did not walk away. No sir. Instead, He appoints 12 redeemed believing persons to continue on with what He had started. Disciples chosen by Jesus. Made apostles by Jesus.

He did not change His personally delivered message. He told the apostles to go preach the good news gospel message - the very Word that He had delivered to them. The reason for a succession plan of such magnitude? So that the gospel message would not stop with them but would circle the earth in a manner that whosoever heard and believed would be regenerated to a new life by His holy Spirit.

Jesus "through" the Holy Ghost continued commanding the apostles after He was taken up. (Acts 1:1-4)

This is why Paul would say if any one preaches to you another message other than the message that we delivered to you let them be cursed. This is also why we recognize that the Word of God is coming to us freely delivered through the cost of Jesus life. One may try to preach another gospel or one may want to be an apostle (messenger). However, this Word and only this Word must be preached in all the world as a witness to all people. 

So, if you want to be an apostle or messenger for God, make sure that the message you are delivering as the Word of God is truly the gospel message delivered to us and continuing to be preached unaltered by those who walked with Him. Fortunately, there will always be apostles (messengers) who will not preach any other message. They plain and simply would be unable to change the original message.

Sadly, however, at the same time there are others who are not so minded. These are the individuals that the scriptures classify as false apostles. (II Thessalonians 2; Matthew 24) No doubt you have noticed that Paul declared to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ, received the gospel that he preached from the Lord of glory.

"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 [Jesus] had chosen." (Acts 1:2)

Many others who walked with him did not hang their shingle out as being apostles simply because to be an apostle one would have to be called into that gifted ministry. It is the same today. If you claim to be a present day apostle then you will understand that an apostle holds back no scriptural teaching that might be profitable to the other members in the body of our Lord Jesus. In the end, the scriptures put it right.

The scriptures state, "try the spirits. If they speak not according to this Word, there is no light in them."

JESUS is God in the flesh. It is He who preached and delivers the counsel of God to man. Jesus who is God Himself as a Son chose 12 +1 believers to continue steadfastly in His Word. They, the 12+1, preached the same Word to us as had been delivered to them by God’s Apostle and High Priest JESUS. God confirms their Word as being His Word to us today and as a result we now have much consolation. The final message - true apostles will preach no other doctrine.

And yes, that means abiding in Jesus in all things, including water baptism in Jesus' name according to Peter, standing with the other apostles on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:37-42)

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

Whereby When Ye Read, Ye May Understand My [Apostle Paul's] Knowledge in the Mystery of Christ - Part 1539

"My people perish for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6) With this in mind, I thought there is no better time than now -- today -- to begin addressing some of the unfounded myths that circulate concerning the scriptures.

First and foremost, we need to recognize that the "New Testament" was written in Greek, not Hebrew. How did it come about? King James I and IV authorized the translators to translate the Greek into English without fear of death, as Foxes Book of Martyrs details about the lives of those who tried to do the same but suffered much at the hands of men.The rationale was so that every man could understand the scriptures for themselves -- which was prophesied afore -- when the Lord spoke His Word through the prophets. [As an aside, let me say that in memory of those slain for proclaiming the Word of God as truth, Foxes Book of Martyrs (which details many of the persecutions and untimely deaths of believers in Jesus by faith) was chained to church alters with the Word of God]

Second, the Leviticus law and commandments were given to the Jews/Israelites and not to the Gentiles, which is why Jesus summarized all of the old covenant law into two commandments on the new testament side. That is, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE Lord, [Thus, we are to] love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength and [by extension of His love] love one another." (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4; Hebrews 9:1-19)

Apostle Paul adds to this when he speaks specifically to the Gentiles who believe in Jesus by faith -- you and I who are not Jews -- "as touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication."  (Acts 15:19-20; Acts 21:25; I Corinthians 8:1-6) The reason Paul specifically writes to "the Gentiles who believe" is because until one believes in Jesus by faith, we are all under the law -- under sin. (Galatians 2:16, 21; Galatians 2:17-19; Ephesians 1: 3-14; Ephesians 2:7-22)

The Lord designed the mystery and doctrine of Christ that way to equalize everyone (i.e. there is now no difference between Jew or Gentile in this current dispensation of grace). But the law had to serve as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, because when we are honest, we recognize that we (in and of ourselves) could never live up to these commandments. Remember, Jesus said if one even looks at a woman, he has committed adultery, or if one has harboured hate for his brother in his heart, he has committed murder.

So the law was a shadow of good things to come -- the Lord of glory's last will and testament to His beloved creation. (Hebrews 10:1) But as the Holy Ghost signified, the way into the holiest of all could not be made manifest while the first tabernacle (the old covenant and its ordinances) was yet standing.

This is why it is written -- "For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a 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? 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 .... 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 9:15-28)

Jesus paid the ultimate price once and for all, enduring the cross and despising the shame so that we might know His love and kindness and mercy and peace which surpasses all human understanding. God became our Saviour. The Lord Himself came forth as a mighty man. 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; John 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 42:13)

And because God made us in His own image, He feels our infirmities. He feels our heartache and loss. He understands firsthand how we can never measure up to Him. Still, His love intervened, and He prepared Himself a body so that we can be redeemed because of the precious blood He shed on the cross. And, as such, He has a purpose for each and every one of us.

His love isn't the love of this world. How can I say this? Because every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and doesn't just privilege one segment of people over another. The rain falls on both those who are good and evil. He makes the sun shine forth, and the seasons to come regardless of whether we have made a decision to live for Him.

But God in the heavens did not stop there. Rather, after His kindness and love, God became our Saviour. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures. (James 1:17-18) The Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us -- God manifest in the flesh -- chose us in Him before the foundation of the world because He purposed in Himself that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ -- in whom also we have obtained an inheritance -- that we should become the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1:1 -23)

This is why those of us who live in this dispensation of grace are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God when we believe in Jesus (who is both Lord and Christ). He fulfilled the law that we could not ever achieve, and it was His precious blood shed on the cross, and His grace to us, that allows us to understand the mystery of Christ that was decided before the foundation of the world. Therein, lies our hope.

So having said all this, let me encourage one and all to study the New Testament for truth and taste and see that the Lord is good! Many blessings too. Stand in the offering plate.

For This Cause Was The Gospel Preached to the Gentiles - Part 1538

And it came to pass, that after three days apostle Paul called the chief of the Jews together, When they were come together, Paul said unto them, "Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

Apostle Paul said, "For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you; because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain."

And they said unto him, "We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou think, for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against." (Acts 28:17-22)

As background, do you remember the chief captain that had let the young man depart and charged him to tell no man what he had seen. And then he charges two centurions to make ready hundreds of soldiers, horsemen and spear men, and set Paul on and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. In his letter of greeting, Claudius Lysias wrote:

"This man was taken of the Jews and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council, whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him." (Acts 23:22-35)

Moreover, we see Paul defending himself to the Jews in Acts 24:10-13, when he states that when he went up into Jerusalem for to worship, they neither found him in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city, neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse him. But Paul does confess that after the Way which they called heresy, "so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets, and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust."

And similarly when the Jews came down from Jerusalem and while standing round about "laid many and grievous complaints against Paul which they could not prove." (Acts 25:7-8)

Now here they were, having appointed Paul a day. Many came to Paul's lodging; to whom he expounded and testified of the kingdom of God; persuading them concerning Jesus -- both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed.

What did Paul say? After that, Paul had spoken one word.

"Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet unto the fathers, saying, "Go unto this people and say, "Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their eyes are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted and I should heal them." (Acts 28:25-27; Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 13:14-15; Luke 8:10; Romans 11:8)

Continuing then, "be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it." And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had great reasoning among themselves.

In Ephesians, Paul offers the same message -- "For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward; how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel." (Ephesians 3:1-6)

This is why as a prisoner of the Lord, Paul would beseech you and I that we walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called -- with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace -- knowing that there is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

And that even when the fiery trial comes to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you, rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you; on their part He is evil spoken of but on your part He is glorified. (I Peter 4: 12-14)

This was Paul's message to us. And, as we know for two whole years after (in his own hired house), Paul received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence and no man forbidding him. (Acts 28:30-31)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I Am the Resurrection And the Life ..." - Part 1537

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee." And again, "I will put My trust in Him." And again, "Behold I and the children which God hath given Me."

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

For verily He took not on [Him the nature of] angels; but He took on [Him] the seed of Abraham.

Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto [His] brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.

Yes, Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords.

Yes, Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Yes, Jesus -- who is the resurrection and the life, that if we would believe in Him, though we were dead, we shall live, and whosoever lives and believes in Me -- Jesus -- shall never die.

Yes, Jesus -- the Bridegroom who is inviting us to the most elaborate feast ever says, "Come!"

Because His yoke is easy and His burden light.

Stand in the offering plate.