And How Hear We Every an In Our Own Tongue. Wherein We Were Born? - Part 1573

Hear ye every man in our own tongue speaking the wonderful works of God? 

In Acts, chapter 2, we see the events that had transpired at the tower of Babel in the Old Testament, where confusion of man’s tongue into various languages was introduced, reversed.  Even though the scenario reversal was only temporary, God used language to purposely retarded man’s purpose. 

You will recall that man’s agenda at the tower of Babel, was to build a tower that reached high into the heavens. The fallen angels were homesick and their entrance visa into heaven had been cancelled  because of their collective terrorist activities and destruction. As a consequence, the most that they could do was to hopefully peer into the heavens. But God would not allow that to happen, as stated in the Old Testament scriptures.

In the New Testament, however, the multitudes that gathered together at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, according to Acts 2, were able to witness God's spin on the tower of Babel. Indeed, something strange to their eyes and ears occurred, one that was possibly as equally strange as the previous Babel event.

That is, men who had previously been conversing with one another in normal everyday language suddenly entered into a state of total confusion. In the midst, observers thought they had possibly lost it. As the scriptures record, "These men are drunk. Are they not all Galileans? If this is so, how come we hear them speaking in our own language."

I Corinthians 12 effectively links the correlation and purpose together. Here, Peter standing with the eleven apostles noted that the Lord had given to Peter (and the others) the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Also note that it was Peter who preached God’s reconciliation -- His Word of truth to this initially Jewish audience. In case some might think this was a one off message, we see later in Acts 10 that he presented the same reconciliatory gospel to the Gentiles. It is this preaching of the gospel that opens the door to heaven thereby allowing the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Christ to shine into individual’s believing hearts.

It is at this point that we are introduced to the first message preached by the Spirit of God through the mouths of His newborn adopted sons. Recall that Jesus, after He ascended on high still, through the Holy Ghost directed His apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) Herein, we know that God was still in charge. God's plan of salvation was still unfolding. Acts chapter 2 verses 14 through 36 expands upon this message, providing further detail into the events that had transpired. This might be a good time to refresh yourself in these scriptures before proceeding -- Acts 2 posted below!

Continuing at verse 36, the scriptures state, “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has declared that this same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and the Christ."

In the next scripture, verse 37, "The people, hearing this holy Spirit delivery and confirmation of these aforementioned things were pricked in their heart." It is obvious that these people were between a rock and a hard place. These asked Peter, standing with the eleven, "What must we do?" (Acts 2:37)

Heaven presented this first message, a message that was delivered personally by the administrator of the new covenant. This New Covenant, in case you wondered, is none other than the Spirit of Jesus, who had said prophetically through Joel the prophet, that God would pour out His spirit upon all flesh. But that is not all. This pouring out of His spirit upon all flesh would cause your sons and your daughters to prophesy as well. (Joel 2:28)

Perhaps, at this point, each one of us should take some time to meditate on this Holy Ghost message, remembering that as God said in Acts 15, He would build again the tabernacle of David which had fallen down,  replacing the formerly destroyed temple with living stones. Undoubtedly, as revealed here, God is building a triumphant building. Not a building made with brick and mortar. This is the temple in which His Spirit is pleased to dwell.

Peace to all in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

Acts 2:

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"

Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, "What means this?" Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, "Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; "And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy ... And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come ... and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know -- Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain, whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.

For David speaks concerning Him, "I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore, did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance."

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

For God Forbid That I Should Glory, Save In the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ - Part 1572

"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:21-23)

Paul begins Romans 3 by asking, "What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way; chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God." (Romans 3:1-2)

Before we continue, it is important to establish that there is more than a blank page between the old and the new in the Bible. We need to also recognize that the statutes, judgments, ordinances, and commandments of the Lord in the old covenant differ from the new testament wherein Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Deuteronomy 4:1-5; Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:24; Galatians 4:5)

Am I suggesting that Paul's heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel for their salvation is of no consequence? Of course not, but Paul rightly said, "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." Why? Because "they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God -- for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to those who believe." (Romans 10:1-4)

Note that I did not say this but apostle Paul who experienced great heaviness and continual sorrow in his heart for his brethren and kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertains the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the service of God and the promises. (Romans 9:1-4)

Still, in this current dispensation of grace, we are privileged to behold the righteousness of God manifested -- the fullness of the Godhead bodily -- the Lord coming forth as a mighty man -- God in Christ -- and witnessed not only by the law and the prophets from afore, but by us to this day, if we believe and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, keeping His Word, which is truth, hidden in our hearts. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Titus 3:4-7; II Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 1:8, 11)

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation ..." (II Corinthians 5:19)

But this is the point where many new believers struggle in understanding how to reconcile the old with the new testament. And it does not help that the man-made religious culture spends a significant amount of time keeping believers busy doing good works. Nevertheless, the scriptures are clear. "For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law -- that the man which does those things shall live by them." (Romans 10:5) 

Note that Paul does not stop here. He addresses the equalizing that must take place if all are to be declared as falling short of the glory of God.

"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:22-25)

The righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, "Say not in thine heart -- Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ again from the dead). But what saith it? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart; that is, the Word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart, that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved ... for with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:5-10; Leviticus 18:5; Deuteronomy 30:12-14)

Indeed, because of His love for us, and after His kindness, we can be justified freely by His grace -- through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3: ; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 9:1-27)

"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. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things can never with those sacrifices, which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices, there is a remembrance again made of sins every year ..." (Hebrews 9:28- Hebrews 10:1-39)

However, not so in Jesus. For by one offering, He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)

This is why believers are so thankful. Because our redemption, our salvation, our sanctification and our justification comes freely because of Jesus, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:11)

"By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them ... but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments, contained in ordinances: for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace, and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross ..." (Ephesians 2:816)

This is why apostle Paul asks: "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay, but by the law of faith. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. Thus, seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith, do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:27-31)

The law of faith. The law of love whereby we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and as a consequence, we love one another. And for 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 21:25)

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

Hear the Word of the Lord, For the Lord Hath a Controversy With the Inhabitants of the Land Because There Is No Truth, Nor Mercy, Nor Knowledge of God in the Land - Part 1571

"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things .. for our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself." (Philippians 3:18-21)

Even while weeping, apostle Paul is telling us to beware of the enemies of the cross of Christ. For this reason, Paul oft marveled about them who would be so soon removed from Him that calls us unto the grace of Christ unto "another" gospel, which is not another; but as Paul warned, there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. What does Paul say?

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8)

But note that Paul does not just say this unto the churches in Galatia once but a second time. "As we said before, so say I now again - if any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:9)

Why? Because the good news gospel that apostle Paul preached was not after man, for as he said, "For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11-12)

And as we know from the scriptures, Paul was jealous over the saints with godly jealousy .. "for I have espoused you to ONE husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ." (II Corinthians 11:2-3)

Paul was fearful that in the same way the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, that we too should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

"For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him] ... but what I do, that will I do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we, for such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ, and no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (II Corinthians 11:4-15)

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent [agree] not to wholesome words -- [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting [is obsessed] about questions and strifes over of words [arguments], whereof comes envy, strife, railings [reviling], evil surmisings [suspicions], perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself ..." (I Timothy 6:3-5)

"Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof ..." (II Timothy 3:5)

"For they that are of the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:5)

Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:18-34)

There is a gospel which has been declared unto us, and established on the day of Pentecost, which also we have received, and wherein we stand. (I Corinthians 15:1) That is, Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the scriptures ... and having repented, and having been water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and having been filled with the Holy Ghost, having received His grace and love and mercy, we can be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (Acts 2:36-38; I Corinthians 15:58)

Indeed, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, [even] in Him -- in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will -- that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ! (Ephesians 1:9-12; 2:6, 19-22; 3:3-5)

Sing praises to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- our Lord and Saviour this day. For His Name is great and greatly to be praised. Stand in the offering plate.

God’s Love and Mercy and Grace Visibly Expressed When He Gave Himself For Us - Part 1570

Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He takes away the first, that He may establish the second ..." (Hebrews 10:9)
He takes away the first covenant, also recognized as the old testament, so that He could establish a second, brand new covenant. By His will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus the Christ once and for all. 

At the beginning of the Holy Ghost ministries in Jesus, we find Jesus reading from the prophetical book of Esaias [Isaiah]. There He read a passage that states, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and recover the sight of the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."  (Luke 4:19) And He closed the book. 

The acceptable will of the Lord. The day of God’s visitation, He takes away the first, while firmly establishing the second. Recall when Jesus had completed all that was required to secure our redemption? He sat down. Here we find Jesus standing, and in so doing, a new dispensation of grace, of unmerited favour commences. The new testament whereby the Lord God, after His kindness and love willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

It is no wonder that those who heard and bore witness asked, "Is not this Joseph's son?"  But I digress.

Later, in Acts 7:56, Stephen (one of the seven full of the Holy Ghost, and chosen to serve) presents the good news of salvation to a group of religious people, laying out these same historical events, explaining to one and all the counsel of God, and His loving grace for you and I.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:1-8)

But certain of the synagogue were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which Stephen spake. Needless to say they were not happy. Rather than turn in their hearts, they suborned men, which said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. These stirred up the people, elders and scribes, setting up false witnesses that would say he spoke blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. Nevertheless, as the council looked steadfastly on him, Stephen's face was such as if it were the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15)

What did Stephen say? He told them the God of glory had appeared to Abraham ... and that his seed should sojourn to a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage and entreat them evil four hundred years, and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God, and after that shall they come forth, and serve Me in this place." (Acts 7:1-29)

Stephen goes on to say that when Moses saw the burning bush, he wondered at the sight, and as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying, "I am the God of thy Fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ... A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto Me; Him shall ye hear." (Acts 7:30-37)

The same He that was in the church in the wilderness who our fathers would not obey -- who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept. (Acts 7:38-53)

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart and gnashed on Stephen with their teeth. But Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. Yes, Jesus was standing. [Jesus stood up while Stephen was being stoned to death. This sojourning is further expanded upon in Acts chapters 8 and 9]

The significance of standing is that this was to be the "final" call to a religious Jewish nation. They were at that moment to be cut off because of their stubborn unbelief, their hearts that would rather worship idols and rejoice in the work of their own hands, the stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, those who always resist the Holy Ghost -- "as your fathers did, so do ye." (Acts 7:51)

We know that later, Saul who was an overseer and party to all these happenings, was to be met by the Lord Jesus when he journeyed to Damascus.  While enroute, the Lord revealed that Saul [renamed Paul] was a chosen vessel to Him.  As a result, Paul would now be His Apostle to the Gentiles. 

The good news being that this meeting led to the complete altering of the old covenant -- the veil being torn from top to bottom, heaven to earth. Indeed, the Lord's way is not our way, He looks not on the outward appearance of men. He looks into one's heart. And herein, God swung open the door of obtainable salvation to the Gentiles. The Lord redeemed to Himself a believing people, who would be His own people. His chosen people that were not His people but are now His people.

A people that He is going to call by His name. A people who will be His bride. The Jesus People.

[As an aside, recall that in the Garden, God said it was not good that man should dwell alone. God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam. God operated on Adam, removing one of his ribs. From that removed rib, God made a woman from Adam’s rib bone. A woman to be loved by him, even as he would take care of his own flesh. Why? Because the woman was the bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.] 

Now consider Calvary, when Jesus hung on that Roman cross. It is recorded in John 19:33, that one of the soldiers with a spear pierced the side of Jesus. When he did, the scriptures record, forthwith, there came out blood and water.

You see, without the shedding of His blood, there shall be no remission of sin. But because Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross, we are washed with the water of the Word of God. We are clean through the Word that He has spoken to us. As He said, he that is internally clean needs nothing more than to wash His feet. No more (as Peter learned) would any man (His believing bride) be called common or unclean. Why? 

Because we are the bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh. A new covenant was established and brought us into the reality of being purchased by God Himself. And when we fully understand the cost in drops of His precious blood on that cross, the tears He willingly shed for us, there is nothing that shall separate us from the love of God!

God’s love and mercy and grace being visibly expressed when He gave Himself for us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son -- HEAR YE HIM! (John 3:16)

Stand in the offering plate.

Glory To Your Name O Lord For Your Name Is Great And Worthy To Be Praised - Part 1569

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11)

One of the oft outcomes of the apostles coming to preach in some place was the dividing of the city. This was certainly not any different in apostle Paul's case. In Acts 20, and after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, as he departed Macedonia. When he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, and there abode three months. But because the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. On this journey, Paul was accompanied into Asia with Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas.

We could stop there, acknowledging that Paul never stopped preaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And he willingly traveled from place to place, giving those who would listen much exhortation. [* Exhortation meaning encouragement and consolation. 

"But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (I Corinthians 1:1 Jeremiah 14:2-3)]

But note Paul's journey did not end there. And he certainly did not keep office hours as we see from the example below, when the young man fell asleep while he preached, falling out of a third floor window. Continuing in Acts 20:

"And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." 

Notably were the many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. Over there, sitting in a window was a certain young man named Eutychus. He had fallen into a deep sleep as Paul was long preaching. Indeed, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, "Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him." And sure enough, right there and then, Eutychus came to life again. (Acts 20:1-10)

Given the situation, and the fact that the Jews were already waiting to entrap and imprison Paul, it is a good thing that the young man did not die when he fell out of the window. In Paul's life, I am sure this young man was just a minor hiccup (as we would say in our world today). Plus, there was much more to be accomplished before his work for the Lord Jesus would be complete.

Therefore, when [Paul] therefore was come up again, "and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. We then sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Even after this, Paul is still able to preach His gospel message of freedom that is so instrumental for us this day. That is, Paul is saying, that from the very first day that I came into Asia, "after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews ... and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."

This message has not changed over time. We still need to repent for our sins toward God, and believe by faith in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ! (Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 2:36-38; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9; Revelation 1:8, 11) 

Like Paul, who pressed into Jesus with joy in his very being, we need to also count our life worthless so that we too can finish our course with thankful hearts, testifying to one and all of the good news gospel of the grace and mercy of God -- who after His kindness and love so willingly became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) Pressing into the mark with everything we have, like the widow lady who gave her all, ready to fulfill the very purpose that the Lord placed in our heart whilst we were still in our mother's womb.

But Paul is still going. Herein, Paul goes bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall him there ... "save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me," says Paul, "neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men ... For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:23-27)

Did you catch that? Paul did not shun to declare to one and all the counsel of God, as the Pharisees and lawyers did when they refused to be baptized in the Jordan by John the baptizer. (Luke 7:49; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13) Rather, he preached to feed the church of God -- which He -- God Himself hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)

But Paul also knew that it would not be long after he preached that those who purposed to deceive believers would show up -- those who would not spare the flock but rather, speak perverse things, drawing away disciples after themselves. Perhaps, this explains why Paul's warning message herein is so contrary to what we see within many religious organizations today -- so that the evidence would be so overwhelming against them, and thus, we would hear and heed Paul's warning given through much tears.

It is for us then -- you and I -- that Paul says to the elders of the church, whom he had called together: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." 

Being that flow through that is so oft mentioned here.

And, when [Paul] had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship" so that Paul could continue on his journey preaching the gospel that heals broken hearts, and sets people free from the bondage of this world. (Acts 20:1-38)

In that context, let me leave you with this thought:

"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 4:8)

Stand in the offering plate.

Receiving the End of Your Faith, The Salvation of Your Souls - Part 1568

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ is writing to the strangers (who are the exiles scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia) but also the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father -- through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

The same God and Father who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly in Christ, according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:3-5)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [His] purpose, for whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren, Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-31)

What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Each and every day, we face the giants of this world, striving to keep us so busy in the things of this world that we lose sight of our calling. At the same time, the prince of this world is continually condemning, attempting to wear us down so that we won't be so eager about our faith. This may be why apostle Paul expresses a great heaviness and continual sorrow for those who rejected the counsel of God, and went their own way, subscribing to the numerous gods of this world.

Nevertheless, we know in whom we have believed -- by whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His Name -- among whom ye are also called of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:5-6)

We now have the boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say His flesh, and having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water, holding fast to the profession of our faith without wavering for He is faithful that promised. (Hebrews 10:19-23)
II Thessalonians 2:13

"See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh." (Hebrews 12:25)

The same voice that shook the earth, but now hath promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake the earth only, but also heaven. And this Word -- yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we must serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear -- for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:25-29)

Who is the Word wherein we receive the end of our faith and the salvation or our souls? Jesus -- the mediator of the new covenant -- 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.

Jesus -- both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Jesus -- the Author and Finisher of our faith. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords who left His kingdom in heaven to redeem those of us who respond to His call and believe in His Name.

Jesus -- the Word made flesh, who dwelt among us so that we c/would behold His glory -- the glory as of the only begotten of the Father -- full of grace and truth.

"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)

Therefore, be victorious in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, who after His kindness and love, gave Himself so that we might have life. Stand in the offering plate.

Remember Ye Not That When I Was Yet With You, I Told You These Things? - Part 1567

"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition -- who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God ..." (II Thessalonians 2:1-7)

We are not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled in our faith journey because these things have to happen before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him. Still, there are those who would argue that since the mystery of iniquity doth already work in the world, being aware of when that Wicked will be revealed is wasted effort. Even when they know that when the Wicked is revealed for all to see, the Lord SHALL consume with the Spirit [breath] of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming, [even him] whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. (II Thessalonians 2:7-12)

[Note that the scripture refers to the workings of satan -- the power and signs displayed -- as "lying" wonders, which is very different from the signs and wonders that supported the preaching and teaching of the gospel.]

Still, before pressing forward on this point, let's look at two scriptures for clarification. The first can be found in the old covenant side -- Deuteronomy 13:1-7 -- which states:

"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and give thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or a wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, "Let us go after other gods" which thou hast not known and "let us serve them"; thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proves you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him, and that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death: because He hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee ... namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth."

On the new testament side, Jesus is found speaking to the Jews. Jesus is saying to them (and by extension, us too), "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

But the Jews did not want another King in their heart. And, most certainly not Jesus who was/is both Lord and Christ. So the Jews answered Jesus, saying, "We be Abraham's seed and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, "Ye shall be made free?"

Jesus then answered saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin, and the servant abides not in the house for ever, but the Son abides forever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill Me because My Word has no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with My Father, and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." (John 8:33-38)

They answered and said unto Jesus, "Abraham is our father."

Jesus again said to them, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God, this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father." (John 8:39-41)

In other words, Abraham who was known as a friend of God would not do the things that the Jews were doing at the time, and most certainly, Abraham would never reject Jesus in their hearts.

Nevertheless, the Jews continued their defense, saying unto Jesus, "We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, [even] God." (John 8:41) [For those who may not be aware, the first commandment of the famous ten opens with: "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

[What Jesus may have been suggesting here is that the Jews had replaced God with Abraham as their father, and in so doing, were serving another god rather than the One and Only God who had sustained them throughout their wilderness journey. But I digress!]

Jesus then said unto them, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God: neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? [even] because you cannot hear My Word. Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not. Which of you convinces Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me? He that is of God hears God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."

This dialogue continues to the end of John 8 wherein the Jews took up stones to cast at Him because Jesus (not yet fifty years old) had said unto them -- "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)

All these scriptural references to show that the Word of God is clear on this point -- that we can expect to have some among us who will preach 'another' gospel. And, also, that men shall arise speaking perverse things in order to draw others away from your congregations. How? For starters, there will be stealing away of the sheep -- accomplished through enticing words. In short, these will bait the trap. Paul forewarns of this in the scriptures. He said that some will call themselves apostles, while in reality they are demons and angels of darkness, transforming themselves and appearing as messengers of light.

The scriptures cite (as a precautionary measure) methods for increasing one's awareness of these satanic messengers. That is, if a preacher, pastor, evangelist, priest, or pope utters any words that are contradictory to the teaching of Jesus' spiritual words as established/revealed by/to His chosen apostles, including the apostles doctrine which He Himself confirmed as being His Word, then whoever falls short of this scripture should be removed. It is for this reason that we must examine and study His Word, continuing steadfastly in the apostles' Holy Ghost teachings!

But as we read in the beginning (from II Thessalonians 2) the scriptures also state that the day of the Lord will not come prior to a falling away from the original order of beliefs and doctrines that were delivered to the early believers. Therefore, we are commanded to watch that the day of the Lord does not come upon us / open while we have been totally oblivious to the scriptural warnings!

For example, the scriptures state that certain happenings occur in the time period known as the day of the Lord. The day of the Lord in the Biblical context is not a 24 hour period. The day of the Lord is a period of time wherein events transpire. So therefore watch for that day in order that we are not found sleeping, or even worse, occupying a comfortable pew. We believers are debtors to a lost world! If one has lost their first love, then one ought now to arise and trim their oil lamp of faith.

Does the scripture declare that there is only ONE MEDIATOR between God and Man? YES! And that man is none other than the Lord Jesus the Christ! Jesus being the Only begotten Son of God, conceived by the holy Spirit of God. The Holy Ghost! The two seeds i.e. male and female seeds were seeds promised of God. One of these seeds were implanted into the seed bank of Eve. This is why God is on an agenda to redeem mankind through Himself from Adam’s sin and transgressions -- which you and I are recipients of.

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But He did not leave us in this state. God put in place His plan of redemption whereby we must be saved.

Thus, this promised seed that was implanted into Eve was not like Eve’s natural now fallen seed. No indeed. If it were of Eve’s natural fallen seed, then redemption would have been impossible! Eve’s blood line was now polluted. But the Spirit of God provided a new sinless blood SEED which passed from Eve into Seth, and continued down through the ages as is recorded in the genealogical presentation in your Bible. NOTE: We NOW have an introduction to a new blood line coming forth from the holy Spirit of God, as recorded in Acts -- we were purchased back to God with the precious blood of His Spirit.

In previous presentations, we followed this new blood line. In this presentation, we endeavour to impress on readers the authority of the written Word whilst moving into the theme of there being only ONE mediator between God and man. In the interim, let the Word of God deal with those spiritual powers in high places who have corrupted the Word of God, rejecting the counsel of God unto themselves. (Luke 7:49)

What does that mean for us? We have a higher calling. Press into Christ Jesus, allowing the potter’s Word to shape each and every one of us so that we can fulfill the purpose which He placed in our hearts while we were still in our mother's womb. And give our Lord God and Saviour back the life that He has imparted into you.

Stand in the offering plate.

In One Accord In One Place In the Upper Room On the Day of Pentecost - Part 1566

One accord in one place. This is what happened when the day of Pentecost was fully come. These who were in the upper room were in one accord in prayer and supplication -- with one purpose and in one mind. There was no division among them. In fact, these disciples numbering together about one hundred and twenty continued in one accord in Jerusalem, having followed the instructions given them earlier by Jesus.

"Until the day in which [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen -- to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (Acts 1:1-3)

Before this, Jesus having been assembled together with the disciples, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, "which" saith He, "ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:5)

At this time, as Jesus said, the disciples of Him would receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto "Me" -- Jesus -- both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:6-8)

[Note that in order for the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost to come, Jesus had to go away ... Jesus said to His disciples, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." (John 16:7)]

When Jesus had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. A cloud. The same cloud that the Israelites followed through the Red Sea which was Christ.

" .... our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and did all eat the same spiritual meat: and did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them -- and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

The same cloud that Peter and James and John experienced when Jesus was transfigured before them, in which these were instructed to hear Jesus only. In that example, there appeared Elias with Moses talking with Jesus, and Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses and one for Elias." What happens? There was a cloud that overshadowed them, but when they looked round about, they saw no man any more save Jesus only with themselves. 

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son: hear Him" (Mark 9:7)

"While He thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son: hear Him." (Luke 9:34-35)

In other words, we are to hear the voice of Jesus -- who was and is both Lord and Christ. We are to gaze upon Jesus who is the One and Only God who became our Saviour (I Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-7) The same Lord God who came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) The same God whose fullness of the Godhead indwelt the bodily Jesus. (Colossians 2:9) God in Christ personally delivering His plan of salvation to you and I -- robed in sin-prone flesh but yet without sin.

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own but His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) The Word that was with God and WAS God made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:21-23; Revelation 1:8, 11) 

The only Name whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace -- this last day -- the Name of the Lord JESUS. (Acts 4:12)

But sadly, there are those who would corrupt the gospel causing division about the foundation of the body of Christ church, and the apostolic doctrine which we have been instructed to continue steadfastly in. That is, "another cloud" that includes false prophets and false teachers who bring in damnable heresies -- even denying the Lord that bought them.

Instead of "wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us ...," we willingly subscribe to the teachings that is "another gospel" within the religious communities, as if these man-made organizations which adhere to the traditions of men were in one accord, or without division. (Hebrews 12:1; I Corinthians 1:13-17) And we are warned of these, who in a cloud also do not hear the voice of Jesus in their hearts. 

"But there [were/are] false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction, and many shall follow "their" pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of ... having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; an heart they have exercised with covetous practices: cursed children: which have forsaken the right way and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but was rebuked for his iniquity -- the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbade the madness of the prophet ..." 

"These are wells without water; clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever." (II Peter 2:17)

While these false preachers and teachers promise believers liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning -- for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it] to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (II Peter 2:1-22)

But not so with Jesus. As we see on the day of Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus were in one accord, in one place, in the upper room. And when these were asked, "What must I do to be saved?" Peter (standing with the eleven) said, "Repent, and be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-47)

The pivotal point of salvation for one and all. And it is this gospel that marked the beginning of the new testament church, wherein Jesus is the Head. (Acts 1:19) This same Jesus whom we/ye have crucified being both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Stand fast in the offering plate wherein is Christ.

The Heaven My Throne, And the Earth My Footstool; Where Is the House That Ye Build Unto Me? The Place of My Rest?- Part 1565

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation!" (Habakkuk 3:18)

For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He [You Lord] hath prepared for him that waits for Him. Thou meets him that rejoices and works righteousness, those that remember Thee in Thy ways. (Isaiah 64:4-8)

But you Lord have grieved and wept over our inability as your beloved creation -- the apple of your eye -- to get your good news gospel message right, and to be thankful for the love that you bestow upon us each and every day, desiring You Lord to be our Rock and fortress, over the cares of this world. (Psalm 71:3)

How you must struggle with our earthly choices -- that we do not find You Lord to be our hope and our trust from our youth. Instead, we have sinned and fallen short of the glory that You our precious Lord intended for our lives. Your goodness and grace. Your kindness and love. Your mercy. Your patience and long suffering for our mouths to be filled with Your praise and honour all the day long.

Still, You Lord did not cast us off as a lost cause. Even though Thou had more than enough justification to be wroth [angry] (for we have sinned in those is continuance) You Lord had a better plan for us wherein we can/shall be saved. And this outcome, even though we are all as an unclean [thing] and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away.

Even though seemingly [there is] none that calls upon Thy Name, that stirs up himself to take hold of Thee: for Thou hast hid Thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. But O Lord, you did not leave us to struggle forever in the miry clay. Instead, You Lord had a plan of "amazing grace" that you decided to freely give even before the foundation of the world was formed.

That is, You Lord, the One and Only who created the world and all that is within, would be made as one of us, and pay for our salvation -- our redemption from sin and death -- with Your own holy blood.

And now Lord, as a consequence of your love, "O Lord, Thou art our Father; we [are] the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of Thy hand." (Isaiah 64:4-8)

The same Lord God that was in the beginning and created all things is now -- our Father. This is why Jesus could say, "I and My Father are one!" (John 10:30) This is why Jesus could say to Philip, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father." (John 14:6-12)

Because Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) All the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9)

"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)

"I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, thou thou hast not known Me; that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord and there is none else ... I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I even My hands have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded ..." (Isaiah 45:5-12)

Thus, as the scriptures covey, in an acceptable time the Lord personally delivered to His beloved creation His plan of salvation. And herein, as the prophecies foretold, the Gentiles shall see Thy righteousness, and all kings Thy glory, and Thou shalt be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of Thy God. (Isaiah 62:2-3)

A time when the Gentiles shall come to Thy light, and kings to the brightness of Thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to Thee ..." (Isaiah 60:3-4)

This same Lord who willingly came forth as a mighty man shall be unto thee an everlasting light and thy God thy glory. (Isaiah 60:19)

JESUS - Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:12-13)

JESUS -- the only Name in this current dispensation of grace given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

His right arm brought salvation and His righteousness sustains us when we repent and are water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we are clothed in His righteousness and sealed with His holy Spirit -- the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost.

This is why we delight ourselves in our Lord, because His ear is not heavy that He cannot her our inner heart's cry. But along the way, as a consequence of Adam and Eve's transgression in the garden, our iniquities separated us from our God, and our sins have hid His face from us. Our hands defiled with blood and our fingers with iniquity. Our tongues have spoken lies and muttered perverseness. (Isaiah 59:1-15)

Even still, the Lord loved His beloved creation -- you and I -- enough to put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head, and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and be clad with zeal as a cloke, so that we would fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. And that we would know that when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord SHALL lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 59:16-21)

And now because of our Redeemer, our Lord God and Saviour, we can be confident and arise and shine -- for Thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord risen so that we the Gentiles shall come to Thy light also. His Name is Jesus. The Lord's Christ for one and all to behold. The Lamb of God!

"And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God -- for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation. He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorns [herself] with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth: so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations." (Isaiah 61:9-11)

Yes, Jesus is the Lord God Almighty. There is none beside Him. And He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth ... for He SHALL deliver the needy when he/she cries; the poor also, and [him/her] that hath no helper. He SHALL spare the poor and the needy, and SHALL save the souls of the needy. He SHALL redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in His sight ... His Name shall endure forever; His Name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in Him: all nations shall call Him blessed.

For this reason, blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things, and blessed be His glorious Name for ever; and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen and Amen. (Psalms 72:8-20)

Surely, as I write this today, the time will come -- when the city no longer needs the sun, either of the mood to shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it; and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it, and the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there. (Revelation 21:23-25)

In His days, shall the righteous flourish, and the abundance of peace so long as the moon endures. (Psalm 78:7)

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

Jesus -- The Rock of Ages Forever More - Part 1564

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, "Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you; they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:16)

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (II Peter 1:1-2)

How? According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. (II Peter 1:3)

Throughout the new testament, we who believe in Jesus and seek to be fully clothed in His righteousness, are encouraged to study the Word so that we can rightly divide the truth. (II Timothy 2:15) As such, our heart's desire should be to gain a knowledge of our Lord God and Saviour so that we are grounded in His love and grace.

Jesus said, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart, I will send Him unto you and when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, 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. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 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 shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:7-15)

It is in this context that we are to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and to endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 2:1-3)

"No man that warreth entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits." (II Timothy 2:4-7) 

So how do we do this? "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a canker of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.

Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal -- the Lord knows them that are His." (II Timothy 2:15-19) Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." (II Timothy 2:7)

Finally, "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 4:8)

Stand in the offering plate.