For We Being Many Are One Bread, And One Body: For We Are All Partakers Of That One Bread - Part 1792

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."(II Timothy 3:16)
Sadly, in this current day and age, there is an increasing tendency to dismiss doctrine as being unnecessary, even when the Word of God states that we (as believers in Jesus by faith) may be made perfect from God-breathed scripture. And that we are sanctified by truth. What is truth, you ask? Jesus said, "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)

His Word given for instruction in righteousness so that we, as believers in Jesus the Christ by faith, can discern what is right, and true, and honest, and as well, sound doctrine. But, as a consequence, it appears too that doctrine (in these last days) has become the dividing line, the standard by which some accuse, of being the cause of dissension within the institutional church.

So, instead of seeking the truth, that our Lord and Saviour said we would find if we studied the scriptures, many have opted for finding one accord in music, one man ministry, and theatrical production. Anything apparently but the Word of our Lord God, who after His kindness and love, willingly became our Saviour.

But we have been warned against such worldly endeavours. In Acts 20:28, specifically, "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."

Feed the church of God with the bread of life. Jesus said, "I am the Bread of life!" (John 6:35)

Jesus said, " ... he that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35, 48, 58; John 4:14; John 7:37; Isaiah 55:1-2)

Instead, too often, we settle for church, and the traditions of men, rather than come to Jesus. And sadly, our willingness to compromise is telling. Consequently, fewer and fewer believers understand that the bread which Jesus spoke of is indeed the Bread which came down from heaven, that when a man eats thereof, will not die.

As Jesus said, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of THIS Bread, he shall live forever, and the Bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51; John 3:13; Hebrews 10:5) 

He came to take away the first, that He may establish the second, by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of Jesus Christ once and for all. (Hebrews 10:9-10) For by one offering, He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)

He paid the price so that where remission of these is, there is no more offering fro sin. No more offering for sin. He became the perfect sacrifice for His church which He hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 10:18) 

"Having therefore, brethren, 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, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:19-23; Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 9:8, 12; John 14:6; Hebrews 7:19; Hebrews 10:1; Ephesians 3:12; I Corinthians 1:9; I Corinthians 10:13)

This is why we study the scriptures, and consider doctrine, so that we can (as did the apostles) leave the foundational principles of the doctrine of Christ, going on unto perfection; "not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:1-2)

Stand in the offering plate.

Let Us Hold Fast The Profession Of Our Faith Without Wavering: For He Is Faithful That Promised - Part 1791

Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the world!"

Therefore, the people who formally sat in darkness can now become privy to seeing a great light. The blinders have come off, allowing us to see and understand the heavenly -- the Kingdom of God. Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees that the Kingdom of God has come nigh unto them. The dayspring from on high has visited His people. It is obvious from their repeated responses, that these did not understand what Jesus was saying. Instead, these referred to the earthly, the worldly, having not understood the spiritual.

As believers, most of us can attest to having been in this place, wherein we were void of the knowledge of God. It is only when the Lord reveals Himself to us (in our hearts) that we begin to seek the things of God, desiring His purposes in our heart. It is at this point that we begin to understand who JESUS is, and how on earth He hid His glory from men. Even those who sought to make Jesus King, because He knew the intents of their heart.

There is an interesting scripture in Luke 11:52 -- Jesus is saying to the scribes and Pharisees, and the lawyers who were seeking to catch something out of His mouth so that they might accuse Him, "Woe unto you lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered." (Luke 11:52-54)

The key of knowledge being Jesus.

Elaborating further, let's examine the time the Lord ascended into a mountain to pray, accompanied with three of His disciples, namely Peter, James, and John. The three disciples fell into sleep and whilst in sleep, they saw a vision. In the vision, they saw that JESUS' facial appearance change and His raiment become white and glistening.

The two persons speaking with JESUS were Moses and Elias who had appeared out of glory. Here they were conversing with JESUS - and conversing about JESUS' death which would occur at Jerusalem. (Note that Moses was the individual who was appointed of God to introduce the Law (commandments) in the Old Testament and Elias was a representative of the prophets). When the disciples awakened they saw JESUS' glory and the two others standing with JESUS.

What was their response? The disciples said, "Let us build here three tabernacles, one for you JESUS and one for Moses and another for Elijah."

Note that their suggestion was met with an immediate reaction. One might say an unforeseen reaction. A cloud suddenly overshadowed them causing fear to fall upon the disciples. As they entered into the cloud they heard a voice from the midst of the cloud saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear and listen to Him." When the covering cloud diminished, the only one that was left standing was JESUS - the beloved Son. (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28) Only JESUS, who shall save His people from their sins. But I digress.

Further, in Hebrews, we read that Moses was faithful to God during his earthly life. In terms of dispensing the Law to the people, Moses did so as a servant. Indeed, the prophets spoke as the Spirit of God gave them prophetic utterances. Actually, it was the Spirit of the Christ that spoke through them (the Spirit of Christ - the Spirit of God’s humanity being revealed to man). In other words, the pure humanity of God in totality is found revealed in the Christ of God.

In sum then, JESUS is the builder of the house (temple) of God, of which He - God - as a Son is the corner stone. Therefore, this spiritual building that God Himself as a Son is constructing consists not of brick and mortar. In fact, God Himself as a Son is the cornerstone of this temple. Within this temple, there is no animal slaughter and there is no man made priesthood.

For it is God who has sacrificed Himself as a Son. And He did so as the perfect sacrifice once and for all! Therefore, there is no other sacrifice required inasmuch as the blood and body of the holy Spirit of God was the once and for all sacrifice. This means that there is no more offering for any sin from henceforth accepted by the eternal Spirit of our Lord God and Saviour. And it similarly means that there is no further need for priests or mediators. Why is this? Because it was God who as a Son was tempted and tried in all points before being crucified.

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) He robed Himself so that He could be in the world, the same world that was made by Him, and we knew Him not. "He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

He then - JESUS - is our ONLY bishop and our ONLY High Priest. Our ONLY mediator.

God in Christ being more than capable of succoring us in all trials and temptations. This explains why we now understand that the voice from the cloud said, "This is MY BELOVED SON. Hear and listen to Him." So, if the holy Spirit of God has declared that mankind ought to hear and listen to the Christ who is the Holy Spirit’s Only Begotten and Beloved Son, who is the Word of God Himself, the same God who created all things, then why would any one desire to establish religious institutions or forms of worship in an effort to vainly worship another?

This is a good question! And, as Jesus repeatedly warns, "Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." (Luke 12:1)

The key of knowledge is JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.

Let Us Draw Near With A True Heart In Full Assurance Of Faith - Part 1790

"Having therefore, brethren, 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 ..." (Hebrews 10:19-20)

The Lord of Glory, JESUS had by Himself made all things in heaven and upon earth. Yet He for our sakes became poor so that we through Him might become rich. Admittedly, He despised the shame that was attached to this human existence. Nevertheless, His love for His betrothed bride - His people - led Him to a sacrificial death at Calvary. Now if this act, in and of itself is not love, then we would have to redefine the word love. For there is no pen that can portray true love in words alone - particularly not the love that led to God taking on human form so that we might have salvation.

However, we do recognize that among the attributes of love is splendour. So what we have in JESUS is the love of God manifest in human form. We also have the scriptures that state, "Love not only in words but in deed." In this context, this is the LOVE of God personified - for men and women.

The Church then - which is the body of Christ - is to become the bride of Christ, engaged so to speak to be His wife. Ephesians chapter five elaborates on this point. For God to redeem His bride, we find written that Christ (God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son) loves His bride to be more than He loved His own life. And He would willingly sacrifice His life for her redemption.

But His bride to be was unfaithful to Him. She turned and was charmed by another - one who was a smooth talker and undoubtedly promised her the sun, moon and stars. In other words a smooth talking liar who then led her into a life of captivity. In the beginning, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden were warned of God not to partake of two trees. The first tree being the tree of knowledge - good and evil and the second, the tree of life!

Like the cliches we often use - sayings like curiosity killed the cat or you shall not do this or that meant the opposite. Most often saying these statements meant going ahead and doing it. This direction even though the two were previously warned of God not to eat of the fruit. As a consequence of their actions, we as their offspring reap the consequences of side stepping the Word of our Creator. But God had a plan.

Earlier when we stated that the Lord of Glory became poor for our sakes, it was true. God left His glory so that we could became rich. In fact, we became so rich that we fell head over heels in love with Him who had become poor. We became inseparable - 24/7. We basked in the sunshine of His radiance. We hungered and thirsted to know more of Him. We realize that nothing shall separate us from God’s Love, a love that plain and simply will not let us go. We may say that silver and gold we have not but we have something much more than wealth and fame. We have someone worth living for -the same God who created us who was willing to go to the cross.

In other words, we fell in love with a poor man. We did not know that He was the Lord of Glory. But we did discover the that the love of God is much sweeter than wine. And that He whispers sweet love to those in His presence. There is similarly fullness of joy! Sow this SEED! Tell all of your friends. Why? Because HIS = God's love never fails!

For Which Cause We Faint Not, Attending Upon The Lord Without Distraction - Part 1790

"That in everything, ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (I Corinthians 1:5-8)

When we press into Christ Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour, we have an assurance, a confidence that even when we are delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, He is present and always with us. Indeed, because of His love and mercy, we can have this treasure in our earthen vessel, "so that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

Thus, even when we are troubled on every side, we do not have to be distressed because we have the King of kings and Lord of lords dwelling within us.

This same Jesus whom ye/we once crucified -- He is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

The Son of man is the Lord of glory. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. Yes, He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not.

But for those who "hear ye Him" in every thing we do, relying on the Lord's guidance and instruction -- Holy Ghost led, as were the apostles, we can let our conversations "be without covetousness." Likewise, we can be "content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

And though we walk through the shadow of death, we can fear no evil for Thou art with us, Thy rod and staff comfort us. (Psalms 23:1)

Perhaps, if we consider Jesus' parable, wherein He speaks of the kingdom to His disciples, we understand also that we can come to know Him as the pearl of greatest price. To recap for those who may not know this parable Jesus tells of a man that when he discovers the pearl, willingly sells all that he has to purchase the field wherein the pearl was hid.

Jesus said, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hides, and for joy thereof goes and sells all that he hath and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls; who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered every kind: which, when it was full that drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels ..."  (Matthew 13:45-48)
This is why we -- "ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)

Because we have the pear of greatest price living within, when we ask Jesus to be Lord and Saviour in our life, and then are water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)

Wherefore we labour that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him, knowing that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, and because of His love and kindness and mercy for us, He no longer imputes our trespasses against us, but rather, has committed unto us the Word of reconciliation, so that we too can become ambassadors for Christ. (II Corinthians 5:19-21) So that we can be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 1:8, 18) And that we willingly desire to preach the gospel of Christ without charge. (I Corinthians 9:18-19)

Doing so with willing hearts, speaking the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory, which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed [them] unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea the deep things of God." (I Corinthians 2:7-10)

Therefore, don't let satan steal your joy. Instead, ask our Lord God and Saviour -- the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost -- to lead and guide you into all truth. For which cause we faint not, desiring to attend upon the Lord Jesus without worldly distraction.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Let Us Therefore Come Boldly Unto The Throne Of Grace, That We May Obtain Mercy, And Find Grace To Help In Time Of Need - Part 1789

"Thus saith the Lord God; he that hears, let him hear, and he that forbears, let him forbear, for they are a rebellious house ..." (Ezekiel 3:27)

Paul and Barnabas were known for waxing bold. In fact, when it came to preaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, there was no mincing words. As a consequence, many communities were divided when these these apostles came to preach. So it should not come as a surprise, when the Jews rejected the preaching of Jesus by the apostles, that Paul and Barnabas would say to them -- "It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you; but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, "I have set Thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that Thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." (Acts 13:45-48)

Herein, a turning point had been made, and for this reason, the apostles were determined, because of the mercy they received to faint not. The Lord was embarking on a new work, wherein the people He called would be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)

"But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them ... for we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants fro Jesus' sake." (I Corinthians 4:1-5)

Why? Because of the love and mercy that God Himself extended to His beloved creation, at a cost so high that most find it difficult to read the totality of the brutality of the cross, wherein He became the perfect sacrifice for you and I. The apostles knew in their hearts that there is no greater profession to be had, and not any more rewarding, than becoming a fisher of men.

For these knew, that God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthly vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. While troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our body.

"For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you ... we having the same Spirit of faith, according as it is written, "I believed,  and therefore have I spoken; we also believe and therefore, speak, knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you, for all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God."

It is for this reason that the apostles fainted not in the ministry, even though as Paul confirmed, "though our outward man perish" -- because the inward [man] is renewed day by day.

"For our light affliction," -- the beatings, being jailed, left for dead, shipwrecked, thrown over a cliff, etc., for Paul was but for a moment because in the long run the ministry "worth for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen [are] eternal."

If only we understood that in counting the cost, we have a higher purpose than just trudging through the life trenches of this world. And even when we may be delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, it is so that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. Thus, press into the mark of your high calling which is Christ Jesus in your heart. Let Him renew your mind and soul with His presence.

Stand in the offering plate.

So We Being Many Are One Body In Christ, And Every One Members One Of Another, Be of The Same Mind To One Another - Part 1788

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which] is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly that be ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office. So we, [being] many are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Having then gifts differing ACCORDING TO THE GRACE THAT IS GIVEN US, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another ...

Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men ... be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:1-21)

Indeed, the Lord Jesus summarized the Law and ordinances of the old covenant into two commandments. That is, to love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength, and from His love flowing through us, to love one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) The Law being a schoolmaster to bring our hearts back to Christ, who loved us without measure. And now, when we love the Lord our God -- our Saviour -- we "owe no man any thing, for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)

Why? Because love works no ill to his neighbour -- therefore love is the FULFILLING of the law. (Romans 13:10) And we witness a perfect example on the day of Pentecost. Therein, 3,000 souls were saved. Those who gladly received the Word [Jesus] -- recognizing that this same Jesus whom they crucified was both Lord and Christ, were baptized in His Name -- the NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! (Acts 2:36-47) As a consequence, these sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all, as every man had need, so that no one was without. 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.

And in Acts 4 also, wherein the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul, having all things common. (Acts 4:32)

In other words, the love of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ dictated/should dictate the love these/we have for one another. And in this -- your heart love for one another, let no man judge you because to your own master will you stand or fall.

And as the scripture declares, " ... if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely -- thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Romans 13:9)

Oh, if we could only understand the simplicity of the gospel! It is no wonder the apostles spoke the things which they had seen and heard, and glorified God for that which was done, lifting up their voices to God with one accord, and saying, "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth, and the sea and all that in them is ..." (Acts 4:24-25)

Yes, as the mouth of Thy servant David hast afore said, there will always be heathen who rage, and people who imagine vain things. And similarly, there will be kings of the earth who stand up, and rulers who gather together against the Lord, and against His Christ. "For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel [purpose] determined before to be done."

But when, as servants of the Lord, we proclaim with boldness the Word, showing forth His love and mercy and kindness and grace to one and all -- love that can only come from understanding how much the Lord loved us as His beloved from the very beginning, to have paid the ultimate price on a cross for us once and for all, so that we can be forgiven of all our transgressions, then can we as believers in Him be of one heart and of one soul. (Acts 4:32) One accord in the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, knowing that this same Lord -- Thou art God Almighty.

In Him did all the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. (Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

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

Stand in the offering plate.

For When We Were Yet Without Strength, In Due Time Christ Died For The Ungodly - Part 1787

"For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven ... Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit." (II Corinthians 5:1-5)

It is in this context that we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith can be confident in our faith journey, knowing that wherever (or in what capacity) we labour,  and similarly, whether present or absent from our earthly tabernacle, we may be accepted of Him." (II Corinthians 5:8-9)

Therefore, when we think of the example of apostle Paul in the midst of Mars hill, telling the people that they "ignorantly worship" an unknown God, we begin to understand Paul's willingness and determination to be led by the Holy Ghost in all his ministry endeavours. Herein, for example, Paul is disputing in the synagogue with the Jews, and with devout persons also. (Acts 17:16-17) And then, certain philosophers of the Epicureans and of the sticks encounter him, calling him a babbler, and a setter forth of strange gods, "because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection." (Acts 17:18-19) There were also the Athenians and strangers which spent their time in nothing else but either telling, or hearing of some new thing, just hanging around for the Paul's of this world to add to their conversation. (Acts 17:20-21)

Certainly, it must have been quite the scene. Nevertheless, in the midst of the confusion, certain men still clave [joined] unto Paul, and believed. Among these was one Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. (Acts 17:34) How it must have warmed the heart of Paul to know that even where the preaching of the good news gospel appeared to be foolishness to those all around, the Spirit of the Lord was still working in the hearts of the people, bringing them to the point of salvation, so that these would also get to know our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath confirmed unto us the Word of reconciliation.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God ... for He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:17-21)

Indeed, God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him -- through the Lord Jesus Christ who willingly shed His precious holy blood on the cross, so that we might have eternal life, being freed from the sin that separated/separates us from the love of God, and the relationship that He intended for us -- His beloved creation -- from the very beginning.

"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes ..." (Romans 10:4)

Stand in the offering plate.

"The LORD Is My Strength And Song, And He Has Become My Salvation; This is My God, and I Will Praise Him; My Father's God, and I Will Extol Him.- Part 1786

Apostle Paul informs us that we who believe form the body of Christ church, and that JESUS is the Head. In fact, each redeemed and born of God believer is a relevant part of His body. It is in this body - the body of Christ - which the Holy Ghost who was in the man JESUS the Christ is pleased to dwell. "In Him the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

JESUS (God with us as a Son) laid down His life in the flesh as a once and for all time sacrifice in order that the sin which dominates us should no longer have dominion over us. He willingly became the mediator of the New Testament. (Hebrews 9:15-18)

Indeed, JESUS the Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law. JESUS who had no sin willingly took upon Himself our sin. In short, JESUS put Himself in our place. Therefore, as a consequence of Jesus, there is now no condemnation to those of us who God has grafted into the Vine -- Jesus being the Vine.

In fact, JESUS was the promised SEED of blessing. It is in this SEED that everyone who believes upon Him should not perish but be given of God the gift of eternal life. As we have elaborated on earlier, there was no other who could redeem mankind. No perfect offering could be found. For as the scripture declares, "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." All men (and women) were sinners by virtue of being Adam’s offspring.

Thus, after the kindness and love of God, He became our Saviour. (Titus 2:13; Titus 3:4-7)

But the "lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me" extends further. That is, the holy Spirit provided the male and female SEEDS. Yes, the SEEDS coming forth from God Almighty who is the Father of all spirits. Of course, within this SEED did dwell all the potential fullness of God. As prophecy foretold, there was coming a new blood line. A new bone structure. The only part missing was the flesh, which the child of the Holy Ghost would receive in the womb of a willing surrogate mother named Mary. (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:18-23)

From the scriptures, we recognize that the child was born into a Jewish community. In the Jewish community the Law (Mosaic Law) reigned. The Law being the tree of knowledge of good and evil defined. Still, none of Adam’s sin prone race could ever meet the demands of the Law. As a consequence, JESUS came to fulfill the works of the Law.

JESUS, accomplishing the abolishing of the works of the Law through the sacrifice of His sinless self. He became the perfect sacrifice. Since sin and death entered into the world through the disobedience of one man in the Garden, it required a righteous man to die in order for the curse to be rendered as never having been.

This is why the whosoever will can call upon the precious Name of the Lord JESUS for salvation and become instantaneously freed from sin. Indeed, all nations are eligible to receive salvation. It is not salvation for the Jews alone. For with God there is neither Jew nor Gentile on this side of the cross. The scriptures say this. And the scripture also reveals that God has made no difference between the Jews and us Gentiles.

It is for this reason that out of all nations God is gathering to Himself a people which were not a people but now by God’s grace and mercy are the people of God. In actual fact, they are the offspring of the promised SEED JESUS whose SEED brings forth the Israel of God.

This people in outward appearance resemble all the other earthly inhabitants. The only difference is that they are seeking to establish the Kingdom of God in the hearts of their kinsmen by showing forth the life of Christ within them, and delivering to all this good news gospel message of God. This explains why we are debtors to this present generation. We must with sincerity and truth spread the gospel and invite others to partake of the TREE of LIFE that is JESUS the promised SEED.

And having preached the gospel, we are not to leave the other (as a flow through to others) be left undone. Stand in the offering plate.

Who Has Known The Mind Of The Lord? For He Has Clothed Us In His Righteousness - Part 1785

"I will rejoice greatly in the LORD! My soul will exalt in my God, for He has clothed me with garments of salvation; He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10)

"For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." (Isaiah 64:6)

He spoke and said to those who were standing before Him, saying, "Remove the filthy garments from him " Again He said to him, "See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes." (Zechariah 3:4)

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will ..." (Ephesians 1:11)

In the scriptures, we learn that God has made all things according to the counsel of His own will. Yes, God counselled with Himself. No one was God’s instructor. No one was God's teacher. Indeed, God knew the end from the beginning. And when God speaks, lo and behold, whatsoever was spoken will most assuredly comes to pass. This certainly should not be difficult to understand, for "in the beginning, God ..."

Prior to that certainty, there was only darkness and void. (Genesis 1:1)

And to some extent, when we are babes in the scripture (similar to newborn infants), there is a lot of learning that needs to happen. We do not learn to eat food overnight. Neither is learning to walk without faltering an easy feat. In the same way, studying the scriptures for our understanding is not always easy, but nevertheless, our hearts should desire to know more of our Lord God and Saviour, for He paid the price for our sins once and for all.

But the one absolute is that regardless of where we are in our faith journey, God is always in control. There are no surprises to Him. Those who God foreknew - God did predestine - and those that God did predestinate, God also sanctified - and those that God sanctified, God also justified and those that God justified - God glorified.

Note that this text is not just written in the past tense, wherein the message becomes historical. Rather, as the Word indicates, God is still in control of the lives of those who love Him today. Indeed, God was preparing a people for Himself, a people who were chosen and elected of God - and who are conformed to the image of God Himself clothed in flesh as a Son.

Therefore, in reaching this point of having now freely received His wonderful gift of salvation, we should be asking, "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who has been His counselor? What is man that God is mindful of man? What is man that God has set man over the works of His own hands?"

All good questions.

Still, we know "O LORD, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy Name; for Thou hast done wonderful things. Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." Isaiah 25:1)
Thus, we know that with God there is no unrighteousness. And similarly, we know that the Lord has crowned man with glory and honour! But there are also attributes about the God we serve that are completely unknown to man. Why would we think otherwise, for He is the potter and we are the clay. He is moulding and fashioning those who believe in His image.

But in contrast, man's foolish imagination concerning God is remarkably stupid. We build buildings filling them with imaginary relics and statues. Sometimes, people can be seen bowing down to them talking to these idols made from stone. Perhaps, these don't know that God is on record as saying, "In vain do they worship Me - teaching man made doctrines."

Yes admittedly, we have been led astray by men who teach darkness as if what they taught was enlightenment. However, this is our hope. That when God who is Spirit reveals His thoughts to one of His chosen prophets, it expresses to man the mind of the Lord. That is, GOD is Love. God is long suffering. God is compassionate and altogether merciful. God is not willing that any should perish.

And because of His love for His beloved creation, God has revealed Himself as pure humanity. In this context, humanity is a spiritual attribute! God decided to reveal Himself in form. JESUS is God in spiritual form. And us? We are earthly images of God’s spiritual form and as such we should grow and multiply on earth.

But as we also know, the devil got in the way messing up God's original plan. Fortunately, this was not a surprise to God. But the detour did cause man to have a choice to make - to either choose good or evil. To choose the God who loved us enough to be in the world -- the same world that was made by Him -- knowing that He was not welcome, or to compromise for the things of this world. (John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18)

This is your call. Your choice. When Adam and Eve were removed from the Eden paradise because man made the wrong choice, we were thrust into a world of sin and woe. As a consequence, religious institutions took over and wars too,  often religiously instigated. Don't fall for the deception of this world. Don't let those who don't study the scriptures to lead and guide you into the way of destruction.

Admittedly, in the beginning of our faith journey, it will be difficult, because we are usually walking into our faith unarmed, not knowing what came before, and how our God willingly became our Saviour. It is for this reason that we diligently read and learn from His Word, allowing the King of kings and Lord of lords to lead and direct us into all truth.

And remember to pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore, for He is our Light, and Bread of Life. He is faithful, never leaving us nor forsaking us. As Peter said to Jesus, "Where can we go, for You have the words of life." No truer statement could be said. It is for this reason that we press into the mark of our high calling, which is Christ Jesus, our Lord God Almighty in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

God was in the man JESUS the Christ. JESUS was all the fullness of the Humanity of God revealed in earthly fashion.

Oh LORD my God are Your wonderful works which you have done. Your thoughts are always of us - [about us] - if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." Still, SACRIFICE and OFFERINGS You did not desire. You did not desire burnt offerings and sin offering.

MY EARS LORD you have opened and I have heard Your words, which is why I now understand that we - believers in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- are to stand in the offering plate -- because You Lord Jesus have become in our hearts our all in all. 

Woe, For Ye Have Taken Away The Key of Knowledge -- Part 1784

Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the world!"

Therefore, the people who formally sat in darkness can now become privy to seeing a great light. The blinders have come off, allowing us to see and understand the heavenly -- the Kingdom of God. Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees that the Kingdom of God has come nigh unto them. The dayspring from on high has visited His people. It is obvious from their repeated responses, that these did not understand what Jesus was saying. Instead, these referred to the earthly, the worldly, having not understood the spiritual.

As believers, most of us can attest to having been in this place, wherein we were void of the knowledge of God. It is only when the Lord reveals Himself to us (in our hearts) that we begin to seek the things of God, desiring His purposes in our heart. It is at this point that we begin to understand who JESUS is, and how on earth He hid His glory from men. Even those who sought to make Jesus King, because He knew the intents of their heart.

There is an interesting scripture in Luke 11:52 -- Jesus is saying to the scribes and Pharisees, and the lawyers who were seeking to catch something out of His mouth so that they might accuse Him, "Woe unto you lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered." (Luke 11:52-54)

The key of knowledge being Jesus.

Elaborating further, let's examine the time the Lord ascended into a mountain to pray, accompanied with three of His disciples, namely Peter, James, and John. The three disciples fell into sleep and whilst in sleep, they saw a vision. In the vision, they saw that JESUS' facial appearance change and His raiment become white and glistening.

The two persons speaking with JESUS were Moses and Elias who had appeared out of glory. Here they were conversing with JESUS - and conversing about JESUS' death which would occur at Jerusalem. (Note that Moses was the individual who was appointed of God to introduce the Law (commandments) in the Old Testament and Elias was a representative of the prophets). When the disciples awakened they saw JESUS' glory and the two others standing with JESUS.

What was their response? The disciples said, "Let us build here three tabernacles, one for you JESUS and one for Moses and another for Elijah."

Note that their suggestion was met with an immediate reaction. One might say an unforeseen reaction. A cloud suddenly overshadowed them causing fear to fall upon the disciples. As they entered into the cloud they heard a voice from the midst of the cloud saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear and listen to Him." When the covering cloud diminished, the only one that was left standing was JESUS - the beloved Son. (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28) Only JESUS, who shall save His people from their sins. But I digress.

Further, in Hebrews, we read that Moses was faithful to God during his earthly life. In terms of dispensing the Law to the people, Moses did so as a servant. Indeed, the prophets spoke as the Spirit of God gave them prophetic utterances. Actually, it was the Spirit of the Christ that spoke through them (the Spirit of Christ - the Spirit of God’s humanity being revealed to man). In other words, the pure humanity of God in totality is found revealed in the Christ of God.

In sum then, JESUS is the builder of the house (temple) of God, of which He - God - as a Son is the corner stone. Therefore, this spiritual building that God Himself as a Son is constructing consists not of brick and mortar. In fact, God Himself as a Son is the cornerstone of this temple. Within this temple, there is no animal slaughter and there is no man made priesthood.

For it is God who has sacrificed Himself as a Son. And He did so as the perfect sacrifice once and for all! Therefore, there is no other sacrifice required inasmuch as the blood and body of the holy Spirit of God was the once and for all sacrifice. This means that there is no more offering for any sin from henceforth accepted by the eternal Spirit of our Lord God and Saviour. And it similarly means that there is no further need for priests or mediators. Why is this? Because it was God who as a Son was tempted and tried in all points before being crucified.

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) He robed Himself so that He could be in the world, the same world that was made by Him, and we knew Him not. "He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

He then - JESUS - is our ONLY bishop and our ONLY High Priest. Our ONLY mediator.

God in Christ being more than capable of succoring us in all trials and temptations. This explains why we now understand that the voice from the cloud said, "This is MY BELOVED SON. Hear and listen to Him." So, if the holy Spirit of God has declared that mankind ought to hear and listen to the Christ who is the Holy Spirit’s Only Begotten and Beloved Son, who is the Word of God Himself, the same God who created all things, then why would any one desire to establish religious institutions or forms of worship in an effort to vainly worship another?

This is a good question! And, as Jesus repeatedly warns, "Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." (Luke 12:1)

The key of knowledge is JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.