For All The Promises Of God In Him Are Yea, And In Him Amen, Unto The Glory Of God By Us - Part 1968

For as much as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first ..." (Luke 1:1-3)

In this context, the Word of God is predictable and sure, because therein the pages of the scriptures, God has given us His Word. His precious Word so that we -- you and I -- can have abundant life in Him. And as we can see from Luke, we can achieve that perfect understanding of all things from the very first, when we seek our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4)

This is why we can be assured that in Him -- the Word made flesh -- "was life and the life was the light of men, and the Light shines in darkness: and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:4-5; I John 5:11; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 12:46)

Moreover, Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life." (John 8:12; I Thessalonians 5:5) In another place, Jesus tells the multitudes that He is The Bread of Life, The Living Water, the very sustenance that we need to fulfill His purpose in our life. And that, when we search His promises, desiring the sincere milk of His Word, we will grow thereby. (I Peter 2:2)

"But the Word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (I Peter 1:25)

You see, God never intended for His beloved people to be appointed us to wrath, but rather, to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him ..." (I Thessalonians 5:9-10; Romans 9:22; II Thessalonians 2:13; II Corinthians 5:15) 

This is why we give thanks always to God, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you and I to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth ... whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:13-14; Ephesians 1:4; I Thessalonians 1:4; I Peter 1:2; I Peter 5:10) 

"For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (II Corinthians 1:20)

Thus, even in the midst of chaos and tribulation, we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith can have "much assurance" because we have been filled with His abundant joy and with the Holy Ghost. (I Thessalonians 1:5-6; Mark 16:20; II Corinthians 6:6; Hebrews 2:3; Acts 5:41; Acts 13:52) Yes, because of the love and kindness of God our Saviour toward man appeared, we can depart from the presence of those who counsel against us, "rejoicing that [we too] were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name." (Acts 5:41; Titus 2:13; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16)

In other words, stand firm on the promises of our Lord God. Because "now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 6:8) 

Stand in the offering plate.

Be Strong And Of A Good Courage; Fear Not, Nor Be Afraid Of Them: For The Lord thy God He It Is That Doth Go With Thee; He Will Not Fail Thee, Nor Forsake Thee - Part 1967

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." So that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:5-6; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a Rock." (Psalm 27:1

"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord takes my part with the that help me; therefore, shall I see my desire upon them that hate me." (Psalm 118:6)

As the psalmist David points out, it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Further, it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. Because when all the nations compass about us, in the Name of the Lord will they be destroyed. This is not just stated once, but David states this same message again. They compassed [surrounded] me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them.

"They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns; for in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them. Thou hast trust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles [tents] of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord." (Psalm 118:6-17; Psalm 56:9; Psalm 54:4; Psalm 59:10; Psalm 40:4; Psalm 146:3; Isaiah 12:2; Psalm 73:28)

And who is the Lord? The stone which the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner, and it is the Lord's doing (not ours) and it should be marvellous in our eyes. Who is the Lord? As David so aptly points out, "God is the Lord ... Thou art my God and I will praise Thee; Thou art my God, I will exalt the." (Psalm 117:27-28)

Yes, indeed, this is the day which the Lord hath made; rejoice and be glad in it because blessed be He that comes in the Name of the Lord! In this current dispensation of grace, wherein we are alive, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. It is He who hears your supplications. This is why we seek Him with the whole heart and walk in His ways, and are not ashamed.

Stand in the offering plate.

Let Brotherly Love Continue ... Let Him Ask In Faith, Nothing Wavering - Part 1966

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures ..." (James 1:17-18) 

"So mightily grew the Word of God  and prevailed ..." (Acts 19:20)

One of the key commandments we receive in His Word -- the Word of the Lord God Almighty --is to let brotherly love continue, forgetting not to entertain strangers, for thereby, in so doing, we may entertain angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:1) This includes remembering them that are in bonds, as being bound with them, and also them which suffer adversity, as being ourselves also suffering adversity in the body. In another place, the apostles chose seven men full of the Holy Ghost to serve tables, and to help care for the orphans and the widows. Together, these good works communicate to those who are without hope the peace and joy that we have within, because we willingly asked Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in our heart, being water baptized in His precious Name -- Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 19:)

The dialogue between the rich man and the Lord Jesus is instructive because the Lord is sharing with the man wherein should be his life priorities. That is, first to "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One Lord" and second, to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Plus, through the love and peace that we receive from the Lord in our hearts -- His mercy and kindness and grace in our very essence -- we then desire to reach out and love one another. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4) In other words, we learn to let the Lord flow through us to those around us.

This very same love in witnessed in one of Jesus' parables, wherein Jesus shares with His disciples beforehand that the Son of man (who is Jesus) shall be delivered unto the hands of men. (Luke 9:44; Matthew 17:22-23) 

Herein, the Lord Jesus tells of a certain man who went into a far country to receive for Himself a kingdom. And now, as we witness in the parable, the Lord Jesus (the certain man who planted the vineyard and set a hedge about it) has returned to gather those who believe in Him. But in the interim, He has sent prophets, and the psalmist to warn them of the times to come, if the people choose not submit to the Lord God. And then He sends the Son and we all know what happened to Him. But now I am getting ahead of myself. The parable from Mark 12: 

"A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the wine fat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season, He sent to the husbandmen a servant, that He might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again He sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again He sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. 

Having yet therefore one s/Son, His well beloved, He sent Him also last unto them, saying, "They will reverence My s/Son." But those husbandmen said among themselves, "This is the heir; come, let us kill Him, and the inheritance shall be ours." And they took Him, and killed Him, and cast Him out of the vineyard. 

"What shall therefore the Lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The s/Stone which the builders rejected is become the Head of the corner. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?"

It is no wonder, as the Lord Jesus so aptly states, that "they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way." (Mark 12:1-12) Still, as we know from the old covenant, the Lord God continually laboured with the Israelites (the Jews) and did everything to bring them back to Him. He gave them manna from heaven in the desert, and provided springs of living water for them to drink. But they would not listen, preferring to worship instead the golden calf in whoredom. 

In fact, "How oft," said the Lord, would He have gathered His children unto Him in the same way that a hen gathers her chicks, but His people would not listen. So the Lord reached out instead to a people that were not originally His people, to extend to them His offer of life everlasting. But to do so, the Lord Jesus had to make everyone - both Jew and Gentile, both male and female, both bond and free - equal so that we could all (by repenting and being water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus) be one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28; Acts 2:36-41)

You see, from the very beginning, our Lord God and Saviour has sent His servants and prophets, and the psalmist also, to invite His beloved people back into the kingdom of God. But sadly, and far too often, the people would not listen, killing and maiming those who proclaimed the Word of the Lord. So finally, God sends His only begotten Son (God Himself manifest in the flesh -- I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) to become our Saviour.  The body of Christ church which He hath purchased with His own blood.

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

"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." (Acts 20:28)

Just as Jesus shared with His disciples in the parable, they killed the s/Son too because they recognized Him to be the heir. What these did not know is that in crucifying Jesus, He became victorious in all things. "All power is given unto Me," Jesus said, which is why He could also state, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6; Matthew 28:18) 

Yes, "by Him therefore let us offer the sacrifices of praise to God continually." What is the sacrifice of praise to God? As the scripture states, that is, the fruit of our lips GIVING THANKS TO HIS NAME! (Hebrews 13:15) 

The ONLY Name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The Name above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) His Name? As the angel of the Lord declared, His Name shall be JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

And today? We are "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works!" (Titus 2:13-14)

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

Sanctified By The Word Of God And Prayer; Sanctify Them Through Thy Truth: Thy Word Is Truth.- Part 1965

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (I Peter 3:15)

"Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate ...." (Hebrews 13:12)

" ... that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word ..." (Ephesians 5:26)

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

Sanctify is one of those words with several meetings, all of which can be applied herein. First, sanctify is to set apart because the Lord God is the reason for the hope in our hearts. Second, sanctify is likened to purify, wherein we are purified by His own precious blood which He shed on the cross for you and I. It is for this reason that "He is precious!" as the Word states. Third, sanctify makes us legitimate and binding in God's eyes, approved and authorized, because we have been washed of water by the Word. 

That is, water baptism in the precious Name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. (Acts 2:36-41; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 19:1-7; Acts 22:16) And for clarity, water baptism follows repentance of the heart, wherein we ask the Lord Jesus to forgive us of our sins, and we ask Him to be both Lord and Christ in our hearts. (Acts 2:36) Thus, when we go into the water, we are buried with Christ. When we come out of the water, we are resurrected with Christ. (Romans 6:3-4)

You see, when we study the Word to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word, we should not be carried away with divers and strange doctrines for we will know the truth that sets us free. Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17) This is the hinging point for our salvation. If we love the Lord with everything we have, and continue gladly in the apostle's doctrine, we will know too, that the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus -- that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant will make us perfect in every good work, His will working in you. (Hebrews 13:20-21) 

Thus, by Him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually -- that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name. (Hebrews 13:15) What is His Name in this current dispensation of grace? His Name is Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

"For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace ..." (Hebrews 13:9)

Stand in the offering plate.

And It Shall Come To Pass, That Whosoever Shall Call On The Name Of The Lord Shall Be Saved - Part 1964

"The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say: and [may] the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound. Therefore, I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." (II Timothy 2:6-10)

"For whether He were Husbandman, or Shepherd, or a Labourer in the field, He was overtaken, and endured that necessity, which could not be avoided: for they were all bound with one chain of darkness." (Wisdom of Solomon 17:17)

This explains why in these last times -- "Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until He receives the early and latter rain." (James 5:7)

That is, the same Almighty God who created the world clothed Himself in the form of earthly sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin), in order that we who believe in Jesus the Christ by faith, and obey His commandments -- to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love to love one another -- would obtain life everlasting. He was in the world and the world made by Him and the world knew Him not. Likewise, He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

But when the humanity of God was on that cross, His hands pierced for one and all to behold, we were given a second chance to put our trust in Him. A second opportunity to dine at His most elaborate wedding feast -- being clothed in His righteousness and love.

As the scriptures tell us -- "For God so loved the world ..." (John 3:16) 

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

The Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His friends, we are instructed to "hear ye Him ..." 

Indeed, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

Thus, if we liken this same husbandman to a farmer in today's world, for example, then we know that the husbandman has sown much seed upon the ground and planted many trees. But if the seed which is sown good in the season comes not up, or that which is planted does not take root, "even so is it of them that are sown in the world, they shall not all be saved."  Or, if the husbandman's seed should perish, if it receives not rain in due season, or if there comes too much rain, it will then become corrupted.

Neither of these outcomes are the farmer's intent, for the farmer (like the Lord our God husbandman) would that all would come to fruition, and flourish. As the scripture states, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:8-10)

And to the Jews: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that kills the prophets, and stones them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34)

The same analogy (wherein we are likened unto the husbandman's seed) can be used to describe the destiny of mankind. But the good news is that when we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith willingly and gladly lend our ear and heart to hear His voice -- the same man which God formed with His own hands in the beginning, breathing the breath of life into the earthly Adam, the same Lord who has created us all in His own image, and made us as the offspring like unto Him, is constantly calling us into His fold -- the body of Christ church.

But do we (His created beloved) even realize that we -- for whose sake He the Lord has made all things -- desires for you and I to have a personal relationship with Him -- He who is precious? This is why we are likened unto the husbandman's seed, because the Lord of glory Himself is beckoning us to become inheritors of His goodness and grace. He is calling us to be one of His beloved who like the farmer's seed will come forth to fruition, fulfilling His purposes which He wrote in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb.  

Yes, He formed mankind in His own image. And as the scriptures so often tell -- "Like as the field is, so is also the seed; as the flowers be, such are the colours also; such as the workman is, such also is the work; and as the husbandman is Himself, so is his husbandry also: for it was the time of the world."

This is why right now, the Lord is pleading with all flesh to behold His glory and to turn their hearts to Him. Indeed, hear ye the Word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His Word -- "your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My Name's sake, said, "Let the Lord be glorified" but He shall appear to "your joy" ...  and they shall be ashamed." (Isaiah 66:5)

"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." (Isaiah 61:9; Revelation 3:8-9)

Thus, greatly rejoice in the Lord, and let your soul be joyful in God, for He hath clothed Jesus (as we now know Him by His Name in the New Testament side) with the garments of salvation. He hath covered Him with the robe of righteousness as a bridegroom decks Himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. And we are being invited into the most elaborate wedding feast of all time. Hearken unto His voice and know that He is God whose love is displayed continually in the heavens for us to see.

"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 the nations." (Isaiah 61:10-11)

 This day hath He given you salvation. This day hear His voice, and come unto Him. His Name is Jesus, and yes, He shall save you from all your sins.

Stand in the offering plate. 

That The God Of Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father Of Glory, May Give Unto You The Spirit Of Wisdom And Revelation In The Knowledge Of Him - Part 1963

"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." (Acts 20:28)

"In whom we have redemption thorough His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 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; 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 ..." (Ephesians 1:7-14)

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who THROUGH the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" And for this cause He is the mediator of the New Testament .... " (Hebrews 9:14-18; Hebrews 9:8, 26-28)

And, as every man hath received this gift, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God ... so that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever, Amen. (I Peter 4:10-11) The mystery? That this same God who made the world in the beginning was in the world and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) 

The scriptures state that Jesus -- He is the Great I Am. The scriptures state that Jesus is God Almighty manifest in the flesh. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. The son of man being the Lord from heaven. The same Lord who was prophesied to come forth by Isaiah came to earth as a mighty man. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; II John 1:9; Acts 20:28; II Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 1:8; John 1:1-18)

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

Thus, in the greater scheme of things, it was only the deceiving satan who was supposed to be fooled [tricked; bamboozled; conned; deceived; deluded; duped; flimflammed; misled; outfoxed; sucked in] by the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. That is, that after His kindness and love, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) and became as one of us in the form of a Son so that we might have life everlasting. Yes, it was only the cheating enemy which was to wrongly believe that the Lord God did not love His beloved creation enough to willingly shed His precious holy blood on a cross on their behalf. 

For us who believe in Jesus by faith, He gives us a more fulfilling life, that goes beyond the desires of this world, wherein for the name of Christ, happy are we. It is in this context that it was never intended for His beloved creation -- you and I -- to be blinded from the greatest love story ever told -- that in the man Christ Jesus, God made His abode, and provided Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins on a cross.

Because of His perfect sacrifice, His kindness and love, His desire to commune with His beloved, that in Him we can rejoice, inasmuch as we have become partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy. (I Peter 4:13)

And yes, this sis why we endure all things for the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. Believe in His wondrous and most precious love this day, and don't allow anyone who has erred concerning the truth to move you away from the foundation of God which stands sure.

We have so very much to be thankful for. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus because as we know, the husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits. Stand in the offering plate.

We Which Have The First Fruits Of The Spirit, Within Ourselves, Waiting For The Adoption, To Wit, The Redemption Of Our Body - Part 1962

"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: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 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)

For purposes of clarity, earthly house refers to our physical bodies. We have been born the image of the earthy. In another place, apostle Paul writes about the first man [Adam] being of the earth, but the second man [Jesus] is the Lord from heaven. (I Corinthians 15:47) 

And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith shall also bear the image of the heavenly. "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." (I Corinthians 15:50) 

Paul goes on to reveal to us a mystery. That is, we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In fact, as the scripture states, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting, O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:47-57)

Indeed, Jesus said, "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent." (Revelation 3:18-19)

You see, there is a promise of the Lord, wherein He wants to bring us to the next step of understanding of life in Him. It is in this context that while we who believe may be in the world, we are not of this world. How do we know? Because like Jesus said to the impotent man who had an infirmity thirty-eight years, He has made us whole. We no longer are troubled trying to get into the pool before the others so that we can receive a blessing too, but rather, we have heard Jesus saying to us in our hearts, "Rise, take up thy bed and walk!" (John 5:6-9)

And in this context, we have been cured for life, from the ailments of this world, because we know that our earthly houses are only temporary. We have a higher hope in our Lord God and Saviour whose promises are true. And as He has stated, we have proven the Lord to be who He said He is.

Therefore, as Paul writes to the believing saints at Corinth, "we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.

Wherefore, henceforth, know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [Him] no more. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. 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 5:1-21)

Emmanuel, being interpreted, is God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) Simeon recognized Jesus as the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:26) Mary recognized Jesus to be God her Saviour. (Luke 1:46-47) Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And the apostles going forward in this current dispensation of grace told those who gladly received the Word that God became our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6-12)

And we being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Let those with eyes to see, see and ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

For The Kingdom Of God Is Not In Word, But In Power; He Restores Our Souls, Wherein He Leads Us Into Paths Of Righteousness For His Name’s Sake.-- Part 1961

Jesus asked the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection, "Do ye not therefore err, because ye have known not the scriptures, neither the power of God?" (Mark 12:24-30)

"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)

When we begin our life journey on this earth, we are all born into sin. As the scriptures state, we have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But the good news is this. When we ask Jesus to be both our Lord and Saviour, our hearts begin to change, desiring His goodness and grace over the things of this world. 

"Being 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;!" (Romans 3:24-25)

Indeed, He is precious! Because of His love and kindness for us, God our Saviour toward man appeared. And, as a consequence of His willingness to shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I, we can be set free from all the entanglements of this world. Therefore, as believers in Jesus by faith, no longer are we servants of corruption because He has cleansed us from all unrighteousness. Not because of what we can do, or have done, but because the Lord of glory, the dayspring from on high loved us so much as His beloved, that He would visit His people.

It is for this reason we gladly stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. And consequently, the God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)

Thus, all the promises of God in Christ then being yea and amen, unto the glory of God by us.

As apostle Paul said, "Now He which stablishes us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Moreover, I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand." (II Corinthians 1:20-24)

But there is even more joy in serving the Lord Jesus whose promises are true.  This is why those who believe in Jesus by faith can confidently move forward knowing that when we are in  Christ, we are a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (Ii Corinthians 1:20-24)

The same Word which was with God and was God that was made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-18) Emmanuel, being interpreted -- God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) Certainly, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:26) Mary the mother of Jesus recognized Him to be God her Saviour. (Luke 1:46-47) Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And the apostles on the day of Pentecost told those who gladly received the Word in their hearts that this same Jesus whom they [we] had/have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (II Peter 3:14-18)

Jesus Himself said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6-12)

Why do we need a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus? Because the same God who made the world in the very beginning was in the world and although the world did not recognize Jesus for who He was [as the scripture states -- the world knew Him not] our hearts need to desire more of Him.

Our hearts need to respond to this same He [God Himself] who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18) He is the Great I Am. God Almighty manifest in the flesh as Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 3:16) The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) The son of man being the Lord from heaven. (Matthew 12:8; Psalm 24:10; Matthew 25:31-46) The same Lord who was prophesied to come forth by Isaiah came to earth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; II John 1:9; Acts 20:28; II Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 1:8; John 1:1-18)

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

This is why we "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." (Acts 20:28)

Because without His blood on the doorposts of our heart, and having cleared our conscience toward God through water baptism in His Name -- the precious Name of the Lord Jesus, we miss our higher calling wherein He willingly restores our souls. As the scriptures state, "therefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But instead grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For it is to Him that the glory be, both now and for ever. Amen.

Stand in the offering plate.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Lord Of Glory - Part 1960

"But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed ..." (James 1:25)

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:17-18)

James goes onto clarify the criteria of "being a doer of the work of the Lord" and not just hearers only, wherein we could, as the scripture states be deceiving ourselves. As well, James refers to our Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord of glory. (James 2:1) James' writing is consistent with the apostles. For example, Peter, also, while standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost told the first 3,000 souls saved that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

However, the modern day religious culture is presenting new terminology in reference to the Lord God Almighty that can not be found anywhere in the scriptures. And this outcome, even though believers in Jesus by faith have been instructed against "adding" to the Word of God. A perfect example is in reference to the the term "Father God" which has become extremely popular in religious circles. In fact, the use of the term Father God is being proliferated by those in ministerial positions -- even when there is absolutely no scriptural reference anywhere in the Bible where this term is used.

The question then is this. If God is God, then why do we feel the need to change/introduce/add to the Word of God? Are the scriptures not sufficient for telling us who the Lord God is? Can we as His beloved not accept that His Word is truth, because as Jesus said, we are sanctified by truth. (John 17:17)

For clarity, believers should know that whenever God as a Father is referenced in the scriptures, the Word states -- God our Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, or similarly, the Holy Ghost as the Father which overshadowed Mary wherein she would bring forth a son. (Luke 1:35)

Why is this important? Because James instructs us not to err. (James 1:16) And if any man teach another gospel, as apostle Paul states, "let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)  Anathema Mar-an-a-tha to those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 16:22)

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

And similarly, that we who believe are 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: grace unto you and peace be multiplied. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you; who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time ... being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible by the Word of God which lives and abides forever." (I Peter 1:3-5; I Peter 1 23)

Also, that we how believe "should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ, in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise -- which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:12-13)

But I digress somewhat. How does the scriptures refer to God? Following are a sampling of scriptures which should help us to understand His truth.

"In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters ..." (Genesis 1:1-2)

"For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God ..." (Deuteronomy 10:17; Revelation 1:8)

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh ..." (Jeremiah 32:37)

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek ..." (Isaiah 61:1)

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness ...." (Psalm 48:1)

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:28)

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance. The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men." (Psalm 33:12-13)

"Know ye the LORD He is God; It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." (Psalm 100:3)

"Exalt ye the Lord our God and worship at His footstool; for He is holy." (Psalm 99:5)

"God is the Lord ..." (Psalm 118:27)

"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:7)

"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 1:3)

"Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 1:2) 

"Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 1:2)

"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:2)

"To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Colossians 1:2)

"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 1:1)

"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ ... Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:1-2)

"Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord." (I Timothy 1:2)

"Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philemon 1:3)

And to ensure that we are clear on who God is -- "To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)

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)

His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. Yes, God became our Saviour so that we might have manifold more in this life, and everlasting life in the next. Don't let the misunderstandings of religious circles deceive you from knowing the truth that is in His Word, but rather study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead. And consequently, He abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. His Word given so that we can find life in Him. He is God our Saviour, and He knows them that are His, because we seek His truth in all things. Therefore, hold fast to the good news gospel -- that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us. And when it comes to the truth of His Word, let us not err, knowing that the foundation of God stands sure.

Be strong then in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

They Also That Erred In Spirit Shall Come To Understanding, And They That Murmured Shall Learn Doctrine - Part 1959

Jesus asked the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection, "Do ye not therefore err, because ye known not the scriptures, netter the power of God?" (Mark 12:24-30)

"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)

Emmanuel, being interpreted, is God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The dayspring from on high hath visited His people. (Luke 1:78) Simeon recognized Jesus as the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:26) Mary recognized Jesus to be God her Saviour. (Luke 1:46-47) Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) told the people that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And the apostles going forward in this current dispensation of grace told those who gladly received the Word that God became our Saviour.

Jesus Himself said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6-12)

Why? Because the same God who made the world was in the world and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. He is the Great I Am. God Almighty manifest in the flesh as Christ Jesus. The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. The son of man being the Lord from heaven. The same Lord who was prophesied to come forth by Isaiah came to earth as a mighty man. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13; II John 1:9; Acts 20:28; II Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 1:8; John 1:1-18)

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

And the apostles in the new? "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." (Acts 20:28)

In fact, it was only satan who was supposed to be fooled by our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ having clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (and yet without sin) as a son. It was only the enemy which was to deceived into thinking that the Lord God did not love His beloved creation enough to willingly shed His precious holy blood on their behalf. As such, it was never intended for His beloved creation -- you and I -- to be blinded from the greatest love story ever told. 

That is, how the same Almighty God who created the world clothed Himself in the form of earthly flesh, in order that we who believe in Jesus the Christ by faith, and obey His commandments would find life everlasting. 

We certainly witness this very same love in one of Jesus' parables, wherein Jesus told His disciples beforehand that the Son of man shall be delivered unto the hands of men. (Luke 9:44; Matthew 17:22-23) Herein, Jesus tells of a certain nobleman who went into a far country to receive for Himself a kingdom. And now, as we witness in the parable, He has returned to gather those who believe in Him. Jesus' parable from Mark 12: 

"A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season He sent to the husbandmen a servant, that He might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again He sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again He sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. 

Having yet therefore one son, His well beloved, He sent Him also last unto them, saying, "They will reverence My son." But those husbandmen said among themselves, "This is the heir; come, let us kill Him, and the inheritance shall be ours." And they took Him, and killed Him, and cast Him out of the vineyard. 

"What shall therefore the Lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The Stone which the builders rejected is become the Head of the corner. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?"

It is no wonder, as Jesus states, that "they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way." (Mark 12:1-12) From the beginning of time, our Lord God and Saviour has sent His servants and prophets, and the psalmist also, to invite His beloved people back into the kingdom of God. But sadly, and far too often, the people would not listen so finally, God sends His only begotten Son (God manifest in the flesh -- I Timothy 3:16) to become our Saviour. 

As Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) told the first 3,000 souls to be saved, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36-41) He paid the ultimate price for our transgressions by shedding His precious blood on a cross for you and I. Indeed, God became our Saviour. He prepared a body wherein He could become the perfect sacrifice on a cross.

"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." (Acts 20:28)

Indeed, don't let the deceivers of this modern day religious culture draw you away from the Lord Jesus Christ who is not the God of the dead, but rather the God of the living. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed, the Lord our God is One Lord, and He is so faithful to those who willingly worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Those who will gladly receive the Word. (Acts 2:36) So many examples within the New Testament Bible to set us free from the worldly entanglements. 

Behold, God is our salvation, and in this dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. Take hold of the good news gospel today. Press into the King of kings and Lord of lords who loves us beyond measure.

Stand in the offering plate.