To Whom Will Ye Liken Me, And Make Me Equal, And Compare Me, That We May Be Like? - Part 2075

"Let them praise the Name of the Lord: for His Name alone is excellent; His glory [is] above the earth and heaven." (Psalm 148:13)

In this current dispensation of grace, the Lord God's Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:18-23) After the kindness and love of God our saviour! Thus, when Jesus said, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life" God Himself was informing us of His true identity -- that He -- Jesus -- was God manifest in the flesh! The fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. The Word made flesh, dwelling amongst us so that we could find abundant life in Him.

As the Lord through Isaiah so often proclaimed, "... O God of Israel, the Saviour!" (Isaiah 45:15) 

"Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together; who hat declared this from ancient time? who hath told it form that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour, there is none beside Me. Look unto Me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth; for I AM God, and there is none else ..." (Isaiah 45:21-22)

Yes, He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own but His own knew Him not. (John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16) 

As the scripture saith, Jesus is the King of kings, and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. Indeed, as the Lord said, " ... for I am God and there is none else; I am God and there is none like Me!" (Isaiah 46:9)

Certainly, Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost made it clear -- "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36-41)

Thus, when we begin to understand that the Lord our God in whom we serve cannot be likened to another, or made equal with another, then we will truly understand that God is the same He, who willingly and of His own choosing, robed Himself in flesh so that He could offer us His free gift of salvation. And similarly, the reason He said, "To whom will ye liken Me, and make Me equal, and compare Me, that we may be like?" (Isaiah 46:5)

But instead, as the Lord our God also declared, "They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith, and he maketh it a god; they fall down, ye they worship. They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors." (Isaiah 6-7)

It is no wonder we are called to come out from among them so we do not suffer their plagues. Nevertheless, remember the former things of old, saith the Lord -- for I am God, and there is NONE ELSE; I am God and there is none like Me ... declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, "My counsel shall stand and I will do all My pleasure." (Isaiah 46:5-10)

Indeed, as the Lord God said, "I am He, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you ..." (Isaiah 46:4) 

In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory! Again, we have so very much to be thankful for, which is why He deserves all the glory and honour and praise.  Who is He? This same JESUS -- the Good Shepherd who laid down His life -- His humanity -- for His sheep, whilst we were still enemies. Now that is love beyond measure!

Stand in the offering plate.

Howbeit For This Cause I Obtained Mercy; Believe on Jesus Christ To Life Everlasting - Part 2074

"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting" (I Timothy 1:16)

In order to believe, we need to have faith. Why? Because as the Bible states, faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please our Lord God and Saviour. For he or she that comes to Jesus must first believe that He is. That our Almighty King -- Jesus is the rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him.

Further, faith is a gift. It is in this context that Jesus has given to every one of us a measure of faith. Faith comes by hearing and the hearing by the Word. The Word -- Jesus. (I John 5:7) In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us!" (John 1:1-18)

Thus, faith is not something that we can conjure up in our minds. If it were, then faith would be akin to works. But the scriptures repeatedly state that faith is not of works but a gift of God. To obtain that gift, we have believe. Only believe, the scripture saith. But believe in whom?

" ... even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference ... to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:22-26)

"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:4-9)

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (I Corinthians 1:21)

Therefore, as the apostles so oft proclaimed "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)

But there is so much more when we abide in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- when we take Him at His w/Word, and believe in His instructions for our day to day. Why? Because our salvation is found in Him -- when God prepared for Himself a body for sacrifice. But He did not stay on that cross, for if He did, we would be without. However, as so many witnesses proclaimed, Jesus is risen from the dead, because death could not keep the King of kings and Lord of lords captive. 

Thus, "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 .... and what [is] the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power ..." (Ephesians 1:13-19)

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)

Don't be like the fool today who has said in his heart that there is no God. Look around - touch and see that the Almighty -- the same Almighty who created us in the beginning and then later as an act of love for His people shed His holy Spirit blood on the cross for our transgressions -- He is everywhere, omnipresent, yet desiring to have a family comprised of those who desire His purpose in their own lives. 

His handiwork for one and all to behold!

Most of all, look to Jesus as your Lord and Christ too. For He is the great I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. In the beginning God. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let the Word -- Jesus -- arise in your heart today. Hear His whisper saying, "Look to Me all you people for I AM the Lord your God. Beside Me there is no Saviour." 

Stand in the offering plate.

But One Is Your Master -- Even Christ - Part 2073

Jesus said, "Blessed is he that comes in the Name of the Lord!" What is our Lord's Name? As the angel of the Lord God said, "And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins."   (Matthew 1:18-23)

Herein, Jesus is speaking to the chosen from the Old Testament side who have burdened society by their   actions because the works they do are not from the heart, but rather to prove their own self-declared authority to those around them. But what is Jesus saying here? That there is only One Master -- even Christ. Who is the Christ? As Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) declared, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ."  (Acts 2:36)

The first man, earthy but the second, the Lord from heaven. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He is our all in all! And His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS! 

From Matthew 23:

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, "Rabbi, Rabbi."

But be not ye called Rabbi: for One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

And call no man your father upon the earth: for One is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for One is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, "Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!" Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by Him that sitteth thereon.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.


Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.


Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, and say, "If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, "Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, "Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord." (Matthew 23:1-39)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Dwelling In The Secret Place Of The Most High; Abiding Under The Shadow Of The Almighty - Part 2072

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shews His handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2)

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2)

The most unlikely place that one would suspect the anti Christ to come forth from would be from the church itself. As it is written, even of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves. The scriptures use the following analogy to relate the details. The farmer went out to sow the seed. As he sowed the seed (the seed being the Word of God), some seed fell by the wayside. Other seed fell on stony ground while still some more seed fell among the weeds. If we relate the seed to humans, then the scriptural message becomes clear. That is, not everyone who hears the Word of God shall enter into the kingdom of God. Indeed, only those individuals who hear the Word of God and do it are eligible to enter the Kingdom of God.

As we so often say in these postings - is the word of God coming to you or is the Word of God coming out from you? For if any one should consider themselves to be prophets or spiritual leaders, let them acknowledge that the Words spoken in the Biblical scriptures are the commandments of the Lord. Let it also be noted that the cornerstone of the church is Jesus -- the only begotten Son of the Holy Spirit of God. In Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

The words that were spoken through the mouth of the Lord Jesus were the very Words of the Spirit of God who indwelt the man Jesus, reconciling the world of Adam’s sinful race to Himself. The scriptures state that salvation cannot be achieved in any other name. Salvation can only be obtained in the name Jesus. Why? Because His name -- the name of Jesus is above every other name in heaven and earth.

These points are intended to show people what the scriptures state. At the same time, these scriptural references will (hopefully) dissuade persons who may at this time be engulfed in traditional beliefs, contrary to the doctrinal beliefs that are accurate recorded in the scriptures!. These records are not a contradiction to the Words spoken by the Lord Himself. In fact, the scriptures state -- let God be true and every other a liar -- if they teach doctrines of men that are contrary to apostolic teaching. It is in this context that we find Anti Christ’s everywhere. Remember the seed analogy. Not everyone will hear the gospel.

It is the same with particular church teachings. Was Peter ever a pope? Of course not. Was Peter a married man? Yes he was. In fact, the scriptures state that Peter wife’s mother was sick and the Lord went and healed her. Did Peter greatly err in his conduct toward gentile believers? Yes indeed. Peter was so wrong that Paul the apostle chosen by Jesus to be an apostle to the gentiles withstood Peter face to face. As the scriptures point out, Peter was causing dissension amongst the believers.(Acts 15) Was Peter a pillar in the church? Paul describes it this way. When Paul and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem, they had a meeting with Peter, James and John who seemed to be pillars in the church, adding that whatsoever they were meant nothing to him. (Galatians 1)

Further, is there such a thing as apostolic succession? Not according to the written Word. In Acts I, as a result of Judas' betrayal another had to be chosen to fill his apostleship. So the 120 prayed and cast a vote as to who should be numbered with the other eleven apostles. Mathias was chosen. Note however that the requirement that preceded the vote -- the ones to be selected must have continued with them from Jesus baptism by John the Baptist. This makes apostolic succession or being a conduct of the early Christian church contrary to scriptural teachings. As the scriptures stated earlier, the teachings are either consistent with the scriptures or the teachings are not. When the teachings are not scripturally accurate, then it is a fair assessment to allege that it is a doctrine of anti Christ.

Save yourself from this untoward generation! Besides all of these so called addendum by false apostles, the written Word of the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of Jesus sets the order in His own body by gifting each believer as He wills, for the edification of His own body! Recognize that Jesus is the Head and in all things. Jesus shall have the preeminence.

Stand in the offering plate.

Therefore, Dearly Beloved And Longed For, My Joy And Crown -- Part 2071

When reading Galatians 5, apostle Paul warned believers against being led astray by “another gospel” — which was never preached by the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Indeed, the apostle said that if any man should preach another gospel, let him be accursed. (Acts 2:1-47; Romans 15:20; II Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-7; Revelation 14:6)

Note that herein, apostle Paul is writing to the churches of Galatia — those who professed to believe — about their willingness in so short a time to take hold and believe yet another gospel. In another place, Paul specifies that he and Barnabas were given the right hand of fellowship with James, Cephas and John “who seemed to be pillars” and also preached to the circumcision. (Galatians 2:9)

Ironically, this same scripture cites Paul and Barnabas preaching to the heathen and the poor. Therefore, Paul begins in Galatians 5 by instructing the Galatians/us who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith to “stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1) Obviously, this counsel is insightful because too often, the poor and heathen are oppressed by the powers that be.

But when they hear of JESUS, and how He heals the broken-hearted and the sick, and is equally intent on setting the captives free from societal bondage, they who choose to believe in the same God who later became their Saviour, are filled with His precious peace and joy. Why? For He leads and guides us into all truth.

Remember what Jesus said? "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life! No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6)

In other words, Jesus is not intended to be a fleeting moment, where we read a verse on the way out the door. In fact, the Lord has called us -- invited us into His grace and love, so that we can be set free from the entanglements of this world.

Note too that Galatians 5 is an extension of Acts 15:10 wherein Peter, after the apostles and elders came together to declare the conversion of the Gentiles said, “Now therefore why tempt ye God; to put a yoke upon the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that though the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved!” (Philippians 4:1)

Stand fast — how? By letting our conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ —- that whether apostle Paul be with us or absent, he can say -- “I may hear of your affairs that ye stand fast in ONE SPIRIT, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and in nothing terrified by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you salvation, and that of God.” (Philippians 1:8, 27)

But Paul does not stop there. He wants those who believe to understand that we cannot find salvation in and of ourselves. Because we are saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves -- it is the gift of God. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 1:8)

And thus, He -- Jesus -- should similarly be our all in all!

But, as Paul states -- “Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the WHOLE law.” Why? Because “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:2-4)

Again referencing Acts 15, there were far too many even in those times (including a certain sect of the church) who demanded that we all be circumcised under the manner of Moses, and if we did not, we would not be saved. As one can imagine, given Paul’s instruction to the Gentiles, this caused “no small dissension and disputation.”

I am sure as Paul cites elsewhere, there were many who judged him -- what went in a man’s mouth as sin, and not what came out as the scripture states— that comes from the heart. And continue to do so even though Jesus said, “ … [it is] not that which goeth into the mouth defiles a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” (Matthew 15:11) But I digress.

In Romans 2, we are called “inexcusable” — because whosoever judges another, thou condemns thyself “for thou that judges doeth the same things …” for he is not a Jew which is one outwardly; netter is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart; in the Spirit and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God!” (Romans 2:2, 23-29; Matthew 7:1-5)

It is in this context then that Paul also writes to the saints in Ephesus — “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Again, Paul does not stop there because there is so much more truth to take hold of, and never let go. An example -- “for we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.” (Galatians 5:5-7)

Yes, it is through the Holy Ghost — the Spirit of Jesus Christ — that we wait for the hope of righteousness by faith — “but faith which works by love.” Not by the law/circumcision, nor by uncircumcision, but by faith which works by love.

Still, we do not want to be found wanting in our salvation. As Paul asked the Galatians, -- "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion [cometh] not of Him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear His judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

I would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:1-15)

"But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. [This] I say then, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

And to offer even more clarity regarding salvation, apostle Paul distinguishes between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit ...

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts -- if we live in the Spirit, [then] let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:16-26)

Stand fast in the offering plate.

Keep Looking Up For Our Redemption Draws Nigh - Part 2070

"... and I will say to [them which were] not My people, Thou [art] My people; and they shall say "[Thou art] my God." (Hosea 2:23)

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

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. ..." (Daniel 12:1-4)

Increasingly, the events in the world are pointing to the soon return of the Lord Jesus for His people, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ! (Titus 2:13) Thus, it is time for the body of Christ to awaken from their slumber and preach the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, I encourage each and every one of you to seek the Lord Jesus in your heart, and if you have not (as of yet) repented of your sins, ask Jesus into your heart and life, and be water baptized in His precious Name -- in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-41) 

As the scripture states, then you will be filled with the Holy Ghost, the Comforter who will lead and guide you into all truth. But like the parable Jesus told of the five wise virgins, and those who were foolish, the oil in the foolish virgins' lamps was lacking. As some might say, the latter lacked the spiritual insight to find their Lord God and Saviour. 

Sadly, we see this happening all around us. People are attending church in droves, but are still worshipping essentially an unknown god. They may even be reading the scriptures but don't understand the Lord in whom they are supposed to serve. Perhaps, they have been short on discernment, wherein they have not asked the Lord Jesus to give them the eyes to see. As a consequence, those who are foolish fall short in having the faith to believe. Or they attend an assembly wherein the teachings do not align with the scriptures, but they have compromised and settled for the status quo.

But the time is coming when compromise will not win the day, and our pew warming has to end, if we are to be faithful to the very end.  As Jesus shares in the parable, the foolish ask the wise virgins to help them understand but the wise don't want to be short of oil either -- for they know their bridegroom is coming. 

And indeed, the bridegroom is coming. Before then, we need to cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, and water baptized (buried) in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- as Peter, standing with the eleven told the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost. 

But you don't have to wait until that day. Read Paul's instructions to the Gentiles. Find out what it is like to walk in the Spirit, and allow the Lord to establish your steps. Most of all, don't be fooled into believing that what Jesus said -- the Word -- is not intended for this day. Read I Corinthians 12-13-14 in entirety so that the purpose the Lord placed in your heart whilst you were still in your mother's womb can come to fruition. 

He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, the Almighty God who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood for you and I. Find yourself a New Testament and begin reading. You will not be disappointed! 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Therefore Also Now, Saith The Lord, Turn Ye Even To Me With All Your Heart, And With Fasting, And With Weeping And With Mourning, And Rend Your Heart Unto The Lord Your God - Part 2069

"Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble,
as a strong people set in battle array.

Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.

They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: and the Lord shall utter His voice before His army: for His camp is very great: for He is strong that executeth His Word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

"Therefore also now," saith the Lord, "turn ye even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil."

Who knows if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of His chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, "Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them:
wherefore should they say among the people, "Where is their God?"

Then will the Lord be jealous for His land, and pity His people. Yea, the Lord will answer and say unto His people, "Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen: but I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things. Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied,
and praise the Name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and My people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and My people shall never be ashamed.

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call." (Joel 2:1-32) 

Is this the experience which was previously spoken of by the prophet Joel? Is this what the scriptures intended when we read that in the last days the Lord would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh? 

Certainly, Joel prophesies of the last days. As well, in Acts 2 it is revealed that not only do the heavens open but we see the outpouring of God‘s Spirit into the lives of Adam‘s redeemed race of believers. The actual event recorded plainly for us in the scriptures, so that we also could be partakers of the goodness that God has for us.

Yet in spite of the succinctness and accuracy of the scriptures, and the eventuality of Joel's prophesy coming to realization, we are left wondering as to why someone would endeavour to misrepresent this grand opening of the entrance of the new covenant sealed with Holy Ghost blood and confirmed by the Spirit of God. Why would that be? The new covenant entering in, complete with sound effects sounding as if a mighty wind was blowing, this sound so effective that its sound filled all the place where they were sitting should have been sufficient evidence. Indeed, the prophesy now fulfilled on the day of Pentecost definitely demanded their priority attention and focus.

We should have been saying "wow" to the events that were transpiring in Acts, and marvelling at God our Saviour. Their tongues and language now also affected by the Spirit of God. Their tongues somehow feeling as if they had become cloven (split or divided) in a way that made them appear to be on fire. This experience felt as if someone was sitting on them. Certainly, something unexplained was happening to those individuals assembled together. Everyone appeared to be moving from one episode to another, with each one in step one with the other one. In essence, what was happening? Well, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of the living God. His precious Name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace.

While the noise filled the room, the dialect was totally unknown to those listening. As they observed the proceedings, they noted that the sounds being expressed by those who were assembled were emanating from their own mouths. It seemed like their tongues were on fire, just like a lot needed to be said and yet, there was not enough time to say it. This cloven tongue on fire experience just remained on them. Again, to those observing, it appeared as if they were not in command.

Then wonders of wonders, an emotional high occurred within the midst. It was as if a spring of waters began rising up. Just when the people had thought there could be no higher or greater joy, peace covered them like a blanket. What better peaceful experience than the peace that comes with redemption? These experiences birthed them into a new covenant, a new creation experience.  They have now been filled with His Spirit. They have now engaged in a born again experience. They had been born of God. Indeed, these people had been adopted by the one true God who was in the man Christ Jesus and reconciled to Himself by the shedding of His own blood. (for more on Pentecost, see Leviticus 23 )

No longer is God on the outside knocking on hearts but now God is on the inside. We, as new born children, now desire more than ever before to be fed with the sincere word of God. Yes! With cloven tongues we speak as men in everyday happenings. We speak with surety of the wonderful words of life which allow individuals who receive Jesus into their lives to secure God's plan of redemption and enjoy a born again life. Although this life experience is unimaginable in the eyes of unbelievers, it is true nonetheless.

I repeat the words Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Are you a ruler and you do not know these things? Except a man be born again, he can neither see nor can he enter the kingdom of God."

But the good news is that we can see clearly now.  Lord, you alone have the words of eternal life, and you alone have given freely of the gift. Be still and know that I am God. Remember too that when the Holy Ghost enters, we, like the bush in the old testament may burn as with fire, but we will not be consumed.

Thanks to the goodness and grace of God, we are regenerated and reborn. Peace in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

We Know In Whom We Serve, And That He Alone Is Worthy Of Our Praise! - Part 2068

" .... that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Herein is our hope in the day to day! He is the Author and Finisher of our faith! The Alpha and Omega, the First and the Lasts, the Beginning and the Ending! The King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus is His Name in this current dispensation of grace.

No other name whereby we must be saved.

Stand in the offering plate!

Count It All Joy When Ye Are Tested, Knowing That The Trying Of Your Faith Works Patience - Part 2067

When we stand upon the Rock, which is the Christ, as the Israelites did when they passed through the Red Sea, we know in whom we serve. The Israelites trusted that the Lord would make a way when there seemed to be no way. In this example, the Egyptians were behind them and the Red Sea before them, and from a worldly context, it seemed that all was futile. But nothing is lost with our Lord God and Saviour. He guides our steps, opening the doors that only He could open. It is for this reason that we count it all joy when we are tested, because we can know that the trying of our faith works patience.

But not only does temptation and times of testing increase our faith but as James writes, in so doing, we let patience have her perfect work, which essentially means we are complete, wanting nothing. Complete. Wanting nothing.

Why? Because the Lord Jesus in whom we serve has taken care of the details. He has placed His purpose in our hearts, and when we are in awe of Him, marvelling at His mercy and grace, we have everything we need. And should it be wisdom that we desire, we are to ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not. Think about this for a moment.

Herein, the Lord has given to us His blessing when we lift Him up in everything we do. Can you even imagine a better place to be in life, where the Lord God of the heavens, who loved us enough to become our Saviour, has every step we take in Him covered. It is no wonder we can pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore because He has proven Himself to be more than faithful to those who believe in Him in their hearts.

If you have not taken the first step yet, and repented of your sins, and asked the Lord Jesus into your heart, please do so now, and then be water baptized in the precious Name of Jesus so that you too shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41) Your life will never be the same! Find a new testament translation -- not a revision -- and ask the Lord Jesus to reveal Himself to you, and His purpose for you in this life.

Yes, Jesus is our all in all. Stand in awe of His goodness and grace today.

From James 1:

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this,that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Do not err, my beloved brethren. 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 firstfruits of his creatures.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh 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.

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

Stand in the offering plate.

And Ye Shall Know The Truth, And The Truth Shall Make You Free! - Part 2066

Jesus said, "But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)

Just before Jesus was taken up, Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-41)

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ..." (Titus 3:5)

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

The scripture also tell us to "grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30) Why is this? Because now more than ever, we can have the truth that sets us free dwelling within us. The Word that was with God and was God, and for us, became flesh and dwelt among us, dwelling within, leading and guiding us into all truth.

As Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) Jesus then went on to tell His disciples that if they had seen Him, they had seen the Father. They had seen the visible image of an unseen God, because no man can see Spirit. God was manifest in the flesh so that we could have abundant life in Him, and His desire is that none would perish.

But we have disagreed the wisdom and knowledge and power of God and replaced His Word with find sounding words. We have replaced truth with worldly knowledge and the consequence is -- as the Lord through the prophet Hosea said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge!" (Hosea 4:6) But it does not need to be this way.

Indeed, the Lord said that if we would only turn our hearts once again unto Him, how quickly would He fill the storehouses, and replenish the land. It is for this reason that we as a collective need to stop being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish our own righteousness, because it is not working. Rather, the time has come to submit ourselves unto the righteousness of God -- "For Christ is the end of the law of righteousness to everyone that believes." (Romans 10:4)

He should be our all in all. His Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us.

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)

Stand in the offering plate.