Whosoever Looks Into The Perfect Law Of Liberty Is Free Indeed! - Part 2272

"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, let us also walk in the Spirit. [Therefore,] let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:1-26)

In another place, the scripture saith, "If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5:18)

Is this contradictory? What about the Ten Commandments? Well, on this side of the cross, wherein the Lord Jesus shed His precious, holy blood for our sins, having made the purchase for you and I, paying the price in full, the laws (including the Ten Commandments) that were formally written on tablets of stone are now scribed within our hearts. As such, we are wholly able to discern the difference between right and wrong. We know what is truth. And as Jesus said, we should know by love how to serve one another. To love our neighbours. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4)

As well, we should remember the context in Galatians 5, which begins by telling those who believe in Jesus as Lord of lords and King of kings -- by faith -- to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ. Why? Again, because of His sacrifice on an old rugged cross, we have been set 100% free. Thus, when we believe in the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ, we should no longer be in bondage as captives to the things of this world. (Acts 2:36-38) In fact, Apostle Paul is clear on this point, when he said:

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 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. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

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. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of Him that calls you.
[Still,] a little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubles 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." (Galatians 5:1-12)

So, when we attempt to do the whole law, we make Christ of none effect because we stand on our own right/righteousness and works, rather than relying on the Lord of hosts. There is more to this point but I want to say this. According to the New Testament, the law was intended to be a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. 

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." (Galatians 3:24) Therefore, before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster because we have been called unto liberty. (Galatians 3:23-25)

Does this mean we can do what we like? Apostle Paul takes the time to offer clarity herein as well. That is, we are not to use “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." 

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 fulfill 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.

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, revellings, 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, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:1-26)

Enter into His peace and love and kindness and mercy today. Take hold of the joy that bubbles up until our hearts overflow. And in the day, become like Jesus preaching good tidings unto the meek, binding up the broken-hearted, opening the prisons of those who are bound, and proclaiming liberty to the captives.

Most of all, stand in the offering plate wherein you have been called -- to become a world changer for the Lord Jesus -- the Great Shepherd, who willingly laid down His life for His sheep!

Ye Have Been Called Into Liberty So Continue Therein, Being A Doer Of The Work - Part 2271

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable [are] His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)

Taken in isolation, some might assume this scripture means it impossible for us to discover the wisdom and knowledge of God. For me, I use a different lens. That is, when we don't seek the Lord's wisdom and knowledge, and rely on His judgments, His beloved people will perish. We read this in Hosea 4:6, wherein the Lord continually reaches out to His chosen, and yet the Israelites rejected His goodness and mercy in grace. 

Thankfully, however, from the beginning of time, the same Spirit of the Lord God that created the earth, looked to this present time in history -- the last days -- so that He could pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, those hearts who desire to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Indeed, when God willingly tore the veil from top to bottom to bring us salvation, He was speaking "peace and good will" for all. 

Sadly, there are those who will not come to the Lord, even though the depth of the riches of His wisdom and knowledge is beyond anything available in the world. Instead, these prefer spiritual ignorance, unaware of the mercy and kindness of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. (Titus 3:4-7) That He loved us so very much that He willingly took on a body, and became a sacrifice so that we might have abundant and everlasting life in Him. (I Timothy 3:16) 

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

And He, the Giver of Life, the Bread of Life, the Light of this world, the King of kings and Lord of lords wants to bestow upon His beloved body of Christ church, His blessings and gifts. But our hearts need to accept that God became our Saviour, and that He shed His precious holy blood for you and I. (Acts 20:28) 

And then, as an answer of a good conscience toward God, we are to be water baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can receive His gift -- the gift of the Holy Ghost! (Acts 2:36-41; I Peter 3:21)

"For so is the will of God ... " (I Peter 2:15-17)

Stand in the offering plate. 

For It Hath Been Declared; Jesus Is Lord Of All - Part 2270

"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke [cloak] of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King." (I Peter 2:15-17)

How do we put to silence the ignorance of foolish men? By preaching the good news gospel, as servants of the Most High, set free from bondage, flowing through His love to one another, edifying those who are within the body of Christ church, fearing God, yet honouring Him as our King. Indeed, as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

For further clarity, apostle Paul writes it this way.

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that ye] be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." 

Is Christ divided? 

Was Paul crucified for you? 

Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (I Corinthians 1:10-18) 

In other words, we who believe are to be in one accord, perfectly joined together in the sane mind and in the same judgment -- as the first 3,000 souls saved were on the day of Pentecost. This means no contentions among us, or division but rather understanding that it was Jesus the Christ who died for us. Not an apostle or a minister, but indeed the promised Messiah, the prophesied Christ, who paid the price once and for all -- on the cross, so that we might find life in Him.

Likewise, Paul instructs the saints at Corinth that as well, they are to be water baptized in His Name -- the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41; Acts 10:44-48) 

It is herein that "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty ..." (I Corinthians 1:27) Because those who believe in the risen Jesus do so from the heart. Their very essence giving all the glory and the honour to the Saviour who took their place.

So then, as the scriptures state, "where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (I Corinthians 1:20) 

As we learn, these questions are quickly answered. That is, His wisdom resides in those who preach Christ crucified, and continue to do so even though the Name of Jesus to Jews is a stumbling block and to Greeks foolishness. In fact, it pleases God that by the foolishness of preaching is His gift of salvation to them that believe. (I Corinthians 1:21)

Meditate upon these treasures this day. Stand in the offering plate. 

Saul Asks Jesus, "What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do?" - Part 2269

Jesus said to Ananias -- "Go thy way; for he [Saul] is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel ... for I will shed him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16)

Remember, Saul had just been blinded by a bright light, and not just him, but those who accompanied him on the road to Damascus as well. Herein, Saul asks, "Who art Thou, Lord?" How does the Lord respond? He tells Saul, "I AM JESUS whom thou persecutes; [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks."

Trembling and astonished both, he asks the Lord. "What wilt Thou have me to do?" And the Lord said unto Saul, "Arise, and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do." (Acts 9:1-8)

Of course, by this time, the men which journeyed with Saul stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. Saul arises from the earth, and when his eyes were opened, he too saw no man, but they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For the record, Saul was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

I will stop there and ask -- how many of us who profess to believe ask the Lord to establish our steps, or even the question that Saul asked of Jesus, "What wilt Thou have me to do?" Now we know that Saul goes to see Ananias, and is water baptized, and strengthened by the Word. Why? Because he had received meat. Therein Saul stayed with the disciples which ere at Damascus for certain days.

And immediately there all from his eyes, as it had been scales, and he received sight forthwith. And straightway, as the scripture saith, Saul preached Christ in the synagogues -- that He was the Son of God. All that heard him speak were amazed because Saul's reputation for persecuting the believers went before him. Indeed, these asked, "Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this Name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?"

But as we see, Saul increased there in strength, confounding the Jews which dwelt in Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. (Acts 9:22) Later, as Saul continues to be strengthened, he becomes known as Paul, and pressed in the spirit, testifies to the Jews that Jesus is/was the Christ. (Acts 18:5) "For he mightily convince the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ." (Acts 18:28)

Again, when passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews; and Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures; opening and alleging that Christ must needs have suffered and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus whom he preached to them is Christ. (Acts 17:1-4)

This same Saul who wouldn't pass a police check in modern day churches today was preaching to people who worshipped an unknown god -- that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, even though he be not far from everyone of us -- "for in Him we live, and move, and have our being" ... as certain also of your own poets have said, "For we are also His offspring." (Acts 17:16-34)

We see in Saul to apostle Paul a complete transformation. Why? Because he had a ready heart to accept and carry out whatever the Lord Jesus instructed him to do. Remember the question? S/Paul asked the Lord Jesus, "What wilt Thou have me to do?" It's a good question, and certainly one that would make the Lord's heart merry if more of us would do the same. According to His good pleasure, as the scripture states.

Meditate and think upon these things this day. Stand in the offering plate.

If Ye Are Led Of The Spirit, Ye Are Not Under The Law - Part 2268

"In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry [did enter] into His ears." (II Samuel 22:7)

"But My people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would none of Me ..." (Psalm 81:11)

When Jesus walked on earth, He further clarified to the Jews, saying, "Nevertheless I must walk today, and tomorrow, and the [day] following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kills the prophets, and stones them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, "Ye shall not see Me, until [the time] come when ye shall say, "Blessed [is] h/He that comes in the Name of the Lord." (Luke 13:33-35)

Throughout the scriptures, the Lord God is continually discerning the hearts of men, determining where they are at, in terms of either accepting or rejecting His Word -- Jesus -- the Word made flesh. (John 1:1-14; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) Two thousand years later, this discerning of our hearts and thoughts by the Lord Jesus has not changed. He is still reaching out to each and everyone of us with His love and mercy, saying, "hearken to the voice of My words!" (Job 34:16) And, "today, if ye shall hear My voice, harden not your hearts!"

For those who may not know, there was 400 years plus of silence between God and the Israelites, between the old and the new, because the latter would not turn and hearken unto His voice. But as the Lord God had foreordained before the beginning of the world, the destined day did come when the Holy Ghost signified -- "that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing; which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [which] stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us.] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh ... how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

For this cause [then], He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament [is] of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:8-18)

In so doing, the playing field was levelled, and every man, woman and child now had an opportunity to declare the risen Lord Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour. He made the way, purchasing our salvation with His own blood. The Good Shepherd who laid down His own life for His sheep.

What did Jesus say?

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be One fold, [and] One Shepherd." (John 10:16) And too, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27) Thus, when wee are led of His Spirit, we are no longer under bondage, but standing alway in the liberty wherewith is Christ. (Galatians 5:19)

Hear ye Him -- the Lamb of God! Stand in the offering plate. 

Ye Had Done Right In My Sight, Saith The Lord, In Proclaiming Liberty Every Man To His Neighbour - Part 2267

"And I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts." (Psalm 119:45)

"And ye were now turned, and had done right in My sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before Me in the house which is called by My Name ..." (Jeremiah 34:15)

So what happened? As the Lord God saith, we turned and polluted His Name. And thus, as a consequence of not walking at liberty, always seeking His precepts, we caused every man to become servants -- bringing them into subjection. In other words, we forgot the liberty and freedom that was His to give, having set us free. By the way, after the cross wherein God willingly became our Saviour, the price for our freedom was purchased once and for all -- paid for by His precious, holy blood. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 9:14-18; I Timothy 3:16; Galatians 5:1; II Corinthians 5:19; Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 9:6)

The "what happened" is answered in the "but" ...

" ... but ye turned and polluted My name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids." Therefore, thus saith the Lord; "Ye have not hearkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you," saith the Lord, "to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth." (Jeremiah 34:16-17)

Indeed, in the scriptures, how many times and in how many ways has the Lord said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge!" (Hosea 4:6) How oft has the Lord desired to wrap His loving arms around us, and bring us into that place wherein His love and Holy Ghost comfort abounds? Yet, instead we venture our own way, taking our counsel from a world void of the truth and life. And in so doing, we have lost our way.

Nevertheless, after the kindness and love of God our Saviour, He made a way for us -- when there was no way. He parted the waters so that we could enter in, and partake/commune with Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour. In fact, for you and I, He ripped the veil from top to bottom, from heaven to earth so that we might have salvation, and grace, and life everlasting.

How? Because God prepared for Himself a body for sacrifice so that we might be saved. He purchased you and I with His own precious blood.

It is for this reason that 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)

Too often, however, we turn to the things of this world for our counsel, which may explain why we are witnessing such darkness all around. Trusting instead that earthly inventions and artificial intelligence can settle the heart yearning within -- the soul which desires to commune again with our Creator Lord God and Saviour. Still, the madness of this world cannot continue. At some point, we need to return to the same Lord God who loved us from the very beginning, and as the scripture saith, even before the world was formed. 

As Jesus declared, " I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

And there is no other beside Him. Therefore, it's time to do what is right in the sight of the Lord, including loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and as well, flowing through His love to one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:29-31) Meditate upon these things, and His precious Word today. 

Stand in the offering plate.

The Lord Jesus Is Our Refuge, Will We Only Turn To Him For His Saving Grace? - Part 2266

Jesus said to us -- "Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world."

It is for this reason that we can be assured that we are a nation of believers, brought into existence in one day. Who would have possibly thought that a desolation of destruction would suddenly become a garden of Eden, where the desert could blossom like a rose? Surely, words are incapable of expressing these feelings that were non existing in aforetimes. But now, in the centuries afterward, we can actually say that we sit in Heavenly [places] because of these totally unforeseen blessings. 

In this context then, we have become partakers of the aforegiven promise of God. "In blessing" ... God said, "I will bless you."

So what really did happen? Essentially, the Lord of Glory had a plan. A previously concealed plan now revealed not only in word form, but a plan being launched in real life. The star of this real life drama is the Lord Himself, appearing in like form as a son of man. The Lord Himself born as we were born, of a young girl who was in the genealogical chain which commenced with God's promise to Eve. The mother of all living. 

The promise that would change destiny? Certainly. The seed of woman would bruise the head of the same one who had deliberately lied to them in the Eden garden. The Lord deliberately allowed His own Seed to be clothed in Mary’s womb with the only clothing that a woman’s womb could furnish. In this case, the Lord was clothed in human clothing, totally prone to sin. This holy child named Jesus was born of a willing surrogate mother in God's plan of salvation. 

Still, this child was, and still is man’s only Saviour. As the scriptures state, I, the Lord your God have become your Saviour. This man named Jesus came with one purpose, and that is to redeem man from his fallen state. 

Even though this man Jesus was tempted, and tried in all ways, even as we are, He never succumbed to sin in any form. The reason for this? His only parent was God conceived by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, being parented by God Himself, who is Spirit -- then the Spirit indwelling in Jesus is God. He is the Lord of glory, both Lord and Christ, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Acts 2:36-41; Revelation 1:8; I Timothy 3:16)

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

All the vials of our sin, being poured out on Jesus, who drank the cup, right down to the last dregs willingly, knowing that death was imminent. And being man's only hope for salvation, He endured like a lamb being brought to the slaughter. He opened not His mouth. He loved us so much that He became cursed for us. “For cursed is everyone that is hung/nailed on a tree.”

Indeed, this body of Jesus was the only body, inhabited by God. Jesus body now accursed, leaving God with no fleshly earthly body to indwell. His own body was now cursed because of sin so that we were reconciled in His now cursed body. In reality, we were made alive - quickened - because He took our place. Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and dies, it abides alone. But if the seed dies (as He died) it brings forth much fruit. In other words, Jesus was the only "begotten" son of God. And now, because of His sacrifice, we also can become the sons of God having received of God the same Spirit that was in Jesus.  

In fact, that same Spirit now abides with us forever. Jesus walked the earth in that sin prone and fallen estate body so that now, His spirit can indwell in our prone to sin bodies. Jesus knows all about our frailties. That is why He is our High priest. Surely, He is touched with feelings of our infirmities, He knows how to succour us. He is more than able to quicken. His ear will always be attentive to our call. This is His covenant (the New Covenant) brought into the now by the shedding of the blood of His own holy Spirit or better translated -- the Spirit of the holy!

Indeed, the Spirit of God has a ghostly presence. This is why we are instructed to "Be still and know that I AM God." And when He says -- this is My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it -- He means it. And Jesus is the Head!

Peace to all those who are now walking in the same Spirit that previously inhabited the man Jesus, the Christ. Stand in the offering plate.

If The Son Therefore Shall Make You Free, Ye Shall Be Free Indeed - Part 2265

David the psalmist writes, “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts …” (Psalm 119:45) 

The Lord through Jeremiah prophesies, “And ye were now turned, and had done right in My sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before Me in the house which is called by My Name!” (Jeremiah 34:15)

Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Apostle Paul to the saints in Corinth — “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty.” (II Corinthians 3:17)

Beginning in the old covenant and into this current dispensation known as the new testament/fullness of times, we see the Lord’s liberty as an underlying thread weaved throughout the scriptures — that Rock which was Christ — ensampling for those who believe in the Lord Jesus — the Christ by faith — a liberty so encompassing that we are no longer bound by the enslaving entanglements of this world. (I Corinthians 10:1-4; Galatians 5:1; II Peter 2:18-20; Psalm 106:1-48)

Jesus’ parable in Luke 16 offers further insight, explaining why we should stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ, Herein, we understand that when we firmly believe in the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ, and are attached in our hearts to the One and Same Rock that followed the Israelites through the Red Sea, we are no longer willing to render our hearts to another master. (Galatians 5:1; Acts 2:36; Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:24)

As the first commandment states, “Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord … love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength!” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) In this realm, we who believe become firmly planted in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ — who has set us 100% free — “though [our] sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

As the Lord saith, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:17) And in another place, “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.” (Hebrews 10:2)

The difficulty emerges when (as Jesus’ points out in the parable) we are willing to allow a little leaven (false teachings/legal entanglements) to bring us back into worldly bondage. In this specific parable (what the religious culture oft refers to as the parable of the unjust steward) Jesus shares wisdom that is imperative to understand in our faith walk.

That is, “there was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And He called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.” Then the steward said within himself, “What shall I do? for my Lord takes away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.”

So he called every one of his Lord’s debtors [unto him], and said unto the first, “How much owe thou unto my Lord?” And he said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And he said unto him, “Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.” Then said he to another, “And how much owe thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And he said unto him, “Take thy bill, and write fourscore.” And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:1-8)

By way of explanation, please note that the rich man herein is the Lord God, who had a steward (satan), forced to give an account, because he had wasted his goods. Of course, what we know too is the devil is too proud to beg and doesn’t want to work. So what does he do instead? What he has always done from the beginning of time. To obtain a suitable compromise from the believing community.

So he calls out the Lord’s debtors one by one, whom notably the Lord has set free from ALL bondage, and asks them how much they owe. What do they do? As Jesus explains in the parable, they quickly compromise their liberty and freedom in Him, writing a check to satan for the portion they thought they owed.

What is the outcome? We who initially repented and believed quickly become beholden to two masters. But what does the Lord of glory say? That He has set us free. In part? No. We are fully justified in Him, being wholly sanctified by the Word! (John 17:17) “Justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is [in Him] — in Christ Jesus!” (Romans 3:24) Being “made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)

But as Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warn us against — “false brethren unawares brought in, who come in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might [too!] bring us into bondage …” (Galatians 2:4) Just like satan always desiring that our hearts be divided between the One who sets us free, and the entanglements of this world.

Apostle Paul (who admits receiving his spiritual understanding by revelation) takes this principle further when he writes in Galatians about the bondwoman and the free. A worthy read for all of us who profess Christianity — but admittedly a teaching for another day.

Still, Paul’s point is clear. We who believe in Jesus by faith are instructed to “stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free AND to not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Two inextricably intertwined messages that are life-giving, life sustaining, life altering, because we who profess to believe have come to personally know the Bread of Life.

“And ye shall call His Name JESUS, FOR HE SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.” (Matthew 1:21)

All our sins forgiven — past, present and future. Not partially as the lying satan wants us to believe, but rather the understanding, as Paul states, that if our hearts be circumcised, Christ profits us nothing. “For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole Law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:3)

Harsh? Perhaps, but the Lord is warning us against compromising our liberty in Him, or as Jesus says in Luke 16, selling half of our heart, soul, and mind to the things of this world. Compromising in essence our salvation wherein He paid the price in full, once and for all — it is finished! —so that we who desire only to believe half-heartedly can keep one foot in the world.

It is no wonder Jesus warned His disciples to “take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees,” which He later explains to be their doctrine because it is intended to lead us astray from the same Jesus who said, “I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!” (Matthew 16:6-12; John 14:6-12)

The same Jesus whom John the baptizer identified as the Lamb of God.

Or, more pointedly, as the risen Jesus states to the church of Philadelphia in Revelation, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” (Revelation 3:8-9)

Therefore, to us that are not Jews — “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 1:7)

You see, when we make our faith walk about legal entanglements, burdensome regulations, and paranoia about worldly authorities that might persecute us because we believe in the Most High, “then is the offence of the cross ceased” because we who are supposed to be like “a city on a hill that cannot be hid” have become as the world. (Galatians 1:11; Matthew 5:14)

Nevertheless, for those who are truly set free, we understand what Jesus meant when He read from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord God [is] upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

The same example from Luke — “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:17-19)

Thus, as believers in the risen Jesus — our Lord God and Saviour, who Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) identified as both Lord and Christ — we are similarly instructed to preach deliverance to the captives, heal the broken-hearted, and set at liberty them that are bruised. (Acts 2:36; Galatians 5:1)

Why? Because the Lord has proclaimed an unprecedented liberty for those who repent, and are water baptized in His precious holy Name - the Name of the Lord Jesus — and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21; Acts 8:16; Acts 9:15,17, 27; Acts 22:16; Colossians 3:17; Philippians 2:11)

“If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the Law.” 

And “if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:1-26)

Stand in the offering plate.

Praise Ye The Lord; O Give Thanks Unto The Lord; For He Is Good, And His Mercy Endures Forever - Part 2264

" ... that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee ... And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that He had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped." (Exodus 4:5-31)

The question today is this -- what does it take for others around us to understand our faith? For those we deal with in the day to day to know that we believe in the Most High, and trust Him to establish our steps in all things? That He visits us with His salvation. And that our trust in the Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ is the One and Only Rock wherein we stand, and that, as a consequence, we are no longer desirous for the things of this world. As an aside, note that this same Rock was the same Christ who followed the Israelites through the Red Sea.

As apostle Paul shared, when speaking to the saints at Corinth -- "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

If you are aware of the circumstances of Moses, you will know that his concern was that the people would not believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob had appeared unto him. (Exodus 4:6-31) Thus, it should not come as a surprise that only two reached the Promised Land, after wandering in the desert for forty years. But I digress somewhat.

In retelling the situation of Moses, the psalmist David begins by informing us of the importance of praising the Lord first -- in all things. That we are to "praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endures for ever."

As David asks, "Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can shew forth all His praise? Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that does righteousness at all times." And then also, to ask the Lord to "remember me, O Lord, with the favour that Thou bear unto Thy people: O visit me with Thy salvation; that I may see the good of Thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Thy nation, that I may glory with Thine inheritance." (Psalm 106:1-5)

In other words, we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to give Him the honour and glory in all things. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) Both the psalmist and apostle continue to share the example of Moses, because there are takeaways that we also should understand in this current dispensation of grace. Beginning with psalmist David's writings:

"We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not Thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of Thy mercies; but provoked Him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless, He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known. He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And He saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy." (Psalm 106:6-10)

What was the miracle? "And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Then believed they His words; they sang His praise." But sadly, as we also know, they soon forgot His works; they waited not for His counsel: but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

Why? Because "they envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord. The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God their Saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red Sea. Therefore, He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy them."

But there is more. "Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not His Word: but murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord. Therefore, He lifted up His hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness: to overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.

They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. Thus, they provoked Him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. They angered Him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: because they provoked His Spirit, so that He spake unadvisedly with His lips.

They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them: but were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, and shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred His own inheritance. And He gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. Many times did He deliver them; but they provoked Him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry: and He remembered for them His covenant, and repented according to the multitude of His mercies. He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

"Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto Thy Holy Name, and to triumph in Thy praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen." (Psalm 106:47-48)

And apostle Paul -- what does he say? As cited above, Paul begins, saying, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-5)

And then comes the but -- so that these become ensembles to us, written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

"But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are One bread, [and] One body: for we are all partakers of that One Bread." (I Corinthians 10:1-17)

What did Jesus say? "I AM the Bread of Life." (John 6:33-51)

Jesus said, "For the Bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world." (John 6:33)

And Jesus again said unto them, "I AM the Bread of life: he that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

"I AM that Bread of life." (John 6:48)

"I AM the living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever: and the Bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)

You see, when we focus on the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ, we begin to understand that the nourishment that He gives is life sustaining, and forever everlasting. How do we know? Because the Lord Jesus never fails those who turn their hearts and minds to Him! Meditate on these scriptures as our ensample this day, for there is so much herein that we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith need to understand -- so that we are not spiritually ignorant.

As Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM!" Stand in the offering plate.

Behold, The Lamb Of God, Who Loved Us So Much That He Willingly Shed His Precious Holy Blood For You And I - Part 2263

Thomas (often referred to as doubting Thomas), having discarded his unbelief concerning the resurrection of Jesus exclaimed, "my Lord and My God." Even though we have known Jesus after the flesh, from henceforth, we no longer know Him in His manifested human form. Yes, Jesus had been put to death in the flesh but after His death was quickened by the Spirit. 

The first Adam, the Adam in the Garden of Eden was first created and then made a living soul. The miracle that is God's predestined plan is that the second Adam was the Lord Himself. The Lord of Glory! To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6) 

Not a created being but the Lord Himself out of heaven, who is a quickening Spirit. Jesus veiled Himself in a natural body, delivering to us the glorious gospel of the unseen God. He was the visible image of the invisible God. (Hebrews 1:1-12) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

Jesus, upon completing the work of His preordained plan of redemption, sat down. At the finish of the work of creation, it is recorded that God rested from all His works. Here it is recorded that Jesus, God Himself as a Son sat down. Paul, the apostle said that if any man were to come and preach any other gospel to us, other than that which He had delivered, that one is the same as accursed. He then went on to say that if any angel from heaven were to come and preach any other gospel to us, "Let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

But note that Thomas’s eyes were opened wide when suddenly He, who was nailed to a tree now appears with all the scars of the battle of the ages standing right before him. Indeed, there was this same Jesus talking to him, and suggesting that he should reach forth and touch His hand. Topping it off, Jesus said that perhaps he should also reach forth his hand and thrust it into His side. Hence the exclamation, "... my Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)

The Spirit that dwelt in Jesus during His earthly walk, being His Father the holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, had seeded the fetus who was born to be Saviour of all men. The very same Holy Ghost who, in this world’s darkest hour withdrew His eternal life from indwelling in the fleshly veil, allowing Jesus' body to succumb to death. He -- the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep, for He could have at any time reversed the situation by simply calling legions of angels to His side. His holy Spirit would not allow this sinless body to see corruption. This is the reason why, after three days and three nights in the bowels of the earth, He was raised to life in a spiritual body. It also offers a rational for the commencement of a new ministry - a spiritual ministry wherein we are now circumcised in our hearts.

For it is written, after He died and was raised again, that He, through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to His apostles -- the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) He also, through His holy Spirit confirmed their words with mighty signs and wonders, thereby adding to His temple of believers, living stones. Living stones that form a temple without spot or wrinkle. A new house in which He is pleased to dwell. His plan being unveiled. His predetermined purposes accomplishing the ultimate mission of bringing man to the place of his unforeseen destiny.

For eye has not seen, neither has ear heard of the blessings which God has in store for those people that love Him. Jesus, our great High Priest. Remember, that by necessity, whenever there is a change in the priesthood, there must also be a change in the law. Jesus administers the law of the spirit of life which, as a consequence of the resurrection is now a new covenant. It is not the old covenant that genders people to bondage. The new is not an addition or addendum to the old, but the Lord Himself doing a new thing -- the dayspring from on high visiting His people.

As a consequence, we are the JESUS people. We are the people who are called by His name - He being the Rock of ages. Unto the Son it is said and previously prophesied by His Spirit -- "Thy Throne O God is forever and ever." Let all the angels worship Him - Jesus - our Lord and our God. And forever, may there be peace in Jesus Name!

Stand in the offering plate.