Behold, I Lay In Zion For A Foundation A Stone, A Tried Stone, A Precious Corner Stone, A Sure Foundation - Part 2347

"If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified." (I Peter 4:14)

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord saith, "Whom shall He teach knowledge? And whom shall He make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts." (Isaiah 28:9)

On the New Testament side, those who are weaned from the milk desire in their hearts the meat of the Word -- the Bread of Life. And quite often are seen in continual study of the Word to "shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) 

 Moreover, from Hebrews, we understand in moving forward from the principles of the doctrine of Christ (which include repentance from dead works, and faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment), we are to go on unto perfection. "And this will we do, if God permit." (Hebrews 6:1-3)

But as Isaiah alludes, there are those who are unfit (heavily intoxicated with the things of this world) to teach the Lord's knowledge and wisdom to His people. And sadly, if still permitted will lead the people into error. Therefore, these will not understand the One and Only Absolute Truth that sets them free, nor the Giver of blessings who continually sustains them in their day to day. In this context, we can glean a lesson from the Lord's instruction through another prophet -- "My people perish for lack of knowledge!" (Hosea 6:4)

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites were often in this wilderness place -- unteachable, even though the Lord through His prophets attempted to speak into their ears. And historically, we are now privy to the results of a nation ignoring the Lord's wisdom and counsel. But it did not have to be this way then, nor does a famine of the Word in the land have to be the cause of our destruction now. 

In fact, as we know from the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the arm of the Lord has been revealed -- behold, the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world. His Name JESUS -- the Great I AM who willingly shed His precious, holy blood on a cross to become our Saviour. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Titus 4:4-7; Revelation 1:8; Acts 2:36-41; Acts 20:28)

Thus, when we accept the Word made flesh who dwelt among us and further behold His glory, we "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [consequently] ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (I Peter 3:13-15)

 

Returning to Isaiah's prophecy, the Lord offers hope to a people still afar off. "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, "This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear." (Isaiah 28:9-16)

"But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, "Lord, who hath believed our report?" So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. But I say, "Have they not heard?" Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." (Romans 10:16-19)

Wherefore, as Isaiah writes, "Hear the Word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves."

Nevertheless, thus saith the Lord GOD, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste." (Isaiah 28:9-16) "The Lord hath sworn by His right hand, and by the arm of His strength ..." (Isaiah 62:8-10)

And now, in this current dispensation of grace, we are able to praise the Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and drink the new wine "in the courts of My holiness." His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us.

Stand in the offering plate.

Come Unto Me, Said Jesus, All Ye That Are Heavy Laden And I Will Give You Rest - Part 2346

"When ye come to appear before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread My courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot -- away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates: they are a trouble unto Me; I am weary to bear them.

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.  WASH YOU, MAKE YOU CLEAN; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. "Come now, and let us reason together," saith the LORD, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 1:12-20)

This is the Lord God speaking to us through the prophet Isaiah, inviting us to repent from our ways and to be washed in water baptism in His precious holy Name -- the Name of Jesus, for the remission of sins, so that He can dwell within us -- as the Comforter who will never leave us nor forsake us. The Great I AM who paid the ultimate price so that we could have life through His Name. 

Later, the Lord again speaks through Isaiah to those who have come to believe in Him, but not yet moved forward and grown from the milk to the meat. Who have come to understand the "doctrine of Christ" as the absolute -- that the first commandment in both the old and the new clearly state, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) We further see these first principles identified in Hebrews 6 and in II John:

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit." (Hebrews 6:1-3)

"Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God ... he that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (II John 1:9)

But I digress. From Isaiah:

"Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, "This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear."

But the Word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Wherefore hear the Word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves."

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste." (Isaiah 28:9-16)

The Rock which is JESUS, who willingly took away the sins of the world ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) JESUS -- the Bread of Life. JESUS -- the water wherein we will never thirst again. The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Stand in the offering plate.

After Jesus Was Taken Up, He THROUGH The Holy Ghost Gave Commandments Unto The Apostles Whom He Had Chosen - Part 2345

"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, UNTIL THE DAY IN WHICH HE WAS TAKEN UP, AFTER THAT HE THROUGH THE HOLY GHOST HAD GIVEN COMMANDMENTS UNTO THE APOSTLES WHOM HE HAD CHOSEN: to whom He also shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."

"And, being assembled together with them, He commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father which, saith He, "Ye have heard of Me!" For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" And He said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)

What happened next? The 120 disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ tarried in the Upper Room in Jerusalem until they received the power from on high.

"And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

For it is written in the book of Psalms, "Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, "Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:15-26)

These were in one accord. Peter (standing with the eleven -- including Matthew) knew the message that needed to be taught, if we are to see the kingdom of God. These also knew that the man chosen had to be a witness with them of His resurrection. 

Jesus -- the Bread of Life is still the Head of His body of Christ church that began in Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecies that had been spoken by the prophets of old. Take hold of these truths this day, and study His Word to shew thyself approved. There is so much to understand but when we hide His Word in our hearts, He will open our understanding. Just like He did with Saul when the latter met with Ananias.

Stand in the offering plate.

And It Shall Come To Pass That Whosoever Calls Upon The Name Of The Lord Shall Be Saved - Part 2343

"Give ye ear, and hear My voice; hearken, and hear My speech." (Isaiah 28:23)

"For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the Name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)

But what is the Name of the Lord wherein we shall be saved? To avoid confusion, we should first acknowledge that the Name referred to in these scriptures is singular, and not plural. Name -- not names. We also know from our own personal experience that we too are identified by a name -- for purposes of I.D. and legal documents. We are not dependent on titles or particular roles to validate who we are, or our name. For the record, neither is the Lord our God.

Throughout both the old and new testament scriptures, the Spirit of the Lord God has always identified Himself to His people through a Name. And in Revelation, we understand that when His enemies have once and for all been put under His feet, He fully intends to give us a new name wherein we can worship Him in s/Spirit and in truth.

In the New Testament side, the scriptures also speak of a specific Name. A Name given to us by the angel of the Lord. (Matthew 1:21-25) A Name which we specifically allude to when we pray the Lord's Prayer, confirming -- "Hallowed be Thy Name!" (Matthew 6:9) Jesus also said "many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy Name? and in Thy Name have cast out devils? and in Thy Name done many wonderful works?" (Matthew 7:22) And, as Jesus said, that we "shall be hated of all [men] for My name’s sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:9; Mark 13:13)

Jesus said, "... he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 15:15-18)

"In His Name shall the Gentiles trust." (Matthew 12:21)

Moreover, Jesus said, "... where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)

Jesus said, "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." (Matthew 19:29)

Jesus also said, "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My Name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." (Mark 9:41)

The one commonality in these scriptures is the One Name -- singular -- wherein we can have everlasting life. Let's review the scriptures so that we become clear on His Name -- in this current dispensation of grace.

Beginning in Matthew, we learn that the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, telling him that he shalt call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins.
"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His Name JESUS." (Matthew 1:21- 25)

Indeed, Jesus was the one and only Name whereby the apostles were forbidden to preach. Jesus is the only Name given whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus is THE NAME above every other name. (Philippians 2:9)

So then, why do we settle for titles (including in water baptism) when the Name given by the angel of the Lord is so very clear? That question is for you to respond, but I will say this. Scripturally, there is only One Lord God our Saviour and His Name is JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. More to come ...

In the interim, stand in the offering plate.

Cease To Do Evil; Learn To Do Well; Seek Judgment; Relieve The Oppressed; Judge The Fatherless; Plead For the Widow - Part 2342

"Come now, and let us reason together," saith the Lord, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land, but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 1:18-20)

In the scriptures, we discover how very much the Lord our God loves us -- to have come in the form of a man (clothed in sin-prone flesh and yet perfect and without sin) so that we might have abundant, everlasting life in Him. To have willingly become our Saviour. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) In fact, He tore the veil from top to bottom, from heaven to earth so that we could be set free from the entanglements and bondage of this world to remain in His presence. He shed His precious holy blood on a tree -- taking upon Himself the curse of our transgressions -- so that our sins could be forgiven. Isaiah prophesied of the time when our sins would no longer scarlet, but white as snow. As wool.

And if we are obedient in loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, extending His love to those around us, the scripture declares that we shall also eat the good of the land, for the Lord hath spoken it. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

But instead, what are we doing? According to the Lord, we are substituting praising Him with every breath we take in favour of vain [ceremonious] oblations, and these, as the Lord shares through Isaiah are troubling. [fyi - the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines oblation as "the act of making a religious offering; specifically, capitalized: the act of offering the eucharistic elements to God; something offered in worship or devotion : a holy gift offered usually at an altar or shrine."] For the record, so are the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies and our appointed feasts.

The Lord through Isaiah saith:

"When ye come to appear before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread My courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot - away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. your new moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates: they are a trouble unto Me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

[The Lord continues, encouraging us instead to] wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." (Isaiah 1:12-20)

It is in this context that the Lord invites us to come unto Him and to reason together. To taste and see the His goodness and grace and mercy toward His people. Not through ordinances and sacraments offered at modern day religious alters but rather to take hold of Him directly, in a personal relationship -- seeking our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- the Bread of Life.

As Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world."

In the same dialogue, Jesus tells His disciples -- "I AM the Bread of Life! he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

And as we now know from the totality of the scriptures, this same Jesus whom we have crucified is now the King of kings and Lord of lords, both Lord and Christ, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And thankfully for us, He is still inviting us to partake in His kingdom for time everlasting.

Stand in the offering plate.

Understanding The Keys To The Kingdom And The Gates Of Hell Shall NOT Prevail Against It - Part 2341

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

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

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:36-41)

Herein, Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost proclaimed the good news gospel message of salvation. That is, we are to repent and be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, so that we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is the New Testament message in this current dispensation of grace. 

You see, when we are water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus, we become clothed in His righteousness. We are strengthened with His Spirit dwelling within. We can proclaim with confidence that the Lord is our Shepherd, and that He -- as Jesus said before the cross -- will never leave us nor forsake us.

In an earlier post, we investigated the conversation between Jesus and His disciples when He asked them, "Who do men say that I AM?" Following that response, Jesus then asks them, "Who do you say I AM?" Note that in Matthew's account, Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered and said unto him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."

And I say also unto thee, "That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:13-19)

Having received the keys to the kingdom, Peter was given the responsibility to ensure the door of salvation was open to one and all -- both Gentiles and Jews. And he did so on the day of Pentecost. The Lord Jesus having just ascended, and now through the Holy Ghost giving commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) Thus, the day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the New Testament church wherein the veil was torn from heaven to earth. Jesus fulfilling the old so that we could have new life in Him.

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:15)

The mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father now revealed. The Lord our God's salvation plan established for one and all to behold, when He willingly shed His own holy blood on a cross, and thus, became our Saviour. (I Timothy 3:16; Acts 20:28; II Corinthians 5:19; Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 9:6) But the salvation message had to be proclaimed. As Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ..." (Mark 16:15)

"And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His shoulder; so He shall open, and none shall shut; and He shall shut, and none shall open."(Isaiah 22:22)

We know from this scripture that after Jesus died and rose from the dead, ascending into heaven, the price for salvation had been paid in full -- once and for all. Though our sins be as crimson, they shall be as white as snow. Hebrews 9 further elaborates on this point, and provides the rationale for why we are now living in the dispensation of grace.

Continuing into the book of Acts, we see Jesus' salvation message proclaimed, and the early church established on the same Rock which had followed the Israelites through the Red Sea -- that is, Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen; to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:1-3) 

In between, a twelfth disciple/apostle was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus in the Garden. "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He [Jesus] was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:21-22)

In the upper room, there were 120 disciples waiting "for the promise of the Father, which," saith He, "ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:4-5)

By Acts 2: "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4)

When we study the scriptures, we begin to see how the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus is connected to the day of Pentecost. Specifically, When Jesus told Nicodemus that we need to be born again. Not a physical birth but a spiritual one, wherein His Spirit dwells within our hearts.

Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, "Ye must be born again!" (John 3:5-7)

So much more to understand, but let this be your starting point for this day. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

God Hath Sent Forth The Spirit Of His Son Into Your Hearts, Crying, "Abba, Father" - Part 2340

"Wherefore Thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:7)

The whole earth groans and travails together waiting. As we recall from Genesis, God saw that His counselled creation was good. This is of course until it is recorded in the scriptures that God said, "What have you done? Have you eaten of the tree which I forbade you not to eat?" Remember that God had forewarned Adam (who was God's earthly image) that there would be unintended consequences the day in which he would eat of the fruit of that tree. Indeed, that would be the day that Adam would surely die.

Adam had only one instruction to obey. But because God had said that eating of that particular tree was a no no Adam went ahead and ate anyway. He did not adhere to the instructions that he was given. And, as a consequence here we are up to our necks in the quagmire of sin. Ironically, some of us want more and more of the forbidden fruit, sinking deeper and deeper into a sinking sand.

As a world, we now endure sickness, disease, famine, earthquakes, roaring seas, tornadoes and floods. In fact, we are surrounded by our enemy death. We are so surrounded with death that men’s heart are failing them for fear. And yet, we still go on wanting more of the forbidden fruit which ushers in death.

But believers in God's plan of salvation await the resurrection of the dead, as predicted in the scriptures. In the meantime, every afore-going generational sin is being resurrected to the extent that some might suggest that it is in full bloom. Still, the truth is that we no longer have to imagine sins of past generations. Sin lies at our doorstep zoomed in upon us by the prince of the power of the air.

In this sense, we are becoming acutely aware of Armageddon - the period of time when all nations are gathered against the Israel of God. (Note: When I reference the Israel, I speak of the true Israel of God, which is the redeemed believing body of the Lord Jesus the Christ. The term Jew, in God’s sight are those, and only those, who are the redeemed of God who endeavour to worship God, not in the deadness of the law but rather in newness of Spirit).

Still, we all are only one heart beat away from the end of our own earthly journey. Therefore, in effect our Armageddon might well be today. This leaves us with a decision to make. Like a battery, your computer mind awaits the decision of your heart (your innermost being) as to which of the two forces you will call upon. Obviously, the God who created you and loved you enough to become flesh and die for you is the preferable choice.

But it is similarly recognized that you are in the war of your world. This is why God has said, "Call upon Me. I will deliver you. I paid the penalty at Calvary for all of your sin. I was clothed in your sin. I willingly gave up my son-ship as the Son of God so that You could be as Me inheriting all of Mine freely. Now you can become an adopted Son of God. I give to you of My Spirit (which knew no sin). I will be your justification for all eternity. I come to you now!"

The decision to respond is yours. The time to respond to God's call is now. As the scriptures state, we as individuals must come to Him. The first 3,000 believers (as outlined in Acts chapter 2:37-42) were told what to do. Jesus asks no more or no less of us today. Make your decision to live for Jesus today.

Stand in the offering plate.

Thou Art The King of Israel; Both Lord and Christ - Part 2339

And Jesus said unto them, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature: he that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)

Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in HIs Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you, but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, unto ye be endured with power from on high."

And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:47-53)

"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you." And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.

Then said Jesus to them again, "Peace be unto you; as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them, and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:19-23)

This is the moment in time that the prophets from afore had written of -- when God -- after His kindness and love would become our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)As we know, the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John record the life of Jesus Christ and His impact on those who came to hear His good news message. Throughout His time on earth, some were aware of who Jesus was. Think Simeon and Anna, and Mary the mother of Jesus who rejoiced "in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-48; Luke 2:36-38; Luke 2:25)

But even more so, Jesus shared His identity with His disciples when He said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) Later, Jesus reiterates this same point with His disciples that if they had seen Him, they would have seen the Father, and thus, know Him. (John 14:6-12)

Sadly, not everyone knew of the prophecies pointing to the Lord God who would come forth as a mighty man and Saviour. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) Perhaps, this is why Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I AM?" The responses varied, including John the Baptizer, Elijah, Jeremiah, or the prophets.

"Then understood they how that He bade [them] not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" And they said, "Some say that Thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." (Matthew 16:12-14)

"And He sent him away to his house, saying, "Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town." And Jesus went out, and His disciples, into the towns of Cæsarea Philippi: and by the way He asked His disciples, saying unto them, "Whom do men say that I AM?" And they answered, "John the Baptist" but some say, "Elias" and others, "One of the prophets." (Mark 8:26-28)

"And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets. And it came to pass, as He was alone praying, His disciples were with Him: and He asked them, saying, "Whom say the people that I AM?" They answering said, "John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again." (Luke 9:17-19)

Then Jesus asks His disciples more directly. That is, "Who do you say I AM?" Note that Peter quickly responds, saying, "Thou art The Christ, the Son of the Living God."

Nathanael took the point further when he asks Jesus, "Whence knowest thou me?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee." Nathanael answered and saith unto Him, "Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said unto him, "Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." (John 1:46-50)

Note that by the time we get to Acts, and Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) states that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41) This marks the beginning of the New Testament church. Jesus has ascended and now through the Holy Ghost gives commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)

For clarity, Acts 1:1-11:

"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen; to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, BUT WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER, WHICH, SAITH HE, YE HAVE HEARD OF ME. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."

When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" And He said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:1-11)

As we move through the New Testament, we begin to see Jesus for who He really was -- God manifest in the flesh; God our Saviour; King of kings and Lord of lords; Alpha and Omega; the first and the last; the beginning and the ending. (I Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:8) And He willingly shed His precious holy blood for you and I on a cross so that we might have abundant everlasting life in Him.

Get to know the Lord Jesus this day. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you -- the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning. Once you repent and are baptized in His Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be filled with the Holy Ghost -- His Spirit dwelling within. And He will never leave you nor forsake you!

Stand in the offering plate.

Every Tongue Will Confess That Jesus Christ Is Lord - Part 2338

" ... that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

"... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 4:11)

For it is written, "As I live," saith the Lord, "every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11)

As Peter (standing with the eleven) declared on the day of Pentecost, this same Jesus whom ye hav crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41)

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. 

"I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the Name of the Lord Most High." (Psalm 7:17)

"If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:1-11)

Stand in the offering plate.

Prove Me Now, Saith The Lord Of Hosts - Part 2337

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)

For me, Romans 8 has always been the promise chapter wherein the Lord declares and proves His promises to those who believe in His Name,  revealing His goodness and grace and mercy. In fact, Romans 8 is one of my go-to chapters, when the struggles of this world begin to mount. But today I am going to focus on how the Lord strengthens us in the now -- remembering that there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.

Why is this important? Because when we worship and praise our Lord God and Saviour in the now,  we are continually strengthened by His grace. When all men stand against us, forsaking us, the Lord God stands with us in all things -- walking before us, and sustaining us even when we are unsure of the things coming next. A good reminder comes from David the psalmist who wrote: "In the day when I cried, Thou answered me, and strengthened me with strength in my soul." (Psalm 138:3) 

From the beginning of time, the Lord's faithfulness and mercy has not changed. Thus, when we focus on the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and flow His love to others, He pours out His blessings. He fills us with hope when things look far from hopeful. And again, He is so very faithful in all things. This is the reason we worship Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, giving to Him all the glory and honour and praise forever and ever -- because He is forever worthy of our praise.

In looking for scripture that edifies in numerous situations, I found these. I hope they offer you as much hope as they do me. 

From Philippians 4:13: " I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Another example of being strengthened by the Lord in the present? 

"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (II Timothy 4:16-18)

In another place -- "... that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:" (Colossians 1:10-12)

And yet again -- "... of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love." (Ephesians 3:16-17)

Finally, from Revelation -- "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25)

Stand in the offering plate.