Jesus Came Not Into The World To Condemn The World But That The World Through Him Might Be Saved - Part 2539

"How is it then, brethren, when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying ..." (I Corinthians 14:26)

Apostle Paul is sharing herein how the body of Christ church should operate when the saints assemble. In I Corinthians 12-14, Paul further elaborates on how His church should come together -- ensuring that every one who believes has an opportunity to participate. And yes, let all things be done unto edifying.

In John 4, Jesus tells a man named Nicodemus -- a Pharisees and ruler of the Jews -- about salvation. Nicodemus had come to Jesus by night, and asks, "Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him." (John 3:1-2)

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus saith unto him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?" 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." The wind blows where it lists, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." (John 3:3-8)

Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "Art thou a master of Israel, and know not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:9-21)

Interestingly, Jesus had to reprove Nicodemus -- a ruler of the Jews -- "and ye know not these things? If I have told you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you [of] heavenly things?" This is a good question -- one that we should all take note of.

You see, Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world but rather that the world through Him might be saved. He told Nicodemus (and you and I too) that we need to be born again. And in so doing, we need to come to the Light -- Jesus is the Light that has come into the world -- and believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God. His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins.

Therefore, the first lesson herein is that we must be born again! If we read further, we see that we must be born of BOTH the water and the Spirit.

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)

This is the same message Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) preached to the first 3,000 souls saved on the new testament side -- after the cross. That is, we must first repent and be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38; 2:36-41) We see this same message preached throughout the new testament. Everyone who repented and believed on Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords went onto be water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus -- becoming clothed in His righteousness. Not as works (as some religious would have us believe) but as an answer of a good conscience toward God. (I Peter 3:21) Buried with Him in death and arising out of the water with Him like unto the resurrection. (Romans 6:3-4)

"Marvel not that I say unto thee -- ye must be born again!"

By now, you may be wondering about the gift of the Holy Ghost? As Peter said, " ... and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!" (Acts 2:38) The Comforter that Jesus spoke of -- that could not come before Jesus ascended. (John 14:26; John 15:26; Acts 1:2-3)

On the Day of Pentecost, when the risen Jesus through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, we see the Holy Ghost poured out like a rushing wind. (Acts 1:2-3; Acts 2:1-4)

"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)

There came a sound like the rushing wind, just as Jesus had previously told Nicodemus. What was this sound? It was the Spirit of the Lord speaking through the believers in the upper room. Just like Jesus said would happen to everyone that is born of the Spirit. Just as the prophecy in Joel had earlier proclaimed would happen.

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions ..." (Joel 2:28-29)

When the day of Pentecost was fully come, the men heard them speaking in their own language ... as they began to speak with other tongues (Acts 2:4, 7-8, 11) Scripturally, this aligns with Acts 10:46 wherein those who believed and were water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus did speak with tongues AND magnify God and similarly, Acts 19:6 when they spake with tongues AND prophesied! Note the dual component -- which also occurred in Acts 2, when every man heard them preaching in their own language.

"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 2:3-4)

Let's not stop here.

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, "What means this?" Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine." (Acts 2:5-13)

"And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"

Indeed, the men heard them preaching the wonderful works of God in their OWN language. Before continuing, it is important to note that apostle Paul writes of both tongues of men and of angels in I Corinthians 13 - the charity chapter. It is also critical to understand that these speaking in tongues also preached the good news -- again, consistent with those water baptized in Acts 10:44-48 and Acts 19:1-5.

Taking this further -- we understand from Paul’s writings in I Corinthians 12 - that he would not have us spiritually ignorant when it comes to the gifts of the Spirit, wherein the Lord gives "severally" as He will. (I Corinthians 12:11)

“... to another [diverse] kinds of tongues" -- which aligns with the tongues of men and of angels. (I Corinthians 13:1) And the confirming scripture -- “diversities of tongues" (I Corinthians 12:28)

But there are some who would have us believe that receiving the gift of tongues is the beginning and ending of our faith journey. That once we have spoken in a heavenly language, our salvation is secure and thus, there is no need to seek further the Lord's purpose for our life. In so doing, many who believe have sadly not moved forward in the Lord after receiving the gift of tongues. It is in this context and to offer clarity that we continue -- with the intent of stirring up the gift(s) that are within us.

First, it should be noted that if the Lord only intended for His people to speak in tongues, there would be no further guidance offered. But as we see from I Corinthians 12:30 - “Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” If we answer yes to the question, "do all speak in tongues?"- then should we not also answer yes to “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?” in I Corinthians 12:29?

But as the scriptures further state, we are to covet earnestly the “best” gifts (I Corinthians 12:31) In I Corinthians 14:5, apostle Paul states, “I would that ye all spake with tongues ...” From this scripture alone, is Paul suggesting that not everyone will speak in tongues? This is an question few want to explore because it would mean we would have to desire spiritual gifts - plural - so the Lord could give to us “dividing to every man “severally” as He will (I Corinthians 12:11)

Severally -- as in more than one.

Moreover, Paul says that he would rather we prophesied - for greater is he that prophesied than he that speaks with tongues (I Corinthians 14:5) In I Corinthians 14:21 Paul writes “with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people ...” - a study in and of itself aligning with the law plus the prophecy in Joel, and definitely a subject for another day. Notable too is that I Corinthians 14:18-19 refers to tongues as an unknown tongue.

And then finally the scripture that plays with all our taught theology- I Corinthians 14:22 wherein Paul states, “wherefore tongues are for a sign - NOT to them that believe, but to them that believe not ...”

In other words, the Lord Jesus has so many more to give us (re: gifts; operations; administrations; aides, helps, governments, etc. - I Corinthians 12:1-28) Desire spiritual gifts.

We should also know that as the Lord moves our status from that of His servants to His friends, we come to the understanding that while a day will come when prophecies, tongues and knowledge will cease, that charity (the flow through heart for others to be likewise saved) will never fail.

So much more to study and understand herein. Stand in the offering plate.

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That Every One Which Sees The Son, And Believes On Him, May Have Everlasting Life - Part 2538

"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, "Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." (II Peter 2:6-8)

"Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone; as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:32-33)

Jesus said, "I AM -- the way, the truth and the life!" (John 14:6)

Jesus said, "I AM -- the bread of life!" (John 6:35)

And Jesus said unto them, "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)

Why is this important to understand? Because Jesus is the Word made flesh who dwelt among us. Indeed, He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not.He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

"For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world." (John 6:33)

For further clarity, let's understand what Jesus said, "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, comes unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 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 6:45-55)

Jesus is God manifest in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23) He willingly lay down His life for the sheep -- you and I -- so that we might experience abundant life in Him. What is His name in this current dispensation of grace? His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us.

Jesus- the Great I AM -- the I AM that I AM that is from everlasting to everlasting!

"And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life ..." (John 6:40)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Lord Came Forth As A Mighty Man - Part 2537

Jesus is the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter who leads and guides us into all truth.

Indeed, Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." (John 14:18)

We need to stop following the false traditions of men and "Come out from among them" (as Jesus invites us in Revelation) so we do not suffer their plagues. We need to understand that there is only ONE God and in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is Jesus.

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism."

There is no getting around the scriptures that clearly state that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh and that He Himself prepared a body so that we might have salvation because of His holy blood shed on the cross. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

Yes, the same God who made this world in the beginning loved His people so much that even from afore He knew that He Himself would have to become our Saviour. He Himself wrote the greatest love story of all time, and now He is calling us back into His fold, inviting us to partake in the greatest feast ever known. Not as servants but as a member of His family.

"Hear ye Him!"

There is no "them" in His Word. There is no trinity or tri-une, triad or three headed God in the Bible.

God Himself became our Saviour. The Word which was with God and was God was made flesh and dwelt among us. "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11; I Timothy 3:16)

Because of His abundance of love and mercy for His creation, He Himself became the promise so that we who believe in Jesus by faith, and are water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- can be heirs with our Lord God and Saviour, who willingly wrote His last will and testament on the cross. This is the greatest love story ever told! Don't be fooled by those who want to lead you down the garden path.

Open the scriptures for yourself and start reading. Learn the first commandment that transcends both the old and the new -- Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One Lord. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

Stand in the offering plate. 

The Righteousness of God Is By Faith Of Jesus Christ, Unto All Who Believe - Part 2536

 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in Him, but the just shall live by His faith." (Habakkuk 2:4) 

"For He whom God hath sent speaks the words of God; for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him" ... His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins. (John 3:34; Matthew 1:21-23)

This is why the Jews marvelled, saying about Jesus, "How knows this man letters, having never learned?"  Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory, but he that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you keeps the Law? Why go you about to kill Me?" (John 7:15-19)

You see, God was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) Indeed, He was the true Light which lights every man that comes into the world. He is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:13) 

"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21) 

His name is Jesus .. "for the Law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) 

In fact, "it was imputed unto Him for righteousness." (Romans 4:22; Genesis 15:5-6) 

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse ... because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful." (Romans 1:20-21)

This explains why Paul wrote in Romans, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes ... for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." (Romans 1:16-17)

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:" (Romans 3:22)

We who seek Jesus in all that we do and think live by faith. "And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" (Philippians 3:9) 

Therefore, glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ -- the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. Let him that has ears to hear, hear. Let us with eyes to see study His Word until we understand (without question) the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in the Lord Jesus -- the risen Lord Jesus who is once again the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Stand in the offering plate.

Stand Therefore, And Put On The Whole Armour Of God, That Ye May Withstand The Evil Day - Part 2535

"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits.Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." (II Timothy 2:1-7)

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." (Ephesians 6:10-20)

As the world around us sinks into further chaos and uncertainty, it is critical that we know in whom we serve ... and that the Lord Jesus has given us the tools to become equipped against the wiles of the devil. For the Lord has told us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. Combined, these would seem overwhelming in the day to day. But we are not to be disheartened because we know from whence comes our hope. In pursuing a personal relationship with Jesus (as both our Lord God and Saviour -- Acts 2:36-41) we know from whence comes our joy ... the peace that surpasses all human understanding.

Still, in order to be able to withstand in the evil day (having done all to stand) we need to put on the armour of God. To become fully clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus. This includes having our loins girt with truth -- the Word of God (the scriptures) hid deep in our heart -- having put on the breastplate of righteousness. The righteousness of Jesus -- wherein He wraps us in His cloak of righteousness when we repent and are water baptized in His precious, holy name -- the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41) 

It is here that we understand the helmet of salvation. It is at this point that we understand the sword of the Spirit -- which is the Word of God. The same Word which became flesh and dwelt among us. The same Word which spoke the world into existence in the beginning. The same Word which leads and guides us in the day to day, so that we can be an ambassador for Jesus, speaking boldly about the greatest love story ever told -- making known to one another the mystery of the gospel.

And when we are grounded in His Word, and led by His Spirit, we will also know that we can stand therefore, including standing against the evil day. So much more to learn but let these instructions serve as a starting point for this day. Similarly, may the Lord Jesus lead and guide you into all truth.

Stand in the offering plate.

Therefore, If Any Man Be In Christ, He Is A New Creature; All Things Become New - Part 2534

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation ... for He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:19-21)

It is important then to understand that the same God who descended is the same God who is now ascending to His Throne -- from whence He had descended. GOD Himself, becoming all things to all men so that He might gain some. In other words, God's plan of salvation was to rescue fallen man by means of free redemption.

Thus, in so doing, God could renew and ensure the uninterrupted fellowship with JESUS His Saviour and Redeemer that was intended from the beginning of time. So that God could restore each and everyone to their original purpose through faith in the redeeming grace of God at calvary. Redeemed and being translated into the Kingdom of the Son of God!

JESUS -- God manifest in the flesh and dwelt among us. (I Timothy 3:16)

JESUS -- He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

JESUS, housed in a prone to sin flesh body was received whilst still in the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. His flesh, as we read in the scriptures was capable of being tempted in all points even as all of Adam’s offspring. But as we also know, inside that flesh body did dwell the holy Spirit of God. The seeds of life issuing from the Holy Ghost As it is written, JESUS, the only begotten son of God.

"This day have I begotten Thee!"

Yes, JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost which is why in JESUS' veins did flow the life-giving blood of the Spirit. It is written that “God was in the man JESUS the Christ, endeavouring to reconcile sinful man to Himself.”

Still, as recorded in the scriptures, JESUS' Spirit suffered. He was tempted and tried by the devil, and likewise many others who were entrenched and delighted in the pleasure of sin. Then JESUS was judged by the then present judicial system, who found in JESUS no fault. In effect, Jesus was pardoned. Free to go. But in response to the crowds, the judge washed his hands as if to say, "I played my part ... now let's go home."

Pilate the Judge then delivers JESUS into the hands of a frenzied religious mob who demanded that JESUS be crucified. JESUS was whipped, spat upon and stripped, and a crown of thorns placed upon His head. In the midst, His beard was torn. He was mocked and scorned, all of this occurring prior to JESUS being led away to a place called Calvary!

JESUS was also responsible for bearing the cross on which He was about to be crucified. JESUS now being physically weakened stumbled with the burden of the cross. He was assisted by a young man, arriving at the place called the place of a Skull. There, the condemning crowd nailed JESUS' hands and feet to a cross. The cruel mocking continued with the eventual plunge of a sword into His side. From this wound poured blood and water. Indeed, as the scriptures reveal, JESUS' flesh was more marred than the flesh of any other person!

Within this retelling of events, what we must recognize is that the body of JESUS, being the body in which the holy Spirit dwelt, was the point upon which the fury and wrath of sinful men expended all their religious/sinful animosity. In reality, the body by itself cannot feel. Rather, the pain is felt by the spirit in the body (For the body without the Spirit is Dead)

In retrospect, whatever was said and done to JESUS' body was factually absorbed by His Spirit -- the inward man -- the Holy Ghost. In today's terms, yes indeed, it was our sinful nature that killed His body. Still, the good news of salvation is that we could not kill His Spirit.

The other good news is that all that transpired was not forgotten as soon as the sun went down. For what we did to JESUS, we did to the holy Spirit body too. Therefore, the crucifixion and all active deeds pertaining to the demise of the life of the SON of God are as relevant today as they were at that time!

In the end, Heaven watched as the greatest love for anyone unfolded for one and all to see. If JESUS upon the cross had called for deliverance, we would not be reading this good news gospel message of everlasting eternal life for those who believe in Him. Still, when Jesus was nailed to the cross, the earth trembled and the sun darkened. For it is declared, that “Truly this WAS the Son of God."

This same Jesus whom ye/we have crucified in our hearts (prior to coming to Him)  is now the Lord of glory! Both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41) The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last. (Revelation 1:8, 11)

Indeed, GOD WAS IN THE MAN JESUS AND IT WAS HIS SPIRIT THAT SUFFERED THROUGH ALL! Therefore, how shall we escape if we neglect so GREAT a SALVATION?

Come to Jesus today, and stand in the offering plate.

Yielding The Peaceable Fruit Of Righteousness Unto Them Exercised Thereby - Part 2533

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not ..." (Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 12:3, 5))

After Jesus death, burial and resurrection, Jesus appeared to a number of people -- who did not recognize Him. On one of these encounters, Jesus comes alongside two men walking. One of them was Cleopas. They were grieving because Jesus had been crucified, whom they had trusted to be the. redeemer of Israel. And then the women who followed Jesus, after going to Jesus' tomb early in the morning, reported that Jesus was not there. 

As the scripture saith, "But Him they saw not!"

From Luke 24:

"And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. And [Jesus] said unto them, "What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?" And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto Him, "Art Thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?" And He said unto them, "What things?"

And they said unto Him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him. But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; and when they found not His body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that He was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but Him they saw not." (Luke 24:15-25)

As we see here, none of the disciples believed that the Word of the Lord which spoke through the prophets from afore could have been accurate. But to their credit, they did acknowledge the prophecies plus Jesus' words concerning the temple -- that He would rebuild it in three days. For as the two said -- today is the third day since these things were done.

Had these anticipated Jesus raising from the dead, and were now disappointed because they had not seen Him.?And yet, in spite of their own astonishment of the vision of angels reporting that Jesus was indeed alive, they remained sad. It is no wonder Jesus had to respond in the way He did.

Then He said unto them, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" 

Is this not the resurrection message of salvation that had been proclaimed from the beginning? "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." I'm sure in elaborating, Jesus reiterated that "the volume of the book is about Me." That there is no other Saviour than God Himself in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) 

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:17-19)

"And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and He made as though He would have gone further. But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to tarry with them. 

And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?"

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon." And they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread." (Luke 2:16-36)

There is no denying that the greatest love story ever told is when the Good Shepherd laid down His own life for His sheep - the body of Christ church. (Acts 20:28)

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Jesus -- both the author and the finisher of faith. 

Jesus -- both Lord and Christ. (Acs 2:36-41)

The risen Jesus, the Lord of glory!

"Who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ..." (Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 16:19; II Corinthians 4:4)

It is for this reason that we are steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in he work of the Lord. (I Corinthians 15:58) 

Stand in the offering plate.

Three Days And Three Nights - Part 2532

Three days and three nights. This phrase is used 11 times in the scriptures and each time it is in connection with His resurrection. Matthew16:2; Matthew17:23; Mark 9: 31; Mark 10:34: Luke 9:22: Luke18:33: Luke 24:7, 46; Acts 10:40; I Corinthians 15:4; Mark 8:31 and lastly, in Matthew 12:40. In the latter scripture, the timeframe was specific. It was to be three days and three nights. If we interject the above collective references we find that upon the third day He was to arise again. Jesus said that "in three days, I will raise this temple up."

Please note that if we believed the presentations that some are making, whereby they present that Jesus was to be three full days and three full nights in the tomb, He then would have been resurrected on the fourth day. This would mean that His body entered corruption, whereas the scripture declare that the Spirit of God would not allow His Holy One to enter the phase of corruption.

After reading Leviticus 23, we see that the offering of first fruits typified the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. (I Corinthians 15:12-23 elaborates on this point). The first fruit had to be offered on the first day of the week of Sabbaths. Every Sunday is not the first day of the week of Sabbaths. Jesus was sacrificed once and there is only one offering for sin - He paid the ultimate price, shedding His own precious blood once and once for all.

Indeed, just because there are some who want to offer their own version of events does not qualify them to mistakenly re-offer Jesus. It is simply impossible because Jesus offered up Himself as a Son. In actual fact, on the first day of the week of Sabbaths, Mary misidentified Jesus as the gardener. It was not until she heard Jesus' familiar voice that she realized that He was the Lord.

At the time, Jesus said to Mary, “Touch Me not for as yet I have not ascended." Yes, JESUS was still on His purposed mission to accomplish our total deliverance. The prophecy, not yet complete, was still being fulfilled in order to expedite the wave offering required in/by Leviticus chapter 23. That is, there needs to be a priest. Jesus steps into His promised priesthood as a man, that promise being, “You are a Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec."

Now He, as the "one mediator priest" ascended, presenting Himself as the sacrificial lamb of God without blemish. He is offering up Himself. He is offering His own sacrificed body to Himself the eternal Spirit, thereby establishing the everlasting testament paid for in full. He did so with the sacrifice of His own blood, which is the life giving blood of the Holy Ghost that had flowed in the veins of His holy child Jesus.

Jesus our priest offered Himself. The only begotten son who had sacrificed Himself to be accepted on our behalf. We know without a doubt, that with that sacrifice God is well pleased. We also know according to the scriptures that Jesus appeared in many forms that first day of the week of Sabbaths. Still, no one was allowed to touch Him. No touching UNTIL the three days and nights criteria was fully satisfied.

But Mary at the tomb, at least initially, did not recognize Him. Also, the two on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Him either. In fact, none recognized Jesus until He was made known to them in the breaking of bread, where upon, as the scriptures state, Jesus disappeared from their sight. It was toward evening on the first day of the week of Sabbaths that Jesus appears to them in a locked room where they were hiding for fear of the authorities. This time Jesus told them to handle Him and see that a Spirit has not flesh and bones. The Priest’s sacrificial offering of Himself as a Son accepted. It is at this point that the completion of the three days and three nights are fulfilled. JUST PRIOR TO that which is called EVEN.

In the same way, Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights. Note that very few biblical scholars dispute this in terms of timeframe. However, we see lots of misinformation and timelines in terms of the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection concerning Jesus. Nevertheless, we do know what the scriptures state, and in these, we can find clarity and truth.

Search the scriptures, said Jesus, and you will know the truth that sets us free. Stand in the offering plate.

Having Therefore Boldness To Enter Into The Holiest By The Blood Of Jesus - Part 2531

Jesus said, “I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6-12) The context herein is that Jesus was telling His apostles that if they have seen Him (Jesus) they have seen the Father and know Him. Philips responds, saying, “Shew us the Father and it suffices.” Jesus said, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet thou hast not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, “Shew us the Father?”

In John 10:30, Jesus makes a similar statement, “I and the Father are One!” We see this same message in I Timothy 3:16 — that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh.

There is only One Church — the body of Christ church wherein Jesus is the Head of the church. We see this consistency in the following scriptures:

Psalm 118:22 “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.”

Ephesians 1:22 “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,”

Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the Head of the church, He Himself being the Saviour of the body.”

Colossians 1:18 “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.”

In Revelation 1:8, 11, 17; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13, the “risen” Jesus identifies Himself as the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last.”

“… which in His times, He shall shew who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords!” (I Timothy 6:15)

Jesus is no longer walking on earth in a human body. Jesus is no longer on the cross. Jesus is no longer in a tomb, but He has risen. In Acts 1 and 2 we see how this same Jesus whom we have crucified is now both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41)

In Acts 1:2-3 — “… 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 [Jesus] 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!”

It is in this same Jesus — the holy thing which was in her womb — who would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35) — it was He in which she rejoiced — “as God my Saviour.” (Luke 47)

Indeed, Mary said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath helped His servant Israel; in remembrance of His mercy. As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed for ever.” (Luke 1:46-55)

She was blessed among women because she was found with child of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:18) Not every woman is given that privilege — to bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel — being interpreted God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Moreover, when the wise men came to see Jesus, who did they bow down and worship? Who did they bring gifts to? From Matthew 2:11-12 - “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him … and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

While Mary pondered all these things in her heart, the scriptures are clear that at no point does Mary say that we should pray to her or that she would intercede for us. Remember what Simeon in the temple said to Mary, when he rejoiced that He had seen the Lord’s Christ — “for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.” (Luke 2:28-32)

That is. “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:34-35)

Again, both Mary and Joseph marvelled at those things which were spoken of Jesus. (Luke 2:33) Do we worship Joseph too? Of course not.

If we study further, we see Jesus reprimand His mother when He turned the water into wine. Indeed, Jesus said, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.” (John 2:4; John 7:6, 30)

In another place — while Jesus yet talked to the people, behold His mother and His brethren stood without, desiring to speak with Him. Then one said unto Jesus, “Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with Thee.” But Jesus said, “Who is My mother, and who are My brethren?” And then He stretched forth His hand toward His disciples, saying, “Behold, My mother and My brethren …” (Matthew 12:46-50)

Referencing back to what Simeon said, Mary had to watch Jesus hanging on a cross, beaten beyond recognition, wearing a crown of thorns, and being spit at by the Roman soldiers. Jesus said to His mother — “Woman, behold thy son!” And then Jesus said to the disciple whom He loved, “Behold, thy mother.” And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own house. (John 19:26-27)

In the upper room (after Jesus’ resurrection), Mary the mother of Jesus along with Peter and James and John and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew and Mathew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judsas the brother of James, with the women, and His brethren (about one hundred and twenty) all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. The one accord is further described in Acts 2 when Peter (standing with the eleven) preached that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. When the first 3,000 souls saved asked what they must do, Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38-41)

As for the churches (man-made institutionalized religion), there is only One Church — the Body of Christ Church wherein Jesus is the Head. As the scriptures state, Jesus does not change — He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) What His Word said does not change according to the whims of men, or religious traditions. In fact, how many times did Jesus admonish the scribes and Pharisees for holding to their traditions and not having room in their hearts for His Word?

Apostle Paul (as Saul) acknowledges that he profited in the Jew’s religion above many of his equals — “being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.” (Galatians 1:14) But we all know what happened when he came face to face with the Lord Jesus on his way to Damascus. Saul asked, “Who art Thou Lord?” (Acts 9:4-5) And the Lord said, “I AM Jesus whom you persecute …”

One Lord, One Fatih, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)

Some suggest that Mary will advocate for us (after she has died) and yet there are no scriptural examples of her advocating — interceding for others anywhere. Some mention that Jesus is her son but so were Jesus’ brethren. She did not remain a virgin. (John 2:12)

Some allege that there is a Queen of heaven but again there is no scripture to support this teaching. This might explain why we who believe are instructed to “Come out of her, My people!”

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4)

But this scripture continues, “For her sins have reached unto heaven and God that remembered her iniquities … how much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her, for she saith in her heart, “I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judges her. And the kings of the earth, who hath committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning …” (Revelation 18:4-9, 4; Revelation 17:1-18)

There is more to come but let’s begin with this. Stand in the offering plate!

Being Then Made Free From Sin, Ye Became The Servants Of Righteousness - Part 2530

"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:18)

"There is therefore 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. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh ... that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4)

"But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption, that. according as it is written, he that glories let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:30)

Paul clearly makes a distinction here, in that condemnation ends when we are in Christ Jesus. Indeed, Paul reiterates the key to that place of redemption repeatedly -- "but of Him are ye in Christ Jesus" and "for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

We must be in Christ Jesus.

We must be abiding in the doctrine of Christ. (II John 1:9)

"For He hath made Him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21)

"... and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:39)

Thus, when we come to Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and we are baptized in His precious, holy name -- the name of Jesus (as Peter standing with the eleven commanded on the day of Pentecost), He clothes us in His righteousness. He puts His cloak -- His garment of righteousness over us, and His Spirit dwells within. We begin to walk in the newness of life -- wherein all things become new. 

The promise? "And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!" (Acts 2:26-41)

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17)

"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

We have been given a unique opportunity to walk in the newness of life because God willingly decided to prepare for Himself a body, and to shed His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I. (Acts 20:28)

But again, note the caveat -- it is believing that this same Lord Jesus whom we all have crucified in our heart prior to coming to Him is indeed the Lord of glory. Believing that He is God manifest in the flesh. Believing that He would love us so much -- beyond any measure -- to redeem us from our sins.

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life (for the life was manifested and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you ..." (II John 1:1-3)

Before the cross, Jesus said to those Jews who believed on Him -- "If ye continue in My Word,, [then] are ye My disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32; Romans 8:2; James 2:12)

Like Abraham on the old testament side, when he believed God, his faith was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the Friend of God. (James 2:23; Genesis 15:6; II Chronicles 20:7)

We are saved because the same Spirit of the Lord God that moved upon the waters in the very beginning cared enough about you and I to execute His plan of salvation which happened when He declared, "This day have I begotten Thee!" This day, will I usher in the new testament wherein Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle ... by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:8; Hebrews 9:11-12; Hebrews 9:14-18)

Does this mean that we are sinless? According to I John 1:8-10, the answer is no. But what it does mean is that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9; Psalm 32:5)

"... but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13)

But as we also know, "the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (I Corinthians 2:14)

There is so much more here to learn about His grace, and being set free because of a love so great that God Himself would come forth as a mighty man so that we might have life. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:35)

"But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law -- to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons,, God hath set forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father." Wherefore thou art no more a servant,, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ," (Galatians 4:1-7)

Let's not return to the beggarly elements which only put us in bondage but instead, zealously seek Jesus as both Lord and Christ in our hearts, and pick up our cross and follow Hi, He is the Author of life. He is the Light which shines brighter than the noon day sun. And He has a plan and purpose for your life that surpasses all human understanding.

Stand in the offering plate.