Blessed Is He That Comes In the Name Of The Lord, Hosanna In The Highest - Part 2563

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn." (Zechariah 12:8-12)

Herein, the Word of the Lord has come unto Zechariah. It is the eighth month, in the second year of Darius. Zechariah is the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet. (Nehemiah 12:4) During this time, the Lord hath been sore displeased with Israel's fathers, and is saying unto them, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, "Turn ye unto Me," saith the Lord of hosts, "and I will turn unto you," saith the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 1:1-3) 

The warning that is being stated is to "be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts: turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings, but they did not hear, nor hearken unto Me, saith the Lord." (Zechariah 1:4) 

Jesus expands on this same message in Matthew 23, when He speaks to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do, but don't ye after their works for they say and do not. For they bind heavy burdens; and are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men; they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments. and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, "Rabbi, Rabbi," but be not ye called Rabbi; for One is you Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren ..." (Matthew 23:1-10) 

Jesus finishes by saying, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate; for I say unto you, "Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, "Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord." (Matthew 23:39; Jeremiah 22:5; Psalm 118:26; Matthew 21:9) 

Jeremiah had earlier prophesied, saying, "But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by Myself," saith the Lord, "that this house shall become a desolation ... I will make thee a wilderness, and cities which are not inhabited .... and many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, "Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this great city?" Then they shall answer, "Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them." (Jeremiah 22:1-9) 

Repeatedly, the Israelites were committing this great evil against their souls. "Therefore, now thus saith the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel."(Jeremiah 44:6) Nevertheless, the Lord continued to call His people, pleading with them to "turn ye unto Him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin." (Isaiah 31:6-7)

And again in Malachi the same invitation. "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them, "Return unto Me and I will return unto you," saith the Lord of hosts, "but ye said, "Wherein Shall we return?" (Malachi 3:7)

This same compassion for His people and on His dwelling place is expressed in Jeremiah. And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by His messengers ... but they mocked the messengers of God and despised His words, and misused His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy." (II Chronicles 36:15-16)

"That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not heir heart aright and whose spirit was not steadfast with God." (Psalm 78:8)

As we move through these small sampling of scriptures, we see the Lord's mercy and love continually expressed throughout. As the psalmist David asks, "Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favourable no more? Is His mercy clean gone for ever? Does His promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath He in anger shut up His ender mercies?" (Psalm 77:7-9)

Thankfully, we are privileged to know the rest of the story, that the same God who created the world and all its inhabitants, was made flesh and dwelt among us. As John writes, "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) 

As a consequence, we too can call to remembrance the song the Lord placed in our heart in the night. We too can remember the works of the Lord, the same God that doest wonders and has declared His strength among the people. Why? Because we know "Thou hast with Thine arm redeemed Thy people." (Psalm 77:15; 11)

We understand that the first commandment -- "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One Lord" has not changed, and will not change, because our hearts have come to know personally the God that furnishes a table for His people in the wilderness. The One and Same God that smote the rock, that caused the waters to gush out, and the streams to overflow. And that He can give bread also, and provide flesh for His people. 

But some sinned more against the Most High, provoking Him and speaking against God, because they believed not in God, and trusted not in His salvation -- even when tHe had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them the corn of heaven, until they were full. They believed not for His wondrous works. (Psalm 77:13-24)

And sadly, we see many who say they worship the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength but then refuse to believe that the same God who created them in the beginning would love them enough to shed His precious blood on a cross, beaten and mocked, so that we could have abundant life in Him. 

Why is this? I believe it's because we've allowed our church leaders to divide the One and Only Lord God into three, a multi-headed triad, if you will that has rendered the body of Christ church , His holy people powerless and scattered. (Daniel 12:7) 

But it doesn't need to be this way. Re-read the scriptures above and understand that before God clothed Himself in a sin-prone body (yet without sin), He told us that a day would come when we would "look upon Me whom they have pierced!" (Zechariah 12:8) That the day would come when we would hearken in our hearts to the Lord of hosts, and that when we turned unto the Lord of hosts, He would turn unto us. (Zechariah 1:1-4) 

"Therefore, now thus saith the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel ..." 

Not a God divided into three persons (as the false modern day religious culture would have us believe), but the One Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel who loved His people -- as the apple of His eye. But He won't railroad us into believing in Him, and thus, we see in scriptural example after example, the Israelites going around and around the mountain but never reaching the promised land. 

Let's not find ourselves in the same situation, wherein our hearts strive for the things of this world, and not the Lord God who chooses to love us beyond measure. In this current dispensation of grace, His name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Come to Jesus today -- for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. The Creator of the universe who came down from His glory to redeem His people. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

The Grand Entrance Of God Our Saviour; He Is The Way, The Truth And The Life - Part 2562

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." (Luke 2:1-5)

As you can see, this marks the beginning of all the world being taxed. This is not to suggest that there wasn't a form of taxing before this point. For example, as we see from II Kings 23:35, Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to give the money, according to the commandment of Pharaoh; he exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, and of everyone according to his taxation, to give it unto Pharaoh-nechoh."

In Daniel's prophecy for the future, we see a raiser of taxes -- 'Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days, he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle." (Daniel 11:20)

There is a third example -- of Theudas, "boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men (about 400) had joined themselves, was slain and all, as many as obeyed him were scattered. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him, [This man] also perished, and all, even as many as obeyed him were dispersed. And now, I say unto you, "Refrain from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught." (Acts 5:36-38)

And then we come back to Luke 2, wherein Caesar Augustus made a decree that all the world should be taxed. The taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. Everyone was required to go to their own city. Thus, Joseph and very pregnant Mary went up from Galilee into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.

Why did Joseph travel to Bethlehem? Because he was of the house and lineage of David. We see this further explained in Acts 1, and the genealogy in Matthew 1:1-16. "So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away unto Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations." (Matthew 1:16)

We see from Matthew's account that Joseph, being a just man and not wanting to make Mary a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But an angel appeared, 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 shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:18-24)

Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:23) 

Therefore, as Matthew relates, "now the birth of Christ was on this wise. When as His mother was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost; and so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:6-7)

From Luke's account, we understand that there were "shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; "Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:8-14)

A couple of points worth noting here. First, the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. Second, this meant the Holy Ghost was the Father. Third, the angel announced that the Saviour to be born would be Christ the Lord -- a point similarly confirmed by Peter and the apostles in Acts 2:36. Fourth, the heavenly host praised God, saying -- "Glory to God in the highest, ad on earth, peace good will toward men." In other words, God was declaring peace to all the world.

Finally, it is interesting that while God was declaring peace to each and every one of us for the coming new testament side, the worldly system was implementing a burdensome tax system for everyone. In this context, we can see how the Lord God only wants what is best for us, whilst the enemy (satan) remains determined to destroy people through whatever means he can. Remember, Jesus came to set the captive free -- proclaiming liberty to the captives - those who desired to rule as oppressors. (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1) However, I digress.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." (Luke 2:15)

Note how the shepherds were so immediately willing to go, because the Lord hath made known the birth of the promised Christ as Saviour unto them. Needless to say, "they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:16-20)

So, do you think the shepherds were awaiting this good new - as the Lord God had promised from afore the world? Perhaps, there is much more to the shepherds that we haven't considered herein. Most certainly, there were no wise men while Jesus was in the stable. At this point, we know from the scriptures, that Jesus was still an infant, less than 8 days old. His precious , holy name assigned before He was conceived,

"And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, His name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb." (Luke 2:21)

Continuing, "and when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."

It is also important that Jesus had not yet shed His precious, holy blood on the cross, so Mary and Joseph were still under the law. Therefore, there had to be witnesses that would confirm the birth of the prophesied King of kings and Lord of lords. Simeon was first, and then Anna. What did Simeon state?

"Lord, now let thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles,
and the glory of Thy people Israel."

The same message applies to us this day. More to come.


Stand in the offering plate.

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Jesus, The Rock Of Our Salvation' A God Of Truth And Without Iniquity, Just And Right Is He - Part 2561

"There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside Thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God." (I Samuel 2:2)

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4)

"... 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 9:33)

"And He said, "Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live." And the Lord said, "Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: and it shall come to pass, while My glory passes by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by:" (Exodus 33:20-22)

In referencing the Lord God, the term rock is used often in both the old and new testament. For example, remember Jesus' parable about the wise man building his house upon the Rock? (Matthew 7:24-25; Luke 6:48) Or, as apostle Paul describes, the Rock which followed the Israelites through the Red Sea was Christ? (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

"... and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:4)

Or when Jesus said to build His church upon this Rock (Jesus) and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it? (Matthew 16:18) Indeed, even the sepulchre wherein Jesus was laid after the crucifixion was hewn out of a rock. (Mark 15:46)

In referencing how the seed - the Word of God - is received by believing and unbelieving hearts, Jesus details the parable of the sower, when He said, "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the Word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." (Luke 8:6-13)

Indeed, Jesus is the Rock of Salvation. Jesus is both Lord and Christ. Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He is indeed God our Saviour, wherein after His kindness and love toward man appeared. (Acts 2:36-41; I Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21-23; Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 1:8-9; Titus 2:13; Acts 20:28)

"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)

So the question then is this -- what other God would lead His people out of Egypt, if not Christ Jesus? Is there another Lord who saves His people, besides the same God who created us? Think about this for a moment! Throughout the old testament, there is no question that there is only One God and He is the Lord. Indeed, the first commandment begins by stating, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

The psalmist David confirms that God is the Lord, and the Lord is God.

"For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?" (Psalm 18:31)

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2)

"As for God, His way is perfect: the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30)

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12)

So does the prophet Isaiah, when he writes ""I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me ..." (Isaiah 45:5) (Isaiah. 45:5; Psalm 86:8; (II Samuel 7:22; I Chronicles 17:20)

And as we know, there is no other Lord who saves His people. But as Jude so clearly states, the church has allowed certain men to creep in unawares -- those who don't know the scriptures; individuals set out to deceive those that the Lord has called. Jude writes:

"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:4)

Even though the apostles were clear in declaring that this same Jesus was both Lord and Christ, there are those (sadly!) who would rather align with church traditions than submit to the truth. (Acts 2:36)

This same Jesus who clearly stated, "I am/AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) 

Does Jesus stop there? Of course not, because He wanted His closest disciples to know who He was. Reading further in John 14, Jesus says ..."Thomas saith unto Him, "Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?" Jesus saith unto him, "I am/AM the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. Philip saith unto Him, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffices us."

Jesus saith unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, "Shew us the Father?" Believest thou not that I am/AM in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwells in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I [am/AM] in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep my commandments." (John 14:5-15)

You see, while Jesus walked on this earth, He never ceased to tell us who He was. "If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him." (John 10:37-38)

Again, remember apostle Paul's words in I Corinthians 10:1-4?

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: AND THAT ROCK WAS CHRIST."

"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people." (Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 14:19)

The Word of the Lord said to Zechariah -- "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for [his] only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn." (Zechariah 12:8-12)

Indeed the Lord will reign. The Lord God will be King over the whole earth. On that day, there will be (as there always was) one Lord, and His Name the ONLY name. (Zechariah 14:9) And the name above every other name in this current dispensation of grace?

"And ye shall call His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins .. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23; Philippians 2:9-10; Acts 4:12)

Jesus Christ is THE SAME Yesterday and Today and FOREVER! (Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 25:1; John 20:28) And this same Jesus is saying to each and every one of us this day ...

"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. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light!" (I Peter 2:7-9)

JESUS is the greatest love story ever told. And this same God who willingly became our Saviour (shedding His precious holy blood so that we might have abundant life in Him) looks upon each and every one of us as the apple of His eye. So, don't let another day go by without searching the scriptures for His truth, beginning at the first salvation message preached in the new testament -- found in Acts 2:36-47. 

Indeed, Jesus -- the Way, the Truth and the Life! The King of kings and Lord of lords!

Stand in the offering plate.

Awake To Righteousness, For We Through the Spirit Wait For The Hope Of Righteousness By faith. - Part 2560

"And [Abraham] believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15:6)

Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) 

Jesus said, "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20) 

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

" ... for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3:16) 

In the last blog, we learned about apostle Paul's heart desire for Israel -- that they might be saved. This was a critical question -- because even though the Israelites had a zeal for God, their zeal was not according to knowledge. As Paul writes, the Israelites are ignorant of God's righteousness, going about instead, to establish their own righteousness. 

"Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." (Romans 10:1-4)

Paul doesn't just say these things about Israel, but about himself also -- "circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ, 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 3:5-9)

What is righteousness?

Paul writes, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes." (Romans 10:5)

Paul further states to the saints in Galatia, "Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3:20-22)

Note that this is the same message Paul preaches in the epistle to the Romans 10 and 11. 

Perhaps, it's important to note that within the scriptures, there are 291 references to righteousness. For example, when Zacharias (the father of John the baptizer) and full of the Holy Ghost prophesied, he said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for He hath visited and redeemed His people and hath raised up an hour of salvation for us in the house of His servant David ... "that we .... might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life." (Luke 1:67-75) 

A second example is just before Jesus is crucified. Jesus says to His disciples,  "And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more." (John 16:8-10)

We also know from Acts 13 that the devil is referred to as the enemy of righteousness. "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand." (Acts 13:9-11)

When Paul reasoned righteousness, temperance and judgment with Felix, we know that Felix trembled. (Acts 24:25) We know from Peter that God is not a respecter of persons, and that every nation that works righteousness and fears Him shall be accepted with Him. (Acts 10:34-36)

"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 1:30-31)

We also learn that our salvation is not of works. "... not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5)

So should we ask? Who is He who according to His own mercy and grace, chose to save us? Yes, that's right -- "and ye shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

"... who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24) "But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled!" (I Peter 3:14)

Similarly, we know that there is fruit which comes forth from righteousness. "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18) And historic too - since Noah is cited as being a preacher to the world. (II Peter 2:5) 

We also come to the understanding that righteousness is pivotal (a criteria?) as we see in I John.

"If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that does righteousness is born of Him." (I John 2:29) "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous." (I John 3:7) "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother." (I John 3:10) 

The bride -- also known as the body of Christ church -- will be arrayed in clean, white fine linen, "for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (Revelation 19:8) 

Further, those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, have their loins girded with truth, wearing the breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:14) But for those who do not, Jesus said, "For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him." (Matthew 21:32)

Getting back to Romans 11, Paul writes, "For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which does those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in thine heart, "Who shall ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, "Who shall descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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. 

For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things."

Therefore, as we begin to investigate righteousness, as it is applied in these last days, strive to preach the gospel of peace, and continue to bring glad tidings of good things. There's much more to come on this topic. But for now, stand in the offering plate. 

Betrothed Forever In Righteousness; Judgment; Loving Kindness; Mercies; And In Faithfulness - Part 2559

" ... the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints ...." (Ephesians 1:18)

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ -- called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God (by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name) is writing to all that be in Rome - those who are the beloved of God, called to be saints. (Romans 1:1-7)

Paul does not want them to be ignorant of the good news gospel of Jesus Christ - for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek -- 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)

"Among whom ye are also the called of Jesus Christ!" (Romans 1:6) 

Throughout, apostle Paul has repeatedly written of his heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel -- that they might be saved. While he bears record that they have a zeal for God, Paul is clear that their zeal is not according to knowledge. "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God!" (Romans 10:3) 

Remember, Paul's starting point -- therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. 

In Romans 3, Paul shows us how the Lord has levelled the playing field -- that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin. As it is written, "There is none righteous, no not one." (Romans 3:9-10) But he does not stop there. Paul continues -- "there is none that understands, there is none that seek after God. They are all gone out of the way; they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good - no, not one." (Romans 3:9-11)  Indeed, all the world hath become guilty before God. (Romans 3:19) 

By the law came the knowledge of sin. The schoolmaster which should point us to Jesus the Christ. 

"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. 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 for all have sin and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:21-23) 

If Paul had concluded there, we would have no hope. But he did not. 

"Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus - whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood; to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare, that He might be just and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:24-26)

We are saved by the law of faith. (Romans 3:27) 

"Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also -- seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:28-310

In other words, when God willingly became our Saviour, He levelled the playing field between the Israelites and the Gentiles. He made it so that we are all under sin. That none of us are righteous -- no not one! All this so that He could bring salvation to all those who believe in Him -- Jesus. 

This is the good news gospel message -- that we all come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Come to Jesus today! 

Read Acts 2:36-41. Stand in the offering plate. 

This Is My Name, Saith The Lord God, My Glorious Salvation Name - Part 2558

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12)

"... 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 ..." (Philippians 2:8-10)

Why Is God's Name Important? More importantly, what is the saving name of God?

As we see from these scriptures, there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. And that name is a name which is above every other name. This is the same name whereby every knee shall bow. It is also the name that the angel of the Lord declared -- "And ye shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) 

Yes, Jesus is the salvation name in this current dispensation of grace. 

Peter, standing with the eleven further confirms this name as the one and only salvation name in Acts 2:36-41: 

"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)

"... that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:12-14)

"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)

Stand in the offering plate. 

To Whom Will Ye Liken Me And Make Me Equal, And Compare Me, That We May Be Like? - Part 2557

"In that time shall the present be brought unto the Lord of hosts, of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the Name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion." (Isaiah 18:7; Isaiah 45:14) 

"For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the Name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent." (Zephaniah 3:9)

"... that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour ..." (II Peter 3:2)

The Word of the Lord endures forever. (I Peter 1:25)

The last two posts focused primarily on how the Lord God confirms His Word (each scripture with at least one other corresponding scripture in another place, and/or by His oath. To understand, we considered a number of scriptures from both the Old and the New Testaments -- both the scripture(s) in context, and by comparison. Today, a specific scriptural example shall be highlighted.

Before beginning, let's reiterate some of the key points. First, there is a confirming verse for every scripture written. Second, the scriptures are the Word of God and thus, without error. We see this in Matthew 4:4 - when Jesus answered and said, "It is written - man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Third, Jesus shared in one of His parables that the seed is the Word of God. "Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God." (Luke 8:11) Fourth, by rejecting the Word of God, we are "making the Word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." (Mark 7:12; Luke 4:4) Fifth, as Jesus said, "Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:28)

We know from the gospel of John that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not." (John 1:10-11) His Name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) But I digress.

The example for today is Matthew 28:19, wherein Jesus continues to say (after telling the eleven that "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth" to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." 

Baptizing them in the Name!

The corresponding verses for Matthew 28:19 are these: 

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." (Mark 16:15-16)

Jesus speaking again (just before He is taken up) says, "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 part of Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) 

Witnesses unto Jesus in all parts of the earth. And that water baptism is part of salvation. If we continue to consider the corresponding verses for these, we need to look further into John 3:36 and I Peter 3:21. In the beginning, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus (a man of the Pharisees and a ruler of the Jews), saying, "Ye must be born again!" After these things, Jesus and His disciples come into the land of Judaea. John the baptizer is baptizing in AEnon near to Salim (because there was much water there). 

Then arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. John has already told them he is not the Christ, but sent before Him. Referring to Jesus, John said, "He must increase but I must decrease. He that comes from above is above all; he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth, he that comes from heaven is above all." (John 3:31) 

Continuing, John confirms that he that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. "For He whom God hath sent speaks the words of God; for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him. The Father loves the Son and hath given ALL things into His hand ... he that believes on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides in him." (John 3:30-36)

I Peter 3:21 (also about water baptism) states, "The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us {not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Interestingly, not one of these corresponding scriptures tells us "how" to be water baptized. Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 --"in the Name!" But what name? 

If we jump over to Acts 2:36-41, we see that Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost is ready to tell us the Name. Indeed, when asked what the people must do to be saved, Peter (still in one accord with the other apostles and the 120 from the upper room) said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-41) 

So, what was the Name? 

JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) Is this the only scriptural cross reference? The answer is no for every single person water baptized in the new testament (after the cross) was water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. We see this happening in Acts 19:1-5; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 8:14-16; Acts 9:17-18; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:35-38; Romans 6:3-4. 

Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!"(John 10:30)

Jesus said, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him." (John 14:6-12)

Jesus said, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father; if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19)

Jesus said, "If ye do not believe that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24)

This is why Jesus could say, "Before Abraham was, I AM" (John 8:45-59)

This is also why Jesus could say -- I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I am the Bread of life. I am the living water, wherein if ye drink, ye shall never thirst again. And now, as the risen Jesus (no longer constrained by human flesh) He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen; whom He had said to tarry in Jerusalem until they received the power from on high -- the Comforter who could not come until Jesus had ascended. (Acts 1:2-3, 4-5, 8) 

Just like the angel of the Lord who said, "And ye shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins" -- this same Jesus whom we crucified (now both Lord and Christ) is still inviting us to Come to the most elaborate wedding feast ever. (Acts 2:36) The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8)

My question -- with so many new testament scriptures on the subject of water baptism, why did those responsible for inserting corresponding scriptures not include the verses specific to water baptism? Do they not believe that Acts 2 represents the beginning of the new testament church? (Acts 1:22) Do they not believe that the apostles had the authority (particularly Peter) to reveal to those who would listen that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory -- according to I Timothy 3:16?

Nevertheless, when we are water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus, we become clothed in His righteousness -- putting on His garment -- and like the scripture states, then ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Stand in the offering plate.

In Hope Of Eternal Life, Which God, That Cannot Lie, Promised Before The World Began -- Part 2556

"And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen." (Mark 16:20)

"... confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)

" ... even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace." (Philippians 1:7)

"For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us ..." (Hebrews 6:16-18)

In searching the scriptures, it is critical to understand that there is always a confirming scripture (at least one) to validate the Word. Interpreted, this means there are no contradictions within the scriptures because there is always a second scripture to confirm the first. Obviously, there can be many more scriptures. It is for this reason that we search the scriptures wherein the Lord has said, "Lo, behold, the volume of the book is written of Me!" (Psalm 40:7; Hebrews 10:7)

In Hebrews 6, for example, we also see that God's oath is unchanging -- "for when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself." (Hebrews 6:13; Luke 1:73) 

Why is this important? Because "God is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of man, that He should repent; hath He said, and shall He not do [it]? Or hath He spoken and shall He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19) " .... for He is not a man that He should repent." (I Samuel 15:29)

Or, as apostle Paul said in writing to Titus, "according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; but hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour." (Titus 1:1-3)

Similarly, Zacharias, filled with the Holy Ghost confirmed the same oath when he prophesied about his son John (the baptizer). 

"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed His people; and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David: as He spake by the mouth of the holy prophets, which have been since the world began; that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; the oath which He sware to our father Abraham, that He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest, for thou shat go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways ... to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us!" (Luke 1:67-80) 

For those who may not know, God said previously to Abraham, "Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath -- that by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us; which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 6:13-20; Genesis 22:17; Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 5:6) 

"And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of the heaven the second time, and said, "By Myself have I sworn," saith the Lord ..." (Genesis 22:15-16)

Abraham (by faith) was called out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:8-9) 

In the new testament, we see Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, wherein the risen Jesus had instructed them to tarry. There, Peter speaking freely states: "Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne; he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption." (Acts 2:29-31)-18

Hebrews 7 adds even more clarity and insights for those interested in learning more. Nevertheless, the point today is this -- the Lord God confirms His Word throughout. Thus, when we search the scriptures, we see evidence of His promises -- each verse supported by a second (or even more) within the scriptures. 

"He hath remembered His covenant for ever, the Word which He commanded to a thousand generations, which covenant He made with Abraham, and His oath unto Isaac; and confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant ..." (Psalm 105:8-10)

"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." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

So, with all these scriptural confirmations and so many witnesses around us, what will we who believe say when we meet the King of kings and Lord of lords face to face -- for not searching the scriptures for His clarity and truth. It's an interesting question. 

Indeed, "O Lord our God, other lords beside Thee have had dominion over us; but by Thee only will we make mention of Thy name!" (Isaiah 26:13)

More to come on this topic. In the interim, stand in the offering plate. 

Am I A God At Hand, Saith the Lord, And Not a God Afar Off?- Part 2555

“For Thou hast confirmed to Thyself Thy people Israel to be a people unto Thee for ever; and Thou, O Lord, art become their God.” (II Samuel 7:240

“ … and hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant.” (II Chronicles 16:17; Psalm 105:10)

“Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, “The Lord saith, and the Lord hath not sent them, and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the Word. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The Lord saith it; albeit I have not spoken?” (Ezekiel 13:5-7)

“How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? Yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart, which think to cause My people to forget My name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten My name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream: and he that hath My Word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? Is not My Word like as a fire?” Saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaks the rock into pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets,” saith the Lord, “that steal My words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets,” saith the Lord, “that use their tongues, and saith, “He saith.” Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams,” saith the Lord, “ and do tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commandment them: therefore, they shall not profit this people at all,” saith the Lord!” (Jeremiah 23:26-32)

In this context, the Word of the Lord came unto Ezekiel saying, “Son of man, prophecy against the prophets of Israel, that prophesy and say unto them that prophecy out of their own hearts, “Hear ye the Word of the Lord” … thus saith the Lord God, “Woe unto the foolish prophets that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing. O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle of the day of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 13:1-5)

It is at this point that the Lord reveals that what these prophets are actually seeing is vanity and lying divination — making others to hope that they would confirm the Word. Then He asks, “Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination …?”

Moreover, the Lord God responds to His own question, stating, “Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold I AM against you,” saith the Lord God. And Mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel, and ye shall know that I AM the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 13:8)

Note that the Lord does not stop there. He then states, “Because, even because they have seduced My people, saying, “Peace, and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar, say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall, and a stormy wind shall rend it. Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, “Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?” Therefore, thus saith the Lord God: “I will even rend it with a story wind in My fury: and there shall be an overflowing shower in Mine anger, and great hailstones in My fury to consume it. So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I AM the Lord. Thus will I accomplish My wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered porter, and will say unto you, “The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it; to wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace,” saith the Lord God.

“Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of Thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart, and prophecy thou against them, and say, “Thus saith the Lord God, “Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of My people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you? And will ye pollute Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to salt the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to My people that hear your lies?” Wherefore, thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly. Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I AM the Lord. Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad, and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he would not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: therefore, ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations; for I will deliver My people out of your hand, and ye shall know that I AM the Lord.” (Ezekiel 13:1-23)

“For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard His Word? Who hath marked His Word and heard it?” (Jeremiah 23:18; I Corinthians 2:16)

But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. (Jeremiah 23:22)

“Because ye have not hearkened unto Me,” saith the Lord!” (Jeremiah 25:5)

“Because ye have not heard My words …” (Jeremiah 25:8)

All the whilst, the people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy; yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And, as the Lord said, “I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:29-30) ‘’

We have a choice to make — whether we who profess to believe follow those who call themselves prophets, or instead seek in our hearts to hear the Word of the Lord.

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (I Corinthians 2:16; John 15:15; Romans 11:34-35)

If we believe that this same Jesus whom we crucified is both Lord and Christ, we should understand that the voices of hirelings we will not hear, but rather the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep. (Acts 2:36-41; John 10:12-13)

Stand in the offering plate.

And His Dominion Shall Be From Sea Even To Sea, And From The River Even To The Ends Of The Earth - Part 2554

" ... they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, "It is My people" and they shall say, "The Lord is my God!" (Zechariah 13:9; Psalm 50:15; Isaiah 48:10)

"Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore, they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.

Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats; for the Lord of hosts hath visited His flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as His goodly horse in the battle. Out of Him came forth the corner, out of Him the nail, out of Him the battle bow, out of Him every oppressor together, and they shall be as mighty [men],which tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle; and they shall fight, because the Lord is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded. And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them: for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off; for I [am] the Lord their God and will hear them." (Zechariah 10:1-6; Isaiah 30:23)

Zechariah is a prophet. In the eighth month in the second year of Darius, the Word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, "The Lord hath been sore displeased with your fathers." Therefore, say unto them, "Thus saith the Lord of hots, "Turn ye unto Me," saith the Lord of hosts, "and I will turn unto you," saith the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 1:1-3)

What we are witnessing here is the Lord of hosts crying for the people to turn from their evil ways, their evil doings but sadly, the people would not hear, or hearken unto the Lord. They did not want to hear the name of the Lord, even though they would (from doing so) be strengthened in the Lord. (Zechariah 10:12; Micah 4:5; Zechariah 10:6) Why? Because the Lord would have mercy on them -- because He is the Lord their God and does hear them when they cry out to Him.

A point worth noting here is that Zechariah is not the only prophet with a message to proclaim from the Lord. For example, Jeremiah the prophet declared a similar message in Jeremiah 10:"When He utters His voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens, and He causes the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightnings with rain, and brings forth the wind out of His treasures. Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of His inheritance: The Lord of hosts is His name." (Jeremiah 10:13-16)

It's also important to understand that the prophets not only spoke to the people but the shepherds assigned to minister for the Lord. This is evident from the Lord God who desired the shepherds hear the Word of the Lord. From Ezekiel 34:

"And the Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, "Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; "Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up [that which was] broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, My flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after] them.

Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the Word of the Lord; "As I live," saith the Lord God, "surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became meat to every beast of the field, because [there was] no shepherd, neither did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not My flock; therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the Word of the Lord." (Ezekiel 34:7-9)

Thus saith the Lord God; "Behold, I [am] against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them." (Ezekiel 34:1-10)

No shepherds willing to feed the flock. No shepherds willing to strengthen the diseased, or those who are broken, or lost. And this -- even though the sheep wandered though all the mountains and upon every high hill seeking the Word of the Lord. Most telling is that the shepherds did not search for them.

Thankfully, the Lord our God has never forgotten us! It is for this reason, knowing that God willingly became our Saviour; that He willingly shed His precious blood on the cross; that He has redeemed us from all our transgressions; and clothed us in His righteousness -- that "we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7; II Chronicle 32:8; Isaiah 31:1; Acts 20:28; Matthew 1:21-23; Acts 2:36-41)

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