Let Us Be Glad And Rejoice In The King of kings And Lord of lords - Part 2761

"I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh and as a consequence your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Similarly, your old men shall dream dreams and upon My servants and upon My handmaidens, I will pour out of My Spirit."

So the question is this. Have you received the Holy Ghost since you exercised your faith towards the name of the Lord JESUS? If you have not received the promised holy Spirit according to the scriptures, then why not?

Certainly, there is only One Lord! There is only one faith! There is only one baptism. This is the short form confession of the faith that the scriptures render. In this context then, we ought to examine ourselves to see whether we are earnestly contending for this confession of faith. This confession of our faith that was once, and only once delivered from JESUS to us by His holy Spirit. (Acts 2:36-41; Hebrews 9:8, 14-18)

The ministry of His Spirit declares that if any man has not the Spirit of JESUS the Christ then that person has not as yet accepted redemption. Nor has he or she obeyed the opening tongue spoken ministry of the Holy Ghost as recorded on the day of Pentecost. 

Because of this, Paul in Galatians declared, "Who has bewitched you that you not obey the truth?" Continuing, he summarized by adding -- evidently you started out in looking and believing in JESUS. only. Indeed, when you first experienced His love, you were doing so well hungering for more of His mercy and grace with singleness of heart. So, what happened?

Well, in some cases you may have met a religious person who had church-ianity but had never experienced the free redemption that the real Jesus offers, and invites us into. What they did not tell you is that the Old Covenant is not the New Testament. Neither is the New Testament an addendum to the Old Covenant. The Old Testament is a covenant of works (the law- physical) while the New Testament is intended to be a testament of love and grace (circumcision of the heart) -- neither of which are dependant on you.

God in the New Testament redeems to Himself a people who previously were not a people at all. The New Testament was necessary because God walked away from the former covenant when those He had covenanted with had walked out from the Old Covenant demands. But this New Covenant is a Covenant between God who is Spirit and God Himself as a Son. This New Covenant was a ‘God In Christ Covenant.'  Most of all, it involved the death of the testator - JESUS.

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

We as believers then are the benefactors of all contained in that everlasting covenant of God in Christ. We as believers do not have a covenant. Rather, we are the recipients of all that JESUS was heir of and to. All of Jesus the Christ inheritance has been bequeathed to us as His last will and testament. One does not work for an inheritance. No, an inheritance is considered a gift!

Is it any wonder that the Apostle Paul said to the Galatians, "My labour that I have bestowed upon you - was it all in vain?" You started out well, but now you are endeavouring to work for salvation. Let me remind you says Paul that Christ died for all of our sins. Christ died for yesterday's sin, today's sin and even tomorrow’s sin. And He paid the ultimate price -- once and for all.

This is why Jesus was raised from the grave -- for our justification! When Jesus ascended to Heaven, Jesus sat down. So why are you still working for your salvation? Admittedly, you may work because you have salvation, but we do NOT work to OBTAIN salvation. Salvation is the free gift Of God!

Therefore, start afresh. Read Acts 2 and do as the holy Spirit of the Lord commands. As for me and my house, we will - by God’s grace sand mercy serve none other than the God who loved us so much that He would willingly give Himself for us. (Acts 20:28) 

Peace be on the ISRAEL of God. Stand in the offering plate.

Quench Not The Spirit; For Faithful Is He That Calls You, Who Also Will Do; To Them Called According To His Purpose - Part 2760

"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 -- ah the Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14)

"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30)

"Quench not the Spirit!" (I Thessalonians 5:19; I Corinthians 14:30)

The question herein is this --what does it mean to be sealed with that holy Spirit of promise?  

Breaking it down, the word 'sealed' is considered a form of preserving that can only be broken or corrupted through tampering. Therefore, sealed means that nothing can penetrate (from the outside in) . Sealed is a form of authentication that cannot be denied. The Mirriam-Webster dictionary further elaborates by adding that sealed is "an impression, device, or mark given the effect of a common-law seal by statute law or by American local custom recognized by judicial decision." 

Scripturally, to be sealed by His holy Spirit is a confirmation that we now belong to the Lord God; that He has pledged that we are His, and thus, saved to the last day. In essence then, the Holy Ghost becomes our seal. Therefore, when we repent (acknowledging that this same Jesus whom we have crucified is both Lord and Christ) and are water baptized in His precious, holy name -- the hame of Jesus (the answer of a good conscience toward God -- I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:36-41), He clothes us in His garment of righteousness. Thus, in a different way, sealing could be summarized as the Lord finishing the transaction. (Jeremiah 32:9-10; John 17:4; Acts 2:36-41; Acts 19:1-5)

Now members of the body of Christ church, the Lord Jesus as Head of the Church and the One and Only Blessed Potentate has in sealing us established His ownership of our souls. (Jeremiah 32:11-12; II Tim. 2:19) Further, we are now secure in Him. (Esther 8:8; Daniel 6:17; Ephesians. 4:30; I Timothy 6:16) We are His precious jewels, the apple of His eye.

Moreover, to be sealed by the Holy Ghost is to now be fully possessed by the Lord Jesus Christ, having surrendered our everything to Him, allowing hIm to lead and guide us into all truth, in holiness and righteousness. Everything including all of our hearts; all of our souls; all of our minds; and all of our strength. And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27)

"According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (II Peter 1:3-4) 

In this context, not only has our sinful nature been displaced (though our sins be as scarlet, they will be as white as snow), but in affixing His seal upon us the Lord has given us a sound mind; a born anew perspective; a charitable heart; and an understanding, through the knowledge of Him that has called us, that we have escaped the corruption that is in the world. 

But Jesus went further when He asked us to “take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

You see, we have been called according to His purpose, and He who has called us He is also faithful. It is in this context that the early church waited for the promise of the Father, which Jesus said, "Ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:4-5) 

When Jesus walked on this earth, He continually instructed us to "labour not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:27)

And now, through the blood of Jesus on the cross, and His ushering in of the new testament, wherein He gave us His last will and testament, we can know too that we are sealed in Him. That nothing can penetrate His garment of righteousness that He has clothed us in. 

"Now He which stablishes us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." (II Corinthians 1:21-23) Christ - the power of God and the wisdom of God.  (I Corinthians 1:23-24)

It is for this reason that we diligently follow the Lord God who willingly became our Saviour, doing everything in both word and deed in His name -- the precious Name of Jesus. And "neglect not the gift that is in thee; which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them, for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (I Timothy 4:14-17; Romans 11:14; Titus 2:7) )

Stand in the offering plate. 

What Must I Do To Be Saved? - Part 2759

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 2:36-41)

On the day of Pentecost, we see Peter (standing with the eleven apostles in one accord) responding to a question -- "What must I do to be saved?" The answer? REPENT, BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS, RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. Simple and straightforward -- yes? Particularly since 3,000 people understood the message and were immediately baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! (Acts 2:36-47)

 
But then come along those who rewrite scriptures under the premise that the Word of God is now easier to read. (If these were honest, they would tell you it is because they can earn lots of royalties without copyright infringement because they changed the meaning(s), or deleted verses, or added words to the text, etc. ... but I digress).

Still, as a consequence of changed text, clarity in the Word of God has now been replaced with [apparent] confusion. I say "apparent" because God is not the Author of confusion, and those who take the time to study His Word do find the one and only absolute in doctrine. But for those who don't know where to look, here are some additional examples of water baptism from the New Testament. I am using the Authorized King James version.

 
1. "And it came to pass that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus, and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism." Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after Him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, THEY WERE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. And when Paul had laid His hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied." (Acts 19:1-6)

2. "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who -- when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost." [Why was this important?] "FOR AS YET, HE [THE HOLY GHOST] WAS FALLEN UPON NONE OF THEM; ONLY THEY WERE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. Then laid they hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)

3. While Peter yet spake these words -- [that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins] the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" AND HE COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:43-48)

Three scriptural examples include a call to repentance and then water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus, and receipt of the gift of the Holy Ghost -- all part and parcel to salvation. Not a different message depending on the circumstance (as some surmise) but one and the same good news gospel message to one and all.

Knowing too that water baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God. (I Peter 3:21)

  
Stand in the offering plate.

Be It Known Unto You! - Part 2578

"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)

As it is written, the very stone which the builders rejected has become the Head cornerstone. For other foundations can no man lay other than that foundation which is laid already -- the foundation being none other than the LORD JESUS the Christ. The foundation upon which this building -- the body of Christ / His Church -- is being constructed being the Word of God.

"The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day [which] the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalms 118:22-24)

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

Jesus saith unto them, "Did ye never read in the scriptures -- This stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner. This is the Lord's doing, and in it is marvelous in our eyes?" Therefore, say I unto you -- the Kingdom of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof, and whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken but on whomsoever is shall fall, it will grind him to power." (Matthew 21:42-46)

As an aside, note that the chief priests and Pharisees perceived that Jesus was speaking of them. Pricked in their hearts? Yes, which explains why they sought to lay hands on Him but did not at that time because they feared the multitude.

In the book of Acts, we learn that "until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles which He had chosen -- to whom also He Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, and being assembled together with them,
commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father, which [saith He] "Ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)

This is why Jesus, now spoke THROUGH the Holy Ghost unto the Apostles and prophets chosen of God to be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth. But I digress.

Often, we speak of this glorious temple which even today remains under construction. The temple to which we refer is God’s building. The building that God designed and God furnishes. God Himself being the mastermind - the Creator! Indeed, God does all things according to the purpose of His own will. This glorious temple is the spiritual body of JESUS the Christ.

As it is written -- you and I are the body of Christ, chosen of God being jointly and fitly framed together as a body while constantly increasing in number -- until the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ is attained!

Inside this glorious temple, there are no spots or wrinkles. Further, within this temple the Spirit of God is praised by the redeemed members who have been filled (Spirit baptism) with the same Spirit that was in the man JESUS. The promised Holy Ghost being received by them after repenting and being baptized into the name of JESUS for the remission of all their sins - likewise then did JESUS breathe upon them His spiritual breath. (Acts 2:37-42)

The other good news is that this spiritual temple requires no man made cleansing. For what God has cleansed, let no man call common or unclean. As it is written, the blood of JESUS the Christ - God’s only begotten Son hidden in the bosom of the Father - cleanses us from all sin. This is the Almighty God in whom we trust.

Unfortunately, many church institutions have abandoned the original God-given faith and scriptural teachings that were once delivered to believers. Some might even suggest that we have forsaken the fountain of life! Instead, the church fathers have rejected the capping stone in 300/400 AD, even as the Jews had previously before that. In the case of the latter, Jesus spoke a parable about a certain nobleman who went into a far country to receive for Himself a kingdom, and to return. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, "We will not have this [man] to reign over us." (Luke 19:14)

The nobleman that Jesus spoke of here was Almighty God Himself who became flesh and dwelt among us so that we might accept His gift of salvation. (John 1:1-18) But as we know God's chosen people rejected Him. "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)

This is why -- you and I -- the Gentiles were grafted in. Even today, there are Jews who still do not understand that they crucified the Lord of glory. This misunderstanding even though God provided ample opportunity to the Jews to receive God’s forgiveness. But rather than repent, the scriptures state that the Jews hardened their heart, becoming uncircumcised in their hearts in the days and centuries that followed.

What was the issue? Well, the church fathers of AD 300/400 started their own religion in Rome. This particular religion continued until the time of the reformation where the rays of the light of the glorious gospel of God as seen in the face of JESUS the Christ arose in lives as a morning star.
Reviewing historical insights into the Reformation period, we learn that John Wycliffe had written the Bible in the English tongue - in a period that was to become similar to the dawning of a better day.

Yes, Heaven and earth may pass away but the Word of the Lord abides forever. As such Lord, you are the author of this faith. Receive your engrafted Word with meekness.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, Follow Me And I Will Make Ye Fishers Of Men - Part 2577

And Jesus saith unto them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."Jesus said unto him, "Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead." (Matthew 8:22)

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, "Follow Me." And he arose, and followed Him. (Matthew 9:9)

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed Him, crying, and saying, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on us." (Matthew 9:27) 

"And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:38) 

Then said Jesus unto His disciples, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24) 

Jesus said unto him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me." (Matthew 19:21) 

And Jesus said unto them, "Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matthew 19:28) 

And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, "Follow Me." And he arose and followed Him. And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and His disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him." (Mark 2:14-15)

And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Mark 8:14) 

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." (Mark 10:21) 

And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, "Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him." (Mark 14:13) 

And there followed Him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on Him ..." (Mark 14:51) In this latter text, context is important. "And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took Me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled." And they all forsook Him, and fled. And there followed Him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about His naked body; and the young men laid hold on Him: and he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked." (Mark 14:46-52) 

And after these things He went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, "Follow Me." (Luke 5:27)

And He said to them all, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)

And He said unto another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father." ... And another also said, "Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house." (Luke 9:59-61) 

"Now when Jesus heard these things, He said unto him, "Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me." (Luke 18:22) 

And He said unto them, "Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he enters in." (Luke 22:10)

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and finds Philip, and saith unto him, "Follow Me." (John 1:43) 

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) 

Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me:" (John 10:27)

Jesus said, "If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour." (John 12:26) 

Simon Peter said unto Him, "Lord, whither goest thou?" Jesus answered him, "Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards." (John 13:36)

This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, He saith unto him, "Follow Me." (John 21:19)

Jesus saith unto him, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me." (John 21:22)

What is Jesus' good news gospel? 

Repeatedly, throughout the gospels, Jesus said for us to "Follow Me!"

Why is this important to understand? Because there are self-declared ministers (pastors?) out there declaring life principles that don't acknowledge the greatest love story ever told -- that God Himself would clothe Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we could have abundant life in Him. That it is He who paid the ultimate price for our salvation -- on that cross -- so that He could have a family. (Acts 20:28; I Timothy 3:16) 

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)

You see, God has the same problem as many rich men in the world -- with an inheritance so vast, so rich, so beyond any measure of this world that there are those who would look to Him for what He has in His hand. But what He really wants is a family that desires Him for who He is. This is why His true identity had to be hidden as God in Christ -- the only begotten Son -- so that we, as did those who followed Jesus when He walked this earth, would come to Him as a consequence of our heart's desire to experience more of Him. 

Thus, as you can see, throughout the gospels, there are many examples of those who picked up their own cross to follow Jesus, leaving their worldly baggage and belongings behind. Even before the cross, these understood that there is nothing in this world more precious than the love of Jesus, because first hand these had an opportunity to witness His love for humanity.

Moreover, the believers who followed Him had an understanding of intimacy with God through Jesus, in Jesus, and because of Jesus. And yet, sadly today, many in the modern day religious culture want to prove God as the Father of a dysfunctional family, rather than offer you the understanding and knowledge that in this current dispensation of grace, Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)

"And ye shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Indeed, the same God who created us int he beginning loved us so much that He would shed His precious, holy blood on a cross for you and I. 

Herein, we find glimpses of what it means to follow Jesus. Herein we learn that we can put our head on His shoulder and anoint His feet with our tears -- and experience His presence in every breath we take. We can also have that assurance that when we follow Jesus as both Lord and Christ, we are no longer His servants but His friends. (Acts 2:36) And that when we desire to do His will, the purpose that He placed in our heart whilst we were still in our mother's womb, we can have true intimacy with God.  

And when we desire to do His will, we satisfy His purpose in our lives. Stand in the offering plate.

The Church Of God Which He Hath Purchased With His Own Blood - Part 2576

God save our land, glorious and free ... and His dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth!

" ... 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! We are still the apple of His eye. He is still inviting us into the most elaborate wedding feast ever. It is for this reason, knowing that God Himelf would became our Saviour; shedding His precious blood on a cross; that He has redeemed us from all our transgressions; and clothed us in His righteousness -- so 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)

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)

Stand in the offering plate.

Our Confidence In Jesus; The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith; Is There Not A Cause? Go And The Lord Be With Thee - Part 2575

"....and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished." (Daniel 12:7)

Many times, the psalmist David had to face those who opposed his faith in the Lord. Most remember the old testament account of David and Goliath -- how David took a pebble and a sling to take down the mocker and scoffer of the Lord God.

Herein, the Philistines had gathered their armies together to battle.  And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. The Philistines champion was Goliath who was six cubits tall. Goliath had a helmet of brass on his head., a coat of mail weight five thousand shekels of brass, greaves of brass upon his legs and a target of brass between his shoulders. As if this wasn't enough, the head of Goliath's spear weighted six hundred shekels of iron. Indeed, there was even one who went ahead of him.

Goliath cried out to the armies of Israel "Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. f he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.

Moreover, the Philistine said, "I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together." And this continued for forty days. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were greatly afraid. But then comes along David, the youngest of eight sons. Three of his siblings had already gone to fight the Philistines - Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 

David's father Jesse instructed to take now for thy brethren to the valley of Elah an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; and carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. When David arrived, he asked the Israeli army, "What shall be done to the man that kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" 

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, "Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle."

David replied, "What have I now done? Is there not a cause?" 

This is a really good question.

Saul told David, "Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art] but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth." And David said unto Saul, "Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: and I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God." 

David said moreover, "The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said unto David, "Go, and the Lord be with thee."

Saul arms David with armour and a sword but David had not proved them. Instead, David takes his staff and chose for himself five smooth stones out of the brook, putting them into a shepherd's bag in a scrip and a sling. And the Philistine saw David -- his youth, and ruddy and of fair countenance -- and asked, "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field."

Then said David to the Philistine, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands." 

What happens next? David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents. And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.

And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, "Abner, whose son is this youth?" And Abner said, "As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell." And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is. And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. And Saul said to him, "Whose son art thou, thou young man?" And David answered, "[I am] the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite."

We will stop there for this day, knowing that the key message therein is that the enemies will have no choice but to retreat when the Lord's people go into battle in the name of the Lord of hosts. 

Is there a cause?

Yes.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Peace Be On The Israel Of God; Stand In The Offering Plate - Part 2574

"I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh..." (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:15-21)

As a consequence of the Lord God pouring out His Spirit,  your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. and your old men shall dream dreams in this current dispensation of grace. But the Lord did not stop there. He also said He would pour out His Sprit specifically "upon My servants and upon My handmaidens."

"And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" (Acts 2:17-18)

So the question is this. Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? Have you received the Holy Ghost since exercising your faith towards the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus? If you have not received the promised Holy Ghost according to the scriptures, then why not?

Certainly, the scriptures clearly dictate there is only One Lord! And, as well, only One Faith! One Baptism. This is the short form confession of the faith that the scriptures render. In this context then, we ought to examine ourselves to see whether we are earnestly contending for this confession of faith. This confession of our faith that was once, and only once delivered from Jesus to us by His holy Spirit.

The ministry of His Spirit declares that if any man has not the Spirit of Jesus (the Christ) then that person has not as yet accepted redemption nor has he/she obeyed the opening tongue spoken ministry of the Holy Ghost as recorded in Acts 2.

For these situations, apostle Paul in writing to the Galatians declared, "Who has bewitched you that you will not obey the truth?" Evidently, you started your faith journey believing in JESUS alone! In fact, you were doing so well hungering for more of God with singleness of heart. What happened?

Well, in some cases you may have met a religious person who had church-ianity but had never experienced the free redemption that Christianity offers. What they did not tell you is that the Old covenant is not the New Testament. Neither is the New Testament an addendum to the old covenant. The Old Testament is a covenant of works (physical if you will) while the New Testament is spiritual, and intended to be a testament of love and grace.

"By grace are ye saved through faith ... and that not of yourselves -- but the gift of God!"

God in the New Testament redeems to Himself a people who previously were not a people at all. The New Testament was necessary because God walked away from the former covenant when those He had covenanted with had walked out from the Old Covenant demands. But this New Covenant is a Covenant between God who is Spirit and the same God as a Son. This New Covenant was a ‘God In Christ" covenant. 

Most of all, it involved the death of the testator - JESUS.

We as believers then are the benefactors of all contained in that everlasting Covenant of God in Christ. We as believers do not have a Covenant. Rather, we are the recipients of all that JESUS was heir of. All of JESUS the Christ inheritance has been bequeathed to us as His LAST WILL and TESTAMENT. One does not work for an inheritance. No, an inheritance is considered a gift!

Is it any wonder that the Apostle Paul said to the Galatians, "My labour that I have bestowed upon you - was it all in vain?" You started out well, but now you are endeavouring to work for salvation. Let me remind you says Paul that Christ died for all of our sins. Christ died for yesterday's sin, today's sin and even tomorrow’s sin.

This is why JESUS was raised from the grave -- for our justification! When Jesus ascended to Heaven, JESUS SAT down. So why are you still working for your salvation? Admittedly, you may work because you have salvation, but we do NOT work to obtain salvation. Salvation is the free gift of God! For further clarity, please read Acts 2. 

The salvation message -- repent, be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. And remember, as for me and my house, we will by God’s grace serve none other than the God who loved us and gave Himself for us. 

Peace be on the ISRAEL of God! Stand in the offering plate. 

I AM The Lord; And There Is None Else; There Is No God Beside Me - Part 2573

"With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee," saith the Lord thy Redeemer" (Isaiah 54:8).

"Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God. Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. The just Lord is in the midst thereof; He will not do iniquity: every morning doth He bring His judgment to light, He fails not; but the unjust know no shame." (Zephaniah 3:1-5)

Note that this oppressing city was once called the "rejoicing city" -- but they chose instead to deal carelessly with the Word of the Lord. Indeed, the city of six-score thousand inhabitants became so arrogant in its own fame that the city essentially adopted for itself a saying attributed solely to the Lord God. That is, "I am and there is none beside me." But from Zephaniah, we witness that this same city had later become a desolation -- a place for beasts to lie down in; a place wherein everyone that passes by her hisses and wags his hand. (Zephaniah 2:15) 

In hindsight, we see Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire as a prime example. A city full of grandeur, it was also known for its wickedness -- wherein the dwellers inside believed the city was impenetrable from outside forces. As an fyi, Nineveh is the same city Jonah preached to -- after being swallowed for three days and three nights by a whale. In Jonah's time, the city was known for their wickedness, not only to surrounding communities but also to God Himself. (Jonah 1:2, 8-10) 

Note that after Jonah preaches, the people believe God, proclaim a nation-wide fast, and put on sackcloth every one of them - from the greatest of them to the least of them. (Jonah 3:5) God saw their works, that they had turned from their evil ways, and God repented of the evil that He had said that He would do unto them and did not. (Jonah 3:10) And the city prospered.

But the repentance that had come from Jonah preaching the good news did not last for long. Years later, in its quest for world dominance, the city had once again become filthy and polluted, obeying not the voice of the Lord.  As Zephaniah points out, "the unjust know no shame." 

While there are many reasons for Nineveh's eventual destruction, it is important to recognize that they neither trusted in God, or took His counsel. We also understand that the motto the kingdom of Ninevah adopted as their own is a truth solely attributable to the Lord our God. That is,

"I AM the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me .. that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I AM the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:5-6)

"Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me." (Isaiah 45:21)

"For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, "None sees Me." Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, "I am, and none else beside Me." (Isaiah 47:10)

"Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, "I AM, and none else beside Me!" I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:" (Isaiah 47:8) 

Lots of scriptural and life examples to prove there is only one Almighty, and that this Lord our God should be given all the glory and honour and praise. That He is, and there is none beside Him. 

Also important, there is always a confirming scripture (at least one) that reaffirms the Lord's truth. Herein, we see Zephaniah (the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkaia, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah) making the same acknowledgement as the prophet Isaiah. 

Continuing Zephaniah 3, the Word of the Lord states: 

"I have cut off the nations, their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant." I said, "Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings. Therefore wait ye upon Me," saith the Lord, "until the day that I rise up to the prey: for My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them Mine indignation, even all My fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy.

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. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My suppliants, even the daughter of My dispersed, shall bring Mine offering. In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against Me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of My holy mountain.

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, He hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, "Fear thou not" and to Zion, "Let not thine hands be slack."

Why? Because the Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth,  when I turn back your captivity before your eyes," saith the Lord.

Indeed, when we honour the Lord thy God by welcoming His presence in the midst, He will save us. In fact, He will rejoice over us with joy. We can rest in His love, while He joys over us with singing. This is His promise to us. In this current dispensation of grace, the name of the Lord our God is Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Christ Is The End Of The Law For Righteousness, To Everyone That Believes - Part 2572

"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: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death ..." (Philippians 3:8-10)

"... to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believes in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans 3:26-28)

Before beginning, it's important to recognize that the Lord Jesus chose apostle Paul (formerly Saul) to teach the Gentiles. This is the same Paul that wrote a healthy portion of the New Testament. Paul was also very highly educated -- considered the Pharisee of Pharisees. The other point worth observing is that the Lord planned a brand new thing in the New Testament - not an add-on to the old testament.

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, is it of no strength at all while the testator lives." (Hebrews 9:15-18) 

This is why Paul taught that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. (Romans 10:4) Because now, in this current dispensation of grace, the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. 

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 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 ..." (Romans 3:20-22)

As we know, the Lord levelled the playing field between the Israelites and the Gentiles -- "for God hath concluded them all in unbelief." (Romans 9:6-8) Unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference. (Romans 14:23) 

"Knowing this, that he law is not made for a righteous man but for the lawless." (I Timothy 1:9) 

Why? So that the Lord might have mercy upon each and every one of us. (Romans 3:23) In sum then, the law became a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. 

"Wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of transgressions till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 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. 

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.. For ye are all the children of God b faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have ben baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye ar all one in Christ Jesus.

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:19-29) 

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ." (Romans 3:22) This is the same Jesus the Christ who said, "I AM the bread of life." (John 8:35, 48) "For the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 8:33, 58) You see, Moses did not give the bread from heaven, but as Jesus said, "My Father gives you the true bread from heaven." (John 8:32, 50) 

The same Jesus who said, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) 

Why is this important? Because in today's modern day religious culture, there are many that have turned aside from the truth -- unto vain jangling, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." (I Timothy 1:5-7) 

In another place, Paul writes, "but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8) And "therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." (Romans 13:10)

For all the law is fulfilled in one word -- even this -- "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." 

So the message for this day? Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

No greater good news message than the greatest love story ever told -- that God Himself loved us so much that He would willingly clothe Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that you and I might experience abundant life in Him.

Stand in the offering plate.