Save Yourselves From This Untoward Generation, That Would Deceive Us From The Truth - Part 2785

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, "Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; "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: and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 1:14-21)

Herein, Peter is referring to a prophecy in Joel, wherein the Lord brings to pass on the day of Pentecost an experience whereby He pours His Spirit on all flesh -- so that young men see visions, and old men see dreams, and on His servants and handmaidens, will He pour out His Spirit so they prophesy. (Joel 2:28) Moreover, at the same time, there will be wonders in heaven and signs in the earth before that great and notable day of the Lord comes. 

But Peter (standing in one accord with the eleven) does not stop there. Peter continues, saying, "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it. For David speaks concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before My face, for He is on My right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with Thy countenance." (Acts 2:21-28) 

Again, a prophecy from David the psalmist indicating that every prophecy given of the Lord unto the prophets of old will (and does) come to fruition In this case, we see the culmination of old testament prophecy aligning on he day of Pentecost -- which marks the beginning of the new testament church. (Acts 2:22) 

It's also critical to note that the Acts 2 message was not just given to one nationality (as some claim), but to all those who dwell in Jerusalem -- including the Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians. 

As we read in the scriptures, Peter begins to speak freely, regarding David's prophecy specifically, and of the patriarch David, that is both dead and buried. 

"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. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but He saith Himself, "The Lord said unto My Lord, Sit thou on My right hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

In other words, in prophesying, God had swore an oath to David, that from his loins (according to the flesh) God would raise up Christ to sit on His throne. And David was seeing all of this prior to the prophecy being fulfilled. We also see this clarified in the lineage of Jesus, as outlined within the gospels. This same Christ that followed the Israelites through the Red Sea (the Rock which was Christ) was going to become our Saviour, and upon His throne, all the house of Israel would know assuredly that this same Jesus, whom they crucified is both Lord and Christ. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

That this same Jesus, as both Lord and Christ would reign as King of kings and Lord of lords throughout this New Testament dispensation of grace. The risen Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. 

"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 (Jesus - the Word made flesh and dwelt among us) were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:36-41)

The key here is the question -- what must we do? 

And as we see from Peter's response, we need to believe and understand that this same Jesus (whom all of us at one point or another has crucified in our hearts) needs to repent, and be water baptized in His precious holy name so that He can clothe us in His righteousness, filling us too with His Spirit of love and mercy and grace. 

What was the response? The first 3,000 souls saved adhered to the message of the apostles. If we read further in Acts 2, we see the fruits, wherein the people went breaking bread from house to house, ensuring that no one was without. This is the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus -- that He would love us so much that He would become our Saviour. (I Timothy 3:16) 

Don't miss out in His wondrous plan of salvation, wherein we will sit with Him in heavenly places forevermore. Stand in the offering plate. 

If I Be Lifted Up, Saith Jesus, I Will Draw All Men Unto Me - Part 2784

All they that put their trust in JESUS, these people shall never be ashamed. The temple of the Lord’s house (in which He is pleased to dwell) began to be manifest on the day of Pentecost. On this day -- the beginning of the New Testament church -- was the first day that God poured forth from Himself the Spirit of His Son. As was promised earlier in the scriptures, JESUS the SEED of God which SEED was manifest in flesh, the Lord JESUS (the Christ) being the embodiment of God‘s own Word - this same JESUS sacrificed His pure body upon a cruel savage Roman cross in order to provide a way for man’s redemption.

For it is written in Acts chapter 15 that ‘after those days (crucifixion) He will return again (in Spirit). As stated, "I will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down." JESUS Himself is the cornerstone of this temple (under construction) in which temple the Spirit of the Lord is pleased to dwell. This temple is not a brick and mortar building. Rather, this temple is a spiritual temple to be inhabited by God's Spirit. 

The apostles chosen of God Himself are the foundation. The apostles being His commissioned witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth. This is why it is important that we know that the spiritual temple is constructed of God’s redeemed, born again, water baptized, Spirit filled believers. Each believer added by God Himself as living stones. These living stones, jointed and fitly framed together in believing faith forming God’s temple.

The Head of this temple is the Lord JESUS. Therefore, the head of this temple cannot be replaced by an imposter, or a man elevated by a religious system. No. As the scriptures state, the Head of this temple is JESUS -- the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost.

But in many religious institutions today, some want to re-offer JESUS as if JESUS' crucifixion being the once and for all sacrifice was not sufficient. Or that by re-offering JESUS, God Himself as a Son, suggests that the death and burial of JESUS was an inadequate offering that now has to be perpetuated. Fortunately, for those who study the scriptures, this type of teaching flies in the face of the written Word of God.

For the scriptures clearly state that JESUS ascended up into Heaven and sat down. Suggesting that the sacrifice of JESUS at Calvary was incomplete begs the question - why pray tell did JESUS say on the cross "It is finished"? Remember that upon saying this, JESUS gave up His ghostly Spirit.

Indeed, JESUS said that as often as one eats this bread and drinks this wine, you do show forth the Lord's death till He returns. We as believers need to remember that this one sacrifice - a once and for all time sacrifice provided by Jesus - means that there is no other sacrifice that can be offered to pay for our sin. 

What do the scriptures state?

Look to Me (Jesus) all you people who are heavy laden and burdened. Look to Me all of you who are from all over the the earth and be saved. For I AM GOD and apart from ME there is no Saviour.

But again, there are those within the modern day religious culture who are not satisfied that our debt has been paid once and for all (by the blood of Jesus), and thus, determined that we would compromise the faith. As well, if we look into the scriptures, there in no doctrine pertaining to transubstantiation. The bread does not become flesh (cannibalism) and the wine does not become blood (for it is written in Acts chapter 15, keep yourself from drinking blood).

Again, the sacrifice necessary for our sins to be forgiven was paid on the cross, once and for all. And it was a hefty price that was paid. 

So where are you in all of this? The apostles identified these deviations from the scriptures as "another" gospel. Historically, as well, we know that this other gospel emanated from Rome around 300/400 AD. And as foreign to that commissioned and confirmed gospel which the Lord delivered to the redeemed living members, the Lord daily still adds to His family bearing His name. Therefore, it is through JESUS - the only Name whereby any person can receive the gift of eternal life - can we receive the promised gift of salvation.

Certainly, it is a gift worth pursuing. In this context, ask the Lord into your life so that you too can become a habitation of God’s Spirit. Stand in the offering plate.

Not Acknowledging Religion, But Rather God's Supremacy And Presence In This World - Part 2783

Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. 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 light."

Jesus -- in whom we have redemption through His blood. Jesus - who hath delivered us from the power of darkness. Jesus -- who has translated [us] into the Kingdom. Jesus -- in whom we can be confident we have forgiveness of sins. Jesus -- who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Jesus -- for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. Jesus -- all things were created by Him and for Him and He is before all things, and by Him all things exist. Jesus -- in whom it pleased the Father that in Him should all the fullness of the Godhead dwell. (Colossians 1:13-17)

This same Jesus who hung on the cross between heaven and earth -- our Lord God and Saviour who loved us even before the world was formed -- wants to give us rest. His peace. Freedom in His love that surpasses all human understanding.

"This is why it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the of the bondwoman was born after the flesh but he of the freewoman was by promise -- which things are an allegory; for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice thou barren that bears not; break forth and cry, thou hast travails not, for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we brethren as Isaac was, are the children of promise."

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman."

So then brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:22-31)

As believers born into the freedom of our Lord and King, Jesus wants to give us His kingdom here on earth -- and fill our lives with His abundance. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. He wants to bestow upon us His many blessings that until now -- the time of promise that is to you and your children and those who are afar off -- blessings in abundance that the eye hath not seen nor the heart imagined. The goodness of His grace that our Lord God and Saviour has in store for those who love Him and press inward toward Him in their daily journey.

"For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For He that is entered into His rest, He also hath ceased from His own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest" coming boldly unto the throne of grace, that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:8-11, 16)

Why? Because we do not worship a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Rather, we serve Jesus who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Indeed, He died for our sins so that we could be set free in the liberty wherein is Christ. This is the same Jesus who wants to live in our hearts today. Rejoice! 

Stand in the offering plate.

For By Grace Are Ye Saved Through Faith: It Is The Gift Of God - Part 2782

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

Because of the sacrifice of JESUS the Christ, who was indeed the only begotten child of the holy Spirit of God or, as the scriptures state, God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son, we have an opportunity to be saved. Yes, God in the manifestation of JESUS (Emmanuel -- God with us) had a plan for all of His creation. This is why it is important to understand that in Jesus did ALL the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. (Matthew 1:21-23; Colossians 2:9) 

If some of you require an analogy, think of a drop of water from the ocean. Even with only the one drop, you would still be in possession of all the elements found in the ocean waters. Still, there remains a vast body of water that is ocean. It is the same with God in Christ. All of the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus. All of the fullness of the Godhead.

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)

This is why Jesus said to Philip, "If you have seen Me, then Philip you have seen the Father. I and my Father are one. He that has seen Me (the Son) has seen the Father." (John 14:6-12) In other words, God has fathered all of His children in a Son’s body. Surely natural life as we see it displays this obvious fact. All of man’s offspring are fathered from a son’s body and ... after the child is born the son who provided the seed is recognized as a father.

JESUS then was conceived of the Holy Ghost - the Holy Ghost providing the new blood line. God Himself as a Son seeded us for it is written, "We are the SEED of JESUS the Christ." The SEED of JESUS the Christ is the WORD of God. For we have been born again NOT of corruptible seed BUT by incorruptible SEED which is the WORD of God.

"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)

JESUS being the very same WORD/WISDOM that indwelt God. Yes, one and the same. JESUS the WORD  that became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14) the WISDOM of GOD coming forth from the innermost being of God, becoming for our sake God manifest in the flesh as a Son. God was manifest in visible form like unto Adam‘s sin prone race, appearing in such humiliated form to destroy the evil works and destruction of the devil.

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

JESUS purposely came in this condescended form so that we might have life eternal. JESUS did not descend into our midst to condemn us! Rather, JESUS came that we might have ample opportunity to be brought out from “the bondage of the law of sin and death" being translated by the grace of God into the Kingdom of God in Christ. And likewise, into the Law of Liberty!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)

Indeed, God has a plan for man, which unfortunately is often obscured and hid from many eyes. Who could entertain the thought that God would lay down His own life as a Son for us? But as we know from reading the scriptures, and similarly, our personal walk with our Saviour -- God by Himself provided a way whereby sinful, disobedient, sin prone man could be redeemed.

Even today, with all of the eloquent speeches of men, their words are lame in comparison to the factual WORDS of ETERNAL LIFE spoken and confirmed by God. The same God who was indwelling the man JESUS the Christ who desired from the beginning of time to reconcile fallen man to Himself. As many as received JESUS received life! This is God's promise to one and all!

Stand in the offering plate.

And Each Man Heard Them Speak The Wondrous Works of Jesus - Part 2781

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

JESUS being the only head of the Church commissioned the following message to His disciples. That is, repentance and remission of sin should be preached in My name amongst all nations beginning at Jerusalem. Note specifically the words that state repentance and remission of sin should be preached in His Name. So the question is - what is His name? 

According to scriptures, His Name is JESUS. This explains why the apostles did not preach in any other name. Because at no point in the scriptures were the apostles commissioned to preach in any other name.

But as we also know, satan comes along to muddy the waters - like in the wilderness when Jesus was tempted while fasting for 40 days and nights. Therein, satan tempts JESUS with his distorted translation of scripture. Conversely, JESUS who is the VERY WORD of God never quotes from a revised, rewritten edition. Neither was Jesus tempted to change the Word to please another being.

Indeed, as we know from the example of Jesus being tempted in the desert, Jesus referred satan to the scriptures three times -- "It is written!" [Overall, in both the old and new, "it is written" is cited 95 times.]

From Matthew 4:

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." But He 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."

Then the devil takes Him up into the holy city, and setts Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, "If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash thy foot against a stone." Jesus said unto him, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."

Again, the devil takes Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and shews Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, "All these things will I give Thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." Then saith Jesus unto him, "Get thee hence, satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." Then the devil leaves Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him."

It is no wonder the devil had to flee, because Jesus - both Lord and Christ -- remains victorious in all things.

Still, several key issues have emerged since the time (early in Jesus; ministry) when Jesus was in the desert. First, as Amos prophesies from afore, many who profess to believe are not aware of the real salvation message Jesus was sent to preach. Second, the church fathers have since wrapped their changed teachings in a worldly garment, desiring to have followers of Jesus take their eyes from Him, and instead clothe themselves in their own material things. 

Nevertheless, as the historical record alludes, these same church fathers admit to changing Matthew 28:19, rendering the original 'it is written' wording to indicate -- "in the name of the father, son and spirit." Please know that this rendering is in complete contrast to the original teachings of the apostles. Further, there is no confirming scripture for this teaching. As well, if one researches the changes made to this one scripture, they will find that all encyclopedia’s refute Matthew 28:19 as it is currently presented. In fact, even the present day pope admits that the Roman Catholic church altered this scripture at some point.

The difficulty is that the rendering of the scriptures was adopted by all of the reformation churches. Thus, while their adherence and later admission to teaching scriptural error is commendable, it has done little to erase the error. It has not helped either that there exists, even today those indoctrinated adherents who stubbornly uphold their denominational error even when the truth is made known. The confusion becomes more entrenched when the truth is revealed that emphasizes correct Biblical teachings.

For example, any doctrines or teaching pertaining to salvation can be only be found in the Name of JESUS. (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9) 

But far too often, what happens is that these same religious folks try to justify their teachings rather than adhere to the scriptures. How many times have we heard in reference to water baptism that you are not being baptized into Jesus the Christ but rather you are only being baptized upon the authority of Jesus the Christ. Apparently, this new rendering of the scriptures justifies the use of "in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit" when baptizing, even when none of these descriptive titles resembles a name.

Still, nowhere in the scriptures was there ever any person or family water baptized using the titles. Sure, many of us have went along with this erroneous teaching, primarily because of our own ignorance of the written Word of God. And perhaps, that we simply trusted the ecclesiastical system. But now that we know different, what will we do?

Remember, Adam and Eve also transgressed God’s instructions in the Garden. Look where they ended up - as strangers and foreigners to God. Still, the good news is that we originally were created of God to be His beloved body of Christ church. 

God made us! 

God loved us! 

And indeed, He loved us so much that He redeemed us back to Himself.

A redemptive price had to be paid. A hefty price. In fact, the cost of our redemption meant the death of a righteous man. But as we learn from the scriptures, there was not to found amongst Adam's fallen race one righteous man. So instead the humanity of God prevailed on our behalf. God Himself veiled Himself in flesh (yet without sin). 

Yes, God laid down His life as a Son, purchasing free redemption for all who come to Him.

This is why we need to adhere to the scriptures. When JESUS COMMISSIONED His disciples to preach the altar call -- it was in Acts 2:36-41. During that first alter call, 3000 persons repented, believed, and were baptized into the name of JESUS for the remission of their sin. 

The question now is this. What hinders you from repentance, believing and being water baptized as JESUS commissioned? 

Peter, standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost told these 3,000 souls that they had to repent, be water 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) And so should this very same formula for water baptism be the same message  the apostles used apply on us.

Acts 2:36-41 -- the most critical message for this day!

Stand in the offering plate.

Behold, I Will Both Search For My Sheep And Feed Them - Part 2780

"For thus saith the Lord God, "Behold; I, [even] I, will both search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of the places when they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock and and I will cause them to lie down," saith the Lord God. (Ezekiel 34:11-1)

When did the Lord God who created us in the beginning first seek a relationship with His beloved? Moreover, when did the Lord God not only search for His sheep (which is you and I) but deliberately and diligently seek His sheep/you and I out? And feed them/us? And deliver them/us out of the places when they/we have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day?

Throughout the Old Testament, the Lord God told His people that He would become their Saviour. That from the very beginning, even before the world was formed, He had a plan wherein He would bring us salvation. His redemption message wherein we could be saved because of how much He loved us.

Jesus said, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

Jesus also said, "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." (John 10:9) 

In other words, whilst the Spirit of the Lord God was moving upon the waters in Genesis, He was also thinking forward to His beloved in this current dispensation of grace, wherein He, the Lord was going to pitch the tent. Wherein He was going to do a brand new work.

And, as a consequence of His amazing love, we can continually commune with our God our Saviour, for He has made a way when there was no way. 

"But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, "O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:" (Isaiah 43:1-3)

For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel -- our Saviour -- and He will feed His flock and deliver us out of the places where we have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day, for as He said when He walked this earth, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee!"

Jesus - King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Stand in the offering plate.

If The Son Has Set You Free, You Are Free Indeed! - Part 2779

"But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

"Now we believe, not because of your saying" the people said to the woman at the well but rather, because they had "heard Jesus ourselves, and know that He is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." (John 4:42))

Knowing Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour (rather than just knowing about Jesus) is exemplified in the example of the Samarian woman at the well. which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

Herein, Jesus' disciples had gone into the city to buy food. Sitting alone, Jesus asks the woman to "Give Me to drink." The woman aware of long-standing traditions between the Jews and the Samaritans asked, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask a drink of me -- who am a woman of Samaria?"

But Jesus answered and said, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that said to you, "Give Me to drink" you would have asked of Him, and He would have given you living water." Looking around the woman said "Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle?"

Jesus answered and said unto her, "Whosoever drinks of this [well] water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinks of this [living] water that I shall give him, shall never thirst. [Indeed] the water that I give shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. " (John 4:8-26)

As the conversation continued, the woman began to desire the living water that Jesus spoke of -- so that she too would thirst not. Certainly, she wanted to know who Jesus was. Who was this man that in conversation could tell her all about her past? Her many transgressions. In response, the woman's desire to know the truth led her to say, "I know that when the Messiah comes, who is called the Christ, He will tell us all things."

Did the woman suspect that this Jesus, whom she conversed with at the well, was the promised Messiah?

Recognizing her love, Jesus said, "I that speak unto you am He." It is I -- Jesus -- who gives life. And life more abundantly. It is I -- Jesus -- who pours out living water on those believers who desire the Word. Those believers who desire to know Jesus and not just about the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

Jesus said, "He that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)

Other scriptures confirm the same. "Whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

Throughout the scriptures, the Lord said He would pour water upon all those who are thirsty and flood our dry souls with His goodness and grace and mercy. 

"And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let him that hears say, "Come." And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)

David the psalmist had a similar experience -- "Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoints my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalms 23:5) 

"And He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." (Revelation 22:1)

Like the woman at the well, desire the living water that is only available from Jesus the Christ. The Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. Our Lord God who became our Saviour and knows each and every one of us by name. The scriptures state that "if we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

Indeed, "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6) This is the Jesus we serve. This is the Jesus who is willing to sit down by the well and converse with each and every one of us. The same Lord of glory who desires to commune with His beloved, and to lead and guide us beside the still waters. 

And His abundance of living water gives us hope and joy and peace, all the day long. Don't miss your opportunity to dine with the Master, who willingly shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I.

Stand in the offering plate.

Marvel Not ...Ye Must Be Born Again! - Part 2778

"But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13) 

"Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." (James 1:18)

"... being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which lives and abides for ever." (I Peter 1:23)

In John 3, Jesus meets Nicodemus, a man of the Pharisees, a man and master of Israel, and a ruler of the Jews. Jesus tells Nicodemus -- “Verily, verily, I say unto thee - Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

Nicodemus then asks Jesus if this means re-entering again inside his mother's womb. Jesus repeats for the second time His initial message. That is, "Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God! Marvel not that I have said unto thee, ye must be born again. The wind blows where it lists, and thou hears the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it comes, and whither it goes, so is everyone that is born of the Spirit." (John 3:5-8)

Why is this? Because, as Jesus notes, "that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Jesus continues, saying, "If I have told you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" (John 3:12)

At this point, Nicodemus should have known the numerous written Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Jesus -- as the promised Messiah. Like Simeon in the temple, Nicodemus would have known the Lord God was going to do a brand new work. Like John the baptizer who was full of the Holy Ghost from before birth, Nicodemus would have known the call to be baptized in the Jordan River had already gone out to one and all. And yes, Nicodemus would have recognized a new day was on the horizon -- when the dayspring from on high would visit His people.

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11)

To Nicodemus, Jesus was speaking the New Testament salvation message: repentance, water baptism and the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 

From the Old Testament: "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them." (Ezekiel 36:25-27)

In the new Testament: "Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” (Mark 1:2; Malachi 3:1) “Behold, I will send My messenger (Matthew 17:12-13), and "he shall prepare the way before Me!" (Isaiah 43:11-12; Zechariah 2:10-11, Zechariah 9:9)

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 43:11-12, John 16:25, Isaiah 45:15, Psalm 50:22-23, Jude 1:25, Psalm 18:31)

You see, the Lord God had already foretold of His coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) Making the way straight before Jesus was John the baptizer, calling all to be baptized in the Jordan river – his ministry showing that an open act of faith, believing upon God was necessary. (Matthew 3: 1-11) Before the cross, this act was considered repentance – the cleansing of the outside.

When Jesus was eventually baptized of John, He said, "For thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:13-16) In so doing, Jesus was fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy. As we can see, water baptism was a part of the end of the Old Testament, and also a part of the beginning of the New Testament.

Herein, it is important to understand from I John 5: 6 that Jesus came by both water and blood: water was the baptism by John (repentance) which was at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry; and His shed blood which was at the ending of His ministry. In all occasions, water baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God (I Peter 1:21)) But I digress.

In those days came John the baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, "Repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:1-3; Isaiah 13:9; Isaiah 40:10-11, Isaiah 66:14, Isaiah 26:11, 1 Peter 5:6) For this is He that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias [Isaiah], saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness." (John 1:23) "Prepare ye the way of the Lord!" (Isaiah 40:3, John 5:31-35; Mark 1:3), As it is written in the prophets, "Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before Thee.” (Mark 1:2; Malachi 3:1) “Behold, I will send My messenger." (Matthew 17:12-13), and "... he shall prepare the way before Me!" (Isaiah 43:11-12; Zechariah 2:10-11, Zechariah 9:9)

John always pointed to Jesus --- the Lamb of God. 

After the resurrection of Jesus, and more specifically, on the day of Pentecost, the people asked Peter (standing  in one accord with the apostles) what they must do to be saved. Peter had just informed them that this same Jesus whom they had crucified is both Lord and Christ. Peter then commands both the Jews and the Gentiles to repent and be baptized.

"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)

We must remember two points about the importance of water baptism. First, whatever Christ definitely ordained cannot be unimportant, whether we understand its significance or not. Second, Christ and the apostles showed the importance of this ordinance by observing and commanding everyone to be water baptized in His Name.

Please note that water itself does not contain any saving virtue, but God has chosen to include water – the cleansing/renewing of our mind in His plan of salvation. Peter explained, "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.” It’s an act of faith and obedience. (II Peter 3:21; I Timothy 3:5-8; Colossians 2:11)

“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with Him in baptism and risen with Him in the same manner that Jesus died and rose again. (Romans 6:3-4)

Notable also, is that according to Luke 7:30, "the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized." (emerged in water) Those who stood on the river banks watching John baptize the multitudes but would not get into the water themselves. 

One Lord, one Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4: 5) 

The one baptism is two-fold, meaning as Jesus told Nicodemus, we must be born again (baptized) of both water and of the Spirit. Obedience to believing in and on Jesus includes water baptism in His precious, holy name and receiving the Holy Ghost equals one Baptism.

"He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:38-39)

In other words, ye must have the experience of having both baptism of water and baptism of Spirit. And not to be confused with I John 1:7-9 - this is written to already saved people (the body of Christ church), not to sinners who are still trying to get saved. Conversely, those who say there is no need for water baptism are of their father the devil. (John 8:43: 45) Indeed, Jesus said, “Full well ye REJECT the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."  (Mark 7:9)

In summarizing, baptism is by immersion in water. "And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water" (Matthew 3:16) "And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him" (Acts 8:38) "Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death" (Romans 6:4) A corpse is not buried by placing it on top of the ground and sprinkling a little soil on it, but by covering it completely.

I hope this helps offer clarity.  Stand in the offering plate.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Lived, So That You And I Could Have Abundant Life In Jesus - Part 2777

"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)

The Lord said, |This is My blood shed for many for the remission of sin." As often as you eat this bread and drink this wine, you do show forth the Lord’s death. The Lord Jesus being the Bread of life' the Light of this world;  the Living Water wherein if ye drink, ye shall never thirst again. This is why Jesus could say that He is the resurrection and the life. 

"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6)

God is not the author of confusion. Let all things be done decently and in order. Moses lifted up a bronze serpent in the wilderness which had been secured to a pole, thereby securing healing to whoever would gaze upon it. So, likewise JESUS, that He also would be lifted up on a pole that whoever should look upon Him could also be delivered from whatever bondage engulfed them!

Let's consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession Jesus, who had taken upon Himself to take on a lower fashion in appearance than that of the angelic hosts. (Hebrews 2:5-6)  Angels cannot die. Thus. in order for Jesus to redeem man from His fallen estate. if He were to save man from their sins, He would have to taste death for every man, (the Just for the Unjust). In other words, He was to fulfill the determination of that which had already been predetermined before the very foundation of the earth was formed. That is He, the Lamb of God, would be delivered into the midst of wicked men and be slain, thereby achieving opportunity for the lost to have redemption. In essence, He Himself taking away the sin of all those individuals who call upon His Name - "JESUS"

He, God Himself -- as a son conceived of the Holy Ghost (as a child) to be veiled in sinful flesh , thereby enabling the predetermined counsel of God to be manifest, He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11) Further, John testified that his own hands handled the Word of Life.

Abraham had it revealed to him that in his seed would all the nations of the earth be blessed. That seed of blessing was the seed of the holy Spirit JESUS. Like Simeon of old, who upon seeing Jesus in the temple as a babe, adopted a prayerful attitude before God saying, “Now let your servant depart in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation."

The bottom line is this. There was none righteous in God’s eyes. No, not one. Therefore, God Himself made a way of salvation for you and I. The same God who created us in the beginning - He Himself as a son would become man's Saviour. He came to sacrifice Himself. He offered His own flesh. which had been incapable of sin but had not sinned. Instead, He walked in the Spirit accomplishing His Father's business. He became a propitiation for sin. His own blood, the blood of the Spirit to be shed once and once for all. As a consequence, there is no more or other sacrifice for sin. JESUS, the only priestly mediator presenting Himself to the world was sacrificed, causing the veil of the temple to be rent in two from top to bottom. He did so that we who believe in Him can now come boldly to God’s throne of grace. As such, we become redeemed by God Himself as a son! Therefore, who would dare to say that this sacrifice was inadequate?

Christ died for our sins. Yes. And He arose from death for our justification. Peace in Jesus name!

A Foundation of Stone, A Tried Stone, A Precious Corner Stone, A Sure Foundation - Part 2776

"According to your measure of faith ..." 

"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 3:11) 

"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) 

When John wrote to believers, he said, "My hearts desire and my prayer to God is this - that you may prosper and be in good health." This prosperity that John referred to is contingent with your soul prospering. Rather than limit one's growth only to health and prosperity, which admittedly are in this life desirable, John emphasized that these desires ought to work in conjunction with and not independent from the spiritual growth of the born again inner man.

The reason that John makes this statement is simple. If a man should seek to gain the whole world at the expense of his born again soul then he or she at the end of the day has not gained anything. In reality, they suffer loss. Granted, silver and gold may not be the outcome. However, it is important to recognize that God will always supply the believer's needs -- for God knows what things we have need of even before we ask. Why? Because it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Like the scriptures repeatedly state, "If you ask for bread, God will not give a stone. If you ask for fish, God will not give a serpent"

Indeed, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give born again believers the Kingdom! Do you remember the promises of God? In blessing, I will bless you and in multiplying, I will multiply you and in so doing, you shall be great. Again, the offspring of the SEED of JESUS the Christ are the inheritors of all. So who are the offspring of Christ? We are!

We are the offspring of Christ! 

We are the people which have put on Christ. As it is written - as many of us as have been baptized into the name of JESUS the Christ have put on Christ. It is we who have become members of God’s body whose body was manifest in the flesh - JESUS! We are members of His bone and of His flesh. His redeemed people. The good news is that even though at one time we were not a people, we are now the people of God as a consequence of God's plan of salvation. In fact, we are the ISRAEL of God.  

Stand in the offering plate.