Justice and Mercy part 7 The Arm of the Lord Revealed

The arm of the Lord - God's power to redeem, save, and bring victory - working for His people in the Old Testament, was not visible. God's new covenant of mercy was going to require a revealing of His arm in the visible, physical realm in order to fulfill the requirement of God's justice of the shedding of blood to redeem man from sin.

The arm of the Lord is Christ - the mercy and power of God revealed in flesh and blood.

Isaiah gave an in-depth description and prophecy of the arm of the Lord revealed years before Christ was born:

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? ... He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. ... But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. ... He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." - Isaiah 53:1, 3, 5-9, 11 KJV

"When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins." - Isaiah 53:11 NLT

As Isaiah also prophesied:

"The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." - Isaiah 52:10 KJV

To be continued…

Justice and Mercy part 6

What is the arm of the Lord?

God’s arm represents a type and foreshadow of Christ. The arm of the Lord brings mercy, power, redemption, love, salvation, righteousness, and victory.

"Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah." - Psalm 77:15 KJV

"Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased." - Exodus 15:16 KJV

"O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory." - Psalm 98:1 KJV

"Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: ... and hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror;" - Jeremiah 32:17, 21 KJV

"To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: and brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalm 136:10-12 KJV

"Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." - Isaiah 40:10-11 KJV

"For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me." - Isaiah 63:4-5 KJV

["For the time has come for me to avenge my people, to ransom them from their oppressors." - Isaiah 63:4 NLT]

(Exodus 6:6, 2 Kings 17:36, 1 Kings 8:42, Job 40:9, Psalm 44:3, Psalm 89:13, Isaiah 51:5, Isaiah 59:16, Isaiah 63:11-12, Jeremiah 21:5)

To be continued…

Justice and Mercy part 5

In His mercy, God supplied a temporary covering for Adam and Eve’s sin. But, the shedding of blood of innocent animals in place of man could only temporarily take care of man’s sin problem. (Genesis 3:21)

"For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." - Hebrews 10:4 KJV

God’s justice required a man without sin to pay the price of man’s sin with death.

God looked for a man without sin that could pay the price, but there was no one.

Therefore God Himself brought salvation, because only He is righteous and without sin, and with a love beyond our imagination that was willing to suffer and die a horrid death for you and me.

"And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." - Isaiah 59:16 KJV

The arm of the Lord represents God’s power, especially His power to redeem.

"Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:" - Exodus 6:6 KJV

While the arm of the Lord brought the children of Israel out of cruel bondage of Egypt, the arm of the Lord would now bring all of mankind out of the bondage of sin and death.

To be continued…

The First Sin - Justice and Mercy part 4

It seems from the beginning, from the time of Adam and Eve and the first sin, we as mankind had no hope. Yet, even though man rejected God’s love by disobeying Him, God’s mercy and steadfast love for man overcame God’s call for justice.

God told Adam that if he ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he would die.

"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." - Genesis 2:16-17 KJV

In order for God to keep His word, man’s sin of disobedience required the shedding of blood.

Justice called for the death of Adam and Eve for their sin.

Mercy called for a substitute to take their place so their life could be spared.  

As a substitute for the death of Adam and Eve, God took from His creation the life of an innocent animal.

"Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them." - Genesis 3:21 KJV

"And the LORD God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife." - Genesis 3:21 NLT

This shedding of blood of an innocent animal would provide a temporary covering for Adam and Eve’s sin.

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." - Leviticus 17:11 KJV

"For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life." - Leviticus 17:11 NIV

"for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the LORD. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible." - Leviticus 17:11 NLT

To be continued...

Two Trees - Judgement and Mercy Part 3

"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." - Genesis 2:15-17 KJV

"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" - Genesis 3:1 KJV

"And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." - Genesis 3:2-3 KJV

"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:" - Genesis 3:4 KJV

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." - Genesis 3:6 KJV

What was the result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience?

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" - Romans 5:12 KJV

The serpent lied to Eve, and death passed upon all men because she believed the serpent and “took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” (Genesis 3:6)

What is this serpent?

This serpent is satan the devil.

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." - Revelation 12:9 KJV

Jesus spoke of the devil, referring back to what he did in the beginning in the Garden of Eden.

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." - John 8:44 KJV

The devil was a murderer and a liar when he lied to Eve, telling her she would not die if she disobeyed God and ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

To be continued…

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." - 1 Chronicles 16:29 KJV

When Abraham went in obedience to offer his son Isaac to the Lord as a sacrifice, Abraham called it worship.

"And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."" - Genesis 22:5 NKJV

God provided Himself a ram for the burnt offering in place of Isaac. Isaac had allowed himself to be bound as an offering to God, but because God provided the ram to take his place, Isaac became a living sacrifice.

When we worship God, we give our heart and our life to Him. God came in the form of man in His name “JESUS”, the “LORD our Savior”, as a Lamb to take our place and die as a sacrifice for our sins.

We in turn are a living sacrifice, allowing ourselves to be bound from living for the world and the things it offers us, and loosed to live a holy life unto God.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:1-2 KJV

When we give our life to Jesus by repenting of our sins, by being baptized in JESUS name for the remission of our sins, and by receiving the gift of His holy Spirit, we are able to worship Him as a set apart, holy, living sacrifice. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4, Acts 1:8, Psalm 4:3)

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." - Psalm 29:2 KJV

If you are holding on to the “pleasures” of this life before you give your all to Jesus, remember, this life on earth is like a vapour: it is here for but a moment, then it’s gone.

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." - James 4:14

Giving into the lusts of our flesh (sinful desires) is a temporary “pleasure” that is not worth the price tag that comes with it. Are we thinking we will repent before we stand before God? And how can we say we love God, if we are indulging in the things of the world, and not pleasing the One that loves us and died for our sins?

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world [the things it offers you]. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. [And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.]" - 1 John 2:15-17 KJV

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. [So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.]" - Galatians 6:7-9 KJV

"While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. [Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.”]" - Hebrews 3:15

Peter preached that Jesus had finally come as Messiah and Savior, and His own rejected Him. When Peter preached about Christ’s suffering, His crucifixion, and on the third day His resurrection, the people responded.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart [Peter’s words pierced their hearts], and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent [repent of your sins and turn to God], and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins [forgiveness of your 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 [strongly urging], saying, Save yourselves from this untoward [perverse] generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them [added to the church that day] about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine [teaching] and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:37-42 KJV

Give your life to Jesus. Turn your back on the world. Stay full of the Holy Ghost.

Life with Jesus in this life –  and eternal life with Jesus in heaven – is worth everything!

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

What does the expression, “Burn your bridges” mean?

One definition is, “When you burn a bridge you can't cross it again. To burn a bridge means to be completely done with something.”

A preacher said, “You need to burn your bridges.” He was speaking about destroying everything that could bring us back to sin and death.

It is getting rid of everything that has to do with that sin, so it won’t be easy to begin that sin again.

It all needs to be “burned up” so that we are truly done forever with that sin.

It needs to be hated, so that it is completely out of our life and no longer desired.

Leaving just a tiny bit grows and sin takes over once again. ALL must be eliminated to please God.

What does the Bible say about this?

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

"Leaven is applied to that substance which is small in quantity, yet thoroughly pervades a thing by its influence." (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

Leaven is yeast that multiplies in dough until it has taken over the dough.

We must get rid of the smallest things in our life that can multiply and take over again, taking our soul back to death.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

2Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. NLT: For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

What is repentance? It is feeling deeply sorry for our sins. It is a change of mind, turning around from the direction we were headed in sin and turning to living for God. It is truly hating sin and wanting to please God with our whole heart.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Psalms 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

To please God, we need to leave sin behind, with no regrets and no ways of returning to it.

What name is able to heal, save, and deliver? Who died for our sins and rose from the dead bringing victory over death and hell? By what name are we saved? JESUS! Why is that name so powerful? Because JESUS is GOD!

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 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 4:8-12 KJV

When we believe on Jesus, that He is God that was made flesh and dwelt among His creation, and we are baptized in Jesus name, our sins are washed away. Jesus promises the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, so that we may have life eternal, and life more abundantly.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-42 KJV

Revelation of God’s Word in our life

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15 KJV

Sometimes when we hear the preached Word of God, we do not agree with it. God’s Word sometimes does not fit our current lifestyle or beliefs we have become accustomed to. Some say, I will change and do that when God shows me. Rather than simply obeying, we say, “Why should I do that? I don’t agree.”

Those that are called the faithful in the Word of God loved God so much that they obeyed Him. When God gave promises for their obedience, they obeyed, even when they didn’t have evidence of God’s promises. God let Abraham know, if he would believe Him and obey Him, He would bless him. Abraham’s faith was the substance and evidence of God’s promises. Abraham believed and obeyed God.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report." - Hebrews 11:1-2 KJV

It is by faith in God that we please Him.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 KJV

Through faith we believe that God is all powerful, all wise, knowing all things, and that He loves us more than anyone else does, including ourselves.

Abraham did not know exactly where God was leading him when he left his home in Haran, but he obeyed God and went out.

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." - Hebrews 11:8 KJV

Obedience often precedes revelation.

It is often after obedience to God’s Word, that we find our questions and arguments answered. God will show us AFTER we obey why He wanted us to make the change. Our understanding is opened and we receive revelation we did not have before we obeyed. And, it is through obedience to God’s Word that we can receive the blessings God has for us.

The battle cry of the church: "His mercy endures forever!" The mercy of our heavenly Father is revealed in the Gospel: Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and rose again on the third day.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV

Repentance from our sins, burial in water baptism in the saving name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and the infilling of the Spirit of God with the sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance is our obedience to the Gospel.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

All those that gathered heard them speak in their own tongues the wonderful works of God and asked, What meaneth this?

Peter preached the Gospel to them.

"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. ... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:37-38, 41 KJV

When the church preaches the Gospel, baptizing in Jesus name pulls souls from hell. The gates of hell shall not prevail!

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18 KJV

It Is Time To Awake Out Of Sleep

You may have thought long ago, that Jesus would appear any day, any moment. It seemed all was in place for him to call his church home. And now, things we never imagined have come to our world, supplying pieces for the finished plan that we didn’t realize were missing, making his appearing even more imminent.

If we have become lulled to sleep, thinking that the Lord has delayed his coming, falling into compromise and the pleasures of sin for a season, now time is running out. We must wake up. Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

We must turn from those activities that God would condemn us for. When we have repented of these sins, by the blood of Jesus that has been applied to our life by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, we may step back into God’s Mercy, which shields and protects us from any fiery dart the enemy would throw at us with his accusations.

Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Because we walk in God’s Mercy, we are living a life pleasing to him, and an example to all those around us. Because of the Mercy of Jesus, we are merciful to others, which draws them to our heavenly Father. Because we are of the day and walking in the light of Jesus, we must separate ourselves from wild parties and drunkenness, from sexual promiscuity and immoral living, from quarreling and jealousy.

Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

We must remember that we carry the name of our Father, “Jesus”, and that we walk in his Spirit. Therefore, we must continually remind ourselves that sin is not worth shaming the name we carry, or losing the Spirit of God that he has so graciously blessed us with.

Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Time is running out! It is time to wake up, and to live right, and take the opportunity to do all we can for the kingdom of God. Jesus IS coming soon!

When situations and people around us start going contrary, causing conflict, finding fault, creating irritation, jealousy, doubt, disappointment and distrust, this is the time to get our eyes off of the storm and back focused on Jesus. He is faithful, constant, true, and steady. It is through looking to Jesus and reaching out to Him that we find peace in the midst of the storm. It is Jesus that keeps us from sinking into the depths of turmoil, and raises us up to walk the walk with Him. We need to keep our focus on Jesus, and not on those around us. And, we need to remember that this is spiritual warfare.

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God." - Matthew 14:22-33 KJV

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:14-18 KJV

3000 people added to the church

"Now when they heard this [when they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:37-41 KJV

5000 people added to the church

"Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; ... Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. ... And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?" - Acts 3:1-2, 6-8, 11-12 KJV

Peter then preached unto them Jesus…

"And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand." - Acts 4:1-4 KJV

Multitudes were added to the church

"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)" - Acts 5:1-14 KJV

Great company of the priests were added to the church

"And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." - Acts 6:1-7 KJV

Photo from EXPLORING GOD'S WORD Bible Study

It is by the gospel that we are saved.

Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and on the third day He rose again. This is the gospel by which we are saved. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

We repent of our sins, becoming dead to sin. We are buried in water baptism in the name of Jesus. We are resurrected to a new life in Christ when we are filled with His Spirit. This is the gospel by which we are saved. This is how we obey the gospel. (Romans 6:1-13)

When Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, he preached the gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (Acts 2:22-24)

He then preached how to obey the gospel.

"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." - Acts 2:37-39 KJV

The people responded to Peter’s preaching of the gospel by obedience to the gospel.

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:41-42 KJV

Our salvation from the gospel is not complete until we believe AND obey the gospel of Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 4:17)

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 KJV

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." - Galatians 5:24 NLT

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:14 KJV

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." - Romans 6:22 KJV

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;" - 1 Peter 2:11 KJV

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1 John 2:15 KJV

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." - Matthew 6:24 KJV

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." - Romans 6:22 KJV

When Abraham went to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, he said they were going to worship.

"And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you." - Genesis 22:5 KJV

Isaac became a living sacrifice, for the Lord provided a ram caught in a thicket that took his place.

"And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together." - Genesis 22:8 KJV

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." - Genesis 22:13 KJV

Jesus, the lamb of God, was the sacrifice that took our place. Out of love, He gave His life for us. Out of love, we give our life for Him. This is our worship.

We repent and turn our back on the sinful pleasures of this world, and allow God’s transforming power of His Spirit to make us holy and acceptable to Him. This is our worship.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:1-2 KJV

Purim Types and Shadows of Justice and Mercy

The Jewish holiday of Purim, which is from the book of Esther in the Bible, is a time of concealment.
Those celebrating the holiday masquerade as the Bible characters of Purim - Queen Esther, Haman, Mordecai, and King Achashverosh – concealing their faces with masks. In fact, within the book of Esther, God is concealed, for God is not mentioned once throughout the entire book. Yet, the Jewish people recognize that it was God that orchestrated all the amazing things that is contained in the book of Esther. All these events brought about the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people.

Interestingly, the Jews say that a characteristic of Messiah is that He is concealed. It appears that Purim represents Messiah and the New Covenant.

When Esther found out Haman’s plot that was to destroy her people, she and her people fasted for three days. When Esther went into the king’s inner court without being summoned, instead of receiving the death sentence according to the law, she received mercy. The king extended a scepter of love and mercy, and she found favor in the eyes of the king.

It appears that the book of Esther is a shadow of God’s New Covenant of Mercy, replacing the Old Covenant of the Law. In the book of Esther, God displays His love for His bride.

Types and shadows: Esther represents God's bride; the king represents God; their three days of fasting (death to flesh) with life given on the third day represents Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Haman seems to be a type of satan/serpent - the Prosecutor; Mordecai seems to be a type of Christ. Though death was intended for Mordecai, in a figure he was resurrected, for he lived (Heb. 11:17-19, Gen. 22:8,13), while Haman was hung (Numbers 21:9), and Mordechai took his vacated position (John 3:14-15, Colossians 2:12-15).

Mordecai wrote of Purim “as the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day…”

When Jesus spoke of His death and resurrection to His disciples, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." - John 16:20 KJV "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." - Luke 10:19 KJV

Even though Esther transgressed the king’s commandment, the king superseded it because of his love for his wife, extending his mercy to her.

Because of God’s love for His Bride (Ephesians 5:25), God’s mercy has replaced His justice for our transgressions (sins).

By repentance, water baptism in Jesus name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38), though we by God’s Law deserved justice and judgment, we have entered into God’s mercy and favor.

Why do the Jews celebrate the holiday of Purim?

Beginning last night at sunset, and ending today at sunset, Jews all around the world have been celebrating Purim. Purim has been celebrated since the time of Esther, and is recorded in the book of Esther in the Bible.

"And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, to stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, as the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

“And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them; because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;

“But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

“Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, the Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.

“Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. ...

“And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book." - Esther 9:20-29, 32 KJV

Purim begins Saturday night, March 11 and continues through Sunday, March 12, 2017 (March 13 in Jerusalem)

What Is Purim?

“The jolly festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day,” as recorded in the Megillah (book of Esther).”

You can read all about Purim here:

http://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/default_cdo/aid/109190/jewish/Purim.htm

Looking for a Oneness Apostolic Pentecostal Church? Here are church locators from several organizations:

http://www.upci.org/home

https://aljc.org/locations/

http://www.worldwidepf.com/directory

http://www.apostolic-churches.com/

Judgment and Mercy Part 2

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." - Genesis 1:1 KJV

The Hebrew word for “God” is “Elohim.” The word “elohim” is also the word for “judge.” This name for God is associated with God’s Divine Attribute of Justice. God refers to Himself as “Elohim” (“God”) throughout the first chapter of Genesis. It is by this name that God created the universe.

In Genesis 2:4 God’s name “LORD” is first mentioned.

"These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens," - Genesis 2:4 KJV

The Hebrew word for “LORD” is comprised of four Hebrew letters referred to as the Tetragrammaton. Religiously observant Jews do not pronounce this name, but rather substitute it with the name “Adonai” ("The Lord"), or “HaShem” ("The Name"). This name for God is associated with God’s Divine Attribute of Mercy.

While God created the heavens and the earth with His name “God” (“Elohim”), in Genesis 2:4 it is written that the “LORD God” made the earth and the heavens. It is said that God knew that the world could not endure under His Divine Attribute of Justice (“God”/”Elohim”); therefore He gave precedence to His Divine Attribute of Mercy (“LORD”/”Hashem”) joining it with His Divine Attribute of Justice (“God”/”Elohim”): “…in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.”

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"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. ... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:38, 41 KJV

Judgment and Mercy Part 1

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." - Genesis 1:1-3 KJV

On the first day of creation, God said “Let there be light: and there was light.”

God did not create light, for He is light. Rather, light was concealed within darkness, and at His Word, was manifest out of the darkness.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. ... For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." - John 1:4-9, 17 KJV

"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. ... I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." - John 12:35-36, 46 KJV

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8 KJV

We crucify the old man (our old sinful selves) by repentance – being sorry for our sins and nailing them to the cross, we bury that old self in water baptism in Jesus name, then we receive God's gift to us of HIS Holy Spirit so that we can have a new self. We can become a truly good and holy person like Jesus as we walk in a new life with Him.

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin." - Romans 6:6-7 KJV {NLT: We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.}

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV {NLT: throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.}

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:" - Colossians 3:9-10 KJV {NLT: Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.}

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:2-4 KJV {NLT: Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.}

The grief that comes from God over sin in our life, works in our heart to lead us away from sin. We ask God for forgiveness of our sins. We become determined and committed to change our life and live for Jesus. We hate sin, no longer loving the sinful pleasures of the world. Jesus becomes first in our life. Godly sorrow is not something to ever regret, for it leads us to salvation. Our life is changed. We have repented.

Worldly sorrow also brings grief. A person is sorry for the sin and the lifestyle they are living, and decides to change their life. After a little while, they change their mind and regret that they decided to change. Worldly sorrow results in death. There is no change in one’s life. There is no repentance.

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10 KJV

"For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." - 1 John 2:15-16 KJV

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." - Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV

“The Binding of Isaac” takes place when God tested Abraham, telling him to take his son Isaac and offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain that God would tell him of.

When Abraham was about to slay his son Isaac with a knife, the angel of the LORD called to him out of heaven, telling Abraham to stop and do his son no harm.

God provided a ram – which is an adult lamb – caught in a tree to take the place of Isaac as the sacrifice, setting him free (Jubilee).

We can see the ram as a type and shadow of Christ. Jesus is the Lamb of God that was caught by love on a tree, taking our place when we were destined to die.

Instead, we, like Isaac, were set free. Isaac is a type and shadow of us – we too are "a living sacrifice," set free by Christ.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3104&t=KJV

The Jubilee year was the fiftieth. Then by the Mosaic law, lands which had been sold reverted to their first owner, and slaves were to be set free.

יובל (yo•bāl') means BOTH "ram's horn" AND "Jubilee year." Yowbel (Strong’s 3104).

This Hebrew word for “ram's horn” is the same Hebrew word for “jubilee year”. The ram's horn was used as a trumpet, calling God's people to return to Him. It traces back to the ram caught in the thicket - a type and shadow of Christ, the Lamb of God (ram is a male sheep), that took our place on the tree to set us free. The ram caught in the thicket took Isaac's place as a sacrifice, ("the binding of Isaac") setting him free. (Jubilee). Isaac is a type and shadow of us - we are "a living sacrifice", set free by Christ.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. [The Jubilee Year]" - Luke 4:18-19 KJV

"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: ... Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." - 1 Peter 2:22, 24 KJV

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1 KJV