He Begat us with the Word of Truth

                                                     

"Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." - James 1:18

In many places, “word” has the meaning of “the gospel.” In this verse, “word” has the meaning of “preaching.” The following verses have the same meaning.

"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;" - Colossians 1:5

"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," - Ephesians 1:13

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

“Truth” has the meaning, “the truth which is the gospel or which the gospel presents” (From Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

When we are born again by obedience to the gospel, we are born of God.

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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 1:11-13

While Jesus – the Father manifest in flesh – is the only begotten Son, we become sons of God when we are born again. We become born again when we obey the gospel.

The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day. (1Corinthians 15:1-4). Obedience to the gospel is death to sin by repentance, burial with Him by water baptism in the name of Jesus, and resurrection to walk in newness of life by the infilling of His Spirit. (Romans 6:1-4). Jesus begat us when we obeyed His gospel, born again of water and of the Spirit.

After hearing the gospel, the people asked, “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." - Acts 2:38 

Thy Kingdom Come Thy Will Be Done

                                                     

The Kingdom of God

From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus spoke of His kingdom.

"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." - Matthew 9:35 KJV

Jesus taught that to enter His kingdom we must be born of water and of the Spirit.

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

Jesus gave the keys to His kingdom to Peter.

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:19 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached the keys to the kingdom of how to be born of water and of the Spirit.

"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

Philip preached of the kingdom of God.

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12 KJV

Paul preached of the kingdom of God.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." - Romans 14:17 KJV

There is One Throne in Heaven

"And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." - Revelation 4:2 KJV

The Lamb sits in the midst of the throne.

"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters..." - Revelation 7:17 KJV

Who is the Lamb? 

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." - John 1:29 KJV

Jesus, the Lamb, is Lord of lords, and King of kings.

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14 KJV

Jesus, as the Lamb of God, shed His own blood for our sins to redeem us back to Himself.

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" - 1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV

The invisible Spirit of God was in the visible body of Christ. God was manifest in the flesh.

"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." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

This wonderful word of reconciliation was preached by Peter on the Day of Pentecost.

"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 2:38-39 KJV

Time for Church!

 

Jesus - The Name That is Above Every Name

                                                        

"Jesus" is the Father's name that is above every name because by His name “Jesus” God reconciled all of humanity back to Himself. (Philippians 2:8-11).

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

Our Heavenly Father humbled Himself, putting on human flesh and dying on a cross. He came in His name of salvation - “Jesus.” (Acts 2:38).

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV

One day every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord – the Father manifest in flesh, Savior of the world. (Philippians 2:8-11, Colossians 1:19-23, Isaiah 45:21, Isaiah 43:11, Colossians 1:15, Acts 20:28).

Isaiah prophesied that every knee shall bow to God.

"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." - Isaiah 45:23 KJV

Jesus is the image of the invisible God.

"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:15 KJV

Every eye shall see Jesus – the image of the invisible God – seated on the throne as the Lamb of God – and all will bow before Him.

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11).

In Everything by Prayer

 

Jesus works things out for us in every situation when we ask Him to help us. When we go one step further and pray in the Holy Ghost, we find the peace of God which passes understanding.

We find confidence that Jesus is taking care of the problems in our life that we are turning over to Him - situations that were too big for us to handle, too stressful, seemingly impossible to deal with.

Through His Spirit, He guards our mind and thoughts from fear and doubt, keeping our confidence in Him and His power to take care of our every situation.

There is nothing too big or too small to ask Jesus for help with. His faithfulness and all that He does for us is a reason for every request to be made with thanksgiving.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," - Jude 1:20 KJV

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." - Colossians 3:15 KJV

Happy Thanksgiving!

                                                     

Continually Giving Thanks to His Name

At Thanksgiving, we give thanks to Jesus for our family and friends, for food, and for all He provides for us. We especially thank Jesus for the salvation He has given us – the forgiveness of our sins through His name, and the greatest gift of all, to be filled with His Spirit! We truly have so much to be thankful for.

Yet, this is a reminder that we should CONTINUALLY offer praise and thanksgiving to God.

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." - Hebrews 13:15 KJV

"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." - Psalm 34:1 KJV

"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified." - Psalm 70:4 KJV

With Thanksgiving

We know to pray about everything.

Something we might leave out when we pray, however, is thanksgiving!

We try to remember to thank Jesus when He answers our prayers, but what about giving thanks WHEN we pray? This is what the Bible says! It says to pray WITH THANKSGIVING!

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6 KJV

When we make our requests to God, we show COMPLETE faith when we give thanks WHEN we pray.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7 KJV

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." - Isaiah 26:3 KJV

 

In EVERYTHING Give Thanks!

                                                             

When things are going well, it is easy to give thanks to Jesus. What about when things are not going so well?

There is a story about a certain Rabbi (From: Jewishhistory.org):

“Rabbi Akiva’s favorite maxim was, “All that God does He does for the good.” Once, after he was unable to find any place to sleep in a certain city, he passed the night alone in the forest and repeated his maxim calmly, “All that God does is for the good.” Then, one after another, a lion devoured his donkey, a cat killed his rooster and the wind extinguished his candle. Each time he said, “All that God does is for the good.” When dawn arrived he discovered that a band of robbers had fallen upon the city and carried its inhabitants into captivity. Only he had escaped because his donkey and rooster were not around to make any noises and his extinguished candle did not give away his location (Berachos 60b).”

If we think about it, we can remember events in our life that appeared bad at the time, but later worked out to be a blessing! Some of these events were financial. Some of these events were spiritual. People that have turned their back on God, their life going in a bad direction, can experience a catastrophe in their life that turns them back to God and saves their life and soul from destruction. God has a purpose, and ALL things work together for our good.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 KJV

This is why we can and should give thanks in everything! God is working things out in our life for a purpose and for our good.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Church! Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving as the Body of Christ!

                                                                        

Let us enter into His gates with THANKSGIVING and into His courts with PRAISE as the BODY OF CHRIST! Let us be THANKFUL and BLESS HIS NAME that is above every name, JESUS! For He is GOOD. His MERCY is everlasting. And His TRUTH endures to all generations!

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalm 100:1-5 KJV

Time for Church!!

 

[1Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 4:8, 11-12, Jeremiah 3:15, Acts 9:31, Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13 (“know” = “cherish”)]                                                   

Lessons from Cornelius

                                                        

                                                                

Some people think if they “keep the Ten Commandments” they are saved.

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." - Acts 10:1-2

We find out Cornelius’ righteousness was not enough to save him. He needed to hear and obey the gospel, being born of water and of the Spirit, as Jesus said.

We also find out that we need a preacher to preach the gospel to us and to baptize us in the name of Jesus. (Romans 10:14-16).

The Lord loved Cornelius so much, that He sent an angel telling him to send for a man named Peter.

"…He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." - Acts 10:6

While men from Cornelius were on their way, the Lord gave Peter a heavenly vision to make sure Peter would accept the mission. (Acts 10:9-16).    

If you haven’t been born again, Jesus loves YOU and is calling you to be born of water and of the Spirit. 

When Peter arrived, Cornelius had gathered family and friends to hear Peter’s message. Peter preached to them the gospel, that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and that He rose again the third day. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 10:39-40).

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed [the Jewish believers] were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:44-46

Peter then COMMANDED that they be baptized in the name of Jesus.

"Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." - Acts 10:46-48 

How in the Bible were they added to the church?

                                                                                                                                                         

On the Day of Pentecost, when the church began, Peter preached the gospel.

"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." - Acts 2:22-24

Peter preached to them the gospel of Jesus, of His death, burial, and resurrection.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." - Acts 2:36

They responded with repentant hearts.

"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?" - Acts 2:37

Peter told them how to obey the gospel.

"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

Peter told them of the promise 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 2:39

He urged them to obey the gospel.

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:40

They then received the gospel and obeyed it. (Mark 16:15-16).

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

This is how they were added to the church.

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:42, 47 

I AM the First, and I AM the Last

                                                 

"Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me." - John 12:44-45 KJV

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." - John 8:24 KJV

 

Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?

                                                         

"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 2:38-39 \

Jews on Day of Pentecost:

"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

Gentiles:

"And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:45-46

Disciples of John the Baptist:

"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:6

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php  Audio/Video: https://thecrossrds.com/media/series/kcszchh/exploring-god-s-word-bible-study A teacher’s manual: http://cgcmadison.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Exploring_Gods_Word_TE.pdf  Booklet: http://sterlingpentecostalchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Exploring-Gods-Word-Teachers-Cheat-Sheet-Booklet.pdf  Charts are also at:  http://www.upcilasalle.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ExploringGodsWord2015.pdf  The Bible study and charts are also available to order online at: Pentecostal Publishing House.

The Bible says, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." - James 5:16b

 

How can we be righteous?

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" - Romans 3:10

It is by the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus - that we can become righteous. (1Corinthians 15:1-4).

"For he hath made him to be sin for us [to be the offering for our sin], who knew no sin [who never sinned]; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21

When we repent by turning from sin, have our sins washed away by baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive His Holy Spirit in us, through Jesus we are made righteous. We have crucified and buried our old sinful nature and put on Christ. (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-6, Romans 14:17).

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27

Through Christ, our fervent prayers are powerful.

For example,

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31 (Acts 4:29-31).

"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." - Acts 12:5

Peter was miraculously delivered from prison (to the surprise of the praying church). (Acts 12:6-17).

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." - Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas were miraculously delivered from prison. (Acts 16:16-40).

A disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas) was sick and died. Peter prayed for her, and she rose from the dead. (Acts 9:36-42).

"But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up." - Acts 9:40  

"And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him." - Acts 28:8 (Acts 28:7-9).

God relates to man – Part 6 Christ and the Right Hand of God - A Metaphor of God’s Power

                                                                                           

      

God is a Spirit. (John 4:24). While God dwells in a human body (the Son of God), He is not limited to that body. (2 Chronicles 6:18, John 1:1, 14). God is in the body of Christ, and at the same time, His Spirit fills the universe. (2 Corinthians 5:19). Not only is the Spirit of God in the body of Christ which is in heaven, but also in the body of Christ – the church – here on earth. (Acts 1:9-12, Ephesians 5:29-30).

Because God is a Spirit, He does not have a right or left hand. With man, we understand the right hand is power. Thus, the right hand of God is a metaphor of God’s power.

Jesus spoke to His disciples, then ascended up into heaven. In heaven, Jesus sits in power.

"So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God." - Mark 16:19 KJV

After Stephen gave his testimony to the council, they turned on him, stoning him to death.

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." - Acts 7:55-56 KJV

The “right hand” of God is speaking of His power.

Stephen saw the heavens opened and Jesus standing in His glory and power.

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." - Acts 7:59 KJV

Paul wrote to the church at Rome.

"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." - Romans 8:34 KJV

The “right hand” of God is speaking of His power. (Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62, Luke 22:69). Christ is God manifest in flesh. (1Timothy 3:16).

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Jesus died for us and is risen again, who has all power, reminding the devil, the accuser of the brethren, that our sins are covered by His blood.

Sunday is Time for Church!

                                                        

When Solomon dedicated the Temple of God by prayer, fire came down from heaven consuming the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the house. The sacrifices he offered were acceptable to God.

"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house." - 2 Chronicles 7:1 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, when the 120 were praying in the upper room, cloven tongues like as of fire sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:2-4 KJV

Because they were acceptable living sacrifices, Jesus consumed them with the fire of His Spirit. (Matthew 3:11). The sign of His acceptance was their speaking in tongues as His Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:43-48, Acts 11:15-17, Acts 19:1-7, Acts 2:38-39).

Time for church! Let’s worship Jesus and be consumed with the fire of the Holy Ghost!

 

God relates to man – Part 5 The Hand of God - A Metaphor for God’s Power

                                                         

It appears that the hand of God is a metaphor for God’s power. Just as there is power in a man’s arm, by extension, there is power in a man’s hand, particularly a man’s right hand.

"And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go." - Exodus 3:20 KJV

"O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?" - Deuteronomy 3:24 KJV

"But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them." - Exodus 7:4-5 KJV

"That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever." - Joshua 4:24 KJV

"And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man." - 2 Samuel 24:14 KJV

"And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel." - 1 Kings 18:46 KJV

"And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me." - Ezra 7:28 KJV

"The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly." - Psalm 118:15-16 KJV

God relates to man – Part 4 The Arm of the Lord – Strength, Salvation, and the Power to Redeem in a New Dimension

                                                                 

The arm of the Lord revealed God’s power when He saved and redeemed the children of Israel out of Egypt. 

Then, the Lord speaks of power and redemption by His arm in a much greater way. His arm that saved and delivered His people from physical bondage in Egypt and defeated their enemies was now going to take on form. God would save all humanity, delivering mankind from the bondage of sin and defeating man’s enemy, the devil. (Hebrews 2:14-15). God would do this by His arm – a metaphor of His power to save and redeem.

"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

Only holy God could pay the price of man’s sin. The arm of the Lord, a metaphor of God’s strength, salvation, and power to redeem, would pay the price. Not as a literal arm, but as a human body. This holy body would contain God Himself, with all power and authority to deliver, redeem, and to save.

"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 63:5 KJV

The 53rd chapter of the book of Isaiah begins with these words:

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?" - Isaiah 53:1 KJV

In this chapter, Isaiah prophesied of Christ, His suffering, and His sacrifice of death for our sins.

John referred to this prophecy:

"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: that the saying of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?" - John 12:37-38 KJV

"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

God relates to man – Part 3 The Arm of the Lord – Strength, Salvation, and the Power to Redeem

                                                     

It appears that the arm of the Lord is a metaphor of God’s strength, salvation, and 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

"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

"And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:" - Deuteronomy 26:8 KJV

"But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice." - 2 Kings 17:36 KJV

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

"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 32:21 KJV

"For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them." - Psalm 44:3 KJV

To be continued…

God relates to man – Part 2 Looking Upon His Face in His Mercy

It appears that God's face is a metaphor of God’s mercy. When a person looks upon God’s face, he is in God’s mercy.

"And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." - Genesis 32:30 KJV

"And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them…" - Numbers 14:14 KJV

"And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." - Exodus 33:11 KJV (Also: Deuteronomy 5:4, 34:10).

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." - 1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV

The priestly blessing included, "The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:" - Numbers 6:25 KJV (See: Daniel 9:17).

If God’s face is turned from us, hid from us, or set against us, we are in God’s judgment.

"In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer." - Isaiah 54:8 KJV (Also: Deuteronomy 31:17-18, 32:20, Micah 3:4, Leviticus 17:10, 20:3, 5, 6, 26:17).

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." - 1 Peter 3:12 KJV

Those that are part of the church – that have repented of their sins, have been baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of their sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, living a holy life, look forward to “look upon His face, there to sing forever of His saving grace!”

"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

"And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." - Revelation 22:4 KJV

God relates to man – Part 1

                                             

God is a Spirit. (John 4:24). There is only one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Malachi 2:10, Mark 12:32, James 2:19).

God uses metaphors to describe His many aspects. Because we are human with a human body, God uses metaphors such as face, back, hand, finger, arm, eyes, ears, nose, and feet, so we can relate.

When God manifested Himself in flesh and blood as the man Christ Jesus, He was just like us, with eyes, ears, hands, and feet, looking like we look.

The Bible says,

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." - 2 Chronicles 16:9 KJV

As the Spirit of God that fills the universe, God does not have literal eyes traveling around the world in the sky watching everyone.

Rather, we understand from our own eyes that God as a Spirit 'sees' and is AWARE of everyone on the earth “whose heart is perfect toward Him.” As a Spirit, God is not limited to His human body.

When the Bible speaks of God’s ears, God as a Spirit does not have literal ears. Rather, ears are a metaphor of God’s ability to ‘hear’ us.

"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears." - 2 Samuel 22:7 KJV

When the Bible speaks of God’s nose or smelling, it is a metaphor for God being either pleased or disgusted, as a good smell is pleasing and a bad smell repulsive.

"And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours [I will take no pleasure in your offerings that should be a pleasing aroma to me]." - Leviticus 26:31 KJV

"I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; a people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face... which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day." - Isaiah 65:2-3, 5 KJV

Time to go (back) to Church!

                                                                 

We do not know when the Lord is coming back, but the Bible says He will come back unexpectedly. It is not time to delay, thinking there is a lifetime before we need to be ready. Continuing to live a worldly life is risking destruction.

"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." - 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3  

Those who know the Truth, that grew up in church, have no reason to be caught off guard and be lost. You need to realize Jesus can come back anytime now. Remember who you are – a child of the King.

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness." - 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." - 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Don’t let the world put you to sleep, making you think living like the world is o.k. Wake up. Go to church. Pray. Read God’s word. Live for God.

"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." - 1 Thessalonians 5:8

We that know better, must stay alert to the trap of sin. We must keep the faith, walk in love, and forgive. We stepped into the forgiveness and protection of Jesus when we repented, were baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38). If you have taken off this helmet of protection by living an unholy life, it is time now to put the helmet of salvation back on. Return to Jesus and get filled once again with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, and live for God.

"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ," - 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Hell was not made for us. Heaven is for us and for all those that will live for Jesus.

There is One God - Our Heavenly Father. His name is Jesus.

Our Heavenly Father put on a body of flesh and blood in order to pay the price of our sins, which is death, for the wages of sin is death.

He came in His name of salvation, which is above every name, the name of Jesus.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:10-11

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

"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." - Isaiah 45:23

Our Heavenly Father defeated the devil and delivered us from the fear of dying.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15

We are delivered from the fear of death when we obey the gospel. By obeying the gospel, we have the hope if eternal life.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23

Peter preached how to obey the gospel:

"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 2:38-39

There is one God – our Heavenly Father. His name is Jesus.

Believing and Obeying the Gospel

                                                     

Repentance is death to sin. Water baptism in Jesus’ name is burial of old nature. Holy Ghost infilling is resurrection to new life.

Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth,

"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

Paul preached the gospel, the church received the gospel, they stand in the gospel, and they are saved by the gospel, if they kept in memory what he preached to him, or else their belief is in vain. They believed that Christ DIED for their sins, that He was BURIED, and that He ROSE again. Their BELIEF in the gospel would be in vain if they didn’t OBEY the gospel.

Paul wrote to the church in Rome,

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 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 6:1-4 KJV

Paul preached we are DEAD TO SIN by REPENTANCE. We are BURIED with Jesus Christ by BAPTISM. We are RESURRECTED by the HOLY GHOST to walk in new life.

This is how we OBEY the gospel, so that our belief is not “in vain.” (Mark 16:15-16).

On the Day of Pentecost, Apostle Peter preached the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When asked, “What shall we do?” he preached how to obey the gospel.

"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

God's Word

                                                     

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." - Psalm 119:11

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word." - Psalm 119:114

 

 

Teach your children

                                                         

What is the first priority in teaching our children?

Paul wrote to Timothy reminding him that from a child he knew the holy scriptures.

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." - 2 Timothy 3:15 KJV

We can teach our children the things to get by in this world, but this world is not our home; there is the reality of heaven beyond this mortal world. We need to prepare our children for a place in heaven.

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV

God impressed on His people how important it is to Him to teach our children His commandments.

"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." - Deuteronomy 6:7 KJV

Because of Timothy’s knowledge of the Word and his answer to the call of God in his life, he was able to not only save himself, but to teach others of the kingdom of God and how to be saved. (2Timothy 1:5, 1Timothy 4:14).

"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." - 1 Timothy 4:16 KJV

Because we love our children and we want the best for them, we teach them about Jesus and His love for them. We teach them the gospel and how to be saved. We give our children the knowledge of the Word as we have been given the knowledge, passing it on to them so they too can have a place not only in heaven, but a place to be used in the kingdom of God here on earth.

Devices of Satan

Satan has evil schemes to destroy us, but we can learn and not be tricked by him.

We learned from the Bible that Satan opposes the Gospel.

We also learned that Satan does not want our sins to be forgiven.

Because we must forgive others in order for us to be forgiven, we learned that Satan does not want us to forgive.

Apostle Paul was not tricked by the devil. He made sure to forgive others.

"To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." - 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 KJV [so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.]

Another device of Satan that will destroy us is pride.

"This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. ... not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." - 1 Timothy 3:1, 6 KJV [He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.]

What does the Bible say about pride? Here are just a few verses:

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18 KJV

"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility." - Proverbs 18:12 KJV

"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit." - Proverbs 29:23 KJV

"For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:" - Isaiah 2:12 KJV