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"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
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 "The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesses the habitation of the just." Proverbs 3:33 Have you heard people say, 'once saved, always saved'? What does it mean? Can you continue to sin after you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and still expect to receive eternal life? Ephesians 2:8-9: 8 "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast." God's Word does tell us that we are saved by His grace, and not by works, but it also tells us many other things about what He expects from us. As a matter of fact, practically the entire Old Testament is God telling us what He expected from the Israelites, and then the Gentiles at the time. We now have the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins, but does that mean we should continue to sin, breaking God's precepts and commandments? God forbid! Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 5: 18 "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Will we be called 'the least' or 'great' in the kingdom of heaven? Still, that doesn't sound too bad, right? At least we are in the kingdom of heaven, right? Nope, wait. There is more! Hebrews 10:26 is probably familiar to most of us: "For if we go on willfully and deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice [to atone] for our sins [that is, no further offering to anticipate]," Seldom, however, do I see the remaining verses, 27 through 30, quoted with v. 26, especially v. 30: 30 “For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the deliverance of justice rest with Me], I will repay [the wrongdoer].” And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.'” "And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.'" Who are 'His people'? Taking the two verses 26 and 30, as if they are in the same context, the Scripture is referring to the ‘believers’ in Jesus Christ. ‘The knowledge of the truth,’ received in v. 26 comes from the Holy Spirit, which believers can receive only after having accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 Likewise, Romans 14:10-12 tells us that we will ALL (believers) stand before the judgment seat of Christ and confess, and give account of ourselves, to God. We know that God will have compassion and mercy on whom He chooses. Romans 9:15. Should we abuse, or take advantage of, God's grace or good favor? God forbid! Romans 6 1 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Jesus said, Sin No More! "Afterward Jesus finds him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, you are made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing befall you." John 5:14 “She answered, ‘No one, Lord!’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more.’” John 8:11 Jesus also said, "For it is not those who merely hear the Law [as it is read aloud] who are just or righteous before God, but it is those who [actually] obey the Law who will be justified [pronounced free of the guilt of sin and declared acceptable to Him]." Romans 2:13 Sin No More! ‘Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18-19 Amen. Jesus says, Repent or Perish (Luke 13 below) The definition of 'repent' is not to simply accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. The definition of 'repent' is to turn away from sin! Likewise, the definition of ‘righteous’ is not to simply accept Jesus Christ either. Would you be surprised to find out that ‘righteous’ means to obey God? Or, Sin No More! "For it is not those who merely hear the Law [as it is read aloud] who are just or righteous before God, but it is those who [actually] obey the Law who will be justified [pronounced free of the guilt of sin and declared acceptable to Him]." Romans 2:13 The unrighteous, guilty, sinful, sexually immoral, liars, murderers, adulterers, thieves, will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Luke 13 Repent or Perish 1 "Just at that time some people came who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate [the governor] had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus replied to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they have suffered in this way? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish. 4 Or do you assume that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed were worse sinners than all the others who live in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.” Parable of the Fig Tree 6 Then He began telling them this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree that had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it, but did not find any; 7 so he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and have found none. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground [depleting the soil and blocking the sunlight]?’ 8 But he replied to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, [just] one more year until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit after this, fine; but if not, cut it down.’” Some Historians note that the Galileans were probably at the Temple offering sacrifices, when Roman Governor Pilate’s soldiers came through and killed them all at the sacrificial altars, thereby mingling their blood with the slain lambs’ blood. Pilate wanted more money from the Temple treasury, but the Jews refused, so Pilate sent men dressed as citizens, and armed with daggers, into the crowds, demanding money, and killing whomever resisted. The Jews who were reporting this to Jesus in v. 1 above were implying that they were better than the Galileans because they did not die like that. And, v. 4. Notice that Jesus repeats v. 3 again at v. 5, showing a sense of urgency: "I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.” Jesus’s answer shows that the Jews who told Him about the Galileans believed that God had permitted them to be killed due to their sins. Jesus was letting them know, in no uncertain terms, that those who died were not necessarily greater sinners, but rather the Jews should themselves repent, turn away from sin, and that if they did not repent, they would all perish as well. So, considering in context Luke 13:1-5, as well as the 'Parable of the Fig Tree’ which follows Luke 13:6-9, as with much in the Bible, there is a lot of debate about whom the fig tree and the vineyard represent. Let’s focus on what we do know from the parable. God is looking for fruit on the trees. Surely, He would do the same with His vineyard. He has given us a season to change our lives, before the trees that do not produce fruit are cut down. v. 9. Praise God. Amen. Again, 'repent,' which Jesus himself tells us to do, means to turn away from sin. Sin No More! Romans 2 3 "But do you think this, O man, when you judge and condemn those who practice such things, and yet do the same yourself, that you will escape God’s judgment and elude His verdict? 4 Or do you have no regard for the wealth of His kindness and tolerance and patience [in withholding His wrath]? Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]? 5 But because of your callous stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are [deliberately] storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." Romans 2 14 When Gentiles, who do not have the Law [since it was given only to Jews], do instinctively the things the Law requires [guided only by their conscience], they are a law to themselves, though they do not have the Law. 15 They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts; and their conscience [their sense of right and wrong, their moral choices] bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or perhaps defending them 16 on that day when, as my gospel proclaims, God will judge the secrets [all the hidden thoughts and concealed sins] of men through Christ Jesus. Sin No More! 'Lest a worse thing befall you.' John 5:14 above. "Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death." James 1:15 Romans 14 5 "But because of your callous stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are [deliberately] storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will pay back to each person according to his deeds [justly, as his deeds deserve]: 7 to those who by persistence in doing good seek [unseen but certain heavenly] glory, honor, and immortality, [He will give the gift of] eternal life. 8 But for those who are selfishly ambitious and self-seeking and disobedient to the truth but responsive to wickedness, [there will be] wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and anguish [torturing confinement] for every human soul who does [or permits] evil, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and inner peace [will be given] to everyone who habitually does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality [no arbitrary favoritism; with Him one person is not more important than another]." God is very patient with us. He is waiting for us to bear good fruit (our thoughts, words, actions, deeds) in the name of Christ Jesus! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you." Revelation 3:3 "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12 See my blog titled, ‘The Harvest,’ for My Testimony to God’s Power, and how important it is to Wear the Full Armor of God, so you can withstand the wiles of the devil, and pass your ‘test.' The Time is at Hand. Jesus is coming like a thief in the night. Are you ready? Who will be left behind? Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ! 2 Corinthians 10:5. And, ask and God will show you great and mighty things. Jeremiah 33:3 Hallelujah. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
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JESUS PRAYED "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death . . ." Hebrews 5:7 THE HOLY BIBLE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit is in you [believers]! "What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19 Did you know that we talk to God through our prayers, and He talks to us when we study and meditate on the Bible, His Word? It's true. In His short time on earth, Jesus prayed to God many times about things that are written, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:25 JESUS PRAYED "After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone." Matthew 14:23 "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion]." Luke 5:16 "Now it happened that as Jesus was praying privately, the disciples were with Him, and He asked them, 'Who do the crowds say that I am?'” Luke 9:18 "It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.'” Luke 11:1 "And being in agony [deeply distressed and anguished; almost to the point of death], He prayed more intently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down on the ground." Luke 22:44 JESUS PRAYED FOR THE CHILDREN "Then children were brought to Jesus so that He might place His hands on them [for a blessing] and pray . . ." Matthew 19:13 MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER 45 Jesus went into the temple [enclosure] and began driving out those who were selling, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’ . . ." JESUS PRAYED FOR HIS APOSTLES "but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith]." Luke 22:32 JESUS PRAYED FOR BELIEVERS 9 I pray for them; I do not pray for the world, but for those You have given Me, because they belong to You;" . . . 20 “I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message," John 17 "In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered up both [specific] petitions and [urgent] supplications [for that which He needed] with fervent crying and tears to the One who was [always] able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission toward God [His sinlessness and His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will]." Hebrews 5:7 JESUS SAID PRAY TO AVOID TEMPTATION "and He said to them, 'Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not fall into temptation.'” Luke 22:46 PRAYING IN THE NAME OF JESUS "By stretching forth your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place where they were meeting together was shaken [a sign of God’s presence]; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness and courage." Acts 4:31 THE HOLY BIBLE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God. We also speak of these things, not in words taught or supplied by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual thoughts with spiritual words [for those being guided by the Holy Spirit]." 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 I heard a prophet say that God said that the hand of the Lord swirls around believers who are reading His Word, and gives them understanding. Hallelujah! Amen! Proverbs 2 1 "My son, if thou will receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou cries after knowledge, and lifts up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seeks her as silver, and searches for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10 When wisdom enters into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:" JESUS PRAYED AFTER HIS BAPTISM "Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, the [visible] heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “You are My Son, My Beloved, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” Luke 3:21-22 JESUS PRAYED THREE TIMES BEFORE HIS CRUCIFIXION Matthew 26 39 "And after going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it is possible [that is, consistent with Your will], let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.'” . . . 42 "He went away a second time and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.'” . . . 44 "So, leaving them again, He went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words once more." JESUS PRAYED AT HIS LAST BREATH "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matthew 27:42 Thank you, Jesus. There is power in God's Word, and His Word says that there is power in prayer. "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them." Mark 11:24 Hallelujah. Praise God. Amen. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGSCount your many blessings, name them one by one! Ephesians 1 3 Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ, 4 just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will— 6 to the praise of His glorious grace and favor, which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [His Son, Jesus Christ]. Amen! Heavenly Father, thank you for our many blessings. Your Word is True and Just, and provides blessings to those who see and hear it. May Your Words always flow through us until You come. Even so, come Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Now, no one understands God's timeline completely, or His Word, for that matter. This is why there are so many varying opinions, spanning over hundreds, even thousands, of years. God even makes it clear in His Word that men speak of things they do not understand. Jude 1:10 Everything Visible and invisible, or supernatural, is made By, For, and In God! Colossians 1:16 One thing we should understand from His Word though is that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. We really do not need to know anything else. God made our choice very simple. Hallelujah! Amen. God is Good - All the Time! The Book of Revelation is a prophecy about what will happen to those who make the wrong choice, those who choose the wrong road or path, because, as I said, God made it really easy, and there are only two choices in this life: God or Satan. "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28 We know throughout the Bible, however, that God is gracious and merciful and wants everyone to return to Him, and He never allows us to be tempted more than we can withstand. For this reason, the Bible is full of blessings for believers: "Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ," Ephesians 1:3 Now, in the Book of Revelation, God specifically provides Seven Blessings to believers. All seven blessings pretty much have the same theme: Repent, turn away from sin, and turn to Jesus Christ, and you will be blessed! Which coincidentally is also the same theme God has put on my heart in these blogs for the last year! Praise God. Hallelujah. Amen. The Seven Blessings of the Book of Revelation The First Blessing "Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and who keep the things which are written in it [heeding them and taking them to heart]; for the time [of fulfillment] is near." Revelation 1:3 Read the prophecy, the Book of Revelation. Hear the words of the prophecy. Keep the things written in it, in your heart; take heed of the words. Be blessed by God. The Second Blessing "Then I heard [the distinct words of] a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes, [blessed indeed],” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest and have relief from their labors, for their deeds do follow them.” Revelation 14:13 Remain steadfast in Christ until the end, even unto persecution and death. Be blessed by God. The Third Blessing “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and who keeps his clothes [that is, stays spiritually ready for the Lord’s return], so that he will not be naked—spiritually unprepared—and men will not see his shame.” Revelation 16:15 Keep your 'eye' single, spiritually perceptive, focused on God, wearing the Full Armor of God, and meditating on His Word day and night. Be blessed by God. The Fourth Blessing "Then the angel said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me [further], “These are the true and exact words of God.” Revelation 19:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9 Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and obey God. Be blessed by God. The Fifth Blessing "Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) and holy is the person who takes part in the first resurrection; over these the second death [which is eternal separation from God, the lake of fire] has no power or authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with Him a thousand years." Revelation 20:6 "You who obey the Lord’s commands, listen to what he says: 'Your brothers hated you. They turned against you because you followed me. Your brothers said, ‘When the Lord shows his glory, then we will rejoice with you. But they will be punished.'” Isaiah 66:5 Believers in Christ will take part in the first resurrection. Unbelievers will take part in the second death. Choose God now! Turn to Christ in full obedience. Be blessed by God. The Sixth Blessing “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is the one who heeds and takes to heart and remembers the words of the prophecy [that is, the predictions, consolations, and warnings] contained in this book (scroll).” Revelation 22:7 This blessing is almost exactly the same as the First Blessing, which would probably indicate some urgency for man to read, hear and obey, or take heed of, this prophecy (the book of Revelation). The Seventh Blessing "Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are those who wash their robes [in the blood of Christ by believing and trusting in Him—the righteous who do His commandments], so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14 How many will "enter by the gates into the city?" God's Word tells us that the road to heaven is narrow and difficult to follow, and few will find it, but that the road to hell is wide, and many will find it. The road is not difficult to follow because the Word is difficult to understand. To the contrary, He tells us that 'the god of this world' [Satan] has blinded the minds of unbelievers: "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Corinthians 4:4 Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and turn (back) to God in full obedience. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.  Heavenly Father, thank you for our many blessings. All glory and honor and praise and thanksgiving to God, Most High. Bless those reading this. Amen.
God’s plan is that we remember who we are, what our purpose is here, and that we return to Him, in Jesus Christ. Who knows that we all have a purpose? It is the very reason for our existence on earth: “In Him also we have received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will,” Ephesians 1:11 According to the purpose of Him, with the counsel and design of His Will! Not our own will. THE VEIL “And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 What is the ‘veil’ about which Apostle Paul writes above when he says, ‘with unveiled face’? Plainly speaking, it is a veil over us that keeps us in darkness, and in the dark about who we really are: Light and love, from God, the creator. In Biblical times, the Israelites, who lived under the Mosaic Law, Moses’ Law (the Law), had a veil of blindness and ignorance upon their hearts. The Law was oppressive and difficult to follow, as Jesus tells us in the New Testament. Hebrews 7:18-19 tells us that the law was weak and useless, and never made anything perfect. “For, on the one hand, a former commandment is cancelled because of its weakness and uselessness [because of its inability to justify the sinner before God] (for the Law never made anything perfect). . .” Hebrews 7:18-19 Those seem like harsh words. I no longer see them as ‘harsh,’ however, but more frank. The Law condemned people to sin and death. In Matthew 23:23-24 below, Jesus is being frank with the Pharisees and scribes, when He says, woe to them, for not fulfilling the primary spirit of the Law, which is ‘justice and mercy and faithfulness.’ He is telling them, I want you to be saved, but how can you escape judgment? By your actions, you will be condemned. Matthew 23:23-24 “Woe to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you give a tenth (tithe) of your mint and dill and cumin [focusing on minor matters], and have neglected the weightier [more important moral and spiritual] provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the [primary] things you ought to have done without neglecting the others. You [spiritually] blind guides, who strain out a gnat [consuming yourselves with miniscule matters] and swallow a camel [ignoring and violating God’s precepts]!” Jesus is judging righteous judgment John 7:24, and not judging by their fancy clothes and kept appearances. He is exposing their unfruitful works of darkness Ephesians 5:11, and warning others to beware of their actions and deeds. Why would God, the creator, allow Mosaic Law into His creation, when it was clearly imperfect? Well, Adam and Eve had a choice, and they chose to disobey God and introduce sin and death into the world. By the Law, we learned what sin is, so that we could learn not to sin through and in Jesus Christ, and once again, be made perfect, like God, light and love, from glory to more glory. “What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, if it had not been for the Law, I would not have recognized sin. For I would not have known [for example] about coveting [what belongs to another, and would have had no sense of guilt] if the Law had not [repeatedly] said, 'You shall not covet.'” Romans 7:7 So, the veil of blindness that comes from the Law is taken away through repentance in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3 14 “But [in fact] their minds were hardened [for they had lost the ability to understand]; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed [only] in Christ. 15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil [of blindness] lies over their heart; 16 but whenever a person turns [in repentance and faith] to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].” “ . . . while on the other hand a better hope is introduced [Jesus Christ] through which we now continually draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19 From one degree of glory to even more glory … Believers who study the Gospel are happy, for their hearts are free in Christ to follow the way of God’s Commandments. Believers have love and light, and with open face, as if looking in a mirror (reflection), they behold the glory of the Lord. “So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 ‘The essence of the law and the writings of the Prophets.’ So, essentially, everything we know about anything, according to God’s Word. These are not JUST words. God’s Word is alive, and is meant to push us from glory to glory, towards Him. Apostle Luke goes into further detail about how to reflect God’s glory, love and light, by treating others the way you want to be treated: Luke 6 27 “But I say to you who hear [Me and pay attention to My words]: Love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, [make it a practice to] do good to those who hate you, 28 bless and show kindness to those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 Whoever strikes you on the cheek, offer him the other one also [simply ignore insignificant insults or losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity]. Whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. Whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. 31 Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. 32 If you [only] love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend [money] to those from whom you expect to receive [it back], what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to receive back the same amount. 35 But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich, abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful.” God’s Words are alive and literal, and truly every action we commit against another individual, we are committing against ourselves, which prohibits us from reaching our God-Willed potential. By loving and treating everyone as if they were us, then we have fulfilled the letter and the intent of the Law, and the prophets, written about (for our sole benefit), to push us to awaken to our true destiny, from one glory to more glory, and return to God, the source of all things. All of this proves that our God is a just, forgiving and merciful God, who does not want any to perish, but all to return to Him, in and through Jesus Christ. He is a God that takes what men meant for evil and turns it to good. Genesis 50:20. Praise God! Amen. The end of one covenant, the Law, and the beginning of a New Covenant, the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ for all men. JESUS’ CRUCIFIXION Luke 23 44 “It was now about the sixth hour (noon), and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.), 45 because the sun was obscured; and the veil [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two [from top to bottom]. 46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” Having said this, He breathed His last.” Just like that, in the blink of an eye, the veil [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two [from top to bottom], and the Law became fulfilled in two simple commands: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:36-40 So, God, the creator, the source of all things 1 Corinthians 8:6, created us perfect, like Him, in light and love. Through sin and death, we were torn and wounded; and, healed by the grace [favor] of God, the Father. Created Perfect Torn and Wounded Healed, Bandaged, Revived and Raised Up Hosea 6 1 “Come and let us return [in repentance] to the Lord, For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us. 2 After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up That we may live before Him.” We were saved by the Grace of God, and we will be raised up through the Word made flesh, the resurrection, which is Jesus Christ. Let’s pray for all of God’s children to remember who they really are, a part of God, the creator, in and through Jesus Christ. Amen. See also my blog titled, 'The Veil,' to read about My Testimony to God's Power. |
Melanie GarciaFaithful and humble servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Archives
June 2023
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